F4 Visa Lawyer

In contrast to immediate relative immigrant visas, family preference visas are designed for specific, more distant family relationships with a U.S. citizen. They also apply to certain relationships involving lawful permanent residents. Each family preference category applies to a specific family relationship, including the F4 visa.

The family fourth preference (F4) visa applies only to brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens and their spouses and minor children under the age of 21. The U.S. issues a limited number of F4 issues each year, and applicants in this category often encounter lengthy weight times.

After both the sponsor and applicant have confirmed their respective eligibility, the application process can begin. Although working with an F4 visa attorney to complete the application is not required, it is highly recommended, as successfully submitting an error-free, accurate, and timely application is a daunting process.

Here are the key steps in the F4 visa application process:

• Filing Form I-130. The F4 visa application process starts with the U.S. citizen sibling filing Form I-130—Petition for Alien Relative—with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form is designed to establish the familial relationship between the foreign sibling and U.S. citizen sibling.
• Receiving a priority date. After filing the I-130 petition, the applicant will receive a priority date—the date when the petition was officially received by the USCIS. This date is important because F4 visas are used in chronological order according to their priority dates.
• Petition approval. If approved, the USCIS will send the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. Note that just because a petition is approved does not guarantee a visa; it merely confirms the familial relationship.
• Waiting period for visa availability. The U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin, which is published monthly, indicates when a visa number is available based on its priority date. Due to the annual visa caps, the waiting period can take several years.
• National Visa Center (NVC) processing. After the visa becomes available, the NVC will notify the F4 petitioner and applicant. During this period, the NVC may request additional documentation, including an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) from the U.S. citizen petitioner.
• Submitting the supporting documents. The applicant must submit all of the required documentation to the NVC, including proof of relationships, various civil documents, medical examinations, and more.
• Submitting the visa application and fees. After submitting the necessary paperwork, the applicant will complete and submit the visa application (Form DS-260) and pay the filing fees.
• Applicant visa interview. The visa beneficiary will typically be scheduled for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. During the interview, the consular official will confirm the applicant’s visa eligibility.
• Visa approval and issuance. If the application is approved, the beneficiary’s visa will be issued, allowing them to travel to the United States.
• Entry into the U.S. and status adjustment. When they arrive in the United States, the beneficiary will be admitted as a permanent resident and can apply for a permanent resident card, which will be mailed to them.

As you can see, the F4 visa application process is long and complicated. If you’re considering applying for an F4 visa, it’s a good idea to work closely with a F4 lawyer to navigate the process. An experienced visa attorney from Naya Immigration can provide the legal advice you need to streamline the process.