What is F4 visa: Full guide

Before moving to the US, you’ll need to look into your visa requirements. If you have a sibling who is a US citizen, you may qualify for the F4 visa.

So, what is F4 visa? We take a look at everything you need to know, including eligibility, costs, and a step-by-step guide to applying for your visa.

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What is the F4 visa & who is eligible?

The F4 visa is a family-based immigrant visa. US citizens can sponsor their siblings for lawful permanent residency (LPR) in the US. With an F4 visa, an immigrant can also bring their spouse to the US, as well as any children under 21 years old.

This reunites international family members and ensures families can legally live and work in the US. Citizens will need to petition for residency for their sibling and their sibling’s family.

You’re eligible for the F4 visa if your sponsor is a US citizen and is at least 21 years old. You’ll also need to be your sponsor’s legal sibling (biological or adopted).¹

If your sponsor is a step-sibling, the marriage between your parents must have occurred while you were both under 18 years old.² If you plan to bring your children with you, they’ll need to be under 21 years old and unmarried.¹

This type of visa is subject to the laws and legal definitions of the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the Department of State, so make sure to consult an immigration lawyer for more information.²

F4 visa application process: Step-by-step

The F4 visa application process can be a little complicated, so it’s important to do your research. Speak to an experienced immigration lawyer for up-to-date advice.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for your F4 visa.

1. File Form I-130

Your sibling will need to petition for your right to come to the US by submitting Form I-130 to the USCIS. This form outlines your relationship and includes key details about you and your family.

Your sibling will need to sign the form and pay the filing fee. Once submitted, the USCIS will review your sibling’s petition. If approved, you’ll be assigned a priority date to confirm your spot in the visa queue.

You can track your spot via the US Department of State’s monthly Visa Bulletin.¹

2. Get next steps from the National Visa Center

If your sibling’s petition is accepted, your application will be passed to the National Visa Center (NVC). As a foreign applicant, you should receive a package that explains the next steps for your application.

You’ll need to fill out Form DS-260 on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) portal using your NVC case number. You’ll also need to submit any supporting documentation and pay your visa processing fees.¹

If your US sibling’s original petition is rejected, the USCIS will give a reason. Your sponsor (aka your sibling in the US) will then need to resubmit Form I-130 to restart the process.³

3. Complete the visa interview process

Once you’ve submitted all relevant information via the CEAC portal, the NVC will schedule an interview with you. This is typically an in-person interview at the US embassy or consulate in your home country.

The interview will include questions about your relationship with your US petitioner.³ You’ll also need to agree to a medical examination with an approved professional before your interview.¹

You’ll likely wait a long time for your application to be processed and approved. There’s a significant backlog, with many F4 visa applicants waiting several years for their applications to be processed.³

If your application is successful, you’ll receive a visa stamp and a sealed immigration packet. You can use these documents to officially enter the US and join your sibling.¹

What forms and documents do you need to apply for the F4 visa?

You’ll need a few key forms and documents to support your F4 visa application, depending on your individual circumstances:

• You and your sibling’s birth certificates to prove you share at least one parent
• Birth certificates for your children
• A copy of your sibling’s US passport, naturalization certificate, or citizenship certificate
• Your passport
• A passport for your spouse and children
• Your marriage or divorce certificates
• Your adoption documents
• Police clearance certificates or criminal records
• Forms I-130 and I-864, signed by your sibling¹
• Confirmation page of Form DS-260
• Two passport-style photos per applicant
• Proof that you’ve attended a medical examination and had any required vaccinations³

You’ll need to provide translations of these documents if the originals aren’t in English. You may also need to provide additional information, depending on your personal situation.¹

How much does the F4 visa cost?

There are some fees associated with the F4 visa. You or your sibling will need to pay to process forms like Form I-130 and Form DS-260.

Here are the costs of applying for the F4 visa at a glance.

The processing fee for Form I-130 is typically paid by your US sponsor when they first submit their petition for your visa to the USCIS.

You’ll pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee after you receive your F4 visa, before you arrive in the US to rejoin your family.³

There may also be a few additional costs, such as for background checks and accurate document translations.²

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the F4 visa, including how long it takes to process your application.

Do half-siblings and step-siblings qualify for the F4 visa?

Yes, you may qualify for the F4 visa if your half-sibling or step-sibling is a US citizen. However, you’ll likely need to go through additional checks. Half-siblings will need to prove that they share one common biological parent, for example.

For step-siblings, you and your sibling will need to have been under 18 years old when the qualifying marriage between your parents took place. Adoptive siblings will also need to go through checks to ensure they qualify for the visa.²

How long does it take to get an F4 visa?

F4 visa wait times can be very long, as the USCIS only processes a set amount of applications per year. This leads to a large backlog. Some applicants may wait up to 10 years for their application to be processed.¹

How can I speed up my F4 visa application?

To speed up your F4 visa application, make sure to double-check all your details before submitting any important forms. You should also track your visa status at all stages of the application process to ensure you fulfil any obligations immediately.

Can I live and work in the US while waiting for my F4 visa?

You don’t have the right to live, work, or freely travel to and from the US while you wait for your F4 visa application to be approved. You’ll need to follow US immigration rules, particularly if you want to ensure your application is ultimately successful.²

……

The F4 visa is a useful option for immigrants with a sibling in the US. You can reunite with your family and explore new opportunities abroad.

However, you’ll need to do your research. The F4 visa application process can be long, draining, and complicated. You’ll need to follow US immigration procedures.

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Sources

1. Remitly - From petition to green card: Your complete F4 family visa application guide
2. Davidson Morris - F-4 visa: Sibling green card rules and risks
3. IAS Services - F4 visa

Sources checked 03/26/2026