Petitions For Parents & Siblings
Petitions for Parents: How to Help Your Family Immigrate
Understanding Petitions for Parents & Siblings
If you're a U.S. citizen, you may be able to help certain family members immigrate to the United States—including your parents and brothers or sisters. These petitions are a meaningful way to reunite loved ones and support their path to permanent residence.
In this post, we’ll explain the difference between parent and sibling petitions, who qualifies, and how to navigate the process with confidence.
What is Required to File a Petition for Parents
As a U.S. citizen, once you turn 21 years old, you can file a petition for each of your biological or adoptive parents. There is no limit on the number of green cards available for parents of U.S. citizens, which means:
There is no waiting list (immediate relatives category)
Your parent can apply for a green card as soon as the petition is approved
If they are already in the U.S., they may be able to adjust status without leaving
The process involves filing Form I-130 and, depending on where your parent is located, either going through consular processing or adjusting status in the U.S.
Petitions for Siblings
If you are a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old, you may also petition for your brother or sister. Unlike parent petitions, however:
Sibling petitions fall under the Family Fourth Preference (F4) category
There is a limited number of visas each year
The wait time can be 10–20+ years, depending on your sibling’s country of origin
Sibling petitions are still worth pursuing as a long-term option, especially when your sibling has no other way to come to the U.S. legally.
Why Legal Help Matters When Petitioning For Parents
Every family petition is different. You may encounter challenges if:
Your sibling or parent has a complicated immigration or criminal history
Your documents are missing or inconsistent
You need to include step-parents or adopted siblings
We ensure your petition is complete, your supporting documents are accurate, and your family is on the best path forward.
Quick Facts
Parents
Who can file: U.S. citizens age 21+
Form: I-130 + Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
Wait time: No visa limit — eligible immediately after approval
Eligible relatives: Biological or legally adoptive parents
Other notes: Step-parents may qualify if the marriage occurred before age 18
Siblings
Who can file: U.S. citizens age 21+
Form: I-130
Wait time: 10–20+ years depending on the country
Eligible relatives: Full, half, and adopted siblings (with proper documentation)
Other notes: Permanent residents cannot petition for siblings
Frequently Asked Questions
Can green card holders file for parents or siblings?
No. Only U.S. citizens can petition for their parents and siblings. Lawful permanent residents cannot file these petitions.
How old do I have to be to file a family petition?
You must be at least 21 years old to file a petition for either a parent or sibling.
How long does it take to bring a parent to the U.S.?
Parent petitions are considered immediate relative cases. That means there is no wait list, and once approved, your parent can apply for a green card right away—usually taking 12–18 months.
Why do sibling petitions take so long?
Because they fall into the fourth preference category, which is subject to annual quotas. Demand is high and backlogs are long, especially for countries like Mexico, India, and the Philippines.
Can I petition for my step-parent or half-sibling?
Yes, in some cases:
Step-parents qualify if the marriage to your biological parent happened before you turned 18
Half-siblings qualify as long as you can prove a shared biological parent
Can my sibling come to the U.S. while they wait?
Possibly, but they would need a separate nonimmigrant visa, such as a tourist visa. Having a pending immigrant petition could make getting a visitor visa more difficult, as it signals immigrant intent.
Can I include my sibling’s spouse or children in the petition?
Yes. When a visa becomes available, your sibling’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 can usually immigrate as derivative beneficiaries.
What if my parent entered the U.S. without permission?
They may not be able to adjust status from inside the U.S., but there may be other legal options. We recommend speaking with an attorney to evaluate the full situation.
Ready to Reunite with Your Loved Ones?
We help U.S. citizens bring their parents and siblings to the U.S. through clear, thorough petitioning support.