Who Can Sponsor a Sibling to Come to the U.S.?
Many immigrants are eager to sponsor family members to come join them in the U.S. Immigration law allows siblings to immigrate through family-based immigration petitions; but only citizens can sponsor a sibling, and the process is very long. Contact The Law Office of Jason M. Sullivan if you have questions about sponsoring family members to come live with you.
Who Can Sponsor a Sibling?
A U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years of age can sponsor a sibling for a green card using the F4 family preference category. Siblings can sponsor half-siblings (who share only one parent) and step siblings.
However, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) cannot sponsor a sibling. This ability is reserved only for citizens. If you are not yet a citizen, this might be one reason you seek naturalization.
What are the Steps Involved in Sponsoring a Sibling?
- File Form I-130 with USCIS
The citizen must file this form, called Petition for Alien Relative. You will also need supporting evidence and documentation to establish the familial relationship. Some documents include:
- Proof the sponsor is a U.S. citizen
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates (if sponsoring a half sibling or step sibling)
- Adoption records (if the sibling was adopted)
- Wait for USCIS to Review
If USCIS needs more information, they will reach out and tell you what documents are missing. Once approved, your sibling is placed on the visa waiting list.
- Wait for Visa Number to Become Available
The U.S. sets quotas for sibling visas, and there is always more demand than availability. Some siblings will wait a long time to come to the U.S., up to 20 years in some cases.
Before beginning the process, talk with an attorney about alternatives. For example, your sibling might be able to come to the U.S. on a work visa or have employment-based sponsorship for a green card. Because the wait for an F4 visa is so long, families should fully review all alternatives.
- Undergo Processing with the National Visa Center
Once a visa number is available, your application is forwarded to the National Visa Center. At this stage, you typically must pay fees, provide supporting documents, complete additional forms, and undergo a medical exam.
- Participate in a Consular Interview or Adjust Status
Most siblings are outside the U.S., so the final step before approval is to undergo consular processing in their home country. This step requires attending an interview at a consulate or embassy near you.
Alternatives for Siblings
Given the extended wait times, some of our clients will pursue different avenues. One is to see if you can obtain an employment-based immigration petition. In that case, the sponsor is an employer, not your family member. Other alternatives could include coming to the U.S. if a sibling has been the victim of a crime or if they can seek asylum or refugee status.
Call Our Office for Individualized Advice
Attorney Sullivan has been helping immigrants and their families for decades. You deserve accurate, timely legal advice, so reach out to speak with our Portsmouth, New Hampshire or Miami, Florida immigration lawyer.