1. What is F4 Visa Waiting Time?

The F4 visa category is for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. Due to annual limits on visa numbers, applicants often face long waiting periods between their priority date (when petition was filed) and when a visa becomes available.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses a simple formula:

Where:

• Current Date — Today's date or any date you want to check against
• Priority Date — The date your petition was filed with USCIS

Explanation: The wait time is calculated as the difference between the current date and your priority date, giving you an estimate of how long you've been waiting.

3. Importance of Wait Time Calculation

Details: Understanding your wait time helps estimate when your priority date might become current based on historical visa bulletin movement and plan accordingly.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your priority date (from your I-797 Notice of Action) and either today's date or a future date to project your wait time.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this the actual wait time for visa availability?
A: No, this shows how long you've waited so far. Actual visa availability depends on the Visa Bulletin's cutoff dates.

Q2: Why is the F4 category wait so long for India?
A: F4 has per-country limits and high demand from India, creating a backlog of many years.

Q3: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It accurately calculates time elapsed, but can't predict when your priority date will become current.

Q4: Should I include this wait time in my planning?
A: Yes, but also track the Visa Bulletin for movement in your category.

Q5: What factors affect actual visa wait times?
A: Annual visa quotas, country limits, demand fluctuations, and changes in immigration policy.