Can a lawful permanent resident sponsor their brother or sister for an immediate visa?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no. A lawful permanent resident must wait until they become a U.S. citizen before they are eligible to sponsor anyone other than their own spouse or child for a visa. And even once becoming a citizen, the wait for a visa for the adult (over age 21) sibling of a U.S. citizen ranges from 11 to 20+ years. Such a delay may not be feasible for most folks.

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