The short answer
A U.S. citizen who is at least 21 can petition for a brother or sister in the F4 category. This line is one of the longest, and waits depend on the country. Permanent residents cannot sponsor siblings.
What to know
- Form I-130 with proof of the shared parent.
- Your priority date is the date the petition is filed.
- Waits can be many years, longer for some countries such as India, the Philippines and Mexico.
- Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can usually come with you.
For the exact rules, forms and fees, see USCIS.
Visa Status is an unofficial site. This is general information in plain words, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change, so check the official website and your own papers. Written October 2026.