Form I-130 is officially known as the “Petition for Alien Relative." This is the first step in the family-based immigration process. Its primary purpose is to maintain the relationship between a U.S citizen, some Lawful Permanent Resident LPR petitioner, and some family members who wish to immigrate to the United States.
Form I-130 can be designed to establish the family relationship between the beneficiary and the petitioner, whether a spouse, parent, child, or sibling. To file Form I-130, the petitioner can be a U.S. citizen or maybe a lawful permanent resident and also the beneficiary for the family member. Eligibility criteria can vary depending on the relationship category and the petitioner’s immigration status.
I-130 for Siblings Processing Time
Most forms, like I-130 petitions for immediate relatives, have to be approved within a 10—to 14-month time frame, but they can take longer in some cases. If you are in the United States and can also file an application to adjust the status, USCIS will begin reviewing Form I-485 at this point. But you can also see the path that brought your sibling to the U.S., which takes time, energy, patience, and careful attention.
Sibling Green Card is a Family-Based Green Card
A sibling green card is a subclass known as family sponsorship. Petitioning for some relatives can be an important part of the U.S. immigration process. Depending on the family member’s preference, the process can take some time.
Family-based green cards generally contain three main categories:
1. Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative
2. Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Resident
3. Form I-864 Affidavit of Support
A lawful permanent resident LPR can often be that type of petition on behalf of a family member. The petitioner can be a U.S. citizen for a sibling green card. You can also talk to one of the experienced family sponsorship lawyers at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. about sponsoring your family member to join you in the United States.
I-130 Processing Time for Siblings
Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens who are 21 years old can be eligible to be sponsored for a Green Card. Therefore, siblings are not treated as immediate relatives; they can fall under the F4 family category. The siblings of a U.S. citizen can wait until the visa is available for them.
In 2024, the roughly processing time of Form I-130 for siblings of U.S. citizens can be between 22 and 83 months. Permanent residents need to have the right to petition for siblings to live permanently in the U.S.
I-130 Processing Time for Siblings 2024
· Living Abroad: Expect your Form I-130 processing that relays between 11.4-15 months.
· Living in the U.S: The processing time for siblings is currently 10-23 months.
Processing Times for Immediately Relatives of a U.S Green Card Holder
· Living Abroad: Form I-130 for relatives usually takes 29-40 months.
· Living in the U.S: If you are already living in the U.S, then the processing time is 29-40 months for Form I-485.
Family-Based Green Card Processing Time for Siblings India
The processing time for a family-based green card for siblings from India can take up to 16 years or more. The processing time for a sibling green card can vary depending on several factors, including:
· Service Center: The processing time at the service center can vary where I-130 was submitted.
· Home Country: The sibling’s country can vary depending on the processing time.
· Backlog: The processing time impacts the backlog for the F4 visa category.
· Number of visas distributed: Only 65,000 F4 can be distributed yearly, leading to long delays.
The process for a sibling green card can include:
· Filling Form I-130 with USCIS
· It pays the visa fees, including $535 for Form I-130, $325 for Form DS-260, $220 for the USCIS Immigrant Fee, and $120 for the Affidavit of Support.
· Receiving the approval and ongoing to the National Visa Center
· Submitting an affidavit
This process can be lengthy and complicated so that many people can seek assistance from immigration lawyers.
Family-Based Green Card Processing Time for Siblings
This process can take up to 14-16 years for siblings of U.S. citizens. Therefore, it can depend on your home country:
· For citizens of Mexico 20+ years
· For citizens of India, the process can take time up to 16+ years
· For citizens of the Philippines, it can take up to 24+ years.
The categories of green cards for parents, minor children, and spouses have no annual limits.
Hire an Attorney to File From I-130
Hiring an experienced immigration attorney with Form I-130, the petition for an Alien Relative can be invaluable in navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. The I-130 petition is critical in bringing a family member to the United States.
Completeness and accuracy are essential to avoid any type of delay. Organizations can carefully handle this. An expert can also provide complete guidance and organize the necessary documentation, such as proof of the family relationship, to support the petition easily.
Therefore, our attorney can also offer personalized legal advice for unique cases. Legal representation by the ILOLA can provide petitioners with peace of mind and the knowledge that they have an experienced lawyer dedicated to advocating their interests.
Tips for Avoiding Common I-130 Form Mistakes
· Use black ink and white to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding.
· To confirm compliance, review the latest version of Form I-130 and follow the instructions on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
· If any section doesn’t apply to your situation, write N/A (not applicable) instead of leaving them blank.
· Pay close attention to signature requirements and confirm that both the petitioner and the petitioner are ready for the sign-in and the date mentioned in the form where it is required.
· Include appropriate filing fees or request a fee if it is eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can my I-130 petition be processed more quickly?
You may be able to ask for your I-130 petition to be reviewed more quickly in certain situations, such as crises or an urgent desire to travel for medical treatment.
Q. Do Form I-130 processing time frames vary throughout USCIS service centers?
Yes, different USCIS service centers may have various processing times. Visit the USCIS website to view the typical processing periods for the center where you submitted your petition.
Q. Can I take a vacation while waiting for my Form I-130?
Yes, while your I-130 is pending, you are free to travel. However, it is still important to maintain your legal status and follow any applicable visa limits.
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