Sibling Petition Lawyer in Burlington County — How Can We Help You?
A sibling petition lawyer in Burlington County helps U.S. citizens file Form I-130 to sponsor a brother or sister for a green card. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for these family-based immigration cases. The process involves strict eligibility verification and handling lengthy visa wait times. Our firm can guide you through each step, from petition filing to consular processing.
What Is a Sibling Petition Under U.S. Immigration Law?
U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can petition for certain family members, including siblings, to obtain lawful permanent residence (a green card). This is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The sibling petition, officially known as Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, establishes the qualifying family relationship. This is the first step in a multi-stage process that can take many years due to annual visa quotas.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) | U.S. Department of State.
Official Resources and Statutes
Understanding the legal framework is critical. The sibling petition process is defined by federal law and administered by multiple government agencies. You can review the official statute and procedures through these .gov resources:
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (official USCIS page)
- U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin (for current wait times)
The Sibling Petition Process in Burlington County
Filing a sibling petition requires meticulous documentation and an understanding of both USCIS procedures and the subsequent National Visa Center (NVC) process. A common challenge is proving the family relationship through official birth certificates for both the petitioner and the sibling beneficiary, especially if documents are from another country. In Burlington County, having an attorney review your evidence before submission can prevent requests for evidence (RFEs) that cause delays.
- Confirm Eligibility: Verify the petitioner is a U.S. citizen (not a permanent resident) and that the sibling relationship is full (sharing both biological parents) or half (sharing one parent).
- Gather Documentary Evidence: Collect original or certified copies of birth certificates, passports, naturalization certificates, and any marriage or divorce decrees needed to trace the family relationship.
- Complete and File Form I-130: Accurately complete the petition and submit it with the correct fee and all supporting evidence to the designated USCIS lockbox.
- Monitor Visa Bulletin: After USCIS approves the I-130, the case moves to the NVC. You must wait for the sibling’s priority date to become current in the Visa Bulletin, which can take over a decade.
- Complete Consular Processing: Once the priority date is current, the beneficiary completes forms, undergoes a medical exam, and attends an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Why Experience Matters in Sibling Petition Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our immigration team handles the detailed documentation required for sibling petitions. We focus on building a complete and accurate case file from the start to avoid processing delays. For those seeking an affordable sibling petition lawyer in Burlington County, our firm provides clear fee structures and focused representation on this specific immigration process.
Seeking a Sibling Petition Lawyer Near Me in Burlington County?
If you are looking for a sibling petition lawyer near me in Burlington County, our firm is accessible to clients throughout the area. We serve families in Burlington County and surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a sibling petition take?
It depends. The wait time is often 12 to 15 years or more after USCIS approves the I-130 petition. The delay is due to annual visa quotas. You must monitor the Visa Bulletin for when your sibling’s priority date becomes current.
Can a green card holder petition for a sibling?
No. Only U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can file a petition for a brother or sister. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot petition for siblings.
What evidence proves a sibling relationship?
You need birth certificates for both the petitioner and the sibling showing at least one common parent. If names have changed, you may need marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or legal name change documents to establish a clear chain of identity.
What happens after the I-130 is approved?
The case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). You wait for the visa number to become available per the Visa Bulletin. Once current, the beneficiary applies for an immigrant visa through consular processing in their home country.
Can my sibling come to the U.S. to wait?
It depends. They cannot enter on a tourist visa with the intent to immigrate. If they are already in the U.S. in a valid status, the lengthy wait for a sibling visa typically requires them to maintain that separate legal status for many years.
For more information, see our page on New Jersey Family-Based Immigration or learn about Marriage Green Cards in Burlington County. You may also want to read about Sibling Petition Lawyer in Camden County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance on your specific case.
New Jersey law governs this practice area.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Sibling Petition Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Sibling Petition Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Sibling Petition Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.