The F4 category visa, a part of the family-based immigration visas, allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their siblings for lawful permanent residence in the United States. As citizens, we have the privilege to petition for our brothers and sisters to live and work in the U.S., which also extends to their spouses and minor children. This pathway to family reunification is deeply rooted in the nation’s commitment to keeping families together, upholding the values of familial support and unity.
Understanding the process of applying for an F4 visa requires attention to detail and patience. We navigate through an application process that involves multiple steps, starting with the filing of Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, by the U.S. citizen. This form serves as the foundation for the visa application, asserting the familial relationship between the citizen and their sibling. After the petition is approved, the sibling must wait for a visa number to become available, reflecting the limited number of F4 visas issued each year due to the annual caps.
Our successful navigation through the F4 visa application process is also contingent on meeting all the eligibility criteria and providing the necessary documentation. The process is known for its lengthy waiting times, which can span several years, due to the high demand and the limited number of visas available under this preference category. Therefore, we must plan accordingly and stay informed about changes in immigration policy that may affect the processing time.
Understanding the F4 Category Visa
The F4 Category Visa is a family-based immigration path for siblings of U.S. citizens and their immediate families. We will examine the specific eligibility requirements, the annual visa cap, and the steps involved in the application process.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the F4 visa, the applicant must be the brother or sister of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old. The U.S. citizen must be able to provide evidence of their relationship and must meet certain income requirements to sponsor their sibling. Moreover, the sibling applying must not be inadmissible to the United States on grounds such as criminal history or previous immigration violations.
Visa Cap and Limitations
The F4 visa category has an annual cap of 65,000 visas worldwide. This limit can result in substantial wait times, as the demand often exceeds the available spots. It’s important to note that the cap does not carry over unused visas from one fiscal year to the next. Therefore, any unused visas from the cap are essentially lost.
Application Process Overview
The application process begins with the U.S. citizen filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. After the petition is approved, the sibling must wait for a visa number to become available based on their priority date. When a number is available, they can apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their country. The process includes submitting documentation, attending an interview, and passing medical examinations. Time frames for each step can vary significantly based on the applicant’s country of origin and the specific circumstances of their case.
After Visa Approval
On obtaining the F4 category visa, beneficiaries have several critical steps to complete to ensure their smooth transition to legal permanent residency in the United States.
Adjustment of Status
If we are currently residing in the United States when our F4 visa is approved, we need to file for an Adjustment of Status (AOS) by submitting Form I-485 to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Key documents required include:
- Evidence of visa approval
- A valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Two passport-sized photos
AOS Fee (as of 2023): $1,140 (subject to change)
Consular Processing
For beneficiaries outside the U.S., consular processing is the next step. This involves:
- Scheduling and attending a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in our home country.
- Undergoing medical examinations by an approved physician.
- Preparing for potential interview questions regarding our visa application and family ties.
Documents Required:
- Visa approval notice
- Passport valid for six months beyond intended date of entry into the U.S.
- Police clearance certificate
- Civil documents (such as marriage and birth certificates)
Visa Fee Payment
After approval, we are responsible for paying the visa issuance fee. The payment process includes:
- Checking the fee amount on the Department of State’s website.
- Paying the fee online or at the designated bank or financial institution.
- Keeping the receipt as proof of payment.
Visa Issuance Fee (as of 2023): Varies by country reciprocity schedule
Remember, fees can change and it’s crucial to review current fee schedules and abide by the official processes of the USCIS and the Department of State.