Key Takeaways
• U.S. citizens 21+ can sponsor siblings under F4 category with a $535 I-130 filing fee.
• Processing takes about 14 months; priority dates may delay visas from 10 to 20+ years.
• Final steps include NVC processing, consular interview, visa issuance, and green card arrival.
Bringing your siblings to the United States 🇺🇸 through family-sponsored immigration is a journey that requires patience, careful planning, and a clear understanding of each step. As of July 2025, this process remains one of the longest and most complex in the U.S. immigration system. If you are a U.S. citizen hoping to reunite with your brother or sister, it’s important to know what to expect, how long each stage might take, and what actions you and your sibling need to take along the way. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from checking if you’re eligible to the moment your sibling receives their green card and beyond.
Overview of the Family-Sponsored Immigration Process for Siblings
The U.S. government allows citizens to sponsor their siblings for permanent residency under the F4 family preference category. However, this category faces some of the longest wait times due to annual limits and high demand, especially for applicants from countries like Mexico 🇲🇽, India 🇮🇳, and the Philippines 🇵🇭. The process involves several steps, each with its own requirements and estimated timeframes. Let’s break down the journey so you know what to expect at every stage.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility to Sponsor a Sibling
Before you start, make sure you meet the basic requirements:
- You must be a U.S. citizen (not just a green card holder).
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- Your sibling must share at least one biological or adoptive parent with you. This includes full siblings, half-siblings, and adopted siblings (if the adoption took place before the child turned 16).
- Permanent residents (green card holders) cannot sponsor siblings.
If you meet these requirements, you can move forward. If not, you’ll need to wait until you become a U.S. citizen or explore other immigration options.
Step 2: File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
The first official step is to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form tells the government you want to sponsor your sibling for a green card.
What you need to do:
- Complete Form I-130 carefully. Double-check every answer to avoid mistakes that could cause delays.
- Gather supporting documents:
- Proof of your U.S. citizenship (such as a passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate).
- Proof of your relationship with your sibling (birth certificates for both of you showing at least one common parent, or adoption records if applicable).
- Pay the filing fee. As of 2025, the fee is $535. Check the USCIS fee schedule for updates.
- Mail the form and documents to the correct USCIS address listed on the form instructions.
What to expect:
USCIS will send you a receipt notice confirming they received your petition. Keep this notice safe—it contains your case number, which you’ll use to track your case.
Step 3: USCIS Processing of Form I-130
Once USCIS receives your Form I-130, they will review your petition and supporting documents. They may ask for more evidence if something is missing or unclear.
Estimated timeframe:
As of mid-2025, the average processing time for I-130 petitions in the F4 category is about 14 months. However, this can vary depending on USCIS workload and your specific case.
What you need to do:
– Respond quickly if USCIS asks for more information.
– Make sure your contact information stays up to date with USCIS.
What to expect:
If your petition is approved, USCIS will send you an approval notice and forward your case to the National Visa Center (NVC). If denied, they will explain why and whether you can appeal.
Step 4: Wait for Your Priority Date to Become Current
This is the longest and most challenging part of the process. After USCIS approves your I-130 petition, your sibling is placed in line for a visa based on their “priority date”—the date USCIS received your petition.
Why the wait is so long:
– The U.S. government limits the number of green cards for siblings each year.
– Demand far exceeds supply, especially for certain countries.
– As of January 2025, the priority date for siblings from Mexico 🇲🇽 was April 30, 2001. This means people who applied more than 20 years ago are just now able to move forward.
Estimated wait time:
– 10 to over 20 years depending on your sibling’s country of birth.
What you need to do:
– Regularly check the Visa Bulletin published monthly by the U.S. Department of State. This bulletin shows which priority dates are currently being processed for each country.
– Keep your contact information current with both USCIS and the NVC.
– Notify the NVC of any changes in your sibling’s situation (such as marriage, address, or name changes).
What to expect:
You and your sibling will not need to take any action during this waiting period, but staying informed is key. If your sibling marries or has children during this time, those family members may be able to immigrate with them as “derivative beneficiaries” when the time comes.
Step 5: Prepare and Submit Visa Application to the National Visa Center (NVC)
When your sibling’s priority date becomes current, the NVC will contact you and your sibling with instructions for the next steps.
What you need to do:
- Complete Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Electronic Application) online.
- Pay the required visa fees.
- Submit civil documents such as birth certificates, police certificates, and marriage certificates (if applicable).
- Submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This form shows you can financially support your sibling and prevent them from becoming a public charge. Find the official Form I-864 here.
- Gather and upload all required documents to the NVC’s online system.
What to expect:
The NVC will review your documents and may ask for more information if anything is missing or unclear. Once everything is complete, they will schedule your sibling’s interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
Step 6: Attend the Consular Interview
Your sibling will attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of residence. This is a key step where a consular officer will decide if your sibling qualifies for an immigrant visa.
What your sibling needs to do:
- Bring all original documents and copies, including the appointment letter, passport, birth certificate, police certificates, medical exam results, and any other requested paperwork.
- Complete a medical examination by a doctor approved by the embassy or consulate.
- Answer questions honestly about their background, relationship to you, and plans in the United States 🇺🇸.
What to expect:
The consular officer may approve the visa on the spot, ask for more information, or refuse the visa if there are problems. Common reasons for refusal include missing documents, concerns about fraud, or inadmissibility due to criminal or immigration history.
Step 7: Visa Issuance and Entry to the United States 🇺🇸
If the visa is approved, your sibling will receive their passport with the immigrant visa inside. They must enter the United States 🇺🇸 before the visa expires, which is usually six months from the date of the medical exam.
What your sibling needs to do:
- Book travel to the United States 🇺🇸 before the visa expiration date.
- Present their visa packet to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry.
- Answer any questions from the CBP officer about their plans and background.
What to expect:
Upon entry, your sibling will become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). The CBP officer will stamp their passport to show their new status.
Step 8: Receive the Green Card
After arriving in the United States 🇺🇸, your sibling’s green card will be mailed to the U.S. address provided during the application process. This usually takes a few weeks.
What your sibling needs to do:
- Make sure the mailing address is correct and up to date.
- Keep the green card safe—it is proof of their legal status.
What to expect:
The green card allows your sibling to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸 permanently.
Step 9: Maintain Permanent Resident Status
Becoming a green card holder comes with responsibilities. Your sibling must:
- Live in the United States 🇺🇸 most of the time. Extended trips abroad (over six months) can put their status at risk.
- Obey all U.S. laws.
- Renew the green card every 10 years.
- File taxes as a resident.
After five years as a permanent resident, your sibling may apply for U.S. citizenship if they meet all requirements, including good moral character, continuous residence, and knowledge of English and U.S. civics.
Step 10: Plan for Long Wait Times and Seek Legal Help if Needed
The family-sponsored immigration process for siblings is known for its long wait times and complex paperwork. It’s easy to make mistakes that can cause delays or denials.
What you should do:
- Keep all records and notices from USCIS and the NVC.
- Regularly check the Visa Bulletin for updates on your sibling’s priority date.
- Consider consulting an immigration attorney to help with complicated cases, changes in family circumstances, or if you receive a request for evidence or notice of intent to deny.
- Stay informed about any changes in immigration law or policy that could affect your case.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, immigration law experts stress the importance of filing all forms correctly the first time and monitoring the Visa Bulletin each month. Legal guidance can help you avoid common pitfalls and keep your case on track.
Estimated Timeline Summary
Here’s a quick look at the typical timeline for bringing a sibling to the United States 🇺🇸:
- Eligibility check: Immediate
- Form I-130 filing and USCIS processing: About 14 months
- Waiting for priority date to become current: 10 to 20+ years (varies by country)
- NVC processing and document submission: 2-6 months after priority date is current
- Consular interview and visa issuance: 1-3 months after NVC approval
- Entry to the United States 🇺🇸 and green card arrival: Within 6 months of visa issuance; green card arrives a few weeks after entry
Total time from start to finish:
Usually 10 to 20+ years, mostly spent waiting for the priority date to become current.
Practical Tips for a Smoother Process
- Double-check all forms and documents before submitting.
- Respond quickly to any requests from USCIS or the NVC.
- Keep your contact information up to date with all agencies.
- Monitor your sibling’s priority date using the Visa Bulletin.
- Seek legal advice if you’re unsure about any part of the process.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always use official government resources:
- USCIS Form I-130 page: Official instructions and form download
- Visa Bulletin: Monthly updates on priority dates
- National Visa Center: Information on document processing and interviews
Final Thoughts
Bringing your siblings to the United States 🇺🇸 through family-sponsored immigration is a long and often emotional journey. The process can take many years, and the rules can change over time. By staying organized, keeping up with official updates, and seeking help when needed, you can give your sibling the best chance of joining you in the United States 🇺🇸. Remember, patience and careful attention to detail are your best tools for success.
Learn Today
Form I-130 → A USCIS petition used by U.S. citizens to sponsor relatives for permanent residency.
Priority Date → The date USCIS receives a petition, determining the applicant’s place in visa queue.
National Visa Center → Government office that processes immigrant visa applications after USCIS approval.
Derivative Beneficiaries → Family members eligible to immigrate alongside a primary visa applicant.
Affidavit of Support → Form I-864 demonstrating the sponsor’s ability to financially support the immigrant.
This Article in a Nutshell
Bringing siblings to the U.S. requires patience due to long waits, complex steps, and strict eligibility. Citizens file Form I-130, endure years-long waits for visa availability, then complete interviews and paperwork. Proper preparation and legal guidance improve success chances, enabling reunion despite challenges spanning decades.
— By VisaVerge.com
