Sponsoring a Sibling for U.S. Immigration

At Shah & Kishore, we understand the deep bonds between siblings and the desire to reunite families across borders. While U.S. immigration law allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their brothers and sisters for permanent residency, this category faces some of the longest wait times due to annual quotas and visa backlogs.

Sibling sponsorship falls under the Family Fourth Preference (F4) category, which is subject to numerical limits and country-specific caps. As a result, wait times can range from 15 to 20+ years, especially for siblings from countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines. These delays are driven by the priority date system and the limited number of visas allocated annually under the family-based quota.

Despite these challenges, our firm is committed to helping families explore creative and strategic alternatives. In many cases, we can identify nonimmigrant visa options such as student, employment-based, or business visas that allow your sibling to enter the U.S. much sooner. We also evaluate whether your sibling may qualify for a green card through employment, investment, or extraordinary ability, either in lieu of or concurrently with the family-based petition.

Given the complexity of these cases and the long-term planning involved, it is essential to work with an experienced immigration attorney who can assess your sibling’s full immigration profile and recommend the most efficient path forward. Our team will help you file the Form I-130, track the priority date, and explore faster options to bring your loved one to the United States.

Step-by-Step: Sponsoring a Sibling for a Green Card

Eligibility

  • Only U.S. citizens aged 21 or older can sponsor a sibling.
  • Lawful permanent residents cannot sponsor siblings.

Step 1: File Form I-130

  • Submit Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) to USCIS.
  • Include proof of the sibling relationship (e.g., birth certificates showing shared parentage).
  • Once approved, the petition is assigned a priority date the date USCIS receives the I-130.

 Step 2: Wait for Priority Date to Become Current

  • Sibling petitions fall under the F4 family preference category, which is subject to annual visa quotas.
  • Due to high demand and limited availability, wait times can exceed 15–20 years, especially for countries with high immigration rates like India, Mexico, and the Philippines.
  • The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, shows when a priority date becomes current.

Step 3: Consular Processing

  • Once the priority date is current, the sibling applies for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.
  • Upon approval and entry into the U.S., they become a lawful permanent resident.

Step 4: Affidavit of Support

  • The sponsoring U.S. citizen must submit Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) during the consular process.
  • This form demonstrates the sponsor’s financial ability to support the sibling and prevent them from becoming a public charge.
  • The sponsor must meet 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and provide supporting financial documentation.

Long Wait Times & Strategic Alternatives

Due to the extensive delays in the F4 category, many families seek faster alternatives to bring siblings to the U.S. These may include:

Concurrent or Alternative Options

  1. Employment-Based Green Cards
    If your sibling has specialized skills, advanced degrees, or extraordinary abilities, they may qualify for an employment-based immigrant visa (EB-2, EB-3, or EB-1).
  2. Student Visas (F-1)
    Your sibling may enter the U.S. to pursue higher education, allowing them to live and study here while the family-based petition is pending.
  3. Work Visas (H-1B, O-1, L-1)
    If your sibling secures a job offer from a U.S. employer, they may qualify for a temporary work visa.
  4. Investor Visas (E-2 or EB-5)
    If your sibling has the financial means to invest in a U.S. business, they may be eligible for a visa or green card through investment.
  5. Extraordinary Ability or National Interest Waiver
    For siblings with exceptional achievements in science, arts, business, or athletics, these pathways may offer faster access to permanent residency.

Contact Us for a Personalized Strategy

At Shah & Kishore, we don’t just file petitions we build long-term immigration strategies. If you’re considering sponsoring a sibling, contact our office to explore parallel or alternative pathways that may bring your loved one to the U.S. much sooner. We’ll assess your sibling’s qualifications, goals, and immigration history to craft the most effective plan.