Key Takeaways
• F4 Visa allows U.S. citizens to petition brothers or sisters with a 65,000 yearly visa limit.
• Filing Form I-130 with USCIS starts the process; average processing takes 13.5 months.
• Wait times range 10–20+ years; countries like India and Mexico face longer delays.
For many families, the dream of reuniting siblings across borders is both powerful and deeply personal. If you are a U.S. citizen hoping to bring your brother or sister to the United States 🇺🇸, you will need to follow a detailed, multi-step process that can take many years. This journey involves understanding the F4 Visa Category, filing the I-130 Petition, and waiting through long government backlogs. Here, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step guide to the entire process, what to expect at each stage, and practical advice to help you and your family prepare for the road ahead.
Understanding the F4 Visa Category
The F4 Visa Category is designed for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. This is part of the family preference system, which gives priority to certain family relationships for immigration. However, the F4 category is not considered “immediate relative,” so there are yearly limits on how many visas can be given out. Because of these limits and high demand, the wait time for an F4 visa is much longer than for other family-based visas.
Key facts about the F4 Visa Category:
- Who qualifies: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, as well as their spouses and children under 21.
- Who can apply: Only a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old can file for a sibling.
- Visa limits: There are only about 65,000 F4 visas available each year, and demand far exceeds supply.
This means that even after you start the process, your sibling may have to wait 10, 15, or even 20 years before they can actually move to the United States 🇺🇸. The wait is even longer for people from countries with high demand, like India, Mexico, and the Philippines.
Step 1: Filing the I-130 Petition
The first step in bringing your brother or sister to the United States 🇺🇸 is to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form is used to prove that you are a U.S. citizen and that you have a real sibling relationship.
What you need to do:
- Complete Form I-130: You can find the official form and instructions on the USCIS website.
- Gather documents: You will need to provide proof of your U.S. citizenship (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of your relationship to your sibling (such as both of your birth certificates showing at least one common parent).
- Pay the filing fee: As of 2025, the fee for Form I-130 is $535. Always check the USCIS fee schedule for the most up-to-date amount.
- Mail your application: Send your completed form, documents, and payment to the address listed in the instructions.
What happens next:
- USCIS reviews your petition: They will check your documents and may ask for more information if anything is missing or unclear.
- Receipt notice: You will get a receipt notice (Form I-797C) confirming that your petition has been received.
- Processing time: The average time for USCIS to process an I-130 for siblings is about 13.5 months, but this can vary.
It’s important to know that approval of the I-130 Petition does not mean your sibling can move to the United States 🇺🇸 right away. It only means that your relationship has been recognized and your sibling is now in line for a visa.
Step 2: Waiting for the Priority Date
When you file the I-130 Petition, your sibling is given a “priority date.” This is the date USCIS receives your petition. The priority date is very important because it determines your sibling’s place in line for a visa.
How the priority date works:
- Visa Bulletin: Each month, the U.S. Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin, which shows which priority dates are currently being processed for each visa category and country.
- Long wait times: For the F4 Visa Category, the wait can be 10 to 20 years or more. As of July 2025, the Visa Bulletin shows that:
- For most countries, they are processing cases from March 1, 2008.
- For India, the date is August 1, 2006.
- For Mexico, it’s April 30, 2001.
- For the Philippines, it’s July 22, 2007.
This means that if you file an I-130 Petition today, your sibling will have to wait until the Visa Bulletin shows a date that matches or is later than your priority date before they can move forward.
What you should do during this time:
- Keep your address updated: If you or your sibling move, update your address with USCIS and the National Visa Center (NVC) to avoid missing important notices.
- Save all documents: Keep copies of everything you submit and receive.
- Stay informed: Check the Visa Bulletin regularly to see how the dates are moving.
Step 3: National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
Once the priority date becomes current, the National Visa Center (NVC) will contact your sibling (and you, as the petitioner) with instructions for the next steps.
What happens at this stage:
- Case creation: The NVC creates a case number and sends instructions for submitting more documents and fees.
- Affidavit of Support: As the U.S. citizen petitioner, you must show that you can financially support your sibling. This is done by filing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. You can find the form and instructions on the USCIS website.
- Civil documents: Your sibling will need to provide documents like birth certificates, police certificates, and marriage certificates (if married).
- Visa application fee: The immigrant visa application fee must be paid (currently $325, but check the Department of State fee schedule for updates).
- Submit documents: All required documents and fees are submitted to the NVC, usually online.
Estimated timeframe: This stage typically takes several months, depending on how quickly you and your sibling can gather and submit the needed documents.
Step 4: Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status
Once the NVC has received and reviewed all documents, your sibling will be scheduled for the final step: either consular processing (if they are outside the United States 🇺🇸) or adjustment of status (if they are already in the United States 🇺🇸 legally).
Consular Processing (outside the U.S.):
- Interview at U.S. embassy or consulate: Your sibling will attend an interview where a consular officer will review their documents and ask questions about their background.
- Medical exam: A medical exam by an approved doctor is required before the interview.
- Visa issuance: If approved, your sibling will receive an immigrant visa in their passport, allowing them to travel to the United States 🇺🇸 as a permanent resident.
- Timeframe: This process usually takes about 5-6 months after the priority date becomes current, but can be longer if there are delays.
Adjustment of Status (inside the U.S.):
- File Form I-485: If your sibling is already in the United States 🇺🇸 on a valid visa, they may be able to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The official form and instructions are on the USCIS website.
- Biometrics appointment: Your sibling will be scheduled for fingerprinting and background checks.
- Interview: USCIS may require an interview to confirm eligibility.
- Approval: If approved, your sibling will receive a green card.
- Timeframe: Adjustment of status usually takes about 10.2 months after the priority date is current.
What to Expect from Authorities
Throughout this process, several government agencies will be involved:
- USCIS: Handles the I-130 Petition and, if applicable, the I-485 adjustment of status application.
- National Visa Center (NVC): Manages the case after the I-130 is approved and before the visa interview.
- U.S. embassies and consulates: Conduct interviews and issue immigrant visas for those outside the United States 🇺🇸.
Authorities may request more information or documents at any stage. Delays can happen if forms are incomplete, documents are missing, or background checks take longer than expected.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
The F4 Visa Category is known for its long wait times and complex paperwork. Here are some tips to help you avoid common problems:
- Double-check all forms: Mistakes or missing information can cause delays or denials.
- Provide clear proof of relationship: Birth certificates must show at least one common parent. If names or dates do not match, provide extra documents or explanations.
- Respond quickly to requests: If USCIS, NVC, or the embassy asks for more information, reply as soon as possible.
- Keep copies of everything: Save all forms, receipts, and letters for your records.
- Seek legal advice if needed: Immigration lawyers can help with tricky cases or if you are unsure about any step.
Country-Specific Wait Times
Some countries have much longer wait times due to high demand and annual limits. As of July 2025, the wait times for the F4 Visa Category are:
- India: Over 18 years
- Mexico: Over 24 years
- Philippines: About 18 years
- All other countries: About 17 years
These numbers can change, so always check the latest Visa Bulletin for updates.
What Happens After Arrival
Once your sibling arrives in the United States 🇺🇸 with an immigrant visa, they become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). They can live and work in the United States 🇺🇸, and after five years, they may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Practical Tips for Families
- Plan for the long term: Because the wait is so long, families should plan for changes in life circumstances, such as marriages, births, or moves.
- Stay connected: Keep in touch with your sibling and update each other on any changes that might affect the case.
- Prepare financially: The process involves several fees, and you must show you can support your sibling when they arrive.
Policy Outlook and Future Changes
There are ongoing discussions in Congress about changing the family-based immigration system, but as of now, no major changes have been made that would speed up the F4 Visa Category. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, applicants should not expect faster processing in the near future and should prepare for a long wait.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always use official government sources:
- USCIS: www.uscis.gov for forms, instructions, and case status.
- Visa Bulletin: travel.state.gov for current priority dates and visa availability.
- Embassy and consulate websites: For country-specific instructions and interview details.
Summary and Next Steps
Bringing a brother or sister to the United States 🇺🇸 as a U.S. citizen is a long and sometimes difficult journey. The process starts with filing the I-130 Petition, followed by many years of waiting for a visa to become available in the F4 Visa Category. Once the priority date is current, your sibling will go through either consular processing or adjustment of status, depending on where they live.
Key steps to remember:
- File Form I-130 and gather all required documents.
- Track your priority date using the Visa Bulletin.
- Respond quickly to any requests from USCIS or the NVC.
- Prepare for the final interview and medical exam when the time comes.
- Stay informed by checking official government websites for updates.
While the wait can be frustrating, careful planning and attention to detail can help your family avoid unnecessary delays. If you have questions or face challenges, consider speaking with an immigration lawyer for guidance. Your patience and preparation will help make the dream of family reunification a reality, even if it takes many years.
Learn Today
F4 Visa Category → Family-based immigration visa for U.S. citizens’ brothers and sisters with annual quotas and long wait times.
I-130 Petition → Form filed by U.S. citizens to prove sibling relationship and start the immigration process.
Priority Date → The date USCIS receives the petition; determines visa availability order in the queue.
Consular Processing → Visa application procedure at U.S. embassies for applicants outside the United States.
Adjustment of Status → Process for applicants already in the U.S. to become permanent residents without leaving the country.
This Article in a Nutshell
Bringing siblings to the U.S. via the F4 Visa is a lengthy process involving I-130 petitioning, priority waiting, and final consular or adjustment steps, often lasting over a decade, but with careful preparation, families can reunite despite long waits and complex procedures.
— By VisaVerge.com
