sponsoring a relative

[omega]

I would like to sponsor my mother's cousin ( grandmother's sister's daughter ) for a trip to the US

What kind of evidence should I provide for this relationship. I mean should I have to prove this. I previously applied for visa for my parents and got it. I dont remember having to prove the relationship. But then I also sent the birth certificate across and that should help for parents, I guess.

Anyone has any experience sponsoring relatives/friends and would like to share would be very helpful.

Thanks

[immihelp]

Only you can come up with such proof.

To prove who your mother is , provide your birth certificate. To prove who her mother is, provider her birth certificate. And so on, continue the chain until you reach the person whom you are trying to sponsor.

[omega]

Thanks for responding.

In reality, do they really ask us for these proofs. My grandmother's sister is no more and I am positive that my parents are not going to have the birth certificate of my mother, let alone my grandmother.

Can you tell me if they really look for these certificates or is it something we have to carry, just in case.

[immihelp]

They can ask for anything the want.

Anyway, the first question they may ask, why do you want to sponsor "grandmother's sister's daughter"?

[omega]

Thanks again so much for responding.

I spoke with my mother and she doesn't have any birth certificates for herself or my grandmother.

Though the actual relationship looks lengthy ( grandmother's sister's daughter ), she is my mother's cousin and my aunty. She has been an active person in my life and I am more close to her than even some of my direct aunties. Again, I donot know how this can be proved.

Can I show some of my marriage pictures to show that she has been a part of my life. I donot know if the US Consulate would consider photos as proof since so much can be edited these days. What other proof can I provide that will look legitimate.

I am kind of frustrated by the whole thing. She has three sons, two of whom are not married. I guess that is a positive thing. But again, she is a widow which might be considered negative. She has already travelled overseas once which can be positively viewed.

Thanks

[immihelp]

She being in the marriage does not mean anything. Any random person may be present in your marriage.

What I suggested is the best way to go. Else, it is up to you.