Visto n' Visa

Do F3 and F4 have different annual quotas?

The F3 and F4 categories have distinct annual quotas, with limits set by the Department of State, impacted by demand and varied waiting times.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on May 11, 2025
2 min read
Share

It is important to understand a little about the Family Based visa categories before diving into the details of the quotas. The United States immigration system organizes family-based visas into several categories, each with its own requirements and annual limits.

Among them, the F3 (married children of U.S. citizens) and F4 (siblings of U.S. citizens) categories are often questioned regarding the available annual quotas. In general, both categories have annual numerical limits allocated by the Department of State. This means that, yes, F3 and F4 have distinct annual quotas.

Each category has separate allocations and, historically, these quotas have been affected by high demand and also different waiting times. For the F3 category, for example, there is a set number of visas made available each year, and the same applies to the F4 category, but the numbers may vary based on the definitions and policies in effect for each fiscal year.

It is essential that interested parties comply with United States immigration laws and always seek consistent information from official sources, either through government websites or by consulting specialists who can explain how the system works without promising specific outcomes. Given the complexity and constant updates of the rules, it is recommended to be cautious with offers, miracle promises, and marketing campaigns guaranteeing easy approvals, since the real analysis depends on strict and specific criteria.

Remember that understanding the particularities of each category can help plan the immigration journey in a more realistic and informed way. Regularly follow official updates and guidance to stay well informed about the current rules and annual limits for the F3 and F4 visas.

Learn more about Family Based

Type
Family-sponsored Green Card
Sponsor
U.S. citizen or LPR
Petition
Form I-130
Processing
12 months to several years
All about Family Based

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

Do F3 and F4 have different annual quotas?

The F3 and F4 categories have distinct annual quotas, with limits set by the Department of State, impacted by demand and varied waiting times.

Recommended reading about Family Based

More content about Family Based

EB-2
Victoria Harper Victoria Harper

How to Qualify for the EB-2 NIW in 2026

A complete guide on how to qualify for the EB-2 NIW: requirements, the Dhanasar test, the application process, and practical…