How to Apply for a Green Card for Siblings (F4 Visa Guide)

Green Card for Siblings: An Overview

A green card for siblings allows a U.S. citizen to sponsor their brother or sister—and their eligible family members—for lawful permanent residency in the United States under the F4 family preference category. Only U.S. citizens 21 years or older can file a petition for siblings; green card holders cannot sponsor siblings, though they can sponsor spouses and unmarried children.

Sponsoring a sibling is possible, but the process can take many years due to strict annual visa limits and high demand. Understanding the rules, eligibility, and timelines upfront will help you prepare effectively and avoid common mistakes.

Key Facts: Green Card for Siblings

1. Only U.S. citizens (21+) can sponsor a brother or sister.
2. Siblings fall under the F4 family preference category of the family-based green card system.
3. Process starts by filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
4. Wait times can range from 10–15+ years, depending on the sibling’s country of origin.
5. The sibling’s spouse and children under 21 may also immigrate.

Who Can Sponsor a Sibling for a Green Card?

Only U.S. citizens who are 21 years or older can sponsor a brother or sister for a green card. Green card holders cannot sponsor siblings.

Key Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsor:

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship – You must provide a valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or citizenship certificate.
2. Minimum Age Requirement – You must be 21 years or older at the time of filing Form I-130.
3. Relationship Verification – You need to prove the sibling relationship with official documents (birth certificates, adoption records, or other legal papers).
4. Financial Responsibility – Sponsors must agree to financially support their sibling if necessary, usually through Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.

Types of Siblings Who Qualify for a Green Card

• Siblings (brothers or sisters) who share the same birth (biological) parents;
• Half-siblings who are related through one parent who has remarried;
• Step-siblings who are not biologically related but share a parent through remarriage;
• Adopted siblings who are not biologically related but have been legally adopted into the same family.

How Green Card Holders Can Eventually Help a Sibling Immigrate

While green card holders cannot directly sponsor siblings, there is a pathway that allows them to help eventually. Here’s how it works:

• Green card holders cannot directly sponsor siblings. Only U.S. citizens can file under the F4 family preference category.
• Naturalize first: A green card holder must become a U.S. citizen before sponsoring a sibling.
• Prepare supporting documents: Gather birth certificates, proof of relationship, and other civil records for the sibling.
• File Form I-130: Submit the petition to USCIS once eligible.
• Wait for approval and visa availability: After petition approval, your sibling enters the visa queue, which may take many years depending on their country of origin.
• Monitor the Visa Bulletin: Stay updated to know when your sibling can proceed with consular processing or adjustment of status.

Key Takeaway: A green card holder cannot sponsor siblings immediately. The first step is to become a U.S. citizen, after which sibling sponsorship is legally allowed under the F4 category. Learn more about eligibility, process, and costs in our Green Card guide.

Step-by-Step Process to Sponsor a Sibling

Sponsoring a sibling for a green card involves several steps. Follow this guide to complete the green card application for siblings successfully.

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

• The U.S. citizen sponsor must complete and submit Form I-130 to USCIS.
• Include proof of U.S. citizenship and documents verifying the sibling relationship.
• Pay the required filing fee. (Understand more information about USCIS Filing Fee)

Step 2: USCIS Review & Approval

• USCIS reviews the petition and may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if additional documentation is needed.
• Once approved, the petition moves to the National Visa Center (NVC).

Step 3: Priority Date & Visa Availability

• Your petition receives a priority date, which determines your place in line for an F4 visa.
• Wait times vary by country and can stretch 10–15+ years.
• Check the Visa Bulletin regularly to track when your sibling’s visa becomes available.

Step 4: NVC Processing

• The NVC collects additional documentation and fees from both the sponsor and the sibling.
• This includes the immigrant visa application, Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), and civil documents.

Step 5: Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status

• Consular Processing: If your sibling is abroad, the U.S. embassy or consulate schedules an interview. Learn more about consular processing from our comprehensive guide.
• Adjustment of Status: If your sibling is in the U.S. legally, they may apply to adjust status to permanent resident.
• Attend the interview and complete the medical examination as required.

Step 6: Approval and Visa Issuance

• Once all approvals are complete, the sibling (and eligible family members) receives their immigrant visa.
• Upon entering the U.S., they are issued a green card, become lawful permanent residents, and can enjoy all the green card benefits available to permanent residents.

Documents & Evidence Checklist: U.S. Citizen Sponsor and Siblings

When filing a green card application for siblings, it’s crucial to submit all required documents to prove eligibility and avoid delays. Below is a comprehensive checklist for both the U.S. citizen sponsor and the sibling beneficiary.

Documents Required for the U.S. Citizen Sponsor

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or citizenship certificate.
2. Proof of Relationship with the Sibling
   • Natural siblings: Birth certificates showing at least one common parent.
   • Step-siblings: Step-parent’s marriage certificate and proof of any prior marriage termination; both siblings under 18 when parents married.
   • Adoptive siblings: Legal adoption decree(s), adoption must be before age 16.
   • Paternal half-siblings: Father’s marriage certificate to each mother, and legal proof of dissolution of any prior marriages.
3. Completed Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative with proper signatures and filing fee.
4. Passport-Style Photos: Recent photos according to USCIS specifications.
5. Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): Demonstrates the sponsor can financially support the sibling if needed.

Documents Required for the Sibling (Beneficiary)

1. Civil Documents: Birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), divorce decree (if applicable).
2. Passport: Valid passport for travel to the U.S.
3. Medical Examination Report: Completed by a USCIS-approved physician.
4. Police Clearance Certificates: From all countries where the sibling has lived for six months or more since age 16.
5. Visa Application Forms: DS-260 (for consular processing) or adjustment of status forms (if already in the U.S.).

Green Card Application Fee for Siblings

Filing a green card for siblings requires several fees at different stages of the process. Understanding these costs beforehand helps you budget and avoid delays.

Fee Type	Amount	Who Pays	Notes
Form I-130 Filing Fee	$535	U.S. Citizen Sponsor	Paid when submitting the petition to USCIS. Fee is non-refundable even if petition is denied.
USCIS Immigrant Visa Fee (DS-260)	$325	Sibling (Beneficiary)	Paid to the National Visa Center (NVC) during consular processing.
Form I-485 Filing Fee (Adjustment of Status)	$1,140 + $85 biometrics	Sibling (if in the U.S.)	Paid if sibling is applying for a green card from within the U.S. instead of abroad.
Medical Examination Fee	Varies ($200–$500)	Sibling	Paid directly to a USCIS-approved physician. Costs vary by country and clinic.
Other Costs	Varies	Sponsor & Sibling	May include document translation, obtaining civil documents, passport photos, travel for interview, and courier fees.

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

The process of obtaining a green card for siblings is long and varies significantly depending on the sibling’s country of origin and the demand in the F4 family preference category. Check the processing time for your Form I-130 petition from our guide.

Key Factors Affecting Processing Time

1. F4 Visa Category Wait Times
   • Siblings fall under the F4 family preference category, which has annual limits on the number of visas issued.
   • High demand means wait times can stretch from 10 to 20 years, especially for countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines.
2. Priority Date
   • Your priority date is the date USCIS receives your Form I-130.
   • This date determines your sibling’s place in line for a visa.
3. Country of Chargeability
   • Each country has its own visa allocation.
   • Applicants from oversubscribed countries often wait much longer than those from countries with lower demand.
4. Processing Stages
   • USCIS Form I-130 approval: Typically 7–12 months.
   • NVC processing and document review: 3–6 months.
   • Consular interview or adjustment of status: Varies depending on appointment availability and medical review.

Average Wait Times by Country (as per the Visa Bulletin)

The U.S. caps visas at 7% per country each year, which means siblings from high-demand countries like India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines face longer wait times. Check the table above for siblings’ I-130 wait time per country.

Country	Estimated Total Wait Time
India	20+ years
Mexico	15–20 years
Philippines	12–15 years
China	10–12 years
All other countries	10–12 years

Why was my Sibling’s Green Card Denied?

Even after filing a green card for siblings, the process can take many years due to visa backlogs and the complexities of the F4 family preference category. With such long wait times, it’s important to avoid mistakes that could delay approval further. Common issues—like incomplete forms, missing proof of relationship, or overlooked civil documents—can cause unnecessary setbacks.

By carefully preparing your petition when filing green card for siblings and submitting all required documents, you increase the chances of a smooth process and minimize delays in obtaining a green card for your sibling. Below are the most common reasons for the denial:

Issue / Reason for Denial	How to Avoid
Incomplete or Incorrect Form I-130	Carefully fill out all sections, double-check names, dates, and signatures, and include the correct filing fee.
Insufficient Proof of Relationship	Provide clear evidence: birth certificates, adoption decrees, step-parent marriage certificates, and translations if needed.
Missing Civil Documents	Include all required supporting documents like marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or legal proof of prior marriages.
Prior Immigration Violations or Criminal History	Disclose all previous immigration issues or legal matters honestly; consult an immigration attorney if necessary.
Petitioner Ineligibility	Ensure the petitioner is a U.S. citizen, not just a green card holder, and provide proof of citizenship.
Failure to Respond to USCIS Requests (RFE)	Respond promptly and thoroughly to any Request for Evidence to avoid delays or denials.

What to Do If Your Sibling’s Green Card Is Denied

Receiving a denial can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to address the situation and improve your chances in the future.

1. Understand the Reason for Denial

• USCIS will provide a written notice explaining why the petition was denied.
• Carefully review the notice to identify missing documents, errors on Form I-130, or eligibility issues.

2. Correct Mistakes and Refile

• If the denial was due to incomplete forms or missing evidence, gather the correct documentation and refile the petition.
• Double-check that all information matches across documents.

3. Consider Filing a Motion or Appeal

• Depending on the reason for denial, you may file:
  • Motion to Reopen – if new evidence is available.
  • Motion to Reconsider – if there was an error in applying the law.
• These motions are submitted to USCIS within 30 days of the decision (check the notice for exact timelines).

4. Seek Legal Assistance

• An immigration attorney can help evaluate the denial and advise whether to refile, appeal, or take alternative actions.
• Complex cases, such as disputes over sibling eligibility or prior immigration violations, benefit greatly from professional guidance.

5. Avoid Repeating Mistakes

• Ensure all forms are complete and accurate.
• Include all required supporting documents.
• Follow USCIS instructions carefully to prevent delays or additional denials.

How a Sibling’s Spouse/Children Can Get a Green Card Through Following-to-Join

If your sibling has obtained a green card under the F4 family preference category, their spouse and unmarried children under 21 may also be eligible to come to the U.S. through following-to-join benefits. This allows them to immigrate without waiting for a separate visa petition, saving years of waiting in the F4 queue. Here’s how it works:

Eligibility

The spouse and children of a sibling may be eligible if:

• They had a qualifying relationship with the sibling at the time the sibling obtained their green card.
• The relationship still exists when they apply.
• Only unmarried children under 21 and spouses qualify.
• Parents and married children are not eligible.

Filing the Request

• The sibling who already has a green card (the principal beneficiary) files Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition.
• Supporting documents may include proof of the family relationship, a copy of the sibling’s green card, and the original Form I-130 petition approval notice.

Consular Processing

• Once the FTJ request is approved, eligible family members complete consular processing at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
• After a successful interview and processing, they are issued immigrant visas.
• Upon entry to the U.S., they receive their green cards.

Adjusting Status in the U.S.

• If the eligible family member is already in the U.S., they may file Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status, along with the FTJ request.
• Filing concurrently may reduce the need for additional supporting documents, simplifying the process.

Advantages

• Reduces wait times compared to filing a separate petition.
• Helps keep families together by allowing immediate family members to join the green card holder more efficiently.

Note: If you’re adjusting status in the U.S., you can file Form I-824 along with Form I-485 for your eligible family members. When filed together, you don’t need extra supporting documents—making it simpler for everyone.

Other Options for a Sibling to Get a Green Card Faster

We know that waiting for a sibling green card under the F4 category can feel like forever—sometimes stretching over a decade. While there’s no official “fast track,” there are a few options that could help your sibling get a green card sooner.

• Other family-based categories: For example, if your sibling has a U.S. citizen parent, that parent might be able to sponsor them under a faster preference category.
• Employment-Based: Another route is through employment-based immigration. If your sibling qualifies for an employment visa like EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3, this can sometimes lead to permanent residency much quicker than the F4 sibling path.
• Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery: Some siblings may also be eligible for the Green Card Lottery, which offers another route to a green card if their country participates.

And while it’s a personal decision, marriage to a U.S. citizen provides a direct and faster path to permanent residency compared to waiting under F4.

FAQs: Green Card for Siblings

Bring Your Family Together with ImmigrationDirect

Sponsoring a sibling for a Green Card can be a long and complex journey, with years of waiting, strict USCIS requirements, and paperwork that must be filed correctly. Even small errors can cause costly delays.

That’s where ImmigrationDirect makes a difference. Our platform is built to simplify the process and ensure error-free application submission to USCIS. We guide you step by step, from filing Form I-130 to preparing supporting documents, so you can move forward with confidence. With ImmigrationDirect, you can focus on reuniting with your loved ones while we handle the details. Start today and take the first step toward bringing your sibling to the U.S.