Guide To Prepare An Immigration Reference Letter For Family Members In The United States

At some point, a family member or an employee might ask you for a favor to write an immigration reference letter to help them apply to immigrate.

If you are in charge of putting together this letter, you might be wondering what to do first when helping someone with their immigration application, the best way to write the immigration reference letter, and what an immigration reference letter really means.

An immigration reference letter can boost your visa application. But, it is key to include everything the USCIS needs to see in deciding on your application. Since judges can make the final call, it is smart to show that the person you are writing about has good qualities that would be a plus for the community.

If someone asks you to write an immigration reference letter for a family member to use in their application, you might feel a bit lost about where to start. But not to worry! We are here to clear up any questions you might have about writing an immigration reference letter. We will also walk you through what an immigration reference letter is all about.

The meaning of an immigration reference letter

An immigration reference letter shows that the person applying has good character, work experience, skills, or other important qualities. It should be easy to read, brief, and honest. It should also follow the basic format we shall provide subsequently.

Reasons to prepare an immigration reference letter for family members

You might have to write an immigration reference letter for many reasons when someone wants to become a citizen or move to the US. Here are some common reasons:

• Familial ties: If family members want to come to live with their relatives in the US, an immigration reference letter from someone already here can help.
• Job hunting: If a family member is looking for a job in the US, an immigration reference letter from someone already working here can highlight their skills and experience. It is especially good if the immigration reference letter comes from someone with a job.
• Medical reasons: If a family member needs to come to the US for medical care, family members here can write immigration reference letters to back them up. It is helpful to say that you will take care of their expenses and that they won’t put extra pressure on the US healthcare system.
• Helping out: If a family member is fleeing from another country and needs a safe place to stay, coming to the US might be their best bet. A current US citizen can write an immigration reference letter saying they have a place to live, which will help them financially.

If you are writing an immigration reference letter to help someone get a job, it is even better to vouch for them as someone who can hire them.

Why is an immigration reference letter important?

Getting into the US to live is a tough, long, and stressful process. It would be best to be super careful about the details and timing. If you are trying to move to the US, you must show you are a good fit to live there. Sure, being well-liked isn’t everything, but having someone vouch for you can help your case.

If someone asks you to write an immigration reference letter saying good things about them, you are basically telling the US government that this person is qualified and deserves to be a part of American society.

Things to add to an immigration reference letter for family members

When you are writing an immigration reference letter for a family member, make sure to include these key points:

• Background of your relationship: If you are writing an immigration reference letter for someone to immigrate, it is important to talk about how you know them. Share a bit about your relationship and how long you have been together.
• Highlight their good points: It is not just about saying you know the person; you should also talk about what makes them great. Point out qualities that will show the immigration official why they are a good fit.
• What they can bring: Also, talk about what this person can do for the US in the future. Talk about what they are capable of and what you expect from them. This helps the immigration officials see what they can offer the US.

These immigration reference letters matter if the person preparing them is a US citizen or a permanent resident.

How to prepare the immigration reference letter

Getting all the paperwork in order when moving to the US can be a real headache. Writing an immigration reference letter to back up a family member can help. But putting together this kind of letter can be tough if you are unsure where to start. It is important because it can play a big role in getting your visa, so you want to nail it. Here are a few pointers to help you out when you are writing an immigration reference letter:

• Start with a greeting and date.

When you are writing an immigration reference letter, make sure to say hello to the immigration official and include the date. You could say, “Dear Honorable Immigration Judge,” or “Dear Sir or Madam.” After you have said hello to the immigration official, it is time to dive into the introduction.

• The introduction is key.

Just throwing together a fast, sloppy letter won’t cut it here. The immigration reference letter has to be solid and packed with important details to do its job. First, it should include the basics about who you are and how you know the person applying. This is where you grab the immigration official’s attention.

Take a moment to introduce yourself and discuss your relationship with the person you are writing the immigration reference letter. In this part, you should also talk about your legal situation. In other words, you should state how you know the applicant, and if you are well-known in the community, business, or military, make sure to mention this key detail in the letter.

Throw in a few things about yourself so the immigration official sees you as someone who knows the candidate and that your letter is worth considering because you have valuable insights to share. Don’t forget to mention how long you have known the applicant.

• Go to the main gist.

Usually, the main part of an immigration reference letter is seen as the most crucial. Share important examples that show the applicant is honest and has a good character. Make it clear about the applicant’s different qualities, like wanting to help others in need.

Then, add details that back up that point with specific examples of events, whether before or now, like helping out by feeding kids who don’t have enough to eat. Also, it is a good idea to talk about how excited the applicant is to help a friend or neighbor who needs help or how much they care about their family.

If the applicant’s request is turned down and might lead to big problems, like money and emotional stress, it is important to mention that in the immigration reference letter, too. In the main part of your letter, you will fill in all the details about why you think this family member deserves a place in the US.

The immigration official will look at this letter to see if this person is good and trustworthy. Give as much info as possible to show what makes this person special. Here are the highlights of some things you need to discuss with the person whom you are writing the immigration reference letter:

• Good stuff about them: Be specific. Saying someone is ‘nice’ doesn’t tell the immigration official anything. Instead, give a real example. Like, ‘She has been volunteering at a local school for the past five years, helping with their reading program.’ This gives a clearer picture of who they are.
• How they handle their feelings: It is not easy to talk about someone’s feelings but describe how they deal with tough times. This could be as simple as, ‘After his brother passed away, he started meditating to help him deal with the sadness.’
• How they will do financially: Talk about how this person will be financially okay if allowed a place in the US. You could say, ‘I have talked to my boss, and he is okay with hiring my cousin if she moves here.’ You could also mention any savings or things they own.
• Talk about the hard times they will face: If not being allowed to stay in or enter the US will cause problems for them, make sure to mention these challenges. For example, ‘If she can’t come to the US, she is at risk of violence if she goes back to her home country.’

The more specific you can be, the better. This is your chance to show readers why this family member is special and memorable. When immigration officials are reviewing all the applications, it is important to make this person stand out by connecting with the reader on a personal level.

• Other things you may include in the main part.

If the person applying has a personal situation that matters, it might be a good move to talk about their family. In the US, family connections are super important, which may be a big reason they want to become citizens. If the person has a close relationship with their spouse and kids, feel free to discuss it in the letter.

Also, try to give specific examples if you can. To strengthen your point, share stories about how often you have been in touch with the person. If you used to or still work with them, explain their job, like where and when they worked for you, and what they did. Include stories that show off their work ethic, skills, and honesty.

• Finish strong.

In your conclusion, you have the last chance to connect with the immigration official and share your thoughts about the person you are writing to. Use your words to explain why you are writing the immigration reference letter and how amazing the person is. Talk about how the US would be an even better place if they were here helping out.

Also, remember to end your immigration reference letter with a genuine compliment and make it clear to the reader that they are welcome to reach out if they need more details. So, make sure to include all your contact info, such as your phone number, email, and address.

Even though it is not mandatory, having the letter notarized is a good idea because it will confirm who you are and that your signature is legit.

Get help!

It is super important to have a skilled immigration lawyer check out all your papers before you send them off to ensure outstanding results in your applications. If you need help with writing or getting an immigration reference letter for a family member, Gehi and Associates has you covered. To get in touch with us, contact any of our immigration lawyers and set up a meeting whenever you are available!