F1 vs. F4

[hope2018 25]

My mom filed a petition for my oldest sister 3 years ago. My sister lives by herself so my mom really wants her to move to the U.S. to be close to me and my other sister.  My mom is afraid of unforeseeable circumstance such as her death would prevent my sister from coming. I am thinking of the option to have my dad file another F1 petition for my sister or I file F4 petition for her as a backup. 

Is it even necessary? If something happens to my mom, can my dad or me continue the petition that my mom started? 

Edited February 23, 2019 by hope2018

[AM268 23]

You should all start the petitions as  soon as possible. If your mom,or any petitioner for a matter, does die that petition dies with them. I know a guy who got all the way through the interview process and was just left to make the trip and his mom, the petitioner, died and then he was informed that his visa was cancelled. 

 

If its a family goal to have your sister in the USA then having more than one application in isnt a bad idea. 

[USS_Voyager 1,971]

Yes file them all. As mentioned, for the most part when the petitioner dies, the petition dies with them. There are only very limited circumstances that a petition for spouses can continue that I’m aware of, but for all other types, no.

 

[geowrian 22,335]

For completeness, there is humanitarian reinstatement if the I-130 gets approved and the petitioner passes away.

https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/humanitarian-reinstatement

 

But there are a number of requirements (i.e. having residence within the US) , it's not simple, and it is discretionary - they are not compelled to do so.

 

In practical terms, I also support making the second petition.