Obtaining a Green Card for Siblings
If you are a U.S. citizen wishing to help your brother or sister obtain lawful permanent residence, you may be eligible to petition for a green card for siblings of U.S. citizens. This process allows families to reunite in the United States, though it involves specific requirements and can take several years due to visa limitations.
Whether you are a U.S. citizen petitioner or a sibling beneficiary, Natalia Darancou Law can assist you with preparing your application, submitting required documentation, and guiding you through each stage of the process with clarity and care.
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Who Can Apply for a Green Card for Their Siblings?
U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old are eligible to petition for their siblings to receive a green card. This includes both biological siblings, as well as step-siblings or adoptive siblings, provided the legal relationship was established before the applicable age limits.
Additionally, the sibling beneficiary’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old may also be included in the petition as derivative beneficiaries.
How to Apply for a Green Card for Siblings
The application process for a sibling green card involves several important steps:
- Filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
The U.S. citizen petitioner starts by filing Form I-130 to prove the sibling relationship, including evidence like birth certificates. - Wait for USCIS Processing
After submission, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews the petition. Approval places the sibling in a queue for a visa number. - Check Visa Bulletin for Availability
The sibling’s ability to apply for a green card depends on visa number availability, which is updated monthly in the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin. This is a bulk of the I-130 processing time for siblings. - File Form DS-260 or Form I-485
- Once a visa becomes available, the sibling can apply for permanent residence. If they’re living outside the United States, they complete Form DS-260 through consular processing. If they’re already inside the U.S., they may instead file Form I-485 to adjust their status without leaving the country.
- Attend the Interview and Await Decision
The sibling will attend an interview where officials verify their eligibility. A final decision is issued after the interview.
Each step requires careful attention to ensure compliance, and a minor mistake could lead to delays or denials. That’s why having an experienced green card lawyer can make a significant difference.
U.S. Citizen Filing for a Brother or Sister: Processing Time Explained
The U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister processing time can vary significantly, often taking many years from start to finish. Several factors affect how long it takes, including USCIS workload, country of origin, and visa availability.
After submitting Form I-130, the approval process for siblings typically takes several months to a few years, depending on which USCIS service center handles the case. Once approved, the case enters the F4 family preference category, which has annual visa limits. Because of these limits, siblings from high-demand countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines may face waits that exceed 10–15 years before a visa becomes available.
How to Reduce the I-130 Processing Time for Siblings
While you can’t skip ahead in the visa line, there are practical ways to avoid unnecessary delays in the I-130 processing time for siblings. Start by ensuring your petition is complete, accurate, and well-documented when first submitted—missing signatures, outdated forms, or inconsistent information can add months to your timeline.
Respond promptly to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) from USCIS and keep your address and contact details updated so you don’t miss critical notices. Submitting digital copies where possible and tracking your case online through the USCIS Case Status portal can also help you stay ahead of updates.
Finally, working with an experienced immigration attorney ensures your petition is filed correctly the first time and that you’re guided through each stage—helping reduce preventable delays and keeping your sibling’s green card process moving forward.
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Reuniting with Your Sibling?
U.S. citizens looking to obtaining a green card for siblings is a valuable opportunity to reunite families, but it requires patience, accuracy, and careful preparation.
If you’re ready to begin or have questions about your case, Natalia Darancou Law can help you file your petition correctly, stay compliant with immigration requirements, and ensure that every step of your sibling’s green card process is handled efficiently and professionally. Schedule a consultation today!
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