Sponsor sibling to Live in the United States as Permanent Residents

[Murali Killada]

Hi,

I am a US citizen and want to sponsor Green Card for my sister. Right now she is US on H1B Visa. I am little confused on how to start the process as I see I-130,Petition for Alien Relative needs to be filed before filing I-485 (adjustment of status) and I am not sure when to file I-485. Also not sure whether I-130 needs to be filed or not. Hence, request you to clarify me on the process and procedure. Appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Murali

[Provence]

There's a long wait for USC siblings; it's an oversubscribed category. Potentially a 15-20 year wait, depending on area/country of changeability. 

You may file an i130 petition any time, and once approved, it sits for those many years until a visa is available. As a visa is not currently available, she is not eligible for i485 at the moment. 

[JoeF]

In addition to what Provence said, it is not possible to extend an H1 past 6 years with an I-130.

So, she would likely be better off going for an employment-based GC.

[Murali Killada]

Thanks Provence and Joe.

[samkrish]

Current waiting time for India is 14 yrs to 17 yrs.