How U.S. Citizens Can Sponsor Their Brothers and Sisters for Immigration: A Complete Guide (2025 Update)

While many people are familiar with the process of sponsoring a spouse, child, or parent, the possibility of helping a sibling join you in the U.S. is often overlooked. Despite ongoing debates around immigration policy, this family-based immigration pathway remains available as of 2025—and understanding how it works could make all the difference for your family’s future.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the complete process of sponsoring a brother or sister for U.S. immigration. We’ll cover who qualifies, what forms you’ll need, how long the process takes, and key steps along the way. If you’re a U.S. citizen thinking about bringing your sibling to America, this guide is for you.

Family-Based Immigration: Beyond Spouses and Children

Family reunification is a cornerstone of the U.S. immigration system. The majority of lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and citizens who bring loved ones to America typically petition for spouses, children, or parents. These are classified as immediate relatives under U.S. immigration law, which means they are not subject to annual visa limits or long waiting lines.

But what about brothers and sisters? Can they be sponsored too?

The answer is yes—but the process is significantly more complex and time-consuming. Siblings fall under what’s known as the F-4 family preference category, and unlike immediate relatives, they are subject to annual visa caps, long backlogs, and a multistep petition process that often takes 10–15 years to complete.

Let’s break it down.

Who Can Sponsor a Sibling?

Only U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can sponsor their siblings for immigration to the United States. This is a key distinction: green card holders (lawful permanent residents) are not eligible to petition for brothers or sisters.

To qualify as a petitioner, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Provide proof of the familial relationship (typically through birth certificates showing at least one shared parent)

Understanding Immigration Categories: What Is F-4?

In the immigration world, different types of relationships fall into specific categories that determine the speed and eligibility of immigration processing. Siblings fall under the F-4 Family Preference Category.

Here’s a brief comparison of common family-based categories:

Each year, only a certain number of immigrant visas are available in the F-4 category. Because of this cap and high demand, the wait time for siblings can stretch well over a decade, especially for individuals from countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines, where demand is highest.

Step-by-Step: How to Sponsor Your Sibling for a Green Card

Now that we know who qualifies, let’s walk through the steps involved in sponsoring a sibling for U.S. immigration.

Step 1: File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

The first and most crucial step in the process is filing Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the family relationship between the U.S. citizen petitioner and their foreign sibling.

Required documents typically include:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)
• Birth certificate of both siblings, showing at least one shared biological parent
• Government-issued identification (passports, ID cards)
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Filing fee (currently $535 as of 2025)

Once the I-130 is filed, USCIS will issue a receipt notice, followed by a priority date. This date becomes crucial in determining your sibling’s place in the visa line.

Step 2: Wait for I-130 Approval and Visa Bulletin Updates

After submission, USCIS will review the petition. This process can take 6 to 12 months or more depending on the workload at the time.

Upon approval, the petition is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), but your sibling cannot yet apply for a visa until the priority date becomes current under the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin.

The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly and shows which priority dates are eligible to proceed based on the applicant’s category and country of origin.

As of 2025, most siblings are facing wait times of 10 to 15 years, depending on country of chargeability.

Step 3: Priority Date Becomes Current

This is the long waiting period. You and your sibling must monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin, which will eventually indicate when your sibling’s priority date becomes “current.”

Once the date is current, your sibling becomes eligible to complete the final steps of the immigration process.

Step 4: Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status

If your sibling is outside the United States, they will go through consular processing:

• The NVC will request updated documentation and the immigrant visa fee
• A visa interview will be scheduled at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country
• If approved, your sibling will be issued an immigrant visa and will travel to the U.S. to be admitted as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)

If your sibling is lawfully inside the U.S. and qualifies to adjust status, they may be eligible to file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence)—but only once the priority date is current. This is uncommon in sibling cases due to the long wait times.

How Long Does It Take?

On average, sibling petitions under the F-4 category take 10 to 15 years to complete from the date the I-130 is filed. The actual time varies by country of origin and the current backlog.

For example:

• Applicants from India or Mexico may wait 15+ years
• Applicants from Europe or Africa may wait closer to 10 years
• The Philippines has one of the longest wait times

Key Considerations and Limitations

Here are some important points to keep in mind when pursuing sibling sponsorship:

1. Petitioning does not guarantee immediate entry. Approval of the I-130 is only one step; your sibling must wait for a visa to become available.
2. Siblings cannot legally stay in the U.S. during the waiting period unless they have a separate legal basis to remain (such as a student visa or work visa).
3. Life changes matter. If the petitioner passes away, the petition may be revoked, although certain humanitarian reinstatements are possible. If the beneficiary marries or has children during the wait, it can affect eligibility.
4. There is political risk. Family-based immigration categories have been debated in Congress. While F-4 is currently active, future policy changes could restrict or eliminate this option.

Why Act Now?

Given the extremely long processing times, it’s advisable for U.S. citizens who wish to sponsor their siblings to start the process as early as possible.

• Even though your sibling won’t immigrate immediately, every month you delay adds to an already lengthy waiting period.
• Filing now secures a priority date in the line—and that’s the most valuable asset in this process.
• If reforms eventually tighten or eliminate the F-4 category, having a petition already on file may be beneficial under grandfathering provisions.

Final Thoughts: Family Reunification Is Still Possible

Despite the challenges, reuniting with your siblings in the United States is still very much possible—just not fast. While it’s true that the sibling immigration process is long and often frustrating, those who plan ahead, stay informed, and act early are more likely to succeed.

At a time when immigration policies can change quickly, having accurate guidance and getting started early is the key to family reunification.

Have Questions? We Can Help

If you’re a U.S. citizen considering sponsoring a sibling, or if you’re already in the process and need help navigating the wait or paperwork, we’re here to assist.
📞 Consult with an immigration attorney today

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