> Overview

A US citizen at least 21 years old may petition for a green card for his or her sibling by filing an I-130

We encourage anyone seeking to help his or her sibling immigrate to the US apply to do so as early as possible. Current waits are over 11 years for siblings of US citizens from most countries, over 15 years for siblings from Mexico, and over 23 years for siblings from The Philippines. During that wait, Congress may change how the wait works, so securing a sibling’s place in line is critical.

> What sibling relationships does the U.S. government recognize?

• Biological siblings as long as the petitioner was not adopted before age 16.
• Step-siblings if that relationship began before age 18.
• Adopted siblings as long as the relationship began before age 16.

Please note that in cases of adoption, the age of 16 is critical for immigration purposes. Adoption after 16 has no effect upon a family relationship, but adoption before 16 will create family relationship with the new family and sever the relationship with the old family.

> What documents are required to prove the family relationship?

There are two basic types of required documents when petitioning for a sibling:

• Proof of the petitioning US citizen’s US citizenship such as a copy of the passport.
• A copy of both siblings’ birth certificates showing at least one common parent.

Additional relevant documentation is required when there is a half-relationship through the father, a step relationship, or an adopted relationship.

A certified English translation is required for all documents not written in English.

> Can the sibling's family receive green cards too?

Yes. Both the sibling’s spouse and unmarried children under age 21 may also receive green cards. Their eligibility for a green card stems from the I-130 filed for the sibling and his or her subsequent approval for a green card.

> How long does the process take?

This depends on what country the sibling is from. The latest information is available in the State Department Visa Bulletin under family-based category 4.

The wait for a priority date to become current has been at least 11 years recently. The priority date delay is approximate because each month the government may process more or less than a month’s worth of priority dates.

> Is there a way to speed up the process?

Unfortunately, no. There is no method like premium processing to speed up the family-based immigration process. Other immigration opportunities may be pursued instead of family-based immigration or while waiting for the family-based immigration process to unfold.

> How much does it cost?

The United States government charges the following filing fees:

Each I-130, the family based immigration petition, costs $535.

The Affidavit of Support costs $120 unless filed outside the United States; most are filed in the US.

Each I-485, the application used to adjust status, costs $1140 with an additional $85 for biometrics (fingerprints). The biometrics fee applies to applicants from age 14 to 78.

Each DS-230 or DS-260, the paper or online application used for consular processing, costs $325 for family-based immigration before the interview and $220 after the interview.

We expect all fees and surcharges to increase in the years between filing the I-130 and the priority date becoming current.