How U.S. Citizens Can Petition for Brothers and Sisters
Petitioning for Your Sibling
Are you a U.S. citizen who wants to bring your foreign-born brother or sister to the United States? You may be eligible to petition for your sibling—and their spouse and unmarried children under 21—to receive a green card and become lawful permanent residents. However, this process involves strict requirements and one of the longest waiting periods in family-based immigration.
If you’re exploring how to sponsor a sibling for U.S. immigration, this guide explains everything you need to know, from eligibility and timeline to application steps and legal support.
Who Can File a Sibling Petition?
To petition for a sibling as a U.S. citizen, you must:
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Be a U.S. citizen (green card holders cannot sponsor siblings)
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Be at least 21 years of age
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Be willing to financially support your sibling and their qualifying family members
It’s important to understand that lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible to file a sibling petition. If you are a permanent resident and wish to bring your sibling to the U.S., you must first apply for U.S. citizenship.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card for a Sibling?
The sibling category is part of the F4 family preference category—the lowest priority in the family-based immigration system. Because demand far exceeds the annual visa cap, the wait time can be substantial.
Typical Wait Times:
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Most countries: At least 10–15 years
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Mexico, India, and the Philippines: Often 20–25 years or more, due to country-specific visa limits
Once your petition is filed, your sibling will receive a priority date—this marks their place in line. Visa availability is determined by the Visa Bulletin published monthly by the U.S. Department of State.
Financial Requirements for Sponsoring a Sibling
When your sibling’s priority date becomes current, and they’re ready to apply for an immigrant visa, you must demonstrate the ability to financially support them. This involves filing an Affidavit of Support, showing that your household income is at least 125% of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines.
Steps to Petition a Sibling
The process to bring a sibling to the United States begins with filing a Petition for Alien Relative, along with supporting documents:
Documents Needed:
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Proof of your U.S. citizenship (e.g., U.S. passport, naturalization certificate)
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Your birth certificate and your sibling’s birth certificate (must show at least one parent in common)
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Evidence of any name changes (e.g., marriage certificates, court orders)
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Filing fee (set by USCIS)
After USCIS approves the petition, your sibling’s priority date is established. They will then wait—sometimes for many years—until a visa becomes available.
Important Note:
To immigrate with your sibling, their children must:
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Be unmarried
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Be under the age of 21 at the time of entry into the U.S.
If a child marries or ages out before the green card is issued, they may lose eligibility under this petition.
What Happens When a Visa Becomes Available?
Once the priority date becomes current, your sibling (and their eligible family members) will be invited to complete the final steps for U.S. immigration:
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Consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad
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Medical exams and interviews
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Immigrant visas are issued upon approval
Upon entry into the U.S., your sibling and their family become lawful permanent residents. Their green cards typically arrive by mail a few weeks later.
Need Help Filing a Sibling Petition?
Petitioning for a sibling is complex and time-sensitive. Mistakes in paperwork or misunderstanding of deadlines can cause unnecessary delays—especially given the already long wait.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll guide you through the entire process, ensure your petition is accurate and complete, and help you minimize any avoidable delays. With our experience in family immigration, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
📞 Call us now at 702-426-4503
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