Is there a way to bring my cousin here if I am a US citizen? 15 Answers as of December 06, 2011

NO, unfortunately, a cousin is not a qualified family relationship for purposes of petitioning for a visa. She can look at student visa or employment-based options.

Yes, but it will take 10+ years.

There is no family category for cousins but she can look at nonimmigrant options or perhaps an employment-based category.

The other option is coming as a Student or Worker. Does your cousin have a College Education? Or, depending on their nationality, they may come as a temporary investor. You cannot petition a cousin in any family category.

There isn't anything you can do to petition for your cousin from a family-based perspective. You should have an attorney review her educational background and work history to see if she qualifies for a non-immigrant employment-based visa.

You may not petition for/sponsor a cousin.

You can do nothing personally for your cousin. She will need to investigate other ways of coming either as a non-immigrant or as an immigrant.

As a U.S. citizen, you can only petition for immigration benefits for the following family members: parent, spouse, child, son/daughter over 21, and/or sibling. There is new family-based petition process for a cousin. Your cousin should continue to pursue the diversity lottery.

First, I think it is great you have encouraged her to do the Diversity Visa Lottery every year. Keep it up - the odds are on her side. Second, there are other ways to bring her here. If she is of school age, she may come here as a nonimmigrant student. If she has a bachelors degree, perhaps you know of a business that needs her skills and would sponsor her. Of course, if you fancy yourself a matchmaker, a good faith marriage is another way they may be able to immigrate. There are probably other options she may have; call us to set up a consultation, or consult with a good immigration attorney in your area. Good luck!

Immigration is tightly regulated and controlled. Part of that control is laws that limit the relationships that can be used to sponsor a family member. Unfortunately there is no immigration category for cousins. One advantage of seeking a consultation with an immigration attorney is that a thorough review of the facts and circumstances may yield an alternative you are not aware of.