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Houston Immigration Lawyers > Blog > Immigration > Can You Sponsor Your Half-Sibling For A Family Visa?

Can You Sponsor Your Half-Sibling For A Family Visa?

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If a U.S. citizen would like to sponsor their half-sibling for a family visa, they can generally do so. But, the process of doing so is rarely easy.

Going over how a U.S. citizen can sponsor their half-sibling for a family visa, and speaking with an immigration lawyer, will allow a U.S. citizen to bring their half-sibling to the United States.

 What Is A Family Visa?

 A family visa is a visa that allows those with a close relationship to a United States citizen  to enter and, then, live in the United States.

Just as an example, one of the most widely-sought family visas is a spousal visa, which allows the spouse of a United States citizen to enter the United States and live with their spouse.

A variety of different family visas exist, each of which comes with their own, unique requirements.

 Can You Sponsor Your Half-Sibling For A Family Visa? 

The answer to the question outlined above is “Yes.”

If a U.S. citizen has a half-sibling, then they can sponsor their half-sibling, for a family visa.

Even though the act of sponsoring one’s half-sibling, for a family visa, is possible, this doesn’t mean it is very easy.

A variety of requirements must be satisfied in the proper manner.

Due to the complexities of the process, it is always wise to work with a lawyer, when sponsoring one’s half-sibling for a family visa.

 How Can You Sponsor Your Half-Sibling For A Family Visa? 

If an immigrant would like to sponsor their half-sibling, for a family visa, they must be at least 21 years old.

Right after satisfying that particular requirement, they must clarify, and verify, their half-sibling’s status.

A brother or sister who came from at least one common parent – the U.S. citizen shares a father with their half-sibling, for example – is a half-sibling that can sponsor/be sponsored for a family visa.

In order for the above to occur, though, they must provide evidence that validates the following:

  • Their common parent was once married to a spouse and, then, divorced that spouse.
  • That same common parent married someone else, which led to the half-sibling being born.
  • Proof that an emotional relationship existed between the common parent and the other person.
  • Proof that a financial relationship existed between the common parent and the other person.
  • Proof that the birth was, and is, legitimate.

Just as an example of the above, if a U.S. citizen is the daughter of a man who was married before having her and, in being married, had a son, then this individual has a half-brother who can be sponsored for a family visa.

On the other hand, if this woman’s father never married his first love, who gave birth to her half-brother, then other forms of proof must be produced.

If a relationship is especially confusing, or there isn’t a lot of documentation, the process can become especially complex.

No matter what, though, if the appropriate documentation is provided, and the right forms are filled out, it is often possible for a U.S. citizen  to sponsor their half-sibling.

 Speak With A Houston Marriage & Family Visa Lawyer 

The process of sponsoring a half-sibling for a family visa is rarely easy. Speak with a Houston marriage & family visa lawyer at BBA Immigration and we will help you do so.

 Sources: 

travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration/immigrant-visa-for-spouse.html

uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-family-preference-immigrants

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