The USA F4 visa is the immigration pathway that allows a U.S. citizen to sponsor their brother or sister for a Green Card. Because this category faces high demand, long waiting periods, and strict documentation standards, applicants from Bangladesh must understand the exact process, timeline, and requirements to avoid setbacks. This guide breaks down everything essential — from eligibility and fees to rejection risks and expert legal support.
What Is USA F4 Visa?
The F4 visa falls under the Family Preference immigrant categories and is reserved only for siblings of U.S. citizens aged 21 or older.
A successful F4 case enables the principal applicant, spouse, and unmarried children under 21 to receive immigrant visas and later permanent residence.
Key Features
Sponsor must be a U.S. citizen, not a Green Card holder
Only siblings (by birth, adoption, or step-relation) qualify
Leads directly to Green Card eligibility
Longest waiting period of all family categories due to annual quotas
Eligibility Requirements for USA F4 Visa
Sponsor Requirements
Must be a U.S. citizen aged 21+
Must prove the sibling relationship
Must meet financial requirements for the Affidavit of Support
Beneficiary Requirements
Must be a brother or sister of the sponsor
Must provide birth certificates, family records, and identity documents
May include spouse and unmarried children under 21
USA F4 Visa Application Process
| Step | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | File Form I-130 | The U.S. citizen submits Form I-130 to establish the sibling relationship. Travel+1 |
| Step 2 | Wait for Priority Date to Become Current | Because F4 visas have yearly caps, applicants often wait many years. |
| Step 3 | NVC Processing | Once the priority date is current, the National Visa Center requests forms and documentation. |
| Step 4 | Embassy Interview | Beneficiary attends interview at the U.S. Embassy with medical exam results and full paperwork. |
| Step 5 | Visa Issuance → U.S. Entry → Green Card | Once approved, the immigrant visa leads to permanent residency after entry. uscis.gov+1 |
Required Documents for USA F4 Visa
Sponsor’s U.S. passport or naturalization proof
Beneficiary’s birth certificate
Proof of sibling relationship
Police clearance certificate
Marriage certificates (if applicable)
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
DS-260 confirmation page
Medical exam report
Passport-sized photos
USA F4 Visa Processing Time & Visa Bulletin Updates
The F4 category faces one of the longest wait times in U.S. immigration.
Short overview:
Typical waiting period: 10–20+ years
Depends heavily on the Visa Bulletin updates
Priority date movement varies by country and demand
Applicants must monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin issued by the U.S. Department of State for real-time updates on processing progression.
USA F4 Visa Fees & Cost Breakdown
Approximate costs include:
Form I-130 filing fee
NVC fees: visa application + affidavit of support fee
Medical exam cost (country-specific)
Police clearance fee
Travel & document preparation costs
Fees change regularly, so always verify through the official U.S. immigration resources.
Common Reasons for USA F4 Visa Rejection
Inconsistent or incorrect birth records
Missing proof of sibling relationship
Insufficient financial evidence from the sponsor
Prior immigration violations
Missing or expired documents
Failure to attend the interview or complete medical exam
Security or background check issues
Avoiding these requires early preparation and expert review.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card After F4 Approval?
Once the F4 visa is approved and the applicant enters the United States:
The physical Green Card typically arrives within 2–4 weeks
Social Security Number may take an additional 1–3 weeks
Status officially becomes Lawful Permanent Resident upon entry
Key Challenges & Backlogs in F4 Visa Category
Annual numerical limits
Excessive demand for sibling sponsorship
Slow priority date movement
Heavy document verification requirements
These factors make F4 one of the most delayed immigrant visa categories.
Why Choose Rashel’s Law Desk for USA F4 Visa Assistance
Rashel’s Law Desk provides meticulous support for complex family-based immigration like the F4 category:
Eligibility assessment
I-130 petition preparation
DS-260 and NVC documentation handling
Interview preparation
Error-free document organization
Long-term case monitoring
Guidance for dependents (spouse & children)
Their structured, accuracy-driven approach minimizes the risk of delays and rejections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About USA F4 Visa
Only a U.S. citizen aged 21+ can sponsor a sibling.
Yes — your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can immigrate with you as derivatives.
Yes, once approved and after entering the U.S., you receive permanent residence.
You can get expert help from
Rashel’s Law Desk
for F4 visa filing, NVC processing, and interview preparation.
Final Thoughts on USA F4 Visa
The USA F4 visa opens the door for meaningful family reunification but demands patience, precision, and careful document management. With long wait times and complex requirements, applicants benefit greatly from professional assistance to avoid delays or denial. Proper planning — backed by expert legal guidance — ensures a smoother path toward obtaining a sibling Green Card in the United States.
