F4 Visa (Sibling Green Card) Guide – How to Sponsor Your Brother or Sister
Growing up, your siblings may have been your closest companions—playing with you, teasing you, protecting you, and sharing life’s milestones. While you may view them as immediate family, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) classifies sibling green cards differently. A sibling green card falls under the family-sponsored preference category (F4 visa), not the “immediate relative” category. As a result, the process for sponsoring a sibling is more complex and takes considerably longer compared to visas for immediate relatives.
This guide from immigration attorneys at Green Card Link walks you step by step through the F4 visa process, eligibility requirements, fees, application procedures, and expected wait times.
Who Qualifies for the F4 Visa?
To be eligible for a sibling green card under the F4 category:
- The sponsoring sibling must be a U.S. citizen.
- The sponsor must be at least 21 years old.
- The sibling beneficiary may be a full-blood sibling, half-sibling, step-sibling, or adopted sibling.
- Permanent residents (green card holders) cannot sponsor siblings.
Different sibling relationships require different supporting documents, which are outlined below.
Sponsor Requirements for the F4 Visa
To sponsor a sibling, the petitioner must:
- Hold U.S. citizenship.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Provide proof of the sibling relationship through official documents such as birth certificates.
- Reside in the United States.
The type of documentation varies depending on whether you are sponsoring a full-blood sibling, step-sibling, adopted sibling, or half-sibling.
Adopted Siblings
- Submit a copy of the adoption decree proving both children were under 16 years old at the time of adoption.
- Note: If your full-blood sibling was adopted by another family later, you cannot sponsor them under the F4 visa.
Step-Siblings
- Provide a copy of the marriage certificate between your natural parent and step-parent.
- Include evidence showing any prior marriages of your parents were legally terminated.
Half-Siblings
- Submit marriage certificates for the relevant parents, plus proof of prior marriage terminations.
- Male U.S. citizens may petition for half-siblings through their father.
- Female U.S. citizens may petition for half-siblings through their mother.
F4 Visa Costs and Fees
The sibling green card process typically costs around $1,300, excluding medical examination expenses. Here’s the breakdown:
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): $625 (online) or $675 (paper)
- DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application: $325 (if applying abroad)
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support): $120
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: $220
- Medical Examination: Varies by location (additional vaccine costs may apply)
For siblings already in the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant status (e.g., H-1B):
- Form I-130: $625–$675
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,440
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: $220
F4 Visa Application Process
The sibling green card process involves several stages:
- The U.S. citizen sponsor files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
- If approved, USCIS forwards the case to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- NVC sends the beneficiary a detailed application package with instructions.
- The sibling waits for their priority date to become current on the Visa Bulletin.
- Submit Form DS-260 and all requested documents.
- Complete the medical exam.
- Attend the visa interview.
- If approved, the sibling receives a visa package for U.S. entry.
F4 Visa Processing Time
The F4 sibling green card is in the fourth preference category, making it the longest wait among family-based visas. Current estimates for 2025 show an average processing time of 17–23 years, depending on the applicant’s country of origin.
- USCIS does not publish specific I-130 timelines for siblings, as they depend on the Visa Bulletin.
- Only 65,000 F4 visas are issued each year, creating long backlogs.
- For the most up-to-date approval timelines, regularly check the Visa Bulletin and USCIS case status tracker.
Why Work With Green Card Link?
The sibling green card process is lengthy and requires precise documentation. Any error can cause additional delays. At Green Card Link, our experienced immigration attorneys provide clear guidance, handle paperwork, and help families reunite with confidence.
Whether you are sponsoring a sibling abroad or adjusting their status in the U.S., our team ensures your application is prepared correctly from the very beginning.
Sibling Green Card Processing: I-485 Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing
When applying for a sibling green card under the F4 visa category, understanding the difference between adjustment of status (Form I-485) and consular processing is essential. Once the priority date becomes current, your sibling will either file Form I-485 in the U.S. or have their case transferred to the Department of State for consular processing abroad.
Sibling Green Card Processing: I-485 Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing
When applying for a sibling green card under the F4 visa category, understanding the difference between adjustment of status (Form I-485) and consular processing is essential. Once the priority date becomes current, your sibling will either file Form I-485 in the U.S. or have their case transferred to the Department of State for consular processing abroad.
I-485 Adjustment of Status Processing Time
For siblings already in the United States, the I-485 application allows them to adjust their immigration status without leaving the country. According to USCIS data for FY 2025, the average processing time for Form I-485 in sibling cases is approximately 10.2 months.
Consular Processing Timeline
For siblings residing abroad, consular processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate typically takes 5–6 months. However, delays may occur due to limited interview appointment availability, which can significantly extend the wait time.
Important Considerations
- Applicants adjusting status from within the U.S. must maintain lawful immigration status throughout the process.
- Wait times under the F2B, F3, and F4 categories differ significantly depending on the applicant’s country of birth, due to varying levels of visa demand.
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys can guide you in choosing the best pathway for your sibling’s green card and help you avoid costly mistakes during the process.
Required Forms for the F4 Sibling Green Card Process
The sibling green card process requires several immigration forms. Below is a breakdown of the key documents involved:
Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative
This form must be filed by the U.S. citizen sponsoring their sibling. Once accepted by USCIS, the I-130 establishes the sibling relationship and sets the priority date. Importantly, a separate I-130 is not required for your sibling’s spouse or unmarried children under 21.
When completing Form I-130, you will provide details such as:
- The nature of your sibling relationship
- Your personal background (addresses, marital history, parent information, employment, immigration status, physical characteristics)
- Your sibling’s personal and immigration history, marital history, employment, and children
- Any prior petitions you have filed for other relatives
- Interpreter or preparer contact details, if applicable
Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
If your sibling is legally present in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa, they may file Form I-485 to adjust their status once the F4 priority date becomes current.
Key details required on Form I-485 include:
- Full name and any past names
- Immigration history and visa category
- Address and employment history
- Information about parents, spouse, and children
- Membership in organizations or associations
- Any criminal history or security-related concerns
- Public charge considerations
- Immigration violations or prior removals
Important: If your sibling is in the U.S. without lawful status, they will not be eligible to file Form I-485 domestically and must instead pursue consular processing abroad.
Form I-693: Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
As part of the green card process, your sibling must undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved physician.
- If inside the U.S., applicants can locate a physician through the USCIS “Find a Doctor” tool.
- If outside the U.S., applicants must follow embassy or consulate instructions to complete the exam with authorized practitioners.
The medical exam includes a physical and mental health evaluation, review of medical history, vaccination records, screenings for communicable diseases, and possible referrals for further testing. The results are placed in a sealed envelope and submitted with Form I-693.
Increase Your Chances of Green Card Approval
The sibling green card process is complex and time-sensitive, requiring multiple forms, evidence, and compliance with U.S. immigration law. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys have extensive experience helping families reunite successfully. Whether you need assistance with I-130 petitions, I-485 applications, consular processing, or medical exam requirements, Green Card Link can provide the guidance you need.
Sibling Green Card Requirements and Process (F4 Visa)
Form I-864: Affidavit of Support
When sponsoring your sibling for a green card, you are required to prove financial ability through Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This form demonstrates that you can financially support your sibling until they secure employment in the United States. To qualify, you must show evidence of an annual income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
You will need to provide detailed information, including:
- Basic identifying information for yourself and your sibling (name, address, etc.)
- Your household size
- Employment and income details
- Income from other household members if it contributes toward meeting the required threshold
- Information about your assets, but only if your income does not reach the 125% requirement
Form DS-260: Immigrant Visa Electronic Application
Once your Form I-130 is approved and your sibling’s priority date is current, they must file Form DS-260, the online immigrant visa application. This must be submitted along with a copy of the completed Form I-864.
Sibling Green Card Document Checklist
When applying for an F4 visa, USCIS requires a detailed set of supporting documents, including:
- Proof of sibling relationship – A copy of your birth certificate and your sibling’s birth certificate showing at least one parent in common.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship – A copy of your U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship, or consular report of birth abroad.
- Financial records – Your most recent federal tax return and W-2s for Form I-864. Additional documents may include Forms 1099 from the past three years, pay stubs for the last six months, or a signed letter from your employer.
- Medical exam documents – Your sibling must bring their complete medical history, vaccination and immunization records, past chest X-rays, and any treatment plan from their physician.
- Adjustment of status records (if applicable) – A copy of the approval notice from the green card petition, I-94 arrival/departure record, I-797 approval notices for previous nonimmigrant visas, any Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and the original I-693 medical examination.
- Two passport-style photographs.
- DNA evidence (if needed) – In rare cases, if birth certificates are unavailable or unreliable, USCIS may recommend DNA testing to confirm the sibling relationship.
F4 Visa Interview
Once the National Visa Center (NVC) receives all required documentation, it will schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your sibling’s home country.
During the interview, your sibling will be asked questions about their background and will need to present original or certified copies of all civil documents previously submitted, along with photographs. If your sibling’s spouse or children are also applying, they must each file DS-260, undergo a medical exam, and attend the interview.
Grounds for Denial of an F4 Visa
A sibling green card application may be denied if USCIS determines your sibling falls under grounds of inadmissibility, such as:
- Criminal history
- Security or espionage concerns
- Certain health conditions
- Likelihood of becoming a public charge
- Immigration fraud
- Prior removal from the U.S.
Some grounds may be waived, but drug trafficking, drug abuse, espionage, and terrorism are not waivable under U.S. immigration law.
What Happens If the F4 Visa Is Approved?
If your sibling’s F4 visa is approved, they will receive the visa stamped in their passport along with a sealed packet of documents. This packet must remain unopened and be presented to a U.S. immigration officer at the port of entry.
Before traveling, your sibling should carefully review the information on both the visa and the accompanying documents to confirm accuracy.
How Green Card Link Can Help
At Green Card Link, our experienced family-based immigration attorneys will:
- Prepare your sibling green card petition and supporting documentation
- Help you avoid Requests for Evidence (RFEs) that may delay the process
- Guide you step-by-step through the application, interview, and approval process
- Provide personalized legal strategies tailored to your family’s situation
Whether you are seeking to reunite with your sibling, spouse, or other relatives, immigration attorneys at Green Card Link are here to make the process clear, efficient, and stress-free.