Latest Updates on US F4 Visa Status and Processing Times
As of the most recent updates, the F4 visa category, which allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their siblings for immigration, is subject to significant backlogs, especially for applicants from countries with high demand such as India, Mexico, and the Philippines. The processing times and waiting periods can vary widely based on the applicants' country of origin, with some applicants facing waits of several years or even decades. This article provides an overview of the current status and potential updates for the F4 visa category.
Current Status of the F4 Visa
For applicants from high-demand countries, the processing times can be particularly long. For example, the U.S. Department of State regularly updates the Visa Bulletin, which provides information on the availability of visas and priority dates for various categories. To stay informed about the current status of the F4 visa, including any recent movements or changes in processing times, it is advisable to check the latest Visa Bulletin directly on the U.S. Department of State’s website or consult with an immigration attorney for personalized guidance.
Specific Updates for Indian F4 Visa Applicants
As for those specifically affected by the Indian family-based F4 visa category, the situation has not improved significantly in the last few months. According to recent updates, the final action of petitions till 22nd March 2004 has been moved as of 23rd June 2018. Additionally, the National Visa Centre has been processing welcome letters for January 2006, as well as interview date (DQ) letters for December 2018 to March 2019.
The most recent update shows that the Jan 2006 welcome letter was issued in December 2021, and the Jan 2005 DQ date letter was issued on 12th January 2022. However, the speed of processing for Indian applicants remains slow, indicating that more significant action is needed to address the backlog.
Impact of Rescinding Work Authorization for H-4 Visa Holders
Despite the focus on F4 visas, another significant update comes from the H-4 visa category. The Trump administration has informed a US court that it is in the final stages of rescinding work authorization for certain H-4 visa holders. This decision is expected to impact tens of thousands of H1B spouses, many of whom are high-skilled professionals with valuable skills in the U.S. labor market.
The impact of this decision is still evolving, and it is crucial for H-4 visa holders to stay informed about any changes through the official sources provided by the U.S. Department of State and relevant legal guidance.
For those considering sponsorship for siblings under the F4 visa category or those in the H-4 visa category, staying updated with the latest immigration updates and policies is essential. Consulting with an immigration attorney can provide the most accurate and personalized advice.
For more detailed and accurate information, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s official website or reach out to an experienced immigration lawyer.
Note: The information provided is accurate to the best of the knowledge at the time of updates, and it is advisable to consult the official sources for the most up-to-date information.