diff --git a/personal/k-1_visa.md b/personal/k-1_visa.md index 8e586b9..172e61e 100644 --- a/personal/k-1_visa.md +++ b/personal/k-1_visa.md @@ -219,3 +219,120 @@ Lewisville, TX 75067-8003 * [Form I-129F (PDF)](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-129f.pdf) * [Instructions for I-129F (PDF)](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-129finstr.pdf) + +--- + +Here is a **comprehensive technical reference section** for the **sibling-based immigration process** in the U.S., integrated as an additional module in your larger immigration documentation. + +--- + +# πŸ‘₯ **Petitioning to Bring Siblings to the U.S. as Permanent Residents** + +--- + +## πŸ“Œ **Overview** + +U.S. citizens aged **21 or older** may sponsor their **siblings (brothers and sisters)** for lawful permanent residence (Green Card). Legal **permanent residents (Green Card holders)** are **not eligible** to sponsor siblings. + +--- + +## πŸ—‚οΈ **Required Documentation** + +The **petitioner** (U.S. citizen) must submit: + +* βœ… **Form I-130**, Petition for Alien Relative + *(Only one Form I-130 is needed per sibling; do **not** file separate forms for their spouse or minor children.)* + +* βœ… **Proof of U.S. citizenship**, one of: + + * Valid U.S. **passport** (copy) + * U.S. **birth certificate** + * **Consular Report of Birth Abroad** + * **Naturalization certificate** + * **Certificate of citizenship** + +* βœ… **Proof of sibling relationship**: + + * Your **birth certificate** + * Your **sibling’s birth certificate** + * Both must show **at least one common parent** + +--- + +## 🧾 **Special Sibling Scenarios** + +If the sibling relationship arises through: + +* **Adoption** +* **Step-relationships** +* **Paternal half-siblings** + +πŸ‘‰ You must provide **additional legal documentation** establishing the familial relationship as valid under U.S. immigration law (e.g., adoption decree, marriage/divorce certificates showing timeline alignment, evidence of parental legitimacy). + +--- + +## ⏳ **While the Petition is Pending** + +> ❌ **Siblings cannot immigrate while Form I-130 is pending.** + +* They are generally **ineligible for nonimmigrant visas** due to **immigrant intent**, unless a strong case can be made under specific exceptions. +* Entry to the U.S. must wait until **immigrant visa processing** is completed and a **visa number becomes available** via consular processing. + +For more, see: + +* [Adjustment of Status](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/adjustment-of-status) +* [Consular Processing](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/consular-processing) + +--- + +## ❌ **Denials and Appeals** + +If Form I-130 is **denied**: + +* The denial notice will include **instructions for filing an appeal**. +* Appeals are submitted via **Form I-290B**, Notice of Appeal or Motion. +* After fee processing, the appeal is referred to the **Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)**. + +--- + +## πŸ”„ **Following-to-Join Benefits** + +### Applicable to: + +* Spouses and/or children of immigrants **who obtained permanent residence via preference categories**, and: + + * Were **married or had children** at the time of their own green card issuance + * Those relationships still exist + +### Benefits: + +* No need for a **separate I-130** petition +* **No wait** for additional visa numbers + +### How to Apply: + +#### If adjusted in the U.S.: + +File: + +* βœ… **Form I-824**, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition +* βœ… Copy of original immigrant petition (e.g., I-130) +* βœ… Copy of **Form I-797** (approval notice) +* βœ… Copy of your **Green Card (Form I-551)** + +> If filing **concurrently** with Form I-485, no additional documentation is needed. + +#### If immigrant visa was issued **via consulate**: + +Contact the **National Visa Center (NVC)**: + +* πŸ“§ Email: **[NVCInquiry@state.gov](mailto:NVCInquiry@state.gov)** +* πŸ“¬ Mail: + + ``` + National Visa Center, ATTN: WC + 32 Rochester Ave. + Portsmouth, NH 03801-2909 + ``` + +Would you like this integrated into the I-129F reference as a single structured manual or kept as a standalone sibling sponsorship module? I can also generate it as a PDF or prepare a visual workflow for both.