How to Write a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage (with Sample)
Use this sample reference letter for immigration marriage as a template for your formal reference letter.
Last updated on June 25th, 2022
When a couple marries and one is an immigrant, often the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) requires proof that the marriage is not merely to allow the immigrant to get around the immigration laws.
Letter of Support
A reference letter or “letter of support” can help. It is written by people who know the couple and want to help them show that their marriage is actually a true marriage and is not bogus.
A reference letter is generally written by friends of the couple. It can be written by others such as family or perhaps the minister of the church the couple attends. Preferably the writer of the letter would be someone who has known one or both of the couple before their marriage as well as afterward.
Letter of Support
A reference letter or “letter of support” can help. It is written by people who know the couple and want to help them show that their marriage is actually a true marriage and is not bogus.
A reference letter is generally written by friends of the couple. It can be written by others such as family or perhaps the minister of the church the couple attends. Preferably the writer of the letter would be someone who has known one or both of the couple before their marriage as well as afterward.
No Requirements
Although there are no requirements as to the residence of the person writing the letter, he or she should be located close enough to have first-hand knowledge of the couple's day-to-day life. This is because the writer is basically testifying to observing the couple frequently and stating that in their opinion, the marriage is genuine.
No one can guarantee that a marriage will last forever. However, a letter that says the writer believes the couple is in love and has witnessed their life together as a married couple can help.
Letter Must Contain Certain Information
The letter must contain certain information. It should be typed rather than hand-written. The reference letter should not look like a legal form that was just signed by friends. It should contain the writer's observations regarding the marriage and be written in their own personal style.
Although there are no requirements as to the residence of the person writing the letter, he or she should be located close enough to have first-hand knowledge of the couple's day-to-day life. This is because the writer is basically testifying to observing the couple frequently and stating that in their opinion, the marriage is genuine.
No one can guarantee that a marriage will last forever. However, a letter that says the writer believes the couple is in love and has witnessed their life together as a married couple can help.
Letter Must Contain Certain Information
The letter must contain certain information. It should be typed rather than hand-written. The reference letter should not look like a legal form that was just signed by friends. It should contain the writer's observations regarding the marriage and be written in their own personal style.
The writer should introduce him or herself and provide information about their residence. If they were born in the US, they need to state where they were born and their date of birth. If the letter is being written by someone who holds an important position in the community or elsewhere, this can be stated as well.
Body of the Letter
In the body of the letter, the writer should provide details about how they know the couple. For example, if they met one or both before their marriage, they should say when and where they met. If the person writing the letter and the couple socialize or entertain at both of their homes frequently, this should be included in the letter.
The couple may have a child or children that spend time with children of the letter writer. This is another detail that can be added. The frequency of the interaction between the families can be helpful as well. Although providing details about time spent with the couple and/or their family is important, it is not a good idea to claim to know intimate details. Stating that it is their belief the couple is in love is sufficient.
In the conclusion of the letter, the writer can reiterate their belief that the couple has a normal marital relation. Offer to be available should the receiver have any questions by providing contact information. Often the letter is notarized to confirm the identity of the writer.
Body of the Letter
In the body of the letter, the writer should provide details about how they know the couple. For example, if they met one or both before their marriage, they should say when and where they met. If the person writing the letter and the couple socialize or entertain at both of their homes frequently, this should be included in the letter.
The couple may have a child or children that spend time with children of the letter writer. This is another detail that can be added. The frequency of the interaction between the families can be helpful as well. Although providing details about time spent with the couple and/or their family is important, it is not a good idea to claim to know intimate details. Stating that it is their belief the couple is in love is sufficient.
In the conclusion of the letter, the writer can reiterate their belief that the couple has a normal marital relation. Offer to be available should the receiver have any questions by providing contact information. Often the letter is notarized to confirm the identity of the writer.
Sample Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage
Name of Writer
Address of Writer
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Address of the Receiver:
(USCIS (State) Service Center)
111 Central Boulevard
City, State 12345
Subject: Letter of Support for (name of the couple)
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is (writer's name), and I was born on (date of birth) in (city, state). I have known (name of one or both of the married couple) since (the date that you met) when (he, she, or they) moved into our neighborhood. Since that time our families socialize frequently. My wife and I have spent time at their home, and they often come to ours for dinner, barbecues, and movie nights.
It is my opinion that (the married couple) are in love and committed to each other. I believe they have made a lifetime commitment to each other and are happy. I appreciate the opportunity to provide this information. Should you have any questions or need more information, my contact number is (contact number for the writer) (111) 555-5555.
Sincerely,
Signature of Writer
Printed Name of Writer
By Andre Bradley
Interesting Finds
Sample Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage
Name of Writer
Address of Writer
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Address of the Receiver:
(USCIS (State) Service Center)
111 Central Boulevard
City, State 12345
Subject: Letter of Support for (name of the couple)
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is (writer's name), and I was born on (date of birth) in (city, state). I have known (name of one or both of the married couple) since (the date that you met) when (he, she, or they) moved into our neighborhood. Since that time our families socialize frequently. My wife and I have spent time at their home, and they often come to ours for dinner, barbecues, and movie nights.
It is my opinion that (the married couple) are in love and committed to each other. I believe they have made a lifetime commitment to each other and are happy. I appreciate the opportunity to provide this information. Should you have any questions or need more information, my contact number is (contact number for the writer) (111) 555-5555.
Sincerely,
Signature of Writer
Printed Name of Writer
By Andre Bradley
Interesting Finds