Many U.S. citizens wish to sponsor their siblings for permanent residency in the United States. While the process is legally permitted, it involves long waiting times and multiple stages. In this guide, we walk you through the entire process — from filing the initial I-130 petition all the way to your sibling’s arrival in the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
1️⃣ The Starting Point: Filing Form I-130
The first step is for the U.S. citizen to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for their brother or sister. The U.S. citizen can only petition for the sibling (the principal beneficiary). The spouse and minor children of the sibling are included automatically as derivative beneficiaries and do not require separate I-130 petitions.
Documents Required for I-130 Filing
Here are the typical documents that must accompany the I-130 petition:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or U.S. birth certificate)
- Birth certificate of the petitioner
- Birth certificate of the sibling showing common parents
- Marriage certificate if name has changed
- Any legal name change documents
- If applicable, parents’ marriage certificate and divorce decrees (to establish full-sibling relationship)
- Filing fee payment
Current USCIS Filing Fees
As of 2025, the filing fee for Form I-130 for online filing is $625 and for paper filing is $675 (always check the official USCIS website for the latest fees as they may change).
Processing Times
Currently, USCIS processing time for I-130 petitions filed under the F4 sibling category typically takes 12 to 24 months for initial adjudication. Processing times can vary based on USCIS workload, completeness of filing, and whether Requests for Evidence (RFEs) are issued.
TIP: While individuals may file I-130 petitions on their own, working with an experienced immigration attorney can help avoid mistakes and delays, minimize RFEs, and ensure that supporting documents are properly organized and persuasive.
2️⃣ What Happens After the I-130 Is Approved?
Once USCIS approves the I-130, it is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), but the case cannot proceed to visa processing immediately. That’s because the F4 category (brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens) is subject to annual visa quotas and long waiting periods.
How to Track Visa Availability
The U.S. Department of State publishes a Visa Bulletin each month which controls when applicants can proceed.
- You can find the Visa Bulletin here: U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin
- Look under Family-Sponsored Preferences – F4 category.
- Select the country of birth of the principal applicant (the brother or sister) to determine which cutoff date applies.
Cross-Chargeability
- If the spouse of the sibling was born in a country with a more favorable visa availability, cross-chargeability may allow the family to use the spouse’s country of birth to speed up the process.
- Cross-chargeability can be extremely helpful and should be discussed with your immigration attorney to ensure correct application.
Do You Need to Wait for NVC to Contact You?
- No need to wait for an email to start preparing. The NVC will send notification when the priority date becomes current, but families should monitor the Visa Bulletin regularly.
- Proactive preparation can save months of processing time when the date becomes current.
3️⃣ The Immigrant Visa Process: NVC & Consular Processing
Once the priority date is current, NVC will initiate immigrant visa processing.
Documents Required for Immigrant Visa Processing
- Copies of valid passports for all family members
- Birth certificates for all applicants
- Marriage certificate for spouse
- Police clearance certificates (from countries where the applicant lived for more than 6 months after age 16)
- Medical exam results (from a panel physician designated by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate)
- Financial documents from the U.S. sponsor (see below)
- Photographs meeting U.S. visa photo requirements
- Completed DS-260 forms for each applicant
- Civil documents translated into English (if applicable)
4️⃣ Sponsor’s Obligations: The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
When Is Form I-864 Required?
- The affidavit of support is not filed with the I-130 petition.
- It is required during the immigrant visa stage after the priority date becomes current.
Whom Must the Sponsor Support?
- The U.S. citizen sponsor must submit one affidavit of support covering the principal beneficiary (the sibling) and all derivative family members (spouse and minor children).
- The sponsor must show sufficient income or assets to meet at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Sponsor’s Legal Obligations
By signing Form I-864, the sponsor commits to financially support the sponsored immigrants for a period of time:
- Until they become U.S. citizens, or
- Have worked 40 qualifying quarters (approximately 10 years), or
- Permanently leave the United States, or
- Die.
If the sponsored immigrant receives certain means-tested public benefits, the government may request reimbursement from the sponsor.
Yes, the U.S. government can potentially take legal action to enforce the affidavit of support obligations.
Note: The affidavit of support is a serious legal commitment and should not be signed lightly.
5️⃣ Immigrant Visa Interview & Post-Interview Process
At the final stage:
- The family will attend an immigrant visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
- If approved, immigrant visas are typically issued within a few weeks after the interview.
Traveling to the United States
- Once the immigrant visa is issued, the applicants must enter the U.S. before the visa expiration date, usually within 6 months from the date of the medical exam.
- At the port of entry, they will be processed as lawful permanent residents and receive an I-551 stamp in their passport, which serves as temporary proof of green card status.
When Does the Green Card Arrive?
- The physical green card is generally mailed to the U.S. address within 2-3 months after arrival.
6️⃣ Fees for Immigrant Visa Processing
The immigrant visa processing involves several fees:
| Stage | Approximate Fee (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| NVC Processing Fee (per person) | ~$325 |
| Affidavit of Support Review Fee | ~$120 |
| Immigrant Visa Application Fee | ~$325 |
| Medical Exam | Varies ($200-$400 typically) |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee (after visa issued) | $220 |
Disclaimer: Fees are subject to change; applicants should always check the U.S. Department of State and USCIS Fee Schedule for the most current amounts.
Conclusion
Sponsoring a sibling for a green card is a long but rewarding journey. While the initial filing may appear simple, the process involves multiple stages, complex legal rules, and significant documentation. An experienced immigration attorney can help ensure your petition is properly prepared, keep you informed of critical timing, and avoid costly mistakes that may delay your family’s immigration.
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