To qualify for a green card under the family-based immigration program, an individual must apply for an F4 visa. This type of visa comes stamped on the passport of a US citizen and includes a letter that must be submitted unopened to the immigration officer at the port of entry. While the process is straightforward, it’s not a walk in the park. There are many moving parts to the F4 visa application, and a single mistake can delay your application, or even cause a denial. To make your application process smoother, consult with an attorney who specializes in family-based green card immigration.
You should Know that Processing Time Varies by Country
While the US has a quota system, it’s still best to plan ahead. While the processing time for an F4 visa application is relatively short, it can take a long time, ranging from a few weeks to over a year. Regardless of the length of the process, you should know that processing time varies by country. As a rule, however, the process takes between six weeks and one year.
The application process for an F4 visa is not fast and complicated, and you can even do it online. It’s best to check the latest Visa Bulletin to see which dates are available and in what priority category you qualify. A good resource for more information is the USCIS website. It contains helpful information and tips for a stress-free application process. There are also pages devoted specifically to this type of application. Hopefully, one of these pages can help you.
You must be Physically Fit and Immunized to Enter the United States
If you’ve been accepted to the United States, you must have certain documents with you. For example, you must bring two passport photos of yourself and your spouse and any children. You’ll also need to bring a death certificate, divorce certificate, or military service record. Your application will be approved if you’re able to supply these documents. You must be physically fit and immunized to enter the United States. Once you’ve passed this stage, you can proceed to the interview.
Number of F4 Visas Issued Every Year is Limited
To get an F4 visa, you must be at least 21 years old and have a U.S. citizen sibling. The F4 visa allows you to live in the United States, work, and study in the United States. You must also have a Social Security number to apply. Keep in mind that the number of F4 visas issued every year is limited. If you are eligible for one, apply for one now. And remember that the number of approved applications is limited to 65,000 each year. If you are an immediate family member of a U.S. citizen, your visa application will be approved faster than anyone else’s.
After you’ve paid the fees and obtained financial sponsorship, the National Visa Center will review your documents. Once your application has been approved, the consular officer will interview you and ask you a series of questions. They will then determine whether you qualify for an F4 visa and stamp your passport. You will also receive a medical examination guide, which will help you prepare for your interview. Regardless of whether you’re applying for a family-based visa or a single-family-based application, a thorough preparation and convincing answers will make the process easier.
Different Types of Sibling Require Different Documentation
When applying for an F4 visa, it’s important to check a physician’s recommendation. If you’re a U.S. citizen, a physician may be located using the USCIS’ Find a Doctor tool. If you live outside the United States, you’ll have to contact the U.S. consulate or embassy in your area to find an approved doctor. Alternatively, you can contact an immigration attorney if you’re an international student.
The USCIS has a very broad definition of “immediate relative.” It includes full-blooded siblings, paternal half-siblings, and adopted children. The different types of sibling require different documentation. If you have a brother or sister in the U.S., you must provide copies of his or her father’s and mother’s marriage certificates. If you’re a step or adoptive parent, you need to provide a father-mother marriage certificate and both of your parents’ marriage certificates.
If you Meet all the Criteria, you may be Eligible to Apply for a Green Card as Well
An F4 visa has almost no limits on where you can work. Besides the basic employment criteria, the only restrictions are that you can’t engage in certain businesses or unskilled labor. The F4 visa is not for those who want to join the Korean military or who plan to stay in the country as a permanent resident. However, if you meet all the criteria, you may be eligible to apply for a green card as well.
