Green Card for Siblings
Green Cards for Siblings: How U.S. Citizens Can Sponsor a Brother or Sister
At Law Offices of Monica Jara-Aguirre, we help U.S. citizens reunite with siblings through the F4 family preference category—a long-term but rewarding immigration process.
Who Can Sponsor a Sibling?
- You must be:
- A U.S. citizen (green card holders cannot sponsor siblings)
- At least 21 years old
- Eligible siblings include:
- Biological brothers/sisters
- Half-siblings (share one parent)
- Step-siblings (if relationship formed before age 18)
- Adopted siblings (if adoption finalized before age 16)
The F4 Visa Process: Step by Step
1. File Form I-130
- Submit proof of:
- Your U.S. citizenship (passport, naturalization certificate)
- Sibling relationship (birth certificates, adoption papers)
- Priority date = Filing date (this determines your place in line)
2. Wait for Visa Availability
- Current Wait Times (2024):
- Worldwide: ~14-16 years
- Mexico: ~20+ years
- Philippines ~20+ years
- We track the Visa Bulletin monthly and notify you when your priority date nears.
3. Complete Consular Processing (Most Common)
- Case transfers to National Visa Center (NVC)
- Sibling attends interview at U.S. embassy/consulate abroad
- Medical exam + background checks required
4. Green Card Approval
- Sibling receives immigrant visa to enter U.S.
- Green card mailed after arrival
Key Challenges & Solutions
- Aging-Out of Derivative Benefits
- If your sibling’s child turns 21+ during processing, they may lose eligibility.
- Solution: We apply Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) to freeze their age.
- Documenting Complex Family Ties
- For adopted/half/step-siblings, USCIS requires extra proof.
- Solution: We gather court decrees, marriage certificates, and affidavits.
- Long Processing Times
- Cases can take decades—must keep contact info updated with USCIS.
- Solution: We monitor your case for 20+ years, ensuring no lapse.
Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer?
- Avoid Denials – We prove complex family relationships (adoptions, half-siblings).
- Long-Term Case Management– Track your case for decades.
- CSPA Protection–Prevent children from aging out.
- Visa Bulletin Strategy – Know when to expect movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. 1 :Can my sibling’s spouse and kids come too?
Yes! Derivative beneficiaries (spouse/unmarried children under 21) can immigrate together.
Q. 2 : What if my sibling is already in the U.S.?
If their priority date becomes current, they may adjust status (I-485)—but this is rare due to long waits.
Q. 3 :Can I speed up the process?
No—F4 has fixed quotas. However, we ensure no delays due to paperwork errors.
Q. 4 : What if I naturalize after filing?
No change—you must already be a U.S. citizen when filing I-130.
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