How to Apply for a Green Card for Siblings: A Simple Guide for U.S. Citizens

If you’re a U.S. citizen and have a brother or sister living in another country, you may be able to help them move to the United States. You can apply for a green card for siblings by filing a petition through the U.S. immigration system. This lets your sibling become a permanent resident, which means they can live and work in the country. legally. The process is a bit long, but with the right information, you can get started the right way.

This guide is here to help you understand how the green card application for siblings works. We’ll explain the steps, what documents you need, how long it takes, and what to expect along the way. The process takes time, but starting early can make a big difference. It may take years, but it’s worth it if you want to bring your family together in the U.S.

Can a U.S. Citizen Sponsor a Sibling?

Yes, U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can begin sponsoring sibling for green card. This means you can help your brother or sister become a permanent resident of the United States. If you’re a green card holder (permanent resident), you unfortunately can’t sponsor a sibling—you would first need to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. Only after that can you start the process for your sibling.

It’s also important to know that siblings are in a lower preference category, which means fewer visas are available for them each year. That’s one of the reasons this process takes longer than sponsoring a parent, spouse, or child. Even though the wait is long, many families still decide to move forward because the long-term benefits are worth it. Having your sibling close by and helping them build a life in the U.S. is a powerful reason to get started.

What Counts as a Sibling?

When you apply for a green card for siblings, you can sponsor different types of siblings—not just full biological brothers or sisters. This includes half-siblings (with one shared parent), step-siblings, or adopted siblings. However, for step-siblings and adopted siblings, you must show that the legal relationship was formed before certain ages. For instance, adopted siblings must have been adopted before their 16th birthday, and step-siblings must have become legal family before turning 18.

To prove you are legitmate siblings, you’ll need documents like birth certificates, adoption records, or marriage certificates. These papers must clearly prove your connection as family. If your last names are different or the paperwork is complicated, you might also need additional documents to explain everything. Being clear and organized in this step can help avoid delays later on.

How Do You Start the Application Process?

The first step in the green card application for siblings is filling out Form I-130, also known as the Petition for Alien Relative. This is the form that U.S. citizens use to start the process for bringing a family member to the country. Along with this form, you’ll need to submit copies of important documents, such as your U.S. passport or naturalization certificate, and documents proving your sibling relationship. You’ll also need to pay a filing fee, which is currently $535.

After you send in the form, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will send you a receipt to let you know they’ve received your application. If your paperwork is complete, they will review it and assign your case a priority date. This date is important—it’s your sibling’s place in line for a green card. The earlier you apply, the sooner they’ll move up in line.

What Happens After USCIS Approves the Petition?

Once USCIS approves your I-130 petition, your sibling is added to the waiting list for a green card. Since siblings fall under the F4 family category, the number of visas available each year is limited. This means it may take many years before your sibling can move forward to the next step. The government uses a system called the Visa Bulletin to let people know when their priority date is current.

When your sibling’s turn comes up, they can either apply for a visa through a U.S. consulate (if they’re living abroad) or apply for a green card inside the U.S. if they’re already here legally. At this point, they’ll need to fill out more forms, such as Form DS-260 or I-485, and attend an interview. Once approved, they’ll officially become a permanent resident and receive their green card in the mail.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card for a Sibling?

The sibling green card processing time can be very long—often 10 to 15 years or even longer, depending on where your sibling is from. Some countries like the Philippines, Mexico, and India have especially long waits because of high demand. Unfortunately, there’s no way to speed this up. It’s a government-managed system that moves in order based on when your application was filed.

Even though the wait is long, it’s still a good idea to apply for a green card for siblings as soon as you’re eligible. The earlier you apply, the sooner your sibling gets in line. Keep checking the Visa Bulletin online each month to see how close your sibling is to getting their visa. Being patient and staying informed can help you avoid surprises during the process.

What Documents Will You Need?

When you’re sponsoring sibling for green card, you’ll need to send in the right documents with your petition. These include Form I-130, proof of your U.S. citizenship (like a passport or naturalization certificate), and documents that show how you’re related to your sibling. Birth certificates are usually the most common way to prove the relationship. If your family situation is more complicated—like step-siblings or adopted siblings—you’ll also need legal paperwork to support your claim.

Here are the main documents you’ll need when you apply for a green card for siblings:

• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), completed and signed
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate
• Your sibling’s birth certificate, showing at least one common parent
• Your own birth certificate, for proving the sibling relationship
• Marriage or divorce records, if needed to show legal family connections
• Legal documents for step or adopted siblings, such as adoption decrees or marriage certificates of parents

Later, your sibling must submit a few more documents like their passport, medical exam results, and police clearance letters. All documents that are not in English must be translated and certified. It’s important to keep everything organized and make copies for your records. Having all the correct paperwork ready helps avoid time-consuming delays or rejections.

Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

One of the biggest problems people face when they apply for a green card for siblings is making small but serious mistakes. These can include missing signatures, using old versions of forms, or not paying the correct fee. Forgetting to include proof of your family relationship is another common reason for delays. These errors can cause your application to be rejected or put on hold for months.

To avoid this, take your time when filling out each form and double-check everything before you send it. Read the instructions carefully and make sure all the paperwork is up to date. If you’re not sure about something, you can ask an immigration lawyer or use a service that reviews your documents. Fixing a mistake later takes much more time than getting it right the first time.

Why You Should Apply Even If It Takes Years

Even though the sibling green card processing time is long, many people still decide to go ahead and apply. Helping your sibling get permanent residence in the U.S. can lead to a better future for them and the rest of your family. Once they get their green card, they can live, work, and travel in the U.S. without restrictions. They may even become eligible to apply for citizenship later on.

Waiting for years might seem like a lot, but it’s better than not starting at all. The longer you wait to file, the further back in line your sibling will be. Starting the process now gives you peace of mind that things are moving forward. It’s a big step, but it brings your family closer to being together again.

Ready to Start the Process?

If you’re ready to apply for a green card for siblings, now is the best time to begin. The process takes a while, but every day you wait adds to the total time your sibling will spend in line. Start by gathering your documents and filling out Form I-130. Be patient, stay organized, and follow each step carefully.

Need help making sure everything is done right? FileRight can walk you through each part of the green card application for siblings. Our software checks for errors and helps make sure your forms are complete. Take the first step today and bring your sibling one step closer to living in the United States. Take your green card qualification quiz to get started today!