Visto n' Visa

How many years can an F4 petition for the Philippines take?

The F4 petition for Filipinos can take between 13 to 15 years; staying informed and following U.S. immigration laws is essential to avoid risks and inappropriate expectations.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on March 31, 2026
2 min read
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When dealing with Family Based visas, specifically the F4 category (for siblings of U.S. citizens), it is important to understand that this is a process that naturally involves long waiting periods and many variables.

In the case of the Philippines, as well as other nationalities that fall into this category, times can vary according to demand and updates in United States immigration policies. Currently, the F4 petition for Filipinos can take, on average, between 13 to 15 years to be completed.

It is worth remembering that this timeframe is only an estimate and can be impacted by various factors, such as changes in legislation, the number of applications received, and updates in the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin. Older timeframes may be adjusted over time, and it is essential to follow official information directly from these reliable sources.

It is always important to emphasize that, when involved with immigration processes, it is essential to strictly follow the United States immigration laws. Seeking information through official channels and being cautious with companies or marketing campaigns that promise quick or guaranteed results is a necessary precaution to avoid scams. Having guidance from reliable sources can make a difference in handling your case.

Thus, even though the wait is significant, staying informed and updated about changes in rules and deadlines can help better understand the progress of the process and avoid inappropriate expectations. Remember that each case is unique, and following the guidelines established by authorities is fundamental for the process to proceed as safely as possible.

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

How many years can an F4 petition for the Philippines take?

The F4 petition for Filipinos can take between 13 to 15 years; staying informed and following U.S. immigration laws is essential to avoid risks and inappropriate expectations.

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