What is the approximate annual quota for F4?

When we talk about visas in the F4 category, we are referring to the option intended for the brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. This category, like the others within the “Family Based” visa system, is subject to annual limits established by law. This means there is a maximum number of visas that can be issued each year for this category.

Approximately, the annual quota for the F4 category is around 65,000 visas, covering the principal applicant (the brother or sister) and, in many cases, their dependent family members. It is important to highlight that this number is considered the legal limit, but the actual distribution can vary due to factors such as the use of unused visas, redistribution among categories, and country limits – a rule that prevents a single country from ”consuming” more than approximately 7% of the annual total.

It is crucial to remember that, despite the number seeming significant, the high demand for this benefit causes many cases to wait in line for many years. Therefore, staying well informed and monitoring the Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, is essential to understand the progress of wait times and estimates.

Finally, I emphasize the importance of always following U.S. immigration laws and seeking information from official sources or through properly qualified professionals. Beware of companies and marketing campaigns that promise quick or guaranteed results; the process is complex and must be handled based on updated and reliable data.

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.