Bringing a brother or sister to the United States is possible for some families, but the process is rarely quick. The reason is simple: the F4 visa is part of the family preference system, and preference categories have yearly limits. That creates long waitlists, and the wait is managed through priority dates.
This guide explains the F4 category, including how priority dates work, how to read the two Visa Bulletin charts, and what to expect from the F4 visa timeline and F4 visa interview.
Where F4 Fits in U.S. Family Visas
U.S. family immigration is often described in two big groups.
Immediate Relatives (No Yearly Cap)
This group includes close relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21. These categories generally do not use the preference waitlist in the same way.
Family Preference Categories (Yearly Caps and Priority Dates)
These are the “F” categories, and they use priority dates because visa numbers are limited each year:
- F1: Unmarried adult sons and daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens
- F2A: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents
- F2B: Unmarried adult sons and daughters (21+) of lawful permanent residents
- F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- F4: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens
This article is mostly focused on the F4 visa because it is one of the longest-waiting family categories.
Fact 1: The F4 Visa Is for Siblings of U.S. Citizens Only
An F4 visa is the “fourth preference” family category for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. A key rule is that the sponsoring sibling must be a U.S. citizen and must be at least 21 years old.
Simple takeaway: A green card holder cannot file an F4 sibling petition.
Fact 2: F4 Cases Usually Involve Long Waits Because the Category Is Capped
F4 is a preference category with annual limits. When more people apply than there are available visa numbers, a backlog forms. That backlog is the main reason the F4 visa timeline can be very long.
Wait times vary by country. Backlogs can be heavier for high-demand countries, including India, Mexico, the Philippines, and China.
Fact 3: The Process Typically Starts with Form I-130
Most F4 cases start when the U.S. citizen sponsor files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS. This form asks USCIS to recognize the family relationship.
Fact 4: Your Priority Date Is Your Place in the F4 Line
In family preference cases, the priority date is generally the date USCIS receives a properly filed petition. For most sibling cases, that means the date the I-130 is properly filed and accepted.
You can usually find the priority date on USCIS notices (often on the receipt or approval notice). That date is what you compare to the Visa Bulletin charts.
Fact 5: The Visa Bulletin Is How Families Track Movement
The U.S. government publishes a monthly Visa Bulletin that shows cut-off dates for each preference category, including F4. A case can only move toward final approval when a visa number is available based on the category, country of chargeability, and priority date.
Many families check the Visa Bulletin monthly and keep a simple record of movement. It helps set expectations and reduces surprises.
Fact 6: “Dates for Filing” And “Final Action Dates” Mean Different Things
This is one of the most confusing parts of family-based immigration. Here is the simple difference.
Dates For Filing (A Planning and Paperwork Window)
The “Dates for Filing” chart may show when a person can start submitting certain paperwork earlier, depending on where they are in the process and what the government allows that month.
Final Action Dates (The Approval and Visa Issuance Window)
The “Final Action Dates” chart shows when a visa number may actually be available for final action. This means the government can approve the green card case or issue the immigrant visa if all other requirements are met.
Why Both Charts Matter
For people filing adjustment of status in the United States, USCIS announces which chart should be used in a given month. Using the wrong chart can cause delays or rejection.
Fact 7: The F4 Visa Timeline Has Clear Stages
A typical F4 visa timeline often includes these stages.
Stage 1: File I-130 And Wait for USCIS Processing
The sponsor files Form I-130 with supporting documents. USCIS reviews and decides whether the relationship is recognized for immigration purposes.
Stage 2: Wait For the Priority Date to Become Current
This is where most of the time is spent in F4 cases. The priority date must reach the correct cut-off date in the Visa Bulletin before the case can move toward final steps.
Stage 3: Choose The Right Final Path
The final path depends on where the beneficiary is located.
- Consular processing (outside the U.S.): The case moves to the U.S. Department of State and the National Visa Center (NVC) for fees, online forms, and document review.
- Adjustment of status (inside the U.S., if eligible): The beneficiary may file Form I-485 when a visa number is available, following the monthly USCIS chart rule.
Fact 8: F4 Visa Eligibility Is More Than “We Are Siblings”
Basic F4 visa eligibility starts with:
- The sponsor is a U.S. citizen.
- The sponsor is 21 or older.
- The relationship qualifies under U.S. immigration rules.
But many delays happen because proof is weak or inconsistent. Common issues include:
- Missing civil documents
- Mismatched names and dates across records
- Missing proof that links siblings through a shared parent or legally recognized relationship
Practical tip: Clean, consistent documentation often reduces follow-up requests and helps avoid delays later.
Fact 9: The F4 Visa Interview Is a Key Decision Step
If the case is processed through a U.S. embassy or consulate, the F4 visa interview is usually the final decision stage. The consular officer reviews eligibility and admissibility and confirms the documents match what was submitted.
What Most Applicants Should Expect to Bring
Requirements can vary by consulate, but many applicants are asked for:
- The DS-260 confirmation page (for consular processing)
- Original or certified civil documents
- Translations if documents are not in English
- Medical exam results from an approved physician, following local instructions
A Common Misunderstanding
Being “documentarily complete” at NVC does not automatically mean the interview is scheduled. Interview timing depends on visa availability and appointment capacity at the consulate.
Need Case-specific Help?
For questions that depend on personal facts, like how to read your priority date, how to plan for the F4 visa interview, or how to estimate your F4 visa timeline based on your country and category, it can help to get a licensed attorney’s input. ImmigrationQuestion.com can be a helpful place to ask questions and get practical guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is a F4 visa in simple words?
The F4 visa is a family preference category that allows a U.S. citizen (age 21 or older) to petition for a brother or sister to immigrate, but the wait can be long because the category is capped each year.
2) What is F4 visa eligibility?
F4 visa eligibility usually requires a U.S. citizen sponsor who is at least 21 and a qualifying sibling relationship supported by strong documents.
3) Why is the F4 visa timeline so long?
The F4 visa timeline is largely controlled by the Visa Bulletin backlog. The largest portion of time is typically the waiting period until the priority date becomes current.
4) What is the difference between Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates?
Dates for Filing can indicate when paperwork may be submitted earlier in some situations, while Final Action Dates generally control when the case can be finally approved or an immigrant visa can be issued.
5) How should someone prepare for an F4 visa interview?
For an F4 visa interview, applicants typically prepare the DS-260 confirmation, original civil documents, translations if needed, and medical exam results, following the specific consulate’s instructions.
