SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

The F4 category allows U.S. citizens to petition for siblings (brothers and sisters), but wait times currently exceed 15-24 years depending on country of birth. Filing early is essential as the wait is based on when the I-130 is filed (priority date). Siblings can remain in the U.S. through other means while waiting if they have valid status, but most wait abroad. Strategic planning helps families navigate this lengthy process.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

The Inland Empire, spanning Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, is home to thousands of Arab-American families who dream of reuniting with siblings left behind in their home countries. Cities like Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Moreno Valley, and Corona have vibrant Arab communities where family bonds remain strong despite the distance. Unfortunately, the F4 sibling category has the longest wait times of any family immigration category, requiring careful long-term planning.

Understanding the F4 Sibling Category

The F4 (Fourth Preference) category is for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. Unlike immediate relatives (parents, spouses, unmarried children under 21), siblings face annual visa limits and significant backlogs.

Category	Relationship	Annual Visa Limit	Current Wait
F1	Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens	23,400	7-23 years
F2A	Spouses/children of green card holders	87,934	2-5 years
F2B	Unmarried adult children of green card holders	26,266	7-12 years
F3	Married adult children of U.S. citizens	23,400	13-24 years
F4	Siblings of U.S. citizens	65,000	15-24 years

Current F4 Wait Times by Country (2026)

Wait times vary dramatically by the sibling's country of birth. Siblings from high-demand countries face the longest waits due to per-country limits of 7% of total visas.

Country of Birth	Current Priority Date	Estimated Wait
All Countries (General)	September 2009	~17 years
China (mainland)	September 2007	~19 years
India	March 2006	~20 years
Mexico	November 1999	~27 years
Philippines	March 2002	~24 years
Most Middle Eastern Countries	September 2009	~17 years

The Importance of Filing Early

In the F4 category, your place in line is determined by your priority date - the date USCIS receives your I-130 petition. Filing today means getting in line today, even though you won't reach the front for many years.

•Priority date locks in your place in line regardless of future demand
•Filing fee is $535 (one-time cost for decades of waiting)
•Can file even if sibling cannot immigrate immediately
•Children of sibling can be included as derivatives if unmarried under 21
•Sibling can remain abroad while waiting - no U.S. presence required
•If sibling's children age out (turn 21 or marry), may lose derivative status
•Child Status Protection Act may help some derivative children
•Early filing is the single most important strategic decision

I-130 Petition Requirements for Siblings

To petition for a sibling, you must prove the sibling relationship through your shared parent(s). This requires documenting that you have at least one parent in common.

1
Prove your U.S. citizenship
Provide birth certificate, naturalization certificate, U.S. passport, or certificate of citizenship
2
Document the sibling relationship
Both birth certificates showing at least one common parent's name
3
Complete Form I-130
Fill out the petition form with sibling's information and biographical details
4
Submit filing fee
Currently $535 per petition (one petition per sibling)
5
Provide passport photos
Two passport-style photos of your sibling
6
Wait for approval
USCIS approves I-130, then case waits until priority date becomes current

Special Considerations for Half-Siblings and Step-Siblings

The F4 category includes half-siblings but has specific requirements. Step-siblings generally do not qualify unless they share a legal parent through adoption.

•Half-siblings (one parent in common): Fully qualify for F4
•Maternal half-siblings: Prove through birth certificates showing same mother
•Paternal half-siblings: May need additional evidence father acknowledged both children
•Step-siblings (no common parent): Do NOT qualify for F4
•Adopted siblings: May qualify if adoption created legal parent-child relationship
•If parent married sibling's parent: Does not create sibling relationship
•DNA testing: May be requested if documentary evidence is insufficient
•Legitimation: Requirements vary by country of birth

What Happens During the Wait

After your I-130 is approved, the case enters the visa queue. During the years of waiting, several things occur and certain events can affect the case.

•Monitor Visa Bulletin monthly for priority date movement
•Keep USCIS updated if you or sibling moves (AR-11 for you if address changes)
•Sibling's children 'age out' if they turn 21 or marry before visa available
•If petitioner (you) dies, case may continue under certain circumstances
•If sibling dies, case terminates (cannot transfer to sibling's children)
•Sibling can travel, work, marry abroad without affecting case
•If sibling marries, they remain in F4 (unlike F1 to F3 conversion)
•Keep copies of all documents - may need again when priority date is current

When Priority Date Becomes Current

After years of waiting, when the Visa Bulletin shows that your priority date is 'current,' your sibling can finally proceed with immigrant visa processing.

1
Case transfers to NVC
National Visa Center takes over after priority date is current
2
NVC assigns case number
Sibling receives invoice for fees and instructions
3
Submit DS-260
Sibling completes online immigrant visa application
4
Submit civil documents
Birth certificates, police certificates, marriage/divorce records
5
Pay fees
Immigrant visa fee and affidavit of support fee
6
Affidavit of Support
Petitioner submits I-864 proving financial ability to support
7
Medical exam
Sibling completes medical exam at embassy-approved doctor
8
Interview and visa
Attend consular interview; if approved, receive immigrant visa

Derivative Children of Siblings

When you petition for a sibling, their unmarried children under 21 can be included as derivatives. However, the long wait creates 'aging out' risks.

•Derivative children included on parent's (your sibling's) petition
•Children must be unmarried and under 21 when visa becomes available
•Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may preserve age for some derivatives
•CSPA formula: Subtract I-130 processing time from actual age
•If CSPA-adjusted age is under 21 and unmarried: child protected
•Children who marry before visa current: lose derivative status
•Children who age out: may need separate petition if you become citizen
•Plan for contingencies given 15-20+ year wait times

Alternative Immigration Options

Given the extremely long F4 wait times, families should explore whether any faster immigration pathways are available for the sibling.

•Employment-based: If sibling has skills, degree, or employer sponsor
•Diversity Visa Lottery: Annual lottery for countries with low immigration
•Investor visa (EB-5): Requires significant investment ($800,000-$1,050,000)
•Extraordinary ability (EB-1A): For those with exceptional achievements
•Marriage to U.S. citizen: Immediate relative if sibling marries U.S. citizen
•Religious worker (R-1 to EB-4): For ministers and religious workers
•Asylum: If sibling faces persecution (cannot be pre-planned)
•F4 remains important as backup even if pursuing other options

Inland Empire Immigration Resources

Families in the Inland Empire have access to immigration resources to help with the long F4 process. Many services are available in Arabic.

•USCIS San Bernardino Field Office for local services
•Arabic-speaking immigration assistance throughout region
•Community organizations supporting immigrant families
•Legal aid for low-income families needing attorney consultations
•Translation services for Arabic documents
•SoCal Immigration Services: Expert I-130 preparation
•Regularly monitor Visa Bulletin at travel.state.gov
•Join immigrant family support groups for emotional support during wait

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Why is the F4 wait time so long?

A: The F4 category is limited to approximately 65,000 visas per year worldwide, and demand far exceeds supply. Additionally, no single country can receive more than 7% of total family visas, creating extra backlogs for high-demand countries. With millions of approved petitions waiting for visas, new petitions go to the back of a very long line.

Q:Should I file now or wait until I have more money?

A: File now. The filing fee is $535, and every day you wait adds another day to your sibling's wait. If you filed today, your priority date would be January 2026. If you wait a year, your priority date would be January 2027, meaning your sibling waits one extra year. Early filing is the most important decision in F4 cases.

Q:Can my sibling work in the U.S. while waiting for the F4 visa?

A: The F4 petition itself does not provide any work authorization or status in the U.S. If your sibling is already in the U.S. with valid status (student, work visa, etc.), they can maintain that status. If abroad, they must wait abroad until the priority date is current. There is no 'in-between' status for F4 beneficiaries.

Q:What happens if I die before my sibling gets their visa?

A: If the petitioner dies, the case may continue under the Family Unity provisions if certain conditions are met, such as having a substitute sponsor and the sibling having resided in the U.S. or having other qualifying relatives. An immigration attorney should be consulted if this situation arises.

Q:My sibling's child will turn 21 during the wait. What can I do?

A: The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may help. CSPA allows you to subtract the time the I-130 was pending from the child's age. If the adjusted age is under 21 when the priority date becomes current, the child may be protected. The child must also seek to acquire the visa within one year of availability. This is complex - consult an immigration professional.

Q:Can filing for a sibling help them visit the U.S. while waiting?

A: The pending I-130 petition does not help obtain a tourist visa and may actually make it harder. A pending immigrant petition shows immigrant intent, which can be grounds for denying a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. Your sibling must demonstrate strong ties to their home country and intent to return. The F4 petition is for eventual immigration, not visiting.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Inland Empire and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: January 24, 2026Last Updated: January 24, 2026

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F4 Sibling Immigration in the Inland Empire: Long Wait Times and Strategic Planning