What is the F4 Visa

The F4 Visa is a Family-Based Green Card that permits US citizens to reunite with family members in the US by granting them lawful permanent residence status. The F4 visa is a fourth-category Preference Relative visa for US residents' siblings, spouses, and unmarried children under the age of 21.
Depending on the applicant and their reason for visiting the nation, the US issues numerous types of visas, including the F1 and F2 visas. 

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Limits on F4 Visas

Acquiring an F4 visa is difficult, owing to the US government's restrictions. Only a small number of people can apply for an F4 visa each year due to yearly limits.

Visas are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. If the department gets a large number of applications, the entire procedure may be delayed. Furthermore, the lengthy application process and processing period can result in a one to ten-year wait for a judgment.

Who Qualifies for an F4 Visa? 

Applicants who would like to apply for the F4 immigrant visa must meet the following requirements:

• Have a sibling in the United States who holds citizenship status

• At least 21 years old, residing in the United States with a valid U.S. address

• Able to confirm their link to the sibling in question via birth certificates or adoption records

• Beneficiary living outside the U.S. at the time of application

Documents required for an F4 Visa

To convince the National Visa Center (NVC) and the US Embassy or Consulate that you and your family meet all of the requirements and are eligible for an F4 visa, you must produce all of the appropriate documentation. The following documents must be produced for easy processing:

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​1. A current passport
2. Your sibling's signature on Form I-864
3. Confirmation page for Form DS-260
4. Take two photos
5. Certificates of birth or adoption
6. Medical examination forms completed

What is the F4 Visa Application Process?

The procedure begins when a US citizen files a petition for their sister to join them in the United States. The siblings and their families can apply for an F4 visa if the petition is approved. It is vital to note that without an accepted petition, the application will be ineligible.

The following is the essential procedure to follow:

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• The petition is completed by the sponsor.

• The petition is handled by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS will transmit the application and supporting documentation to the National Visa Center if the petition is approved (NVC)

• The NVC delivers a packet of instructions and documentation to the foreign applicant, outlining the next steps in the procedure.

• Wait for your date to come up to date before starting the F4 Visa application.

• After that, each person will finish Form DS-260

• Each applicant has completed the appropriate medical checkup and vaccinations.

• Compile the necessary documentation

• Attend a visa interview at a United States embassy or consulate.

• Travel to the United States after receiving a package from NVC.

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F4 Visa Processing Time

The processing period is usually extensive because the number of F4 visas awarded each year is restricted. The processing of your visa could take anything from one to ten years.

How to apply for an F4 Visa?

The procedure begins when a US citizen files a petition for their sister to join them in the United States. The siblings and their families can apply for an F4 visa if the petition is approved. It is vital to note that without an accepted petition, the application will be ineligible.

The following is the essential procedure to follow:

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File form DS-260

Fill out the DS-260 form online and follow the instructions. You will receive a confirmation page after successfully submitting the form, which you must save and send to the NVC along with additional supporting documentation.

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​Follow all medical and immunization guidelines.

If you wish to live in the United States permanently, you must follow the medical and vaccine requirements. You can inquire with the NVC about the mandatory medical exams and immunizations.

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Attend the interview

Bring the relevant documents to an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in your country of residency. They will inquire about your background in order to evaluate whether you are eligible for the visa.

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Travel to the U.S.

Your passport will be stamped if your visa is approved, and you will be given an NVC packet that you must not open under any circumstances. A US border agent will open the package to see if you are allowed to enter the country.

How Much Does an F4 Visa Cost?

The petitioner must pay a variety of fees from time to time in order to get an F4 visa. The amounts vary, and the USCIC and the embassy determine.

You must pay the following fees:

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• Form I-130 filing fee

• Form DS-260 processing fee

• Medical examination and vaccination fee

• Translation fee

• USCIS immigrant fee

​Because the number of F3 visas available each year is so restricted, the USCIS takes its time processing petitions. The processing time varies from one to ten years depending on the amount of applications received each year by USCIS.

Conclusion