Bringing A Sibling To The United States: Green Card Process

For most people, the pathway to United States citizenship begins with the issuance of a green card. If you are currently in the United States, you may be able to help your sibling with this process by submitting an application on their behalf. The immigration process can be complex and complicated, so it is important that you are knowledgeable. Learn more about what you can do as a sibling to bring your family to the U.S. 

Residency Status

Residing in the United States is not enough for an individual to qualify as a sponsor for their siblings' green card application. Unfortunately, any person that is residing in the country on a green card is not authorized to serve as a sponsor. Only those individuals who are identified as permanent residents can move forward with the process. 

Keep in mind it is only your current status that matters. Even if you had a green card before, as long as your current status is full citizenship, you could move forward with the process, so be sure of your status on the date of the application. 

Family Relationship

The U.S. Immigration office has strict criteria in place regarding the familial relationship of the sponsor to the applicant. Full biological siblings and half-siblings typically qualify. Additionally, adoptive and step siblings may be eligible, but with additional criteria. For adopted and step siblings, the adoption or marriage must have taken place while both the sponsor and applicant were minors, and for stepsiblings, your parents must be married at the time of the application. 

The government will require certified proof of the relationship, so be sure to collect your documents before you begin this process to avoid a technical denial of your application. 

Standard Requirements

In addition to the specific sibling requirements, the U.S. Immigration office will also require that the sponsor meet basic requirements. These requirements include being an adult and providing proof that you have income that is a certain percentage above the current federal poverty level. 

Only if an applicant meets these criteria in addition to the specific sibling requirements will they be able to move forward with the process. However, if there is someone else in the household, such as a spouse, that will also financially contribute, you may be able to apply for a joint sponsor. 

If you need assistance helping your loved one immigrate to the country, contact an immigration attorney who can inform you more about the process.