The F4 visa allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their adult brothers and sisters for lawful permanent residency in the United States. This visa is part of the family-based immigration system and helps reunite extended families across international borders.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify:

• The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years old
  
  
• The beneficiary must be the biological, half, or adopted sibling of the U.S. citizen
  
  
• The sibling must also be 21 years or older
  
  
• A qualifying family relationship must be proven with legal documentation (birth certificates, etc.)
  
  

Note: Green card holders (permanent residents) cannot petition for siblings.

Benefits of the F4 Visa

• Grants permanent residency (green card) to the sibling
  
  
• Allows the spouse and minor children of the sibling to immigrate as derivative beneficiaries
  
  
• Supports family reunification, a cornerstone of U.S. immigration policy
  
  

Application Process

1. Form I-130 Petition: Filed by the U.S. citizen sponsor
   
   
2. Wait for Visa Availability: F4 is subject to annual caps, so there can be long waiting periods—sometimes 10+ years depending on the applicant’s country of origin
   
   
3. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing: Once a visa becomes available
   
   
4. Embassy Interview: Final step before visa issuance and U.S. entry
   
   

Key Considerations

• Long Wait Times: F4 is one of the most backlogged family-based visa categories
  
  
• Affidavit of Support: Sponsor must meet income requirements to support their sibling financially
  
  
• Comprehensive Documentation: Proof of family relationship is essential and must be well-prepared
  
  

In Summary

The F4 visa offers a path for siblings of U.S. citizens to immigrate, helping extended families reunite and build a future together in the United States. While wait times can be lengthy, this visa remains a meaningful option for those committed to family unity and long-term planning.