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Obtaining a Green Card Through a Sibling
By Asim Kilinc, Immigration Attorney at CK Law Firm
If you have a sibling who is a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to obtain a Green Card, granting you the right to permanent residence in the United States. However, this process is subject to various conditions and can involve long waiting times. U.S. citizen siblings can apply for a Green Card on behalf of their non-citizen siblings, but it is important to note that this process tends to be more complex and lengthier compared to other family categories.
- What is the Sibling Category (F4)?
- What Are the Application Requirements?
- Application Process
- Waiting Time and Priority Dates
- Other Alternatives for Obtaining a Green Card
- Through the Sibling Category Challenges of Obtaining a Green Card in the Sibling Category
If you have any additional questions regarding this topic, feel free to reach out through the comment section below, message me directly via LinkedIn, or contact me through the website of the immigration law firm I co-founded, CK Law Firm.
What is the Sibling Category (F4)?
According to U.S. immigration law, U.S. citizens can apply for a Green Card for their siblings. These applications fall under the Family Preference Category, specifically known as the F4 Sibling Category. A U.S. citizen must file an Immigration Petition (Form I-130) for their sibling to initiate the process. The F4 category is designed for U.S. citizens who wish to help their siblings live in the U.S.
What Are the Application Requirements?
To apply, the following conditions must be met:
- U.S. Citizenship: The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen. Green Card holders or individuals with other immigration statuses cannot file this petition.
- Proof of Sibling Relationship: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other legal documents are required to prove the sibling relationship. These documents must show that both individuals share the same parents.
- Age Requirement: The U.S. citizen sibling must be at least 21 years old. Siblings of non-citizens cannot apply for this petition.
Application Process
The application process consists of several steps:
- Filing Form I-130: The U.S. citizen sibling submits Form I-130 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the sibling relationship and officially starts the application process. Completing the form accurately and thoroughly is essential for ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
- Approval of the Petition: USCIS reviews the form and supporting documents to verify the sibling relationship. Once approved, an approval notice is sent to the petitioner, allowing the process to move forward to the next stage.
- Waiting for a Visa Number: Visa numbers in the F4 category are limited, and there is often a long wait for them. Each year, the U.S. allocates a certain number of visas to this category. Therefore, it can take several years for the application to be processed and for a visa number to become available. The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly, and you can track the status of your petition through this bulletin.
- Visa Interview and Green Card Application: Once a visa number is assigned, you can apply for an Adjustment of Status if you are in the U.S., or go through Consular Processing if you are outside the U.S.
Waiting Time and Priority Dates
The waiting time in the sibling category is typically longer than in other family categories. It can take several years to process applications in the F4 category. The Visa Bulletin provides information about which applications are currently being processed, and you can track your application’s priority date and status there.
Other Alternatives for Obtaining a Green Card Through the Sibling Category
Given the long waiting times for a Green Card, individuals seeking permanent residence in the U.S. may explore other options:
- Student Visa (F1) or Work Visa (H-1B): These visas allow you to enter the U.S. temporarily. They can also help you stay in the U.S. for an extended period and potentially apply for a Green Card later.
- DV Lottery (Diversity Visa Lottery): You can enter the U.S. through the Green Card lottery, which offers a chance to win a Green Card. The DV Lottery provides a Green Card opportunity to citizens of certain countries.
- Employment Sponsorship: You can apply for a Green Card through employer sponsorship. This requires securing a job in the U.S. and having your employer sponsor your Green Card application.
Challenges of Obtaining a Green Card in the Sibling Category
There are several challenges to obtaining a Green Card in the F4 category. Long waiting times and limited visa numbers are common. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that all documents are complete and accurate when filing the application.
Conclusion
If you have a sibling who is a U.S. citizen, it is possible to obtain a Green Card, though the process can be lengthy and complex. Preparing all necessary documents accurately and thoroughly is essential for expediting the process. For more information and professional support, you can contact us through cklawfirm.org, info@cklawfirm.org, or LinkedIn.
Who is Attorney Asım Kılınç?
Attorney Asım Kılınç is the co-founder of CK Law Firm and is recognized for his expertise in immigration law and U.S. asylum applications. Kılınç completed his Master’s degree at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and is a member of the Missouri Bar Association, with a focus on U.S. immigration law.
Attorney Kılınç’s extensive knowledge and experience in immigration law have significantly contributed to CK Law Firm’s success in this field. He has actively participated in the preparation of over 1,000 cases, demonstrating his expertise in this area. By providing comprehensive and professional legal support to his clients, he helps them adapt to their new lives in the U.S.
Attorney Kılınç is also well-versed in U.S. asylum applications. He meticulously guides his clients through the process and ensures they receive the best legal advice. He provides top-quality service to clients in matters of citizenship, Green Card, work permits, and other immigration processes, supporting them from start to finish on their journey to U.S. citizenship.
Attorney Asım Kılınç, who solidifies CK Law Firm’s leadership in immigration law and U.S. asylum applications, offers reliable and effective legal consultancy services to clients, assisting them in building a new life in the U.S.
