For U.S. citizens dreaming of reuniting with their brothers and sisters in the United States, the F4 family preference immigrant visa offers a pathway to permanent residency. However, it’s a journey that demands significant patience, often stretching over many years, sometimes even decades, due to high demand and annual numerical limits.

Let’s through the entire F4 visa application process for 2025, from the initial petition by the U.S. citizen sibling to the final steps of migration. Understanding each stage is crucial for navigating this long wait time F4 visa category successfully.

Understanding the F4 Visa

The F4 visa category is specifically for:

• Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens: The U.S. citizen petitioner must be at least 21 years old.
• Their Spouses and Unmarried Children Under 21: These “derivative beneficiaries” can apply to immigrate with the principal F4 visa applicant.

Key Characteristic: The Long Wait. The F4 category is subject to an annual worldwide limit of 65,000 visas. Because demand far outstrips this supply, wait times are notoriously long, often ranging from 10 to 20+ years, depending heavily on the applicant’s country of origin (e.g., Mexico and the Philippines frequently experience even longer backlogs).

Phase 1: The Petition Stage (Initiating the Process)

The process begins in the United States with the U.S. citizen sibling.

1. File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative:

   • Who Files: The U.S. citizen sibling (the “petitioner”) files this form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
   • Purpose: This petition establishes the qualifying family relationship between the U.S. citizen and their foreign sibling (the “beneficiary”).
   • Required Documentation: Include proof of U.S. citizenship for the petitioner (e.g., birth certificate, naturalization certificate, U.S. passport) and proof of the sibling relationship (e.g., birth certificates for both siblings showing common parents, adoption decrees if applicable). If the beneficiary has a spouse or minor children, include their details and relationship documents here as well.
   • Filing Fee: A fee is required when submitting Form I-130.
   • Important Tip: Ensure all information is accurate and consistent with other official documents. Any discrepancies can cause significant delays.

2. USCIS Processing and Approval:

   • USCIS will review the I-130 petition. Processing times vary but can take several months to over a year.
   • If approved, USCIS will send an I-797, Notice of Action, to the petitioner. This notice contains the Priority Date. This is the crucial date that determines your place in the F4 visa queue. Keep this document safe!

Phase 2: The Waiting Game (Monitoring the Visa Bulletin)

Once the I-130 is approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC), but the waiting truly begins here.

1. Monitor the Visa Bulletin:

   • The U.S. Department of State publishes a monthly Visa Bulletin. This bulletin shows which “priority dates” are currently “current” for each visa category and country of chargeability.
   • Understanding “Current”: Your priority date must be earlier than the “Final Action Date” listed for the F4 category and your country in the Visa Bulletin for an immigrant visa to become available.
   • Why it’s long: Due to the annual caps, the F4 category often moves very slowly, if at all, for many countries. This is why the wait can span many years.
   • Accessing the Bulletin: You can find the latest Visa Bulletin on the Department of State’s website (travel.state.gov).

2. What to Do During the Wait:

   • Maintain Contact Information: Ensure USCIS and the NVC always have your current mailing and email addresses for both the petitioner and beneficiary.
   • Keep Documents Updated: If there are any significant life changes (e.g., marriage, divorce, birth of children, name changes) for either the petitioner or beneficiary, update the NVC. New supporting documents might be required later.
   • Patience is Key: This phase requires immense patience. There is no way to speed up the visa availability, except in rare, specific circumstances.

Phase 3: National Visa Center (NVC) Processing (When Your Date is “Current” or Nearing)

When your priority date is nearing or becomes “current,” the NVC will become actively involved.

1. NVC Welcome Letter:

   • Once your priority date is current or close to being current, the NVC will send a “Welcome Letter” (usually by email) to the beneficiary. This letter contains your NVC Case Number and Invoice ID.
   • New in 2025: NVC is continually enhancing its digital processing. Expect most communications and document submissions to happen through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) portal. Clearer status updates are also being implemented.

2. Pay Fees:

   • You will be instructed to pay the Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee and the Affidavit of Support Fee through the CEAC portal.

3. Submit Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Application:

   • Each visa applicant (the principal beneficiary, spouse, and eligible children) must complete the online DS-260 form. This form collects detailed biographical, family, and background information.
   • Important Tip: Double-check that the information on your DS-260 is consistent with your I-130 petition. Inaccuracies can lead to delays.

4. Submit Supporting Civil and Financial Documents:

   • The NVC will provide instructions on uploading or submitting required civil documents (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates, police certificates, military records) and financial documents (e.g., the Form I-864 Affidavit of Support from the U.S. petitioner, tax returns, proof of income/assets).
   • Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): The U.S. citizen petitioner must submit this form, promising to financially support the immigrant(s) if needed, to prevent them from becoming a public charge.
   • Documentarily Qualified (DQ): Once the NVC receives and reviews all required documents and fees, and deems your case complete, they will inform you that your case is “Documentarily Qualified.” This means you are ready for an interview.

Phase 4: The Consular Interview (The Final Step Abroad)

1. Medical Examination:

   • Before your interview, you (and all accompanying family members) must undergo a medical examination by a physician authorized by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The NVC will provide a list of approved doctors.
   • Ensure all required vaccinations are up-to-date. The medical report will be sent directly to the embassy.

2. Interview Scheduling:

   • Once your case is Documentarily Qualified and your priority date is current, the NVC will schedule an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
   • You will receive an appointment letter with the date, time, and location.

3. Attend the Interview:

   • Bring all original documents you uploaded to the NVC, plus any others requested.
   • Be prepared to answer questions about your relationship with the petitioner, your background, and your intentions in the U.S.
   • Honesty is Critical: Always be truthful in your answers.

4. Interview Outcome:

   • If your visa is approved, the consular officer will typically stamp your passport with the F4 immigrant visa and provide you with a sealed “immigrant packet” (sometimes referred to as the “visa packet”).
   • DO NOT OPEN THIS PACKET. You must present this sealed packet to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon your first entry into the United States.

Phase 5: Traveling to the USA & Becoming a Green Card Holder

1. Travel to the U.S.:

You must enter the U.S. before the expiration date on your F4 immigrant visa stamp (usually six months from the date of the medical exam).

2. Port of Entry Processing:

• • Upon arrival at a U.S. Port of Entry, present your passport with the F4 visa stamp and the unopened immigrant packet to the CBP officer.
  • The officer will review your documents, conduct final checks, and officially admit you as a Lawful Permanent Resident.

3. Receive Your Green Card:

Your physical Green Card will be mailed to the U.S. address you provided. This can take several weeks to a few months. Your immigrant visa stamp in your passport, combined with your I-94 record, serves as temporary proof of your permanent residency until the card arrives.

The F4 visa process is long and requires meticulous attention to detail. However, for those determined to reunite with their siblings and build a new life in the U.S., it is a proven path to permanent residency.

The complexities of U.S. immigration law can be daunting. Engaging with experienced legal counsel can significantly streamline your application and help you avoid common pitfalls. The attorneys at LforLaw specialize in family-based immigration and are dedicated to guiding you and your family through every step of this journey. Contact us today for personalized advice and support.