How to bring your brother or sister to the United States as a permanent resident (green card holder). In this article we will discuss the process and frequently asked questions. Our firm is passionate about family reunification and we understand the impact of having a sibling in the same country.
Can a permanent resident sponsor a brother or sister for US permanent residency?
- Only US citizens can sponsor a sibling for permanent residency. If you are a permanent resident, you will need to naturalize before you can start the process of petitioning your sibling.
What is the process for petitioning your brother or sister to the United States?
- First, you file the petition to establish that there is a qualifying relationship.
- Then, you wait for a visa to become available based on your priority date.
- When a visa for your sibling becomes available, you may apply for an immigrant visa via a consulate or embassy abroad or you may apply to adjust their status if they are already in the United States.
What evidence do I need to sponsor my sibling for US permanent residency?
- You must provide evidence that you have at least one parent in common.
- If applicable, may also need adoption decree and marriage records.
- The sponsor must be able to show proof of US citizenship.
- The sponsor must show proof that they are at least 21 years of age.
- Proof of name change, if applicable.
- The sponsor will need to show evidence that they can financially support your own family and your siblings’ family. The threshold is typically 125% of the poverty level in the United States for the household size. The household size will include both the sponsor’s family and the sibling’s family.
- Your sibling and their family will need to pass background checks and prove that they are not inadmissible to the United States.
How long does the process to bring your brother or sister to the United States take?
- There are a limited number of visas available each year for siblings. This means that it can take several years for a visa to become available.
- The preference category for siblings is F4. Each month, USCIS releases a visa bulletin with the estimated wait time.
- For most people, the process takes at least 10 years for a visa to become available.
- As of 2024, the estimated wait time for siblings born outside of Mexico, India and the Philippines is approximately 17 years.
- As of 2024 the estimated wait time for siblings born in Mexico, India and the Philippines is longer, 17-25 years.
- For this reason, it is recommended that filing is done as soon as possible to save your place in line.
Can my sibling move to the United States while their petition is pending?
- It depends. The petition does not make them eligible for permanent residency until a visa becomes available.
- In the meantime, they may have a harder time entering the US on temporary status unless they have strong ties to their home country and evidence that they will not overstay their status.
- They may be able to apply for temporary status such as a TN visa, if eligible. This would allow them to live in the United States while they wait.
- Your sibling will need to show temporary intent to be eligible for temporary visas.
What if my sibling changes their mind after a visa becomes available?
- If your sibling decides they no longer wish to immigrate to the United States when a visa becomes available, they would simply not apply for an immigrant visa when eligible.
How much does the process cost?
Here is an example for what it could cost if your sibling is living abroad:
- Family petition I-130 form - $675 (this is the fee needed to get the process started).
- Financial Support I-864 form - $120 (once a visa becomes available).
- State Department Processing - $325 (once a visa becomes available).
- USCIS immigrant fee - $235 (once a visa becomes available).
- Medical exam - cost varies (once a visa becomes available).
- Total - $1340
- *Please note that fees change over time and will likely be different by the time a visa becomes available, especially given the long wait times.
Can my sibling(s) also bring their family (spouse and kids) with them?
- Yes, their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age will be able to join them.
- They do not require separate petitions.
Do I have to live in the US to sponsor my sibling for US permanent residency?
- The US sponsor will need to show that they currently live or have intentions to live in the United States when a visa becomes available.
What if I still have questions or want help with the process to bring my sibling to the United States?
If you still have questions or want help with the process, please schedule a strategy session here.