Want to Bring Your Brother or Sister to the U.S.? Here’s How the Green Card Process Really Works

Bringing a brother or sister to live in the United States as a permanent resident is possible, but it is a long and complex process. Only US citizens who are at least 21 years old can sponsor their siblings for immigration. Green card holders (lawful permanent residents) cannot.

How the Sibling Visa Works

The process begins when a US citizen files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to sponsor their sibling. However, unlike spouses, parents, or minor children, siblings are not considered “immediate relatives.” Instead, they fall under the Family Fourth Preference (F4) visa category, which has annual numerical limits.

Because of these limits, waiting times can be extremely long—often more than 15 to 20 years, especially for applicants from high-demand countries such as India, Mexico, China, and the Philippines.

Eligibility to Sponsor a Sibling

The sponsor must be a US citizen aged 21 or older, either by birth or naturalisation. They must show proof of citizenship through a passport, birth certificate, or naturalisation certificate.

To qualify as siblings, both individuals must share at least one parent. This can include biological, half, step, or adopted siblings, provided the relationship was legally established before age 18 (or age 16 in adoption cases).

Sponsors must also later prove their financial ability to support the immigrant sibling by submitting Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support). Their income must meet the minimum federal poverty guidelines for their household size.

Filing Process and Costs

Each sibling requires a separate Form I-130, which can be filed online or by mail. The 2025 filing fee is $625 online or $675 by mail. Documents such as both siblings’ birth certificates, proof of relationship, and translations (if needed) must be submitted.

Once filed, USCIS issues a receipt notice with a priority date, which determines the sibling’s place in the queue. Even after approval, applicants must wait until their priority date becomes current in the US State Department’s Visa Bulletin before applying for a visa.

Visa Processing and Wait Times

When the petition becomes current, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further documentation, visa fee payments, and interviews. Depending on the sibling’s location, they may go through consular processing abroad or adjustment of status if already in the US legally.

However, sibling petitions do not grant any interim benefits like work rights or temporary stay. Applicants must wait outside the US until a visa becomes available.

Read more: U.S. Green Card Lottery 2027: State Department to Revise Entry Process.

Conclusion

Sponsoring a sibling for a US green card is a long-term commitment requiring patience, accuracy, and financial preparation. While it allows families to reunite, the F4 visa category’s strict limits mean most applicants face waits stretching over many years. Understanding the process, keeping documents ready, and tracking the Visa Bulletin regularly are key to ensuring a smooth path to family reunification.

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