Writing a support letter for a friend’s immigration application can significantly impact their case. These letters provide a personal perspective, demonstrating the applicant’s character, contributions to the community, and the potential hardship they might face if their application is denied. A strong support letter emphasizes the relationship between the writer and the applicant, offering specific examples to illustrate the applicant’s positive attributes.
This article offers 17 sample support letters, covering various situations and relationships, to guide you in crafting a compelling and effective letter for your friend. Remember to adapt these templates to accurately reflect your personal experience and the specific circumstances of your friend’s immigration case. Accuracy and honesty are paramount.
17 Sample Support Letters for Immigration (Friend)
Sample 1: General Character Reference
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to express my strong support for [Applicant’s Name]’s immigration application. I have known [him/her] for [Number] years as a [Friend/Neighbor/Colleague]. During this time, I have found [him/her] to be a [Positive Adjective] and [Positive Adjective] individual. For example, [Give specific example of their positive trait, e.g., “I witnessed [him/her] volunteering at the local soup kitchen for several months.”]. [He/She] is a valued member of our community and I believe [his/her] continued presence in the United States would be a significant benefit. Thank you for considering my support.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 2: Highlighting Community Contributions
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to support the immigration application of [Applicant’s Name]. I have been [his/her] friend for [Number] years and have witnessed firsthand [his/her] commitment to our community. [He/She] regularly volunteers at [Organization Name] where [he/she] [Describe their activities, e.g., “helps prepare meals for the homeless” or “tutors children”]. [He/She] is a dedicated and compassionate individual who makes a positive impact on the lives of others. Losing [him/her] would be a significant loss to our community. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 3: Emphasizing Personal Hardship if Deported
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to strongly advocate for [Applicant’s Name]’s immigration application. [He/She] has been a close friend of mine for [Number] years. [His/Her] absence would create a significant hardship for me and my family. [Explain the specific hardship, e.g., “He/She is my primary source of emotional support during a difficult time in my life” or “He/She provides invaluable assistance with childcare.”]. [His/Her] deportation would severely impact my well-being and stability. I urge you to consider the profound consequences of separating [him/her] from [his/her] friends and community. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 4: Focus on Reliability and Responsibility
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to wholeheartedly support the immigration application of [Applicant’s Name]. I have known [him/her] for [Number] years and have consistently been impressed by [his/her] reliability and responsibility. [Give a specific example, e.g., “He/She always follows through on commitments and is someone I can always count on.”]. [He/She] is a dependable and trustworthy individual. I believe [he/she] embodies the qualities of a responsible member of society and should be allowed to remain in the United States. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 5: Highlighting Positive Influence
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing in support of [Applicant’s Name]’s immigration application. I’ve known [him/her] for [Number] years and have witnessed their positive influence on those around them. For instance, [He/She] helped me [Specific example, e.g., “get through a tough time” or “achieve a personal goal”]. [His/Her] advice and support have been invaluable to me and many others. I believe [He/She] would continue to be a positive force in our community. Thank you for considering my letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 6: Speaking to Their Work Ethic
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to support the immigration application of [Applicant’s Name]. As a friend for [Number] years, I can attest to [his/her] exceptional work ethic. [He/She] is always willing to go the extra mile and consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to [his/her] goals. I believe that [He/She] would be a valuable asset to any workplace and continue to contribute positively to our society. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 7: Detailing their Family Values
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing in support of [Applicant’s Name]’s immigration case. Having known [him/her] for [Number] years, I can speak to the importance of family in [his/her] life. [He/She] is a devoted [son/daughter/sibling/friend] and always prioritizes the well-being of [his/her] loved ones. [He/She] provides [Describe support, e.g., emotional support, financial assistance] to [his/her] family, and their bond is incredibly strong. [He/She] deserves the opportunity to remain with [his/her] family in the United States. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 8: Letter from a Religious Leader
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
As a [Your Religious Title] at [Name of Religious Institution], I am writing to support the immigration application of [Applicant’s Name]. [He/She] has been an active member of our congregation for [Number] years. [He/She] regularly participates in [Religious Activities, e.g., services, volunteer work] and is a compassionate and devout individual. [He/She] embodies the values of [Religious Values, e.g., charity, service, community] and is a positive influence on our community. I believe that [He/She] would continue to be a valuable member of our faith community. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 9: Addressing Concerns About Past Mistakes (If Applicable)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to support the immigration application of [Applicant’s Name]. While I understand that [He/She] may have made mistakes in the past [Briefly mention the mistake without dwelling on it], I can attest to the significant changes [He/She] has made in [his/her] life. [He/She] has taken full responsibility for [his/her] actions and has demonstrated a sincere commitment to becoming a better person. I believe that [He/She] deserves a second chance and the opportunity to remain in the United States and contribute positively to our society. Thank you for considering the whole picture.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 10: Highlighting their Educational Pursuits
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to strongly support [Applicant’s Name]’s immigration application. I have known [him/her] for [Number] years. During this time, I’ve observed [his/her] dedication to education and personal growth. [He/She] is currently pursuing [Degree/Course] at [Institution Name], where [he/she] is a diligent and engaged student. [He/She]’s commitment to learning and self-improvement is admirable, and I believe [he/she] deserves the opportunity to continue [his/her] studies in the United States. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 11: Emphasizing Cultural Contributions
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing in support of the immigration application for [Applicant’s Name]. As a friend for [Number] years, I have come to appreciate [his/her] dedication to sharing [his/her] culture with others. [He/She] actively participates in [Cultural activities/events] and contributes to the diversity of our community. Allowing [him/her] to remain in the United States would enrich our society with [his/her] unique perspectives and talents. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 12: Letter from a Landlord
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing in support of the immigration application of [Applicant’s Name], who is a tenant at my property located at [Address]. [He/She] has been a reliable and responsible tenant for [Number] years. [He/She] always pays rent on time, maintains the property in good condition, and is respectful of other tenants. I believe that [He/She] would continue to be a responsible member of the community. I would be happy to continue to rent to [him/her]. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 13: Focusing on Their Personal Growth
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to support the immigration application of my friend, [Applicant’s Name]. Over the [Number] years I’ve known [him/her], I’ve seen significant personal growth. [He/She] has overcome challenges and worked hard to improve [himself/herself]. For example, [He/She] used to struggle with [Challenge], but now [Achievement]. This demonstrates [his/her] determination and commitment to a better future. I believe [He/She] deserves the opportunity to continue this positive trajectory in the United States.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 14: Highlighting Their Language Skills
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to express my support for [Applicant’s Name]’s immigration application. Having known [him/her] for [Number] years, I am impressed by [his/her] language skills. [He/She] is fluent in [Languages spoken] and uses these skills to [Examples, e.g., help others, volunteer]. [His/Her] ability to communicate in multiple languages makes [him/her] a valuable asset to our diverse community. I believe [He/She] would continue to contribute to our society with [his/her] linguistic abilities. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 15: Letter from a Former Teacher/Professor
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Institution Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for [His/Her] immigration application. I had [Applicant’s Name] as a student in my [Course Name] class at [Institution Name] during the [Semester/Year]. [He/She] was an excellent student, always prepared, engaged, and eager to learn. [He/She] demonstrated [Positive Qualities, e.g., strong analytical skills, critical thinking, a collaborative spirit]. I believe [He/She] has the potential to make significant contributions to society, and I highly recommend [him/her] for immigration approval. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 16: Highlighting Their Entrepreneurial Spirit
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to support the immigration application of [Applicant’s Name]. As a friend and acquaintance for [Number] years, I have witnessed [his/her] strong entrepreneurial spirit. [He/She] has always been driven and resourceful, with a passion for [Area of Interest]. [He/She] is currently working on [Project/Business Idea] and demonstrating the dedication and skills needed for success. [Applicant’s Name] is a hard worker and a quick learner. Giving [He/She] the opportunity to remain in the United States will bring fresh ideas and entrepreneurial spirit that will certainly benefit our society. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 17: Demonstrating Long-Term Friendship and Support
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
Re: Support Letter for [Applicant’s Name], A# [Applicant’s Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to strongly support the immigration application of [Applicant’s Name]. We have been friends for [Number] years. Throughout the years, our friendship has only grown stronger. I have witnessed [him/her] face challenges and overcome obstacles. [He/She] is a resilient and determined individual. I am happy to support [him/her] in every way possible and I hope that [he/she] will continue to be a positive influence in my life. I am confident that [He/She] will continue to contribute positively to our community and the United States as a whole. Please strongly consider [his/her] application. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Conclusion
These sample support letters offer a starting point for crafting your own powerful testament to your friend’s character and suitability for immigration. Remember to personalize each letter with specific anecdotes and examples that highlight your friend’s positive attributes and contributions. Focus on honesty, clarity, and a genuine expression of your support. A well-written support letter can make a significant difference in your friend’s immigration journey.
