If my half sister is 14 and she lives in Russia, how can I bring her here sinceI am a US citizen?

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If my half sister is 14 and she lives in Russia, how can I bring her here sinceI am a US citizen?

Or does it mean I need to bring my mother and stepdad too? They do have a B1/B2 visas now. My sister would like to start going to school here but as far as I know she cant do that on the that visa. What would be my next step to help her or them move here?

Asked on January 18, 2012 under Immigration Law, Washington

Answers:

SB, Member, California / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

You can petition for your step sister but that process is going to take about 10-12 years for a sibling of a US citizen.  If you petition for your mother and step father, it will take about 9-12 months but the step sister will not be able to come with them.  They will have to petition for her once they are here and that process is going to take about 3 years after they are in the US.  You might want to look at international student visa options for your stepsister through local schools but for that you have to inquire with the individual schools/school districts and most likely paying tuition will be involved.


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