What is an immigration letter of support?

An immigration letter of support is a written statement vouching for a person applying for an immigration benefit — a visa, green card, adjustment of status, or relief from removal. It is usually written by a family member, friend, employer, or community member who can speak to the applicant's character, relationship, or circumstances. It is not a sworn affidavit of financial support (that is Form I-864); it is a character/relationship statement that supplements the petition.

Who can write a letter of support for immigration?

Anyone who knows the applicant well and can speak truthfully to their character or relationship can write one — a spouse, sibling, parent, friend, coworker, employer, pastor, or community leader. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents carry slightly more weight, but the key is genuine, specific knowledge of the applicant. The writer should include their own name, status, contact information, and signature.

What should a letter of support include?

Include: the writer's name and address, the date, the applicant's name and relationship to the writer, how long and how the writer has known the applicant, specific examples of the applicant's good character or the genuineness of the relationship, a clear statement of support, and the writer's signature and contact details. A declaration that the statement is true under penalty of perjury strengthens it.

Does a letter of support need to be notarized?

Usually not. USCIS generally does not require notarization for character or relationship support letters. Including a line stating the contents are true 'under penalty of perjury' is typically sufficient. Some attorneys recommend notarization for added weight in contested cases, but for most family petitions it is optional.

How long should an immigration letter of support be?

One page is ideal — three to five short paragraphs. USCIS officers review many documents, so a focused, specific, genuine letter is more effective than a long generic one. Lead with the relationship, give one or two concrete examples, and end with a clear statement of support.

Is a letter of support the same as an affidavit of support?

No. An Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a legally binding financial commitment by a sponsor to financially support an immigrant. A letter of support is a non-binding character or relationship statement. They serve different purposes and a case may need both — the I-864 from the financial sponsor and character letters from family or friends.

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FREE SAMPLE

Immigration Letter of Support: Free Sample & Template

Writing a support letter for a family member's immigration case? Copy the proven template below, see what USCIS looks for, and avoid the common mistakes that make a letter ineffective.

Quick answer: A letter of support is a one-page character/relationship statement — not a financial affidavit (that's Form I-864). State your relationship, give specific examples, and sign it. It usually doesn't need notarization.

Letter of Support Template (Family Member)

[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

RE: Letter of Support for [Beneficiary Full Name], [Relationship]

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is [Your Full Name]. I am a [U.S. citizen / lawful permanent
resident], and I am writing in support of the immigration application of
[Beneficiary Full Name], who is my [relationship — e.g., brother, sister,
spouse, parent].

I have known [Beneficiary Name] for [number] years. [2–3 sentences describing
your relationship, how you know them, and the nature of your bond — be
specific and genuine.]

[Beneficiary Name] is a person of strong character. [Describe their integrity,
contributions, family ties, or community involvement — give concrete examples.]

I respectfully request that USCIS approve [his/her/their] application. I am
happy to provide any additional information needed. I declare under penalty of
perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Sincerely,

[Signature]
[Your Full Name]
[Phone] · [Email]

Replace every [bracketed] field. Be specific and genuine — concrete examples beat generic praise. Keep it to one page.

What Makes a Strong Support Letter

Specific over generic: "We celebrated every Diwali together for 12 years" beats "they are a good person."
State your own status: Note whether you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and how you know the applicant.
One page, signed: Officers value focus. End with a clear statement of support and your signature.
Truthful under penalty of perjury: Include that line; never exaggerate or fabricate.

Related Templates & Guides

Employment Verification Letter →Form I-130 Petition Guide →EB-1A Recommendation Letters →

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General information, not legal advice. For contested or removal cases, consult a licensed immigration attorney. Read full bio →