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Is it normal for USCIS to take 2 years to approve F4?

F4 approvals can take 2 years due to high demand and complexity; staying informed and keeping documentation updated is essential.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on March 30, 2025
2 min read
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Understanding the processing time for immigration petitions can be challenging and raise many questions. Today, we will talk a little about the F4 visa, which refers to the Family Based category generally intended for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, and explain if it is normal for USCIS to take 2 years to approve this type of petition.

Indeed, the approval times for petitions in the F4 category tend to be long. This happens because, in addition to a high demand, this category usually faces a large backlog of cases, which can cause timeframes to exceed even 2 years. It is important to note that the processing time for each case can vary greatly depending on various factors – such as the complexity of the documentation, the volume of ongoing requests, and possible changes in immigration policies – and, therefore, a waiting time of 2 years may be considered normal in many scenarios.

Although USCIS strives to review each case with due attention, those interested in the F4 category should be prepared for extended waiting periods. This scenario highlights the importance of keeping documentation up to date and following all U.S. immigration laws and guidelines. Furthermore, it is essential to seek information from reliable sources and professionals specialized in the field to avoid falling victim to scams or marketing campaigns that promise miraculous results or accelerations without legal backing.

Therefore, yes, a waiting time of approximately 2 years can be seen as normal for the approval of cases in the F4 category, considering the challenges and the high demand of this modality. Staying informed and following official guidance helps face this process with more security and clarity.

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.

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Is it normal for USCIS to take 2 years to approve F4?

F4 approvals can take 2 years due to high demand and complexity; staying informed and keeping documentation updated is essential.

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