want to sponsor my brother & his family

This can take years, even over a decade, because if and when the petition is approved, it will be transferred to the National Visa Center for storage.  For more information, you will need to learn how to read the State Department's Visa Bulletin.  This sort of fourth preference visa automatically terminates upon the death of the sponsor.  In addition, the children will be disqualified on or just after they reach 21 years of age.  Again, an appointment with a competent and experienced immigration attorney can help you decide whether it makes sense to file a petition.    The above is general information, not legal advice and does not create an attorney client relationship.