Getting a Green Card Through a Sibling

By Asım Kılınç, Immigration Lawyer, CK Law Firm

If you have a US citizen sibling, you can obtain a Green Card and become a permanent resident in the US. However, this process can vary depending on various requirements and long waiting periods. Siblings who are US citizens can apply for a Green Card for their sibling, but it's important to understand that this process is more complex and time-consuming than for other family members.

1. What is Sibling Category (F4)?

Under US immigration law, US citizens can apply for a Green Card for their siblings. These applications are known as the F4 Sibling Category under the Family Preference Category. A US citizen completes an Immigration Application (Form I-130) for their sibling and initiates the process. The F4 category is a category in which US citizen siblings can apply to allow their siblings to live in the US.

2. What are the application requirements?

In order to apply, the following conditions must be met:

• US Citizenship: The applicant must be a US citizen. US Green Card holders or those with other immigration statuses are not eligible to apply.
• Proof of Sibling Relationship: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other legal documents are required to prove sibling relationships. These documents must show that the siblings were born to the same parents.
• Age Requirement: A sibling who is a US citizen must be at least 21 years old. Siblings who are not US citizens are not eligible to apply.

3. Application Process

The application process consists of several steps:

1. Completing Form I-130: The U.S. citizen sibling submits Form I-130 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form is used to prove the sibling relationship and submit the application. Completing the form accurately and completely is critical to a quick and smooth process.
2. Application Approval: USCIS verifies the sibling relationship by reviewing the form and supporting documents. Approved applications receive a confirmation letter. Approval allows you to proceed to the next stage of the Green Card process.
3. Visa Number Waiting Time: Visa numbers in the F4 category are limited and often have a long waiting period. The US issues a limited number of visas in this category each year. Therefore, processing applications and issuing visa numbers can take years. The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly, and you can track the status of your application in it.
4. Visa Interview and Green Card Application: Once your visa number is assigned, you can apply for an Adjustment of Status if you live in the US. If you live outside the US, you can complete your Green Card application through Consular Procedures.

4. Waiting Period and Priority Dates

The waiting period for the sibling category is longer than for other family categories. The waiting period for the F4 category can often be several years. The Visa Bulletin contains information about which applications are being processed and on which dates. You can track your application's priority date and current status in this bulletin.

5. Other Alternatives to Get a Green Card in the Sibling Category

Because the waiting period for a Green Card is long, people who want to obtain permanent residence in the US can consider other options:

• Student Visa (F1) or Work Visa (H-1B): These visas allow you to enter the US temporarily. These visas can allow you to stay in the US for an extended period and potentially apply for a Green Card.
• DV Lottery (Diversity Immigrant Visa): You can enter the US through the Green Card lottery. The DV Lottery offers citizens of certain countries the chance to win a Green Card.
• Workplace Sponsorship: You can apply for a Green Card by being sponsored by an employer in the U.S. This option requires you to find a job in the U.S. and have your employer apply for your Green Card.

6. Difficulties Encountered in Obtaining a Green Card in the Sibling Category

Obtaining a green card in category F4 comes with its own challenges. Waiting times can be long, and visa numbers are limited throughout the process. Therefore, ensure all documentation is complete and accurate when submitting your application.

Conclusion

It's possible to get a Green Card if you have a US citizen sibling, but the process can be lengthy and complex. When applying for a Green Card for a sibling, ensuring all documents are complete and accurate is crucial for a speedy process. For more information about your application and professional support, please contact us at cklawfirm.org, info@cklawfirm.org, or LinkedIn.

Who is Lawyer Asım Kılınç?

Attorney Asım Kılınç, founding partner of CK Law Firm, is known for his expertise in immigration law and the legal processes surrounding living in the U.S. Having completed his master's degree from Southern Methodist University's Dedman School of Law, Kılınç is a member of the Missouri Bar Association and focuses specifically on U.S. immigration law.

Attorney Kılınç's in-depth knowledge and experience in immigration law significantly contribute to CK Law Firm's success in this field. Having actively participated in the preparation of over 1,000 immigration cases, he has proven his expertise in this field. He provides comprehensive and professional legal support to his clients, facilitating their adaptation to their new lives in the US.

We provide our clients with the highest quality service in citizenship, Green Card, work permit and other immigration processes, supporting them throughout the entire process from the beginning to US citizenship.

Reinforcing CK Law Firm's leadership in immigration law, Attorney Asım Kılınç provides his clients with reliable and effective legal consultancy services, supporting them on their journey to establishing a new life in the United States.