I would like to ask whether a first cousin (who is currently employed for more than 10 years) or an Aunt (who is retired) would be a better relative reference for my Canadian immgration application.

Thanks for your help.

Applicants will also usually be awarded such points if they have a spouse with such relatives. (The maximum allowable total is 5 bonus points, for relatives.)

The awarding of bonus points for these specific relatives in Canada, is expected to continue into the new system of immigration, due to be implemented June 2002.

No bonus points are awarded for cousins. Nevertheless, cousins living and working in Canada can always be mentioned as references. Such close references (such as cousins and friends) serve to help reassure an immigration officer that there are people in Canada who can help the applicant in his/her transition to Canada.