F4 Visa

What is the F4 Visa?

The F4 visa is a type of visa issued by the United States government to foreign nationals who wish to enter the country to visit or reside with an immediate family member who is an American citizen or permanent resident. The F4 visa is distinct from other family visa types such as the F2A and F2B visas, which are reserved for family members of non-U.S. citizens.

Eligibility for the F4 visa

In order to be eligible for the F4 visa, the foreign visitor must have an immediate family member, such as a parent, sibling, or adult child, who is an American citizen or permanent resident. The sponsor must be 100% financially responsible for all costs associated with the applicant’s visit or residence in the U.S., and must also provide proof of status, such as a valid U.S. passport or resident alien card.

In addition to the U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor, the applicant for the F4 visa must also meet all other requirements for a nonimmigrant visa. These requirements include but are not limited to a valid passport, all necessary travel documents, proof of non-immigrant intent, and a valid visa application fee.

Required Supporting Documents for F4 Visa application

Besides the required application material, the foreign national must submit the following documents with their application:

• • Passport valid for at least six months from the date of application

• • Two identical passport size photographs

• • Push Registration receipt

• • Evidence of relationship to the U.S. citizen/resident (birth certificates, marriage licenses, etc.)

• • Evidence of financial support from the sponsoring family member(s)

• • The confirmation page of the DS-156 form

• • Proof of legal status of the sponsoring family member

• • Proof of legal status of the applicant in the country of origin

• • The confirmation page of the DS-230 form

• • Evidence of non-immigrant intent (purpose of visit, documentation of plans to return to home country)

• • Visa application fee voucher

What is the Processing Time for F4 visa?

The processing time for an F4 visa application varies depending on several factors, including the time of year and the applicant’s country of origin. Generally, the processing time for the F4 visa is between two and five months, with a maximum of six months. The processing time can be shorter if the applicant submits all the required documents in a timely manner and follows all instructions provided by the embassy or consulate.

What is the Validity Period of F4 Visa?

The F4 visa is a long-term visa, with a validity period of up to ten years. However, the length of stay permitted on the F4 visa depends on the traveler’s destination. Travelers can typically stay in the U.S. for up to six months at a time; however, extensions are available for up to one year at a time.

F4 Visa Travel Restrictions

Travelers with an F4 visa are not allowed to work in the U.S., nor may they study or attend any other educational program. They are permitted to travel freely within the U.S., but may only enter and exit the country with their valid passport and F4 visa. It is also important to note that foreign visitors on an F4 visa must have a valid Form I-94, which can be obtained from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer.

F4 Visa Renewal or Extension

Travelers who wish to extend their stay on an F4 visa must submit Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at least 45 days before the expiration of their visa. Travelers are also advised to bring proof of their family relationship in the U.S. and financial support from the sponsoring family member. Travelers who wish to renew their F4 visa must also submit Form I-539 to USCIS.

F4 Visa and Employment

Travelers with an F4 visa are not allowed to work in the U.S. However, travelers may apply for a work visa through their sponsoring family member. Work visas can take several months to process, and the sponsoring family member must demonstrate that the foreign national has skills that the U.S. labor market needs.

F4 Visa and Family member Sponsor

The sponsoring family member is required to provide financial support to the foreign visitor while they are in the U.S. and must also be responsible for any medical costs incurred while they are in the country.

F4 Visa Faqs

• • Q. Who can apply for an F4 visa?
    A. The F4 visa is available for foreign nationals who wish to enter the U.S. to visit or reside with an immediate family member who is an American citizen or permanent resident.

• • Q. What documents are required for the F4 visa?
    A. Applicants must submit the required application material, as well as a valid passport, all necessary travel documents, proof of non-immigrant intent, and a valid visa application fee.

• • Q. What is the validity period of an F4 visa?
    A. The F4 visa is a long-term visa, with a validity period of up to ten years.

• • Q. Can I work in the U.S. on an F4 visa?
    A. No, travelers with an F4 visa are not allowed to work in the U.S. However, they may apply for a work visa through their sponsoring family member.

• • Q. Can I study in the U.S. on an F4 visa?
    A. No, travelers with an F4 visa are not allowed to study or attend any other educational program in the U.S.

Conclusion

The F4 visa is a type of visa issued by the United States government to foreign nationals who wish to enter the country to visit or reside with an immediate family member who is an American citizen or permanent resident. The F4 visa is distinct from other family visa types and has a validity period of up to ten years. Travelers with an F4 visa are not allowed to work in the U.S. or study in the U.S., however they are able to apply for a work visa through their sponsoring family member. Applicants must meet all the requirements for a non-immigrant visa and provide the necessary documents to prove their eligibility.

The processing time for an F4 visa application varies depending on several factors, and applicants are also required to submit Form I-539 for extension or renewal of their visa. The sponsoring family member must provide financial support to the foreign visitor while they are in the U.S. and must be responsible for any medical costs incurred while they are in the country.