Last year in February, I came from Greece to Maine on an F1 student visa. My program is going well, but my younger sister back home just got admitted to a university in the U.S. and my parents want me to help her transition when she arrives. I’ve heard that sometimes siblings can be included in immigration processes, but I’m not sure if that applies here. Is there any way for me to support her application officially, or is it only parents who can sponsor her to come study?

Question

Lalita Chakraborty · Accepted Answer

No, siblings cannot sponsor each other for student visas.

Nkosinathi Ndlovu · Answer

Only your sister’s acceptance and proof of financial support from parents or another legal sponsor will matter.

Your presence here doesn’t give her an easier path, but you can help guide her with housing and settling.

She’ll still need her own I-20 and F1 visa application.

Mahboubeh Mahboubeh · Answer

For student visas, there’s no immigration process that allows you to sponsor her as a sibling. She must show admission, financial resources, and ties to her home country.

What you can do is provide an affidavit of support if you want to contribute financially, but it won’t replace the formal requirements. It’s more of an informal help.

Kostas Papadopoulos

Stay Updated