Sponsoring visitor visa for relatives

[friendo]

Hi All, When sponsoring visitor visa for your relatives (not immediate relative such as parents or in laws), does consulate expect any documents to show they are related to the sponsor. I havent seen any mention of such documents so far. I am planning to invite a cousin of mine to US, but I was not really sure about this. Any thoughts are very appreciated....Thanks

[immihelp]

When you sponsor someone, consular officer would at least would want to know why you are sponsoring that person? What is your interest in them and what is your relation to them?

Without that, someone could just get sponsorship by paying someone some money. You see?

[friendo]

I understand that. Indeed I will be sending a affidavit of support and letter of invitation inviting him over for tourist purposes. But my question is would they be looking for a more official/strong documentary evidence to prove we are related to each other.

[immihelp]

yes

[friendo]

Thanks for your prompt responses. Can you give an example of such a document?

[immihelp]

Explain exactly in detail how he is your cousin.

Lets assume he is your father's brother's son.

In that case,
* Your birth certificate to prove who your father is.
* Birth certificates of your father and his brother to prove they have the same parents and therefore, brothers.
* Birth certificate of your cousin to prove who his father is.

Accordingly, however he is your cousin, you will have to produce the documents for each link.