Can I Get a Green Card Through My Brother?

No. Immediate relatives, or those who are eligible to sponsor a green card, include only the spouse, parents, unmarried children under 21, and siblings of U.S. citizens. Great-uncles, or any other extended family members, do not fall into this category.

Eligible Family Members for Green Cards

Green cards can only be sponsored by the following family members:

Spouse – Any foreign national married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Parents – Only for citizens, not for permanent resident sponsored children. Unmarried Children (under 21) – U.S. citizens may sponsor unmarried children who are under 21. Siblings – U.S. citizens can sponsor siblings, but this can take several years to process.

Can You Get a Green Card Through a Brother or Sister?

Yes, you can obtain a green card through a brother or sister, but there are specific conditions and steps involved.

Immediate Relative Siblings

For siblings to sponsor a green card, the sponsoring U.S. citizen sibling must at least be 21 years old. Additionally, the sponsoring sibling must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The green card application process, which includes completing the required forms and scheduling a biometric appointment, can be lengthy. On average, you should prepare for a processing time of around 3 years, though this can vary depending on the backlog.

Other Forms of Sponsorship

While immediate relatives are the most direct path for green cards, other forms of sponsorship, such as employment or diversity lottery, are available. Employers can file for a green card for employees through an H-1B visa, but this route typically requires the employer to prove they cannot find a U.S. citizen or permanent resident for the job.

Green Card Application Process

The process for obtaining a green card through family sponsorship involves several steps:

Complete Form I-130 – The sponsoring relative files this form with USCIS. Wait for the Petition to be Approved – USCIS reviews the petition and may require additional information or a fee. Check Visa Availability – Depending on the category, you will need to check if there is an available visa number. File Form I-485 – This form applies for adjustment of status to permanent resident. Schedule a Biometric Appointment – This is necessary for photographing, fingerprinting, and taking biographical information. Attend a Consular Interview – If you are outside the U.S., you will need to attend an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy.

The entire process can take several years, depending on various factors including the backlog and your eligibility category.

For more detailed information, visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

Note that the information provided is general in nature. For specific guidance, consult with a legal professional or immigration specialist.