Ever wondered how US citizens bring their brothers and sisters from abroad to live with them in the country? The F4 visa is their official path. It’s a family-based immigrant visa that allows US citizens to sponsor their siblings—along with their spouses and children under 21—for lawful permanent residency (LPR).
This US sibling sponsorship visa plays a key role in reuniting families and giving them a chance to live and thrive together in the country. But navigating the application process can be confusing, especially for first-time applicants. That’s why Remitly created this F4 visa application guide to explain everything you need to know.
This guide will walk you through every stage of the process, from eligibility and step-by-step instructions to practical tips and common roadblocks.
Who is eligible for the F4 visa?
To be eligible for the US sibling sponsorship visa, both the petitioner and beneficiary must meet specific criteria and provide necessary documentation.
Eligibility requirements
You may qualify for the F4 visa if:
- The sponsor (your sibling) is a US citizen and at least 21 years old
- You are their biological or legally adopted sibling
- You’re a sibling adopted before age 16
- You are married or unmarried and 21 years or older
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also be included in the same application.
Required documentation
To apply for a sibling immigration to the US, you’ll need the following documents:
- A copy of your sibling’s US passport, birth, naturalization, or citizenship certificate
- Birth certificates showing you both share at least one parent
- A valid passport (for at least six months after your planned arrival)
- Adoption documents if you were adopted
- Original or certified copies of your marriage or divorce certificate
- Valid passports of your spouse and children if they’re coming with you
- Birth certificates or adoption documents for your children
- Police clearance certificate or any court or criminal records
- A signed Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) from the sponsor
- Passport-style photos that follow the official size and quality guidelines
If any of these documents are not in English, you’ll need to include certified translations. Mistakes, missing details, or mismatched information can cause delays or denials, so be sure to double-check everything.
If you meet the F4 family-based visa requirements and have all the necessary documents ready, you can start the application process.
F4 visa application process
The F4 visa involves several steps and can take years, but each stage is crucial. Here is how to navigate it:
Step one: File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
The sponsor initiates the petition for family reunification by submitting Form I-130 to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This establishes your qualifying relationship with the brother or sister.
Tips for filing Form I-130 correctly:
- Fill out every part of the form. USCIS may reject it if key sections, like your relationship, personal details, or information of the beneficiary are missing.
- Be sure to sign the form yourself. USCIS won’t accept unsigned forms.
- Pay the filing fee.
Once submitted, USCIS will review the petition and, if approved, assign a priority date that determines your spot in the visa queue.
Step two: Wait for the priority date to become current
Due to high demand and annual limits, the F4 visa category often has long wait times. The F4 visa cap is 65,000 per year, which creates backlogs.
You must wait for your priority date to become current before moving to the next phase.
Step three: Monitor visa number availability through the Visa Bulletin
Check the US Department of State’s monthly Visa Bulletin for updates to keep track of your priority date. Once your priority date becomes current, it means a visa number is available and you can move to the next step.
Step four: Proceed with National Visa Center (NVC) processing
When your priority date is current, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will contact you with instructions and documents, including your case number and invoice ID.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Pay the visa processing fees (currently set at $325 USD for the Immigrant Visa Fee and $120 for Affidavit of Support).
- Complete and submit Form DS-260, the Immigrant Visa Application, on the CEAC portal using your NVC case number.
- Submit civil documents (birth and marriage certificates, police clearance certificate, and financial documents).
Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation page and case number.
Step five: Complete the consular interview process
The NVC will schedule an in-person interview at the US embassy or consulate in your country. Before the interview, you’ll undergo a medical examination by an approved physician. The fee usually ranges from $200 to $500 and the results are submitted directly to the embassy or consulate.
During the interview, expect the consular officer to assess your qualifications and examine your documents. The F4 visa processing time can range from one to ten years.
If approved, you’ll receive a visa stamp and a sealed immigration packet. Do not open the packet because you’ll need to show it to the US Customs and Border Protection when you enter the country. After receiving your visa, you can make travel arrangements to join your sibling in the US.
Tips for ensuring accurate completion of forms
Avoid common mistakes that can slow down your F4 visa journey:
- Double-check names, birth dates, and passport numbers for consistency
- Use only certified English translations for documents in other languages
- Keep copies of every document submitted
- Respond to NVC or USCIS requests promptly to avoid delays
- Regularly track your case status via the CEAC portal
Common challenges
You may run into a few challenges during the US sibling sponsorship visa process. But if you know what to watch out for, you can handle the process without stress.
Extended wait times due to visa caps
The US government has put an annual cap of 65,000 on the F4 visa category, leading to significant backlogs. For this reason, you may face wait times that might span a few years.
To track your priority date, check the US Department of State’s Visa Bulletin regularly. Staying informed helps you prepare for the next steps when your priority date becomes current.
Missing or incomplete documentation
Another common problem is submitting your application with missing or incomplete documents. This can lead to delays or even denial. To avoid this, double-check all documents. If you’re unsure about anything, consult with an immigration expert to ensure all forms and supporting documents are complete and accurate before submission.
Insufficient financial documentation
If the sponsor doesn’t provide enough financial proof as part of the Affidavit of Support, visa officers can delay or even deny your application. These officers require clear evidence that the sponsor can support you.
The sponsor needs to submit documents, such as bank statements or job offer letters. These documents have to prove the sponsor earns at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This demonstrates financial stability and confirms they meet the F4 family-based visa requirements.
Inadequate preparation for the visa interview
Going to the visa interview unprepared can hurt your chances. You might struggle to clearly explain your purpose and intentions.
Prepare by practicing common questions with a legal advisor or someone familiar with the F4 family-based visa requirements. Speaking clearly and confidently can make a big difference.
Ignoring follow-up requests
Delays in replying to visa office requests can slow down your application. Stay in touch with the visa office and respond quickly to any document or information requests. Check your email regularly, including the spam folder, so you don’t miss anything important.
Managing emotional and psychological impacts
The long wait and uncertainty of the F4 visa processing time can be emotionally challenging. It’s normal to feel stressed or anxious. Lean on family, friends, or community support groups for encouragement. Staying informed and organized can help you feel more in control and ease the stress.
Limited access to legal assistance
Navigating sibling immigration to the US can be complex, and not all applicants can afford a lawyer. If that’s your case, look for trusted resources online, check with community groups, or find legal aid organizations that offer valuable guidance and support throughout the application process for free.
By staying informed and prepared, you can avoid common problems and enjoy a smooth transition to life in the United States.
Visa validity, renewal, and restrictions
The F4 visa allows brothers and sisters of US citizens to obtain green cards. When you complete the process and get approved, you’ll become a lawful permanent resident, which means you can live in the US indefinitely. After getting your F4 visa, you have about six months to enter the US.
The F4 visa is for sibling immigration to the US, and you have to wait for your green card approval to work legally in the country.
If you’re already in the country on a different visa, like an F-1 student or H-4 dependent, your work rights depend on that visa, not the US sibling sponsorship visa you’re applying for.
If you work without permission, it could hurt your immigration case and may even lead to a ban from the United States for several years.
Maintaining residency and reuniting amid delays
- The F4 visa processing time can take years, so it’s crucial to keep your records up to date.
- Check the Visa Bulletin often to know when your priority date is getting close.
- If there are delays, ensure the NVC has your current contact information so you don’t miss any updates.
- If reuniting with your sibling is urgent, consider other visa options or talk to an immigration lawyer for help.
By following these rules, you can improve your chances of successfully getting your green card and settling in the US smoothly.
Final thoughts
The F4 visa is a vital tool for reuniting US citizens with their siblings and immediate families. While the F4 visa processing time can be lengthy, it opens the door to permanent residency and a new life in the US. Every step requires attention to detail, from filing Form I-130 to preparing for a consular interview.
To ensure a smoother process, start early, stay organized, and keep track of updates. Avoid common mistakes by double-checking your forms, maintaining communication with the NVC, and staying informed through the US Department of State’s Visa Bulletin.
Ready to begin the US sibling sponsorship visa process or simply want to learn more? Explore trusted immigration resources like USCIS or speak with a qualified immigration attorney.
FAQs
How long does it take to process an F4 visa application?
The F4 visa processing time can range from one to ten years, depending on your country and the current visa backlog. Check the Visa Bulletin regularly for updates.
What documents are required for the F4 visa?
You’ll need proof of the sponsor’s US citizenship, birth certificates showing a sibling relationship, your valid passport, marriage/divorce certificate (if any), police clearance, and Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support).
Are married siblings eligible for the F4 visa?
Yes, US citizens can petition for married brothers and sisters under the F4 category.
Can children of F4 beneficiaries qualify for green card status?
Yes, the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of the sibling beneficiary can also get green cards under the same petition.
What should I do if my F4 visa petition is denied?
First, review the denial notice to understand USCIS’s reasons. If possible, fix the issue and reapply or file an appeal. It’s a good idea to speak with an immigration attorney for help.