👨👧👦 As a U.S. citizen, you have the right to help your brothers and sisters immigrate to the United States—through the F4 family preference category. However, this is one of the most backlogged categories in the family-based immigration system.
In this article, we walk you through who qualifies, what’s required, and how BorderlessLawyers can help you petition for your sibling confidently.
Who Can File?
✅ You must be:
-
A U.S. citizen (not just a green card holder)
-
At least 21 years old
✅ Your sibling can be:
-
A biological sibling
-
A half-sibling (same mother or father)
-
A step-sibling (if the legal step-relationship was formed before age 18)
-
An adopted sibling (if adoption occurred before age 16)
❌ Green card holders cannot sponsor siblings.
The Process: Step-by-Step
1. File Form I-130
-
This establishes your sibling relationship
-
Include evidence such as birth certificates showing shared parent(s)
-
Each sibling needs their own I-130 petition
2. Wait for a Visa Number
-
The F4 category is heavily backlogged
-
Current wait time: 15–20 years, depending on country of origin
-
You must track the Visa Bulletin monthly for priority dates
3. Green Card Application
-
Once the priority date becomes current:
-
If abroad: Consular Processing with Form DS-260
-
If in U.S.: Adjustment of Status with Form I-485 (rare in sibling cases)
-
Required Documents
📄 For the I-130 Petition:
-
Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, certificate, etc.)
-
Your birth certificate
-
Sibling’s birth certificate
-
Proof of shared parent(s)
-
If step- or adopted sibling: legal proof of relationship
-
Filing fee: $535
📄 At Green Card Stage:
-
Police certificates, medical exam
-
Proof of financial sponsorship (Form I-864)
-
Civil and identity documents
Important Considerations
⏳ Long Wait Time
This is the longest of all family-sponsored categories. Waits can exceed 20 years for countries like the Philippines, Mexico, and India.
💍 Derivative Beneficiaries
Your sibling’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 can immigrate with them once their petition becomes current.
🔁 Maintain Updated Contact
Your sibling may relocate or change status during the waiting period. We track this to avoid delays or denials.
🛂 Immigration History Review
If your sibling has ever overstayed, entered without inspection, or has immigration violations, we offer strategic legal planning.
How BorderlessLawyers Helps
🧾 We provide:
-
Accurate I-130 filing with all relationship proof
-
Country-specific wait time strategies
-
Updates and alerts on Visa Bulletin movement
-
Full green card processing and consular support
-
Waivers or legal solutions for complex family histories
FAQs
Q: Can I sponsor my sibling if I’m a green card holder?
No. Only U.S. citizens age 21+ can petition for siblings.
Q: Can my sibling bring their family?
Yes, their spouse and minor children can immigrate with them when the green card is approved.
Q: What if our parent names are slightly different?
We’ll help resolve these discrepancies with affidavits or secondary evidence.
Reunite with Your Siblings—Even If It Takes Time
While long, the process is worth the wait. With our experienced attorneys guiding every stage, BorderlessLawyers ensures your sibling’s immigration journey is secure and streamlined.