Living in the United States offers exciting opportunities and a better quality of life. Yet, being away from family for months or even years can be painfully lonely. If you are a U.S. citizen, bringing your sibling to the country is possible. Family-based immigration can be a lengthy process filled with many challenges. Still, the desire to reunite with your sibling can motivate you to keep moving forward.
Sponsoring a sibling to live in the U.S.
Bringing a sibling to the U.S. as a Green Card holder requires filing an I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Remember that you must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old to file.
Prepare the following:
- A completed I-130 form
- A copy of your birth certificate
- A copy of your sibling’s birth certificate
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a certificate of citizenship, valid U.S. passport and naturalization certificate)
The birth certificate is crucial to show that you and your sibling share a common parent. If you are sponsoring a sibling who is adopted, a step-sibling or a half-sibling, additional requirements will apply.
Mistakes to avoid in family-based immigration
Sponsoring a sibling can be a test of patience. Siblings fall under the F4 category of family preference visas, which has an annual cap and is shared with other groups such as adult unmarried and married children.
With an extremely high demand for family reunification and the limited number of visas available, you can expect a long waiting time. The process can take several years, sometimes spanning over a decade. To avoid further delays or risking a denial, it is crucial to keep your application free of mistakes such as:
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Failing to include certified translation of documents that are not in English
- Forgetting to provide signatures
- Not providing the filing fee for each form
- Supplying inaccurate or wrong information
When filing a family preference visa for your sibling, take your time. Rushing may lead to errors. Review your forms to confirm that all names, addresses and dates are accurate. If you are ever unsure, do not guess. Your application needs to be flawless.
An immigration lawyer can help work with you throughout your immigration journey. With their guidance, you can submit your application with confidence. If you run into problems, an attorney can represent you or offer advice. The last thing you want is an oversight to prevent you from seeing your sibling.