Can My Sister Help Me Get a Green Card? Here’s What You Need to Know
Can My Sister Sponsor Me for a Green Card?
Yes—if your sister is a U.S. citizen and over the age of 21, she can sponsor you through the F4 family preference visa, allowing you to eventually become a lawful permanent resident. But the road isn’t quick or simple.
In this article, we’ll explain:
Who qualifies for sibling sponsorship
How the process works
How long it takes
Alternatives to consider
How Hurtubise Weber Law can guide you
What Is the F4 Family Preference Category?
The F4 visa allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their siblings—along with their sibling’s spouse and unmarried children under 21—for green cards.
However, it’s part of the family preference system, which:
Limits how many green cards are issued each year
Results in long wait times (sometimes 15–20+ years)
Uses a system of priority dates to track visa eligibility
Note: Green card holders (permanent residents) cannot sponsor siblings—only full U.S. citizens can.
Eligibility Requirements
For a sibling to be eligible under F4:
The sponsoring sister must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old
Both parties must prove a biological or legal sibling relationship, usually through birth certificates or other documentation
The applicant must otherwise be eligible for a green card (no disqualifying history, admissibility issues, etc.)
How the F4 Sponsorship Process Works
1. Form I-130 Petition
Your sister files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS, including proof of your sibling relationship.
2. Priority Date Issued
Once accepted, USCIS gives you a priority date—your official place in line for a visa.
3. Waiting for the Priority Date to Become “Current”
This is the longest part. The U.S. government limits F4 visas each year, and wait times vary by country.
4. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
When your date becomes current, your case goes to the NVC, which will request documents, fees, and set up the visa interview.
5. Visa Interview & Approval
You’ll attend an in-person visa interview and medical exam. If approved, you’ll receive an immigrant visa and green card.
⏳ How Long Does It Take?
F4 green card wait times are among the longest of all family-based categories.
Typical ranges:
🇵🇭 Philippines: 15–20+ years
🇲🇽 Mexico: 15+ years
🌍 Other countries: 10–14 year
Why the delay?
Annual caps
Country-specific demand
Visa Bulletin movement, including retrogression (dates moving backward)
Understanding the Visa Bulletin
Each month, the U.S. Department of State updates the Visa Bulletin, which shows:
Which priority dates are now eligible for next steps
Which countries are affected by backlogs
Whether your category is “C” (current) or “U” (unavailable)
Pro Tip: Checking this bulletin monthly is the best way to track your case
Common Challenges for F4 Applicants
The Wait – Spending a decade or more waiting to reunite with your family
Aging Out – Children who turn 21 during the process may lose eligibility
Policy Changes – Immigration laws and quotas can shift
Life Changes – Marriage, divorce, or health issues may affect eligibility
Can the F4 Process Be Expedited?
In nearly all cases, no. F4 visas cannot be expedited, except in rare humanitarian emergencies (e.g., severe illness or persecution). Even then, approval is not guaranteed.
Are There Other Options?
Yes. While waiting for the F4 process, some applicants explore:
Employment-based visas (e.g., H-1B or EB categories)
Student visas (F-1) or other nonimmigrant paths
Marriage-based sponsorship, if applicable
Adjustment of status through other family members, if eligible
Ask Hurtubise Weber Law about viable alternatives that might shorten your path.
Tips for Navigating the F4 Process
Track the Visa Bulletin monthly
Get documents ready early (birth certificates, IDs, affidavits)
Plan financially – Fees, medical exams, travel, and more
Stay in touch with USCIS or NVC
Work with an attorney to avoid avoidable delays
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can my green card–holding sister sponsor me?
No. Only U.S. citizens age 21 or older can sponsor siblings.
Can my spouse and kids come too?
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included as derivative applicants.
Can I live or work in the U.S. while waiting?
Not unless you qualify for a separate visa like a student or work visa. F4 alone doesn’t allow U.S. residence or employment while waiting.
Hurtubise Weber Law: Your Guide to Sibling Sponsorship
The F4 visa process is long and complex—but you don’t have to face it alone.
At Hurtubise Weber Law, we specialize in family-based immigration, helping families in San Francisco, San Jose, and beyond reunite with confidence. We’ll guide you through every stage—from filing the I-130 to preparing for your visa interview, and even exploring faster alternatives where available.
Ready to start your green card journey with your sister’s support?
Contact Hurtubise Weber Law today.
Your family’s future is worth the wait—and we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way.