Can a U.S. Citizen Sponsor a Sibling for a Green Card?
Can I Sponsor my Sibling for a U.S. green card?
You must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age in order to sponsor a sibling for permanent residency in the U.S. U.S. permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible to sponsor siblings for green cards. Siblings are the lowest preference category on the list for visa approval, so applying for a sibling to get a green card in the United States can take an extended period of time. Eligible siblings may be:
Any age
Full or half-siblings
Adopted siblings or step-siblings, in certain circumstances
What Is Required?
The following documentation is among that required to sponsor a sibling for a green card:
Proof of the sponsor’s status as a U.S. citizen
Proof of the sibling relationship, which may include birth records, adoption decrees, marriage certificates, and divorce judgments
Proof of any legal name changes
In some cases, secondary documentation and affidavits are required to confirm a sibling relationship.
Process to Sponsor a Sibling for a Green Card
The first step in the sibling sponsorship process is to submit an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative, asking the U.S. government to recognize the sibling relationship. This petition can take many years, or even decades, to be approved. Once this petition is approved, and a green card is available based on the sibling’s priority date, the next step is for the sibling to apply for an immigrant visa (if they are residing abroad at that time) or for adjustment of status (if they are lawfully residing in the U.S. at that time and meet eligibility requirements).
Cost of Sponsoring a Sibling for a Green Card
The current government filing fee for the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative is $535. The current government filing fees for the green card application range from around $800 to $1225. These fees are expected to increase soon. The sibling will also required to complete a medical exam with a special doctor appointed by the government. The fee for this exam varies but is currently generally $200 to $500. Legal fees also vary based on specific details.
Contact Hurtubise Weber Law
For more information or to schedule a consultation, get in touch with the team at Hurtubise Weber Law.