Petitioning my brother from Australia - How long will it take?

[gshorty21 1]

Hi,

I have my Oath Ceremony in 2 weeks. Very excited.

After my ceremony I would like to petition my Brother to come here. I don't want to waste any time. I am already filling out the form and have all my documents ready

He is based in Australia. Do you know how long the visa wait time from Australia? would it be 10 years like other countries?

He is highly educated and his profession and skills could be useful in the US. He is a Civil Project Manager.

Is there a quicker way I can get him over here in the US.

 

On a side note.

Once I file the I-130, will he still able to come visit me during the petition process? He comes the US every 1-2 years for a 2 week holiday to see me and spend time with my daughter (his niece).

He is still working in Australia and has property to manage there. He has no reason to over stay when he comes to visit. He can show proof that he wants to migrate here the legal way.

I am asking this because if it will take 10 years I would effect us if they wont let him in the country for holiday visits during this time.

 

[Mollie09 1,543]

Current wait for siblings of US citizens is 13+ years for most countries (including Australia) - but the wait is expected to get longer and the category may be eliminated altogether.

If you choose to apply, he may still visit while the petition is pending as long as he can prove strong ties to Australia.

[gshorty21 1]

Hi,

 

The category may be eliminated altogether.  - Is this true? they are going to eliminate it?

[Mollie09 1,543]

Well, it's a rumor. The US is one of the only countries that provides an immigration path for siblings, it's not seen as a vital category like spouses or children.

[Unlockable 7,314]

@Mollie09 is correct. It is speculation for now. There is a group of politicians that are pushing for a reform that will eliminate certain family categories. There have been a couple of draft bills that have been brought forth but no leeway was made with them.

 

 

As the previous poster mentioned it is not a critical category and by eliminating it, it can help reduce the load of petitions that USCIS receive which subsequently could reduce the amount of time for other more important categories.

[Mutahir 15]

Wishfully thinking, there was a paragraph on that considered Bill to expedite and finish processing all pending petitions within 3 years.  If that sort of bill ever considered and passed into effect, there is a hope for these long F4-Sibling visa category lines to get processed quickly!!!

 

Edited June 13, 2017 by Mutahir

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

  To do that they would have to remove the numerical limits of the visa classes which is causing the lines.   Doubtful that would flood the embassies with those petitions to the delay of "higher " visas like spousal's.  Do you have any idea of the number of pending petitions it takes to create a 25 year backlog     .

[Mutahir 15]

https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Immigrant-Statistics/WaitingListItem.pdf

 

Based on the above site, roughly 4.5 million Family Based petitions altogether.

 

 

[gshorty21 1]

Hi,

thank you.

Looks like the waitlist has reduced.

Either there are less people applying and/or they are accepting more applications.

 

I am still very hopeful I can get my brother over here. even if he has to wait 10years.