F4

F4 Immigrant Visa for Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens for Kazakhstan Citizens 2026

The F4 visa is a family-based immigrant visa that allows brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens to permanently live and work in the United States. This category also allows the spouse and unmarried minor children of the principal applicant to immigrate as derivative beneficiaries.
The F4 category remains available in 2026 for Kazakhstan citizens, subject to annual numerical limits and priority dates.

F4 belongs to the family preference system and is known for the longest waiting periods among family-based immigrant visas.

Who qualifies for the F4 visa

An applicant may qualify for an F4 visa if:

• The petitioner is a U.S. citizen

• The U.S. citizen petitioner is at least 21 years old

• The applicant is a brother or sister of the U.S. citizen

• A legally valid sibling relationship exists (biological, adoptive, or step-sibling)

Permanent residents cannot sponsor siblings.

What the F4 visa allows

• Permanent residence in the United States

• Legal employment without additional work authorization

• Study at U.S. educational institutions

• Free movement in and out of the United States

• Access to a Social Security number and U.S. services

• Eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship in the future

• Immigration of the applicant’s spouse and unmarried minor children

Permanent resident status begins immediately upon entry.

What the F4 visa does NOT allow

• Immigration without a legally proven sibling relationship

• Sponsorship by permanent residents

• Avoidance of priority date waiting periods

• Ignoring immigration compliance obligations

Family status changes must be reported.

Who can apply from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan citizens may apply if:

• They are the biological, adopted, or step-sibling of a U.S. citizen

• The U.S. citizen sibling is 21 years of age or older

• The sibling relationship is legally documented

• The U.S. citizen sibling agrees to act as financial sponsor

The applicant’s country of residence does not affect eligibility.

What immigration officers really check

Authorities primarily evaluate:

• Legal validity of the sibling relationship

• Authenticity of birth, adoption, or family documents

• Immigration history of both siblings

• Consistency of personal and documentary evidence

• Absence of fraud indicators

The process is relationship-based, not document-count based.

Financial sponsorship requirements

The U.S. citizen sibling must:

• File an Affidavit of Support

• Meet minimum income requirements under U.S. law

• Accept long-term financial responsibility for the applicant and derivatives

A joint sponsor may be used if required.

Validity and permanent residence rules

• Entry to the U.S. grants permanent resident status

• Green Card allows unlimited residence, work, and study

• Derivative family members receive permanent resident status

• Long absences may affect resident status

Permanent residence carries legal obligations.

Priority dates and waiting periods

• F4 visas are subject to annual numerical limits

• Applicants must wait for their priority date to become current

• Waiting times are often very long, sometimes exceeding a decade

• Visa bulletin movement determines final timing

Patience and long-term planning are essential.

Common reasons for refusal or denial

Most denials occur due to:

• Insufficient proof of sibling relationship

• Financial sponsorship issues

• Prior immigration violations

• Inconsistent or incomplete documentation

• Suspected misrepresentation or fraud

Accurate documentation is critical.

How to apply

The process includes:

• Filing an immigrant petition by the U.S. citizen sibling

• Waiting for the priority date to become current

• Case processing through USCIS and the National Visa Center

• Submission of civil and financial documents

• Medical examination

• Immigrant visa interview

• Entry to the U.S. as a permanent resident

Processing time varies significantly and can be lengthy.

Important note for 2026

• F4 visas are available in 2026, subject to quotas

• Waiting periods are mandatory and often long

• Priority date movement determines final approval timing

Unsure if F4 is the right category?

Before applying, it is recommended to evaluate relationship eligibility, long waiting timelines, and family planning considerations.
A professional assessment helps set realistic expectations and avoid errors.