Green Card Sponsorship for Siblings – A Green Card,also officially known as permanent resident card, is an identity card which allows individuals to live and work permanently in the United States. Holders of green card are also called as lawful permanent residents (LPRs). U.S. citizens can sponsor their siblings (brothers and sisters) for a Green Card under the Family-Based Immigration category.
However, this process is complex, time-consuming, and involves several legal requirements. The sibling category falls under the F4 visa preference group, which has longer processing times compared to immediate relatives like spouses or children of U.S. citizens. This blog “Green Card Sponsorship for Siblings ” explains the eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, waiting times, and potential challenges of sponsoring a sibling for a U.S. Green Card.
Green Card Sponsorship for Siblings – Eligibility
To sponsor a sibling for the U.S. Green Card, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
Sponsor Must Be a U.S. Citizen
- Only U.S. citizens aged 21 or older can sponsor their siblings.
- Green Card holders (permanent residents) cannot sponsor siblings.
Proof of Sibling Relationship
The sponsor and the sibling must share at least one common biological or adoptive parent.
Eligible relationships include:
- Full Siblings: Same mother and father.
- Half-Siblings: Same mother or father but different other parent.
- Step-Siblings: If their parents were married before either sibling turned 18.
- Adopted Siblings: If both were legally adopted before the age of 16.
Financial Support Requirement
The sponsor must meet minimum income requirements to file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and prove they can financially support their sibling in the U.S.
Availability of a Visa Number
- Sibling Green Cards fall under the F4 family preference category, which has annual visa limits.
- Due to high demand, applicants from certain countries (India, Mexico, the Philippines) face longer waiting times.
Step-by-Step Process to Sponsor a Sibling for a Green Card
Filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative):The sponsorship process begins by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the family relationship between the U.S. citizen and their sibling.
Documents required for I-130:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate).
- Birth certificates of both the petitioner and the sibling to show a common parent.
- If sponsoring a half-sibling, proof of a common biological parent and any marriage/divorce records of parents.
- For adopted siblings, legal adoption documents proving the relationship before the age of 16.
- For step-siblings, proof of the parents’ marriage before either sibling turned 18.
USCIS Processing and Approval
Once the I-130 petition is submitted, USCIS reviews the application, which can take several months to years due to high demand in the sibling category. If approved, the petition is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
Waiting for a Visa Number
The F4 category (siblings of U.S. citizens) is subject to annual visa limits, meaning applicants must wait for a visa number to become available. The waiting period varies based on the applicant’s country of origin, sometimes taking 10–15 years or more. The U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin provides updates on visa availability.
Completing Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application)
Once a visa number is available, the sibling must submit Form DS-260, the online application for an immigrant visa. This form requires biographical details, employment history, and information about previous U.S. visits.
Submitting Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
The U.S. citizen sponsor must complete Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to show financial ability to support the sibling. The petitioner must meet the 125% Federal Poverty Guidelines to prove they can financially sustain their sibling in the U.S.
Medical Examination and Visa Interview
The sibling must undergo a medical examination by a certified U.S. embassy-approved doctor and attend an interview at the U.S. consulate in their home country. During the interview, the consular officer assesses the validity of the relationship and ensures the sibling meets immigration requirements.
Visa Approval and Green Card Issuance
If the application is approved, the sibling receives an immigrant visa to enter the U.S. Upon arrival, they receive their Green Card, allowing them to live and work permanently in the country.
Processing Time for Sibling Sponsorship
The sibling Green Card process takes longer than other family-sponsored immigration categories due to visa quotas. Estimated processing times:
- I-130 Petition Processing: 6 months to 2 years.
- Waiting for Visa Availability: 10–15 years (or longer for countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines).
- NVC Processing and Interview: 6 months to 1 year.
- Total Timeframe: 10–20 years depending on the sibling’s country of origin.
Challenges and Limitations
- Long Waiting Periods – The F4 visa category has significant delays due to limited annual quotas. Siblings from high-demand countries face longer wait times.
- Financial Responsibility – The sponsor must prove financial stability to support their sibling in the U.S.
- Complex Documentation – Proving the sibling relationship can be challenging, especially for half-siblings, step-siblings, or adopted siblings.
- Changes in Immigration Policies – U.S. immigration laws can change, impacting processing times and eligibility criteria.
Alternative Immigration Options for Siblings
Due to the long wait times for sibling Green Cards, applicants may consider alternative routes, such as:
- Employment-Based Visas (H-1B, EB-2, EB-3): If the sibling qualifies for a U.S. job, they can apply for a work visa, which may lead to a Green Card.
- Student Visa (F-1 Visa): A sibling can enter the U.S. as a student and later transition to a work visa or employment-based Green Card.
- Diversity Visa Lottery: Some applicants may qualify for the annual Green Card lottery if their country of birth is eligible.
Benefits of Green Card Sponsorship for Siblings
- Permanent Residency – The sponsored sibling can live, work, and travel freely in the U.S.
- Path to U.S. Citizenship – After five years of permanent residency, the sibling can apply for U.S. citizenship.
- Family Reunification – The process allows families to stay together and support each other in the U.S.
- Educational and Employment Opportunities – Green Card holders have access to better education and job prospects in the U.S.
Conclusion
Sponsoring a sibling for a U.S. Green Card is a meaningful way to reunite families, but it requires patience and careful planning. The process involves proving your relationship, meeting financial requirements, and waiting for visa availability. Since sibling Green Cards fall under the family preference category, the waiting time can be long, especially for applicants from certain countries.
However, once approved, your sibling will have the opportunity to live, work, and build a future in the U.S. While the process may seem complex, following the correct steps and staying updated on immigration rules can help make it smoother.