Family Fourth Preference (F4) Green Card
For brothers and sisters of adult US citizens, with their spouses and children.
The Family Fourth Preference (F4) Green Card is a US family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee) and processing time (~Many years (one of the longest backlogs)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Family Fourth Preference (F4) Green Card is for
For brothers and sisters of adult US citizens, with their spouses and children.
Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
Family Fourth Preference (F4) Green Card - eligibility criteria
- Be the sibling of a US citizen aged 21 or older
- US citizen files Form I-130 with proof of the sibling relationship
- Wait for the priority date to be current
- Sponsor meets income requirements
- Be admissible (spouse and children can derive)
Family Fourth Preference (F4) Green Card cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Family Fourth Preference (F4) Green Card (United States) is ~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee, with an indicative processing time of ~Many years (one of the longest backlogs). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov).
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Consular processing abroad or adjustment of status in the US |
| Length of stay | Permanent (green card) |
| Work rights | Full work authorization as a permanent resident |
| Study rights | Full study rights as a permanent resident |
| Government fee | ~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee |
| Processing time | ~Many years (one of the longest backlogs) |
| Route to PR | Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident. |
Pathway & next steps
Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
Many applicants also compare F3 · Family Third Preference (F3) Green Card, F1 · Family First Preference (F1) Green Card. Run a free VisaChief check to see which US route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Family Fourth Preference (F4) Green Card pitfalls we fix
Family Fourth Preference (F4) Green Card - frequently asked questions
How much does the Family Fourth Preference (F4) Green Card cost?
The Family Fourth Preference (F4) Green Card government fee is ~US$675 I-130 petition plus US$325 immigrant visa fee and US$235 USCIS immigrant fee. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) before applying.
How long does the Family Fourth Preference (F4) Green Card take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~Many years (one of the longest backlogs). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Family Fourth Preference (F4) Green Card lead to permanent residence?
Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
Can I work on the Family Fourth Preference (F4) Green Card?
Work rights: Full work authorization as a permanent resident.
Who can apply for the Family Fourth Preference (F4) Green Card?
For brothers and sisters of adult US citizens, with their spouses and children.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United States government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) - official United States immigration authority