How do I calculate how much time is left for my F4?

When we talk about F4, we are referring to the immigration visa category for brothers and sisters of American citizens, one of the Family Based categories. Calculating how much time is left for your F4 to be “current” basically involves comparing the priority date of your case – that is, the date on which the petition (Form I-130) was approved – with the cut-off date published in the Visa Bulletin, a monthly bulletin issued by the United States Department of State. To understand better, the priority date is essential, as it defines your position in the queue for visa processing.

In the Visa Bulletin, you will find specific information for each category and country of chargeability. For example, the F4 category tends to have long waiting periods, and the cut-off date indicated in the bulletin shows that only cases with a priority date earlier than that date may advance in processing for that month.

Thus, the procedure to calculate how much time is left would be as follows:
1. Check the most recent Visa Bulletin, where cut-off dates for the F4 category for your chargeability country will be listed.
2. Identify the priority date of your case (information available on your I-130 approval).
3. Compare this date with the announced cut-off date: if your priority date is earlier than or equal to the cut-off date, it means your case is already “current” and will possibly move forward soon. Otherwise, you will know that more time remains until your date is within the processing window.

It is worth emphasizing that the disclosed time frames are estimates based on various factors and may be updated monthly. Due to the complexity of the process, it is very important to periodically follow the Visa Bulletin and stay updated with official guidelines.

Moreover, when dealing with immigration matters, it is crucial to strictly follow current laws and regulations, always seeking information from official sources and avoiding scams or marketing campaigns that promise miraculous solutions.

If there are doubts or if you need more specific guidance, consider seeking advice from recognized professionals, always linked to available official information. This way, you will be well informed and prepared to monitor the progress of your case safely and cautiously.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.