My mom's sisters from the Philippines wants to visit my mom in the U.S.

[LL1 8]

My mom is 79years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer.  My mom was naturalized couple of decades ago.  Given her age, she is unable to travel and she has not seen her sisters who lives in the Philippines for over 30years.  Because she is not healthy to travel internationally, I want to bring her sisters to her, especially when my mom turns 80 this July 2018.  I am sooo naive in a lot of this that is why I turned to this forum to get advice and hear other people's thought!  Please be patient with my post as it can get confusing or tiring!!!

A brief background on my mom's sisters in the Philippines who I want to bring to the US under a tourist visa.  There are 4 of them.  They are between ages of 65-81years old.   2 of my mom's sisters have kids and grandchildren in philippines; the other 2 are single never married (interestingly- the oldest and the youngest of the 4).  My oldest aunt lives and is supported by my orphaned cousin who is married and have children in the philippines.  My youngest unmarried aunt is retired and has her own house and lives with my other cousins.  I plan to ask my mom's doctor for a medical letter stating her medical condition and have it notarized.  I'll have my aunts take this letter with them when they apply for their visa to support the reason of my aunts coming to the US.  I think all my 4 aunts should apply for US visa together to show commonality in the reason of their visit and to show their intent to go back to the philippines after the visit.  My aunts in the philippines are poor and don't have a lot of money.  My sisters and I are paying for all expenses:  from visa fee to airfare.  I know show money is important for the US Embassy to see but can my aunts use us as the source of money?

I appreciate any help, comment, and suggestion.  I thank you in advance.

[geowrian 22,337]

They are free to apply. Somebody else is allowed to pay for the visa fee, travel expenses, housing, etc. At the same time, not having the means to do the trip themselves is still a negative factor. Given their age, I do think they have a chance (a young, single, working-age filipina is a very different story). I don't think it's a great chance, but the only thing to lose is the $160 application fee.

There's pros and cons to applying together. In the end, I see it as a wash. Facts are facts, and that's what the CO will look at for each of them.

 

Good luck!

[LL1 8]

Thank you Geowrian for your comment and advice.  I am concerned that because we will finance all of their expenses that the US embassy will frown upon it.  Similarly, older filipinos who have limited money most likely spent all of (if not most) of their money on their kids' or grandkids' future so there really is no savings for them left hence they live with their kids.  And this is a cultural behavior and in the philippines culturally acceptable.  I don't know if the US embassy takes this into account.  I'm also afraid that having relatives here in the U.S. that are financially stable might hurt their position than help.  Like what you said, geowrian, the most we'll loose is the $160 application fee (and heartache!).  Thanks again and God bless!

[geowrian 22,337]

3 minutes ago, Lyn Leon said:

Thank you Geowrian for your comment and advice.  I am concerned that because we will finance all of their expenses that the US embassy will frown upon it.  Similarly, older filipinos who have limited money most likely spent all of (if not most) of their money on their kids' or grandkids' future so there really is no savings for them left hence they live with their kids.  And this is a cultural behavior and in the philippines culturally acceptable.  I don't know if the US embassy takes this into account.  I'm also afraid that having relatives here in the U.S. that are financially stable might hurt their position than help.  Like what you said, geowrian, the most we'll loose is the $160 application fee (and heartache!).  Thanks again and God bless!

You're welcome!

The local embassies and consulates know and take into account the local culture. At the same time, they go by the facts in front of them. Somebody who doesn't have the means to pay for their own trip is at a higher risk to work (not so much in this case given their ages) or use public funds / become a public charge. Again, it's a risk, not a given. The CO has to look at the totality of the circumstances to determine immigrant intent, public charge risk, other risk of violating status, etc. It may be hard, but don't take the decision personally if it turns out unfavorable.