.avif)
Many clients ask, “Can I bring my brother or sister to live here?” Yes, you can sponsor a sibling for a green card, but it is a long and often slow process that requires patience from start to finish.
If you’re a U.S. citizen over 21, that’s the first step. Green-card holders (lawful permanent residents) can’t file for siblings—only full citizens can. That’s just how the law’s written.
You’ll also need proof you’re actually related. The government won’t take your word for it. Usually, that means birth certificates showing a shared parent. For adopted or stepsiblings, you’ll need court or legal documents. It’s all about paper; the cleaner the trail, the better.
The main form is Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. It’s your way of saying, “This is my sibling, and here’s how I know it.” You’ll attach your proof of citizenship and both of your birth certificates. If names changed—marriage, adoption, translation—throw in that proof too.
You’ll get a receipt in the mail (Form I-797). Then, silence for a while. That’s normal. Six months, a year, sometimes longer, before you hear anything. USCIS doesn’t move fast on these.
Once approved, the file is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). This is where most families realize what “long wait” really means. Siblings fall under the F4 family preference category. That’s the slowest one. Depending on your sibling’s country, you might wait 10 to 15 years—sometimes more.
You can check the Visa Bulletin online for progress. Each month, the State Department posts a list of which cases are moving forward. You look up your “priority date”—the date your I-130 was filed—and see if it’s current. Some months move; some don’t. It’s a long game.
When your turn comes, NVC will send you an email requesting documents and fees, such as birth records, marriage certificates, police certificates, and the DS-260 online form. If your sibling lives outside the U.S., they’ll have their interview at the embassy. If they’re already here legally, they can sometimes file Form I-485 to adjust their status instead.
You’ll also fill out the Affidavit of Support, Form I-864. That’s the part where you show you can support your sibling if needed. You’ll send tax returns, pay stubs, W-2s, and maybe proof of employment. If you don’t make enough, another person can co-sponsor. Happens all the time.
The interview is usually routine, not scary. Officers check documents, confirm the family link, and ask about history or travel. If everything checks out, your sibling’s visa will be approved.
After they enter the U.S., the green card (officially called the Permanent Resident Card) arrives in the mail. They can live, work, and travel freely. After five years as a permanent resident, they can even apply for citizenship.
Here's the real advice: file early, keep every address updated since USCIS and NVC send paper mail, and double-check every date and name on your forms—little typos cause big delays. Don't lose hope because the process is slow; most families who start finish it. If you’re not sure about forms or eligibility, talk to an immigration lawyer before you file—a 15-minute chat can save years of mistakes. It’s not fancy or fast, but it works. Start early, stay organized, and know the reward—your family together again.
If you’re unsure about the forms or your eligibility, talk to an immigration lawyer before you file. A 15-minute chat can save years of mistakes.
It’s not fancy or fast, but it works. The process ends with something big—your family together again.
Sources:
- USCIS Form I-130 Instructions
- Immigration and Nationality Act §§ 201–203
- Department of State Visa Bulletin
- USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 6, Pt. B
.avif)
.svg){kind=small}
