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 December 2, 2023
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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage?
Answer: A Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage is a document that is typically written by a close friend, family member, or acquaintance who can vouch for the authenticity and legitimacy of a marriage between an immigrant and a citizen or permanent resident of a country. This letter serves as a supporting document to provide evidence of the bona fide nature of the relationship when the immigrant spouse is applying for immigration benefits, such as a visa or permanent residency.
Q: Who should write a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage?
Answer: A Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage should be written by someone who knows both the immigrant spouse and the citizen or permanent resident spouse well and can provide detailed information about their relationship. It is typically written by a close friend, family member, employer, or mentor who can attest to the genuineness of the marriage and provide insights into the couple's relationship history, interactions, and shared experiences.
Q: What information should be included in a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage?
Answer: A Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage should include specific details about the writer's relationship with the couple and their observations of their relationship. It should include information such as how the writer knows the couple, how long they have known them, and the frequency of their interactions. The letter should also highlight the writer's observations of the couple's compatibility, shared activities, and milestones. It is important to provide concrete examples to support the claims made in the letter.
Q: How should a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage be formatted?
Answer: A Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage should be written in a formal and professional tone. It should include the writer's contact information, including their full name, address, phone number, and email address, at the top of the letter. The letter should be addressed to the appropriate immigration authority or consulate and should include the date of writing. It is recommended to use a standard business letter format with a clear and concise structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Q: Can a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage be notarized?
Answer: Yes, a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage can be notarized to add an extra layer of authenticity and credibility. Notarization involves having a notary public witness the signing of the letter and verifying the identity of the person signing it. While notarization is not always required, it can strengthen the letter's reliability and may be particularly useful in certain immigration cases where additional evidence is needed to support the marriage claim.
Q: Is it necessary to translate a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage if it's not in the official language of the immigration process?
Answer: If the Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage is not in the official language of the immigration process, it is generally necessary to have it translated. Immigration authorities typically require all documents to be submitted in the official language of the country where the immigration application is being processed. It is advisable to consult the specific requirements of the immigration authority or consulate handling the application to determine if a translation is necessary and to ensure that the translation is accurate and certified if required.
Q: Can multiple Reference Letters for Immigration Marriage be submitted?
Answer: Yes, it is generally beneficial to submit multiple Reference Letters for Immigration Marriage to provide a well-rounded and comprehensive picture of the relationship. Having multiple letters from different individuals who can independently confirm the authenticity of the marriage can strengthen the overall application. Each letter should come from a credible and reliable source who can provide unique insights into the couple's relationship and support the claims made in the application.
Q: What should be avoided when writing a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage?
Answer: When writing a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage, it is important to avoid exaggerations, false statements, or any misleading information. It is crucial to be honest and provide accurate details about the couple's relationship. Avoid using generic or vague language and instead focus on providing specific examples and details that demonstrate the genuine nature of the marriage. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid including personal opinions or subjective judgments that may not be relevant to the immigration process.
Q: How long should a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage be?
Answer: A Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage should typically be one to two pages long. It is important to be concise while still providing sufficient information to support the couple's relationship. The letter should be well-structured with clear paragraphs that address different aspects of the relationship. It is advisable to focus on quality rather than quantity and provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate the couple's commitment and shared experiences.
Interesting Finds
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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage?
Answer: A Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage is a document that is typically written by a close friend, family member, or acquaintance who can vouch for the authenticity and legitimacy of a marriage between an immigrant and a citizen or permanent resident of a country. This letter serves as a supporting document to provide evidence of the bona fide nature of the relationship when the immigrant spouse is applying for immigration benefits, such as a visa or permanent residency.
Q: Who should write a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage?
Answer: A Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage should be written by someone who knows both the immigrant spouse and the citizen or permanent resident spouse well and can provide detailed information about their relationship. It is typically written by a close friend, family member, employer, or mentor who can attest to the genuineness of the marriage and provide insights into the couple's relationship history, interactions, and shared experiences.
Q: What information should be included in a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage?
Answer: A Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage should include specific details about the writer's relationship with the couple and their observations of their relationship. It should include information such as how the writer knows the couple, how long they have known them, and the frequency of their interactions. The letter should also highlight the writer's observations of the couple's compatibility, shared activities, and milestones. It is important to provide concrete examples to support the claims made in the letter.
Q: How should a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage be formatted?
Answer: A Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage should be written in a formal and professional tone. It should include the writer's contact information, including their full name, address, phone number, and email address, at the top of the letter. The letter should be addressed to the appropriate immigration authority or consulate and should include the date of writing. It is recommended to use a standard business letter format with a clear and concise structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Q: Can a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage be notarized?
Answer: Yes, a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage can be notarized to add an extra layer of authenticity and credibility. Notarization involves having a notary public witness the signing of the letter and verifying the identity of the person signing it. While notarization is not always required, it can strengthen the letter's reliability and may be particularly useful in certain immigration cases where additional evidence is needed to support the marriage claim.
Q: Is it necessary to translate a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage if it's not in the official language of the immigration process?
Answer: If the Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage is not in the official language of the immigration process, it is generally necessary to have it translated. Immigration authorities typically require all documents to be submitted in the official language of the country where the immigration application is being processed. It is advisable to consult the specific requirements of the immigration authority or consulate handling the application to determine if a translation is necessary and to ensure that the translation is accurate and certified if required.
Q: Can multiple Reference Letters for Immigration Marriage be submitted?
Answer: Yes, it is generally beneficial to submit multiple Reference Letters for Immigration Marriage to provide a well-rounded and comprehensive picture of the relationship. Having multiple letters from different individuals who can independently confirm the authenticity of the marriage can strengthen the overall application. Each letter should come from a credible and reliable source who can provide unique insights into the couple's relationship and support the claims made in the application.
Q: What should be avoided when writing a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage?
Answer: When writing a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage, it is important to avoid exaggerations, false statements, or any misleading information. It is crucial to be honest and provide accurate details about the couple's relationship. Avoid using generic or vague language and instead focus on providing specific examples and details that demonstrate the genuine nature of the marriage. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid including personal opinions or subjective judgments that may not be relevant to the immigration process.
Q: How long should a Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage be?
Answer: A Reference Letter for Immigration Marriage should typically be one to two pages long. It is important to be concise while still providing sufficient information to support the couple's relationship. The letter should be well-structured with clear paragraphs that address different aspects of the relationship. It is advisable to focus on quality rather than quantity and provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate the couple's commitment and shared experiences.
Interesting Finds