Outlook Business Desk
US citizens aged 21 or older can now sponsor their siblings for a green card. This is a lengthy process under US immigration law, as siblings fall under the family preference system, not immediate relatives.
Visa availability depends on the sibling’s country of origin and the priority date listed in the monthly US Department of State Visa Bulletin. High-demand countries like India, Mexico, China or the Philippines face long waits.
Only US citizens can sponsor siblings. They must be 21 or older and provide proof of citizenship via passport, birth certificate, naturalisation certificate or certificate of citizenship. Green card holders cannot sponsor siblings.
Siblings must share at least one parent. Biological, adopted, step and half-siblings qualify if the relationship was established before age 18. Required documents include birth certificates, adoption records and proof of any name changes.
Sponsors are required to submit Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to prove they can financially support their sibling and any dependents. Income must meet federal poverty guidelines for the household size to ensure support.
Meanwhile, sibling visas fall under the Family Fourth Preference (F4) category, with an annual limit of about 65,000. Due to high demand, wait times often exceed 15–20 years for countries like India and the Philippines.
The priority date, set when the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives the I-130 petition, determines your sibling’s place in the visa queue. For many countries, the Visa Bulletin shows waits exceeding 10 to 20 years.
To sponsor a sibling, file Form I-130 online or by mail with proof of US citizenship, both siblings birth certificates, relationship evidence and certified translations if required. Each sibling needs a separate petition with fees of $625–$675.
After USCIS approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center. Sponsors submit Form I-864, DS-260, and civil documents. Siblings attend a visa interview abroad or adjust status in the US if eligible, completing the permanent residency process.