Sibling Petition for U.S. Permanent residency (Green Card)
Understanding the I-130 Processing Time for Sibling Immigration Petitions in 2021
As a sibling of a US citizen, I understand how important it is to be reunited with family.
However, the process of bringing siblings to the United States can be a long and complicated one.
In this article, I will explain the I-130 processing time for sibling immigration petitions in 2021, factors that can affect processing time, tips for speeding up the process, and what to do if your petition is taking longer than expected.
Introduction to sibling immigration petitions
Sibling immigration petitions are a way for US citizens to bring their brothers and sisters to the United States.
It is important to note that only US citizens can petition for their siblings. Permanent residents are not eligible to file a sibling immigration petition. Additionally, the sibling must be unmarried and over the age of 21.
The process of filing a sibling immigration petition involves submitting Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
This form establishes the relationship between the US citizen and their sibling and serves as the first step in the immigration process.
What is the I-130 form and how does it work?
The I-130 form is a petition that establishes a family relationship between a US citizen and their sibling.
The form must be completed accurately and submitted to USCIS along with supporting documents, such as birth certificates and marriage certificates.
Once USCIS receives the I-130 form, they will review it to ensure that it is complete and accurate.
If there are any issues or missing information, USCIS will request additional documentation or clarification.
If the I-130 form is approved by USCIS, it will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
The NVC will then send the petition to the US embassy or consulate in the sibling’s home country, where they will be interviewed and screened for eligibility for a visa to enter the United States.
Understanding the processing time for sibling immigration petitions
The processing time for sibling immigration petitions can vary greatly depending on a number of factors.
In general, USCIS estimates that the processing time for an I-130 form is between 7 and 15 months.
However, this is just an estimate and the actual processing time can be longer or shorter.
Factors that can affect the processing time for sibling immigration petitions include the backlog of applications at USCIS, the complexity of the case, and the availability of visas.
In some cases, additional documentation or an interview may be required, which can also delay the processing time.
Factors that can affect processing time
One of the biggest factors that can affect processing time is the backlog of applications at USCIS.
If there are a large number of applications to process, it can take longer for USCIS to review and approve them.
Additionally, if there are any issues or missing information with the application, USCIS may request additional documentation or clarification, which can also cause delays.
The complexity of the case can also impact processing time.
For example, if the sibling has a criminal record or a history of immigration violations, the case may be more complicated and require additional review.
Finally, the availability of visas can also impact processing time.
Each year, the US government sets a limit on the number of visas that can be issued in certain categories, including sibling immigration petitions.
If the demand for visas exceeds the available supply, it can take longer for a visa to become available.
Current processing times for sibling immigration petitions in 2021
As of June 2021, USCIS estimates that the processing time for an I-130 form is between 7 and 15 months.
However, this is just an estimate and the actual processing time can be longer or shorter.
It is important to note that USCIS is currently experiencing significant delays in processing times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many USCIS offices have been closed or operating at reduced capacity, which has led to longer wait times for all types of immigration petitions, including sibling immigration petitions.
Tips for speeding up the I-130 processing time for siblings
While there is no guaranteed way to speed up the processing time for sibling immigration petitions, there are some things that can be done to help move the process along.
One tip is to ensure that the application is complete and accurate before submitting it.
This can help to avoid delays caused by missing documentation or errors on the application.
Another tip is to check the USCIS website regularly for updates on processing times.
If the processing time for sibling immigration petitions is longer than usual, it may be a sign that USCIS is experiencing a backlog of applications. In this case, it may be helpful to contact USCIS to inquire about the status of the application.
Common reasons for delays in processing time
There are several common reasons why the processing time for sibling immigration petitions may be delayed.
One reason is missing or incomplete documentation.
If USCIS requests additional documentation or clarification, it is important to respond promptly to avoid further delays.
Another reason for delays is issues with the application, such as errors or inconsistencies.
If USCIS identifies issues with the application, they may request additional information or clarification, which can cause delays.
Finally, the availability of visas can also cause delays in processing time. If the demand for visas exceeds the available supply, it may take longer for a visa to become available.
What to do if your petition is taking longer than expected
If your sibling immigration petition is taking longer than expected, it is important to stay patient and continue to monitor the status of the application.
