Visto n' Visa

Is it common to wait 15 years for an F4 visa?

The F4 visa process can take up to 15 years due to annual limits and high demand; it is essential to follow official updates and avoid unrealistic promises.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on August 16, 2025
2 min read
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When it comes to F4 category visas, related to the sponsorship of brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, it is quite common for the process to drag on for many years. Currently, in many cases, wait times can reach 15 years or even longer, but it is important to remember that this timeframe may vary depending on the country of origin, the demand, and changes in immigration policies.

This long wait occurs because there is an annual limit on the number of visas granted in this category, and the available quota can be quickly exhausted, especially for countries with high demand. Thus, while some applicants manage to complete their steps before this period, others may face a waiting period approaching or exceeding 15 years. However, these estimates are not guaranteed and may change as the U.S. immigration landscape evolves.

It is important to follow the official updates from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Visa Section, as they provide updated information about the priority date and the progress of the processes. Moreover, it is wise to seek information from official sources and be alert to possible scams or miraculous promises, which, in many cases, are part of unreliable marketing campaigns.

Finally, it is essential to strictly follow U.S. immigration laws, staying informed through official channels and, when necessary, consulting companies or specialized professionals who offer transparent support. This way, it is possible to be better prepared to deal with the challenges and uncertainties this process may present.

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

Is it common to wait 15 years for an F4 visa?

The F4 visa process can take up to 15 years due to annual limits and high demand; it is essential to follow official updates and avoid unrealistic promises.

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