how do i write an application letter for permanent residency

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USCIS Letter Sample: Guide to Writing letter to USCIS

Learn how to write a letter to uscis and what to include in it. check out a sample letter to immigration authorities for guidance..

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to write an effective USCIS letter, including key elements like personal information, application details, and purpose.
• Sample USCIS letter provided as a reference, including formatting and structure to communicate with USCIS effectively.
• Important tips for USCIS correspondence: accuracy, professional tone, clarity, proofreading, and seeking additional help if needed.

Communicating with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a crucial aspect of the immigration process . Whether you’re following up on an application, providing additional information, or addressing a concern, it’s essential to do it correctly. Here’s a guide to help you craft an effective letter to USCIS, including key elements to include, and a sample letter for reference.

What to Include in Your USCIS Letter

When writing your letter to USCIS, clarity and brevity should be your guiding principles. Here are the elements you must include:

1. Personal Information

• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Date of Birth
• USCIS Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if applicable

2. Application Information

• Type of form or application filed (e.g., Form I-485 for Adjustment of Status)
• Receipt Number of the application
• Date of filing

3. Purpose of the Letter

Clearly state the reason for your correspondence, such as a request for case status, error correction, or submission of additional documentation.

4. Detailed Explanation

Provide any relevant details that would assist the USCIS in understanding and processing your request. If you refer to documents, list them explicitly.

5. Supporting Documents

Mention any documents you are including with your letter. This could be evidence to support your case or clarification on any issues.

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Conclude with a polite closing statement and your signature. If the letter is from multiple people, such as a family, everyone should sign the letter.

Sample USCIS Letter

Below is a USCIS letter sample to illustrate how your letter might look:

[Your Full Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Today’s Date]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [USCIS Office Address] [City, State, ZIP]

Subject: Request for Case Status Update – Form I-485, Adjustment of Status

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to request a status update on my application for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485), which I filed on [Filing Date]. My USCIS Alien Registration Number is A-[Your A-Number], and my receipt number is [Your Receipt Number].

I last received communication from USCIS on [Date of Last USCIS Correspondence], and I have since not received any additional information regarding the status of my application. Given that the estimated processing time has elapsed, I am concerned about the prolonged wait and would appreciate any updates or actions required from my end.

For your convenience, I have included a copy of my USCIS receipt notice and the last correspondence received.

I understand the significant workload that USCIS handles, and I appreciate the effort your office puts into each case. Please let me know if there is any further information or documentation needed from me to assist in the timely processing of my application.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am looking forward to your prompt response.

[Your Signature] [Your Full Name]

Enclosures: – Copy of USCIS Receipt Notice – Copy of [Date of Last USCIS Correspondence]

When sending your letter, remember to keep a copy for your records. Also, send it through a delivery method that provides tracking, such as USPS Priority Mail or Certified Mail, so you can confirm USCIS has received it.

Important Tips for Effective USCIS Correspondence

• Accuracy : Ensure all personal and application information is accurate and matches the details on your application forms.
• Professional Tone : Keep the tone respectful and professional. If you’re feeling frustrated about delays or errors, avoid letting that frustration show in your tone.
• Clarity : Be clear and to the point about what you are requesting or reporting. Make it as easy as possible for the reader to understand your needs.
• Proofread : Check your letter for any grammatical or spelling errors, as this could reflect on your attention to detail.
• Additional Help : If you’re unsure about your letter, consider consulting with an immigration lawyer or a trusted individual with experience in dealing with USCIS.

Final Thoughts

Writing to the USCIS requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of your objectives. By following the structure and tips mentioned above, your correspondence with immigration authorities should be straightforward and effective.

Remember to refer to the official USCIS website for additional guidance and resources on various immigration processes. This can ensure you are up-to-date with any changes in procedures or requirements that might affect your situation.

In the journey of immigration, clear and precise communication is vital. A well-written letter to USCIS can make a significant difference in the outcome of your applications and petitions. Good luck, and may your immigration journey be smooth and successful.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terminology

• USCIS : United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is the federal agency responsible for overseeing immigration processes and handling applications for visas, green cards, citizenship, and other immigration-related matters.

Alien Registration Number (A-Number) : A unique identifying number given by USCIS to individuals who are in the process of immigrating or adjusting their status in the United States. It is used to track and identify an individual’s immigration records.

Form I-485 : Also known as “Adjustment of Status” form, it is used to apply for permanent residency (green card) within the United States. It is typically submitted by individuals who are already in the United States and are eligible for a change in their immigration status.

Receipt Number : A unique number assigned by USCIS to track and identify a specific immigration application or petition. It is used to check the status of an application and to correspondence related to the case.

Case Status : The current stage of an immigration application or petition as determined by USCIS. It indicates whether the application is pending, approved, denied, or requires additional documentation or action.

Filing Date : The date on which an immigration application or petition is submitted to USCIS. It is important for tracking the processing time of the application.

Correspondence : Communication exchanged between an applicant or petitioner and USCIS. It includes letters, notices, requests for evidence, and other written communication related to the immigration case.

Enclosures : Documents or evidence included with the USCIS letter. These can be used to support the application or provide clarification on specific issues.

USPS Priority Mail : A shipping service provided by the United States Postal Service that offers expedited delivery and tracking options. It can be used to send important documents to USCIS.

Certified Mail : A service offered by USPS that provides proof of mailing and delivery for important documents. It requires the recipient to sign for the mail, ensuring secure delivery.

Immigration Lawyer : An attorney specializing in immigration law who provides legal advice and guidance on immigration matters, including assistance with document preparation, application submission, and representation in immigration proceedings.

Immigration Journey : The process and experience of moving to, living, and potentially becoming a citizen of a different country. It encompasses all the steps and challenges involved in navigating the immigration system of a particular country.

By understanding and utilizing these key terms, individuals can effectively communicate and navigate the immigration process with USCIS, increasing the likelihood of success in their applications and petitions.

In conclusion, clear and effective communication with USCIS is key during the immigration process. Remember to include all necessary information, provide a detailed explanation, and sign off politely. Check out visaverge.com for more tips and resources to navigate the complexities of immigration. Good luck on your journey!

This Article in a Nutshell:

Communicating with USCIS is key in the immigration process. Include personal and application info, purpose, detailed explanation, supporting documents, and a polite closing. Here’s a sample: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-821d.pdf

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How to write a cover letter for a permanent residence application

A cover letter for a permanent residence application is used to address any doubts or concerns that an immigration officer from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada may have regarding your application.

A cover letter, also known as a letter of explanation, may be useful in assisting officials in determining whether or not you are eligible to immigrate through the program of choice since it is your duty to demonstrate that you are qualified to apply under the chosen immigration program.

Table of contents

Sample cover letter, when to add a cover letter.

All Canadian immigration program applications are human-assessed by immigration officers and not machine-scanned. So when you’re writing your letter of explanation, keep in mind that you must persuade the immigration agent that your case is genuine and meets the criteria, but that you are unable to produce the documents to demonstrate this for whatever reason.

The immigration officers who process applications are busy, analyzing a large number of cases every day. Consequently, it is beneficial to maintain a respectful tone throughout the letter and state your intent early on. Try to avoid giving irrelevant information that won’t aid your cause.

Here are some simple rules to follow to write a successful cover letter:

• Should be short, concise and factual
• Keep it to a maximum of 1-2 pages
• You do not need an index for your papers. IRCC system gives you a document checklist

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Find out how you can move to Canada.

Your Full name                                                                   

Your Mailing address

Your Telephone

Your Email address

Re: UCI number XXXX-XXX

Dear Visa Officer,

I am applying for Express Entry under the Canadian Experience Class.

I am attaching this letter to provide an explanation on the following:

Explain the situation.

Insert your request here.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

If you have any questions or concerns about your application, it may be in your best interest to include a properly drafted cover letter to increase your chances of being granted PR status.

If any of the following describes you, among other relevant factors, then adding a cover letter may help with processing your application:

• If the proof you submitted to verify settlement funds does not contain all of the required fields and information
• If your application does not contain all of the required fields and information, such as details about the responsibilities you were obliged to perform during your time in that profession
• If you cannot get a police clearance certificate by the time you need to submit your application
• If you can not obtain a birth certificate if you are from a country with an unstable government

When not to add a cover letter

In some cases, a letter of explanation will not be useful and it cannot fix all the gaps in your application or rectify missing information.

Below are some examples of times when a letter of explanation will not aid your case:

• If your application is missing a key document, such as a passport
• If you have not included the results of a medical examination
• If your documents have not been converted into English or French before submitting your application

It is important to remember that a letter of explanation is simply an explanation. The only thing it can do is explain why a certain document wasn’t submitted. You cannot use it to explain when you don’t meet the eligibility requirements that the PR application process entails.

Is a cover letter for a permanent residence application mandatory?

No, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada does not need or request a cover letter with applications. Although not mandatory, a letter of explanation may be beneficial to your application process.

Do I need to combine the cover letter with each document?

A cover letter is not required to be merged with every additional document you submit along with your application. Address all the issues in a single document and submit it as a Letter of Explanation.

Does the cover letter need to be notarized?

Is the cover letter required to be notarized? No, the cover letter does not have to be notarized. It doesn’t have to be self-attested, either.

Why does the cover letter not appear under additional documents?

Have you submitted your documents online and the cover letter or letter of explanation does not appear under additional documents?

This is a technical issue where the Letter of Explanation tab disappears.

To fix this issue, attempt Clearing your browser cache and logging into your online account using the incognito mode.

A cover letter for a permanent residence application can be helpful when trying to explain gaps or missing information from an application. The cover letter should be concise, factual and respectful. If you have any questions or concerns about your application, get in contact .

Nicola Wightman

Nicola Wightman is a regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Her professional immigration consultant number is R706497.

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Sample Letters

Writing a Strong Immigration Reference Letter for a Friend (with Samples)

In this guide, I’ll share my insights and provide you with three unique templates to help you write a compelling immigration reference letter for your friend.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the Importance of an Immigration Reference Letter

An immigration reference letter, also known as a character reference letter , can play a pivotal role in your friend’s immigration application. It provides the immigration authorities with a personal insight into your friend’s character, work ethic, and contributions to the community. Your letter can help paint a picture that official documents might miss.

Structure of an Immigration Reference Letter

From my experience, a strong immigration reference letter should include the following sections:

• Introduction
• Personal Background
• Relationship with the Applicant
• Specific Examples

Let’s dive into each section in detail.

1. Introduction

Begin by introducing yourself and your relationship with the applicant. Mention how long you’ve known them and in what capacity. This sets the stage for the rest of your letter.

Example: “I am writing this letter to support the immigration application of John Doe, who I have known for over ten years. We met during our time at university and have remained close friends ever since.”

2. Personal Background

Provide a brief overview of your background. This helps establish your credibility and the weight of your endorsement.

Example: “I am a licensed civil engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the industry. I currently hold a senior position at XYZ Company and am actively involved in various community service projects.”

3. Relationship with the Applicant

Describe your relationship with the applicant in more detail. Highlight any shared experiences that showcase their character and positive qualities.

Example: “John and I have worked on several community projects together, including organizing charity events and volunteer programs. His dedication to helping others and his strong work ethic have always stood out to me.”

4. Specific Examples

Provide specific examples that illustrate the applicant’s positive attributes. Use anecdotes to make your points more compelling and relatable.

Example: “One instance that stands out is when John spearheaded a local fundraiser to support underprivileged children. His organizational skills and commitment resulted in raising over $10,000, which significantly impacted our community.”

5. Conclusion

Conclude by summarizing your endorsement and expressing your confidence in the applicant’s positive impact on their new community.

Example: “In conclusion, I have no doubt that John will be a valuable asset to any community. His integrity, compassion, and dedication are truly commendable. I wholeheartedly support his immigration application.”

Tips from Personal Experience

• Be Honest and Sincere: Authenticity resonates more than exaggerated praise.
• Use Real-Life Examples: Specific instances provide credibility and make your letter more impactful.
• Keep It Concise: A focused letter is more effective than a lengthy one.
• Proofread: Ensure your letter is free of grammatical errors and typos.

Template 1: General Immigration Reference Letter

Dear [Immigration Officer’s Name],

I am writing to provide a reference for [Friend’s Name], who is applying for immigration to [Country]. My name is [Your Name], and I have known [Friend’s Name] for [number] years. We met [context of meeting], and since then, we have developed a strong friendship.

I am currently [Your Position] at [Your Workplace], and I have had the pleasure of seeing [Friend’s Name] grow and excel in various aspects of life. [Friend’s Name] is a person of integrity, dedication, and compassion. One memorable instance was when [specific example].

In conclusion, I have full confidence that [Friend’s Name] will be a valuable addition to [Country]. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Contact Information] if you need any further information.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Position] [Your Contact Information]

Template 2: Employment-Based Immigration Reference Letter

My name is [Your Name], and I am [Your Position] at [Your Workplace]. I am writing to support the immigration application of [Friend’s Name], who has been my colleague and friend for [number] years.

Throughout our time working together, [Friend’s Name] has demonstrated exceptional skills and a strong work ethic. One notable example is when [specific example related to work].

[Friend’s Name] is not only a talented professional but also a dedicated community member. I am confident that [Friend’s Name] will contribute significantly to [Country] both professionally and personally.

Thank you for considering my recommendation. Should you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Contact Information].

Template 3: Personal Immigration Reference Letter

I am writing this letter to support the immigration application of my dear friend, [Friend’s Name]. My name is [Your Name], and I have known [Friend’s Name] for [number] years. We became friends through [context of meeting], and I have had the privilege of witnessing [Friend’s Name]’s character and contributions firsthand.

One particular example of [Friend’s Name]’s kindness and dedication is when [specific personal example]. This instance truly exemplifies [Friend’s Name]’s selflessness and commitment to helping others.

Immigration Category Checker

Frequently asked questions (faqs), q: what is an immigration reference letter for a friend.

Answer : An Immigration Reference Letter for a Friend is a document written by someone who knows the individual personally and can vouch for their character, integrity, and suitability for immigration purposes. It serves as a supporting document for a friend who is applying for immigration or a visa to another country.

Q: Who can write an immigration reference letter for a friend?

Answer : An immigration reference letter for a friend can be written by anyone who knows the individual well and can provide an honest assessment of their character, skills, and qualifications. This can include friends, family members, colleagues, mentors, or community leaders.

Q: What should be included in an immigration reference letter for a friend?

Answer : An immigration reference letter for a friend should typically include the writer’s contact information, the date, and a formal salutation. The letter should introduce the writer’s relationship with the friend, provide a positive assessment of the friend’s character and qualifications, and highlight any relevant achievements, skills, or experiences. It should also include the writer’s willingness to support the friend during their immigration process and offer contact information for further inquiries.

Q: How long should an immigration reference letter for a friend be?

Answer : An immigration reference letter for a friend should be concise and focused. It is recommended to keep the letter to one or two pages in length. It is essential to provide enough relevant information to support the friend’s immigration application, but it should not be excessively long or contain unnecessary details.

Q: Should an immigration reference letter for a friend be notarized?

Answer : While it is not mandatory for an immigration reference letter for a friend to be notarized, some immigration authorities or visa offices may require notarization or certification of the letter. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of the immigration agency or country where the letter will be submitted.

Q: Can an immigration reference letter for a friend be written in a language other than English?

Answer : The language requirements for an immigration reference letter for a friend may vary depending on the immigration authorities or the country to which the application is being made. In some cases, the letter may need to be written in the official language of the destination country or accompanied by a certified translation. It is crucial to review the specific language requirements before writing the letter.

Q: How should an immigration reference letter for a friend be formatted?

Answer : An immigration reference letter for a friend should generally follow a formal business letter format. It should include the writer’s contact information, the date, a formal salutation, and appropriate paragraphs with a clear structure. The letter should be written in a professional tone, be well-organized, and be free of grammatical or spelling errors.

Q: Can an immigration reference letter for a friend be submitted online?

Answer : The submission method for an immigration reference letter for a friend can vary depending on the immigration application process. Some immigration systems may allow for online submission of supporting documents, including reference letters, while others may require physical copies to be mailed or submitted in person. It is essential to follow the instructions provided by the immigration agency or consult their website for specific guidelines on document submission.

Q: Can multiple people write an immigration reference letter for a friend?

Answer : Yes, it is possible for multiple people to write an immigration reference letter for a friend . This can be beneficial as it provides different perspectives and allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the friend’s character, skills, and qualifications. Each letter should be written individually by the respective person and should not be identical copies. It is important that each letter reflect the writer’s unique relationship with the friend and highlight different aspects of their suitability for immigration purposes.

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Guide 5527 - Application for Permanent Residence, Temporary Resident Permit Holder

You now need to apply online.

As of October 14, 2022, it is now mandatory to apply online.

If you can’t apply online, and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print).

If you, your sponsor (if being sponsored by a family member) or representative cannot apply online and require accommodations, including for a disability, you may ask for an alternative format. After we review your request, we’ll send you the application package in one of these formats:

• large print

To request another format:

• Open a new email
• the format you need (paper, braille, or large print), and
• the application package you want
• your full name (principal applicant) as shown on your passport
• the full name of your sponsor , if you’re being sponsored by a family member
• a statement explaining that you’re asking for an alternate format
• if you want the application in English or French
• Include your email address if you want us to send it electronically so you can print it yourself. This option will save you the time it would take to mail it to you.
• Include your mailing address if you want it mailed to you.
• Send your email to: [email protected]

We will only reply to requests for alternative formats. We won't reply to any other emails.

After we get your request, we’ll reply with instructions and tell you where to send your application.

To submit your application

• fill out and sign any paper forms
• return the application by mail or courier to the mailing address provided in our instructions

For more information about applying with an alternate format, call 1-888-242-2100 (from inside Canada only).

Table of Contents

Before you apply, step 1. gather documents, step 2. complete the application, step 3. pay the fees, step 4. submit the application, what happens next, appendix a: request for police certificates/clearances and authorization for release of information.

• Appendix B: Fingerprint Request Letter
• Appendix C: Photo Specifications

This is not a legal document. The explanations and definitions are not legal definitions. In case of a discrepancy between the language in this document and the relevant legislation or regulations, the legal text in the legislation and regulations prevails.

For legal information, consult the following documents:

• Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

Application package

This application package has:

• an instruction guide, and
• the forms you need to fill out.

The instruction guide :

• has information you must know before you submit your application, and
• explains how to fill out the forms and gather your supporting documents.

Read the instruction guide completely and then fill out each of the applicable forms.

For an application to be considered complete, the principal applicant must fill out the forms listed below and must submit them all in the Permanent Residence Online Application Portal for the principal applicant and each of their dependants. Incomplete applications will be returned .

The forms include questions that will help the processing of your application.

Symbols used in this guide

This guide uses these symbols to draw your attention to important information:

Important information that you need to know to avoid delays or other problems.

Where to get more information.

Note: Tips that will help you with this application.

Permanent Residence under the Permit Holder Class

A permit holder is someone who holds a valid temporary resident permit (formerly called a Minister’s permit).

Note: A temporary resident visa, a work permit or a study permit is not a temporary resident permit.

Who may apply?

You may apply for permanent residence under the permit holder class if:

• You have a valid temporary resident permit,
• You have resided continuously in Canada as a permit holder for at least three (3) years,
• You continue to be inadmissible for those health issues, and
• You are not inadmissible for any other reason.
• You or your family members have not become inadmissible for other reasons since you were issued the temporary resident permit(s).
• The reason for inadmissibility is not because of security reasons, human rights violations, serious criminality or organized crime,
• You have resided continuously in Canada as a permit holder for at least five (5) years ,
• You continue to be inadmissible for the same reasons that existed when your temporary resident permit was issued, and
• You or your family members have not become inadmissible on any other grounds since the issue of your temporary resident permit(s).

Break in your continuous residence

You may not be eligible for permanent residence if, since being on a temporary residence permit:

• you left Canada and your permit did not authorize re-entry, or
• you did not extend your permit status prior to its expiry date.

Criminal convictions

Any new inadmissibility , such as a criminal conviction, will be evaluated by an officer who will decide whether to issue a new permit or to request that you leave Canada.

Family member definitions

Your family members include your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children and any children that are their dependent children.

Refers to either of the two persons (any gender) in a marriage legally recognized in the country in which it took place, as well as in Canada.

Proxy, telephone, fax, internet and similar forms of marriage where one or both parties were not physically present are not considered as valid spousal relationships under the Regulations nor are polygamous marriages. For more information, consult our policy on the legality of a marriage .

Refers to a person who is living in a conjugal relationship with another person (any gender), and has done so continuously for a period of at least one year. A conjugal relationship exists when there is a significant degree of commitment between two people.

This can be shown with evidence that the couple share the same home, support each other financially and emotionally, have children together, or present themselves in public as a couple.

Common-law partners who have been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year, but are unable to live together or appear in public together because of legal restrictions in their home country or who have been separated for reasons beyond their control (for example, civil war or armed conflict) may still qualify and should be included on the application.

We assess your child’s eligibility as a dependant based on how old they were at a specific point in time, called the "lock-in date" . This is usually the date we received your application. To see if your child qualifies as a dependant, we consider the age of your child on the lock-in date , even though your child’s age may change during processing.

Your child or the child of your spouse or common-law partner can be considered a dependent child if that child meets the requirements below on the lock-in date :

• They’re under 22 years old , and
• They don’t have a spouse or common-law partner

Children 22 years old or older qualify as dependants if they meet both of these requirements:

• They have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22, and
• They are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental or physical condition

With the exception of age, dependants must continue to meet these requirements until we finish processing your application.

Not sure if your child is a dependant? Check if your child qualifies by answering a few questions .

If your child’s age was locked in on or before October 23, 2017, a previous definition of dependent children may apply.

Refers to children of dependent children of the applicant and those of the spouse or common-law partner, if applicable.

Family members inside Canada

Your family members inside Canada cannot be processed for permanent residence as part of your application, and will also need to undergo an immigration medical examination and pass criminal and security clearances in order for your application to move forward. They may submit their own application if they qualify under the permit holder class regardless of age (see section ‘ Who may apply ’).

Family members outside Canada

Your family members outside of Canada cannot be processed for permanent residence as part of your application, and will also need to undergo an immigration medical examination and pass criminal and security clearances. However, you may be able to sponsor them once you become a permanent resident.

Other requirements

You are required to hold a valid passport or travel document. You and all of your family members must also:

• undergo an immigration medical examination,
• pass criminal and security clearances (required of applicants aged 18 years and over), and
• not be the subject of an immigration inquiry or appeal.

Do you live in Quebec?

The provincial immigration authority, called the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) , must also approve your application.

You do not need to fill out extra forms; we will refer your application to the MIFI on your behalf.

If the MIFI refuses your application we will continue to process your application for permanent residence, provided you no longer live in the province of Québec.

Proof of three (3) or five (5) years of continuous residence in Canada

You must upload copies of all the items listed in the Document Checklist [IMM 5528]   (opens in a new tab) to prove that you have lived in Canada as a permit holder for three (3) or five (5) years.

You must have fully completed the required three (3) or five (5) year residency requirement in Canada as a permit holder to submit your application under this class. You and your family members must have resided in Canada for a period of three (3) years if you were inadmissible on health grounds when the original permit was issued. If you were inadmissible on any other grounds, you must have resided five (5) years in Canada.

If you apply before you have completed the required residency period, your application will be refused.

Biometric (fingerprints and photo) requirements

You and your family members may need to appear in person to have fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) taken at a biometric collection service point.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada are exempt from giving biometrics.

As of December 3, 2019, you need to give biometrics when you apply from within Canada . You can go to a designated Service Canada location .

Find out if you need to give biometrics .

If you have to give biometrics, you can give them after you:

• pay for and submit your application and biometric fees; and
• get a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) which will direct you to a list of biometric collection service points you may choose from.

You must bring the BIL with you to the biometric collection service point to give your biometrics.

We encourage you to give your biometrics as soon as possible after getting the BIL. We’ll start processing your application after we get your biometrics.

Where to give your biometrics

You need to book an appointment to give your biometrics at one of these official biometric collection service points .

What documents are required?

Use the Document Checklist [IMM 5528]   (opens in a new tab) to assist you in gathering the necessary documentation.

Medical requirements

You and your family members must undergo an immigration medical exam (IME)in order to become a permanent resident of Canada. You and your family members must not have a health condition that:

• is a danger to public health or safety, or
• would cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada.

Examples of “excessive demand” include ongoing hospitalization or institutional care for a physical or mental illness.

Find out more about immigration medical exams .

Instructions

Information on medical instructions will be provided to you by the IRCC office . When you receive your assessment notice you will also receive medical forms for yourself (and any dependants, if applicable ) and instructions on how to access a list of doctors in your area who are authorized to conduct IMEs (see below).

Note: You are not required to have an IME before you submit your application forms.

Exam validity

Medical results are valid for twelve months from the date of the IME. If your application is not finalized during this time, you may be required to do another medical exam.

Authorized doctors

The IME must be performed by a doctor from the IRCC list of Panel Physicians. You cannot choose your family doctor if their name is not on this list. See the list of Panel Physicians to find a doctor in your area.

Note that the doctor is only responsible for conducting the IME and cannot give you any advice on the immigration process.

What if I have already done an immigration medical exam (IME)?

If you have already had an IME, you must provide proof, such as a photocopy of the results. Depending on how long ago the exam was completed, you may have to redo the IME.

Police certificates

If you and your family members are 18 years of age and older and aren’t permanent residents or Canadian citizens, you must provide a valid police certificate for any country other than Canada in which you spent 6 or more months in a row since the age of 18.

Note:  You do not need to provide a police certificate from a country if you or your family members were under 18 years of age the entire time you lived in that country.

If the original certificate isn’t in English or French, you must get an accredited translator to translate it. You must include both the police certificate and the translation.

We’ll also do our own background checks to see if there are reasons why you or your family members may not be admissible to Canada.

For specific and up-to-date information, see our guide on where to get a police certificate .

You must provide one photo of yourself. Immigration photos are not the same as passport photos; there are specific requirements that must be followed (see Appendix C: Photo Specifications ). Give the photo specifications to the photographer when you are having your photos taken.

Follow these instructions:

• on the back of the photo, write the name, date of birth, height and eye color of the person in the photo, and
• scan both sides of the photo and upload it along with your application.

Translation of documents

You must include the following along with any document that is not in English or French:

• the English or French translation; and
• an affidavit from the person who completed the translation (if they are not a certified translator ).

Translations may be done by:

• a person who is fluent in both languages (English or French, and the unofficial language); or
• a Canadian certified translator (a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada).

If the translation isn’t done by a Canadian certified translator, the person who completed the translation must provide an affidavit swearing to their language proficiency and the accuracy of the translation.

The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:

• a notary public ;
• a commissioner of oaths ; or
• a commissioner of taking affidavits .

Authority to certify varies by province and territory . Consult your local provincial or territorial authorities.

Outside of Canada:

• a notary public

Authority to administer oaths varies by country . Consult your local authorities.

Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths in the country where the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document. Translators who are certified in Canada don’t need to supply an affidavit.

Using a representative

Note: If a paid representative is submitting your application online on your behalf, they must sign in to their Representative Portal account to do so. You, as the Primary Applicant, need to electronically sign your application and your representative must also provide their declaration before submitting the application.

If you (the principal applicant) want to authorize a representative to act on your behalf (paid or unpaid) you must

• submit a Use of a Representative [IMM 5476]   (opens in a new tab) form
• sign it (digitally or by hand) and get your immigration representative to do so also
• upload it with your application

If you (the principal applicant) want to allow us to release information from your application to someone other than yourself who will not act as your representative you must

• submit an Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM 5475]   (opens in a new tab) form

Filling out the application

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to complete the application forms.

Sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account .

Click on each applicable form’s name to access it, then follow the instructions to complete it. Some forms must be filled through a web form, others are PDFs that you will have to upload.

You must fill out these digital forms online

Generic application form for canada (imm 0008).

Get the instructions   (opens in a new tab)

You must also fill out this PDF form and upload it to your online application

• Use this checklist to make sure you include all the forms and documents you need

Be complete and accurate

Complete all sections. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”. If your application is incomplete it may be returned to you and this will delay the processing of your application.

If you need more space for any section, print out an additional page containing the appropriate section, complete it and submit it along with your application.

For the document type, choose “other” from the drop-down menu and upload your documents or other additional information which can be in any of the following formats: JPG, JPEG or PDF.

If signatures are missing (when this applies), we will return the application by email without processing it.

Who must fill out this application form?

This form must be completed by :

• you, the principal applicant

Completing the form

You’ll fill out and submit the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) online. You don’t need to print and sign by hand. Please follow the instructions below to ensure the form is properly completed.

You must answer all questions on this application form unless otherwise indicated.

You also have the option of saving your form and completing it later.

Read and follow the steps below to help you fill out the form.

Application Details

Language preference.

From the list, select your preferred language for:

• correspondence (any letters or emails we send you)
• interview: if your native language is not in this list, select “ Other ”
• interpreter requested: you must select “ Yes ” if you do not select English or French for the interview

Where do you plan to live in Canada?

If you plan to live in the Province of Quebec and haven’t received your Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ), enter the date when you applied for it. If you haven’t applied yet, you must do so before applying for permanent residence.

Personal Details

Family name.

• Family name is also known as last name or surname .

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s).

Given names are also known as first name and middle name. Do not use initials.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet (and you’re filling this form out on their behalf), enter your family name(s). For given name(s) enter “Child” or leave the given name field blank.

Physical characteristics - sex

If you choose “X” for gender, you need to complete the  Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] (PDF, 1.34 MB)  form and send it with your application if

• your foreign travel document or passport does not have the “X” gender identifier (or an equivalent non-binary option)
• electronic travel authorization
• work permit or
• study permit

You don’t need any supporting documents.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “ U – Unknown ”.

Physical characteristics - Eye colour

If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “ Other ”.

Birth information - Date of birth

If you don’t know your complete date of birth, write 1901/01/01 in the fields fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. Include a letter of explanation saying why you used this date.

Birth information - Place of birth

As shown in your passport or your travel document.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, indicate “Unknown” for the city or town and select the country where you plan to adopt a child.

Citizenship(s)

If you aren’t a citizen of any country, choose “ Stateless ”.

If you are a citizen of more than one country, choose your other country of citizenship in the second field.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you intend to adopt a child.

Current country of residence

You must be in this country legally.

For refugee claimants in Canada only: select “ Canada ” whether you have been lawfully admitted or not.

If you’ve lost your status

• for “Status,” choose “ Other ”
• in the details field, enter “Out of status, requires restoration”
• leave the “From” and “To” fields blank

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select the country where you plan to adopt a child and “Citizen” as the immigration status in that country.

Previous countries of residence

This means you lived in the country for 6 months total, not just in a row.

If you chose “ Other ” as a status, try to provide as much detail and an explanation as to why you are out of status.

Marital and relationship status

You’re single if you’ve never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.

You’re married if you and your spouse have had a ceremony that legally binds you to each other. Your marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it was performed and in Canada.

You’re common-law if you’ve lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for 1 year or more.

You’re divorced if you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage.

You’re legally separated if you’re still legally married but no longer living with your spouse.

You’re widowed if your spouse has died and you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.

An annulled marriage has been legally declared as not valid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marriage was not binding.

• Given names are also known as first name and middle name . Do not use initials.
• If you’re in a common-law relationship, enter the date (year, month and day) you began living together.
• If you’re legally separated or divorced, enter the date you were no longer living together.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, select “ Single ”.

Contact Information

Current mailing address

• Post office box (P.O. box) number: If you don’t enter a post office box, you must enter your street number
• Street number (no.): The number on your house or apartment building. You must enter a street number if you didn’t enter a P.O. box

All correspondence will be mailed to this address unless you include your email address.

If you want a representative to do business with us on your behalf, you must provide their address in this section and on the Use of a Representative [IMM 5476]   (opens in a new tab) form.

For more information, read the Use of a Representative guide.

Email address

Use this format: [email protected]

By entering your email address, you authorize IRCC to transmit your file and personal information to this specific email.

Passport/travel document number (exactly as shown on your passport or travel document)

If you have more than one passport, choose the one you’ll use to travel to Canada.

Most people will need a passport to travel to Canada. If you’re approved to come here, you’ll need to get one.

A travel document is an identity document issued by a government or international organization (like the United Nations). It has a photo and personal information, and let the holder travel between countries. If you have a passport, you don’t need a travel document.

Issue/expiry dates

You can find this information on the page in your passport that shows your photo and date of birth (also called the biodata page)

National Identity Document

A national identity document is an identity card with a photo which is issued by a government or official authority, and can be used as identification inside the country that issued it. It may also be known as "ID," "ID card," "identity card," "citizen card" or "passport card."

Document number

Enter your national identity document number exactly as shown on the identity document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

Education/Occupation Details

Highest level of education

• None: No education.
• Secondary or less: High school diploma obtained after elementary school and before college, university, or other formal training.
• Trade/apprenticeship certificate/diploma: Diploma completed in a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.
• Non-university certificate/diploma: Training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level (e.g., dental technician or engineering technician).
• Post-secondary – no degree: Post-secondary studies at a college or university but no degree earned.
• Bachelor’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who have completed an undergraduate curriculum. Also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.
• Post graduate – no degree: Post-graduate studies at a college or university but no degree earned (Master or PhD).
• Master’s degree: Academic degree awarded by a graduate school of a college or university. You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before you can earn a Master’s degree.
• Doctorate – PhD: Highest university degree, usually based on at least 3 years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must have completed a Master’s degree before you can earn a PhD.

Current occupation

If you don’t work, enter “not employed”.

Intended occupation

If you aren’t planning to work in Canada (for example, if you’re retired), enter “None”.

Language Details

Native language/mother tongue

This is the language that you learned at home during your childhood and that you still understand. If your native language is not in this list, choose “ Other ”.

Note: If you are a parent of a child to be adopted in Canada whose details you don’t know yet, choose the native language of the country where you plan to adopt a child.

Test from a designated language testing organization to assess English or French

Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you have taken a test from a designated language testing organization to assess your proficiency in English or French.

Dependant’s Personal Details

Select the box to tell us if your dependant will accompany you to Canada.

If you answered “ No ,” explain why your dependant is non-accompanying.

Dependant’s relationship to the principal applicant

Select your dependant’s relationship to you, the principal applicant:

• Adopted Child
• Adoptive parent
• Common-Law Partner
• Step-Grandchild

Dependant type

The dependant is under the age of 22 and single (not married and not in a common-law relationship).

Type B (Important: This dependant type applies only if your child’s age was locked in before August 1, 2014 )

The dependant has been continuously enrolled in and in attendance as a full-time student at a post-secondary institution accredited by the relevant government authority and has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22.

The dependant is 22 years of age or older, has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22, and is unable to provide for themselves because of a medical condition.

Not sure which type of dependant your child is? Check if your child qualifies as a dependant by answering a few questions.

If you don’t know your complete date of birth, enter 1901/01/01 to fill in the spaces for the unknown year, month or day. Include a letter of explanation.

You’re legally separated if you’re married but no longer living with your spouse.

Enter their national identity document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

If your dependant doesn’t work, enter “not employed.”

If your dependant isn’t planning to work in Canada (e.g., if they are younger than working age), enter “None”.

This is the language that they learned at home during their childhood and they still understand. If their native language does not appear in this list, select “ Other ”.

Consent and Declaration of Applicant

• Follow the instructions at the bottom of the online application to view the declaration.
• check the “ Yes ” or “ No ” buttons to show if you agree that the information in this application about your intended occupation, education and work experience may be shared with prospective employers to help them hire workers;
• type your name in the blue field.

By typing your name, you’re signing the application electronically. By doing so, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and the information you provided is complete, truthful, and correct. You can’t submit your application online unless you sign it.

Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. The processing fee must be included with your application.

We recommend you pay the right of permanent residence fee ($575) now to avoid delays. You will have to pay it before you become a permanent resident.

Note:  The following persons are  exempt  from paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee of $575:

• If accepted in the permit holder class, an applicant is exempt from paying the right of permanent residence fee if they are a dependent child of another member of the permit holder class who has already submitted an application for permanent residence or, if they are the dependent child of a permanent resident or Canadian citizen.
• You and your family member, if you are a protected person.

How to pay the fees for your application

To pay your fees for your application you’ll need:

• a valid email address;
• a credit card, Debit MasterCard ® or Visa ® Debit card.

Follow these instructions to pay your fees online.

• At the end , click on the “Save” button to save a PDF copy of the IRCC official receipt.
• Upload a copy of this receipt to your online application when asked.

Payment Issues

No fee included or insufficient fees.

If you do not pay the full fees for your application(s) we will return your application(s). We will only start processing your application after you return it with the correct fees.

Overpayment

If you pay more than the fees needed for your application(s) we will start processing your application, and send you a refund as soon as possible.

Note: You don’t have to ask for a refund. It will be done automatically.

Note: If you’re eligible for a refund, we will issue the refund to the person indicated on the  Payer Information  section of the receipt (if a receipt is attached to a paper application or uploaded as part of an online application). If you paid directly within an online application (no receipt attached), or if there is no name indicated on the receipt, we will send the refund to the applicant.

Only online payments are accepted in Canada. If any other forms of payment are received, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will return your application.

Now that you’ve prepared your application, you can submit it for processing. To help make sure the application can be processed as quickly as possible:

• answer all questions;
• After you read the declaration, you must be the one who types your name . This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed,” according to Canada’s immigration law. Principal applicants who are under 18 years of age must have their parent or legal guardian electronically sign the application on their behalf.
• include your processing fee receipt;
• upload all the supporting documents; and
• you will receive a confirmation of submission which you should retain for your records.

Submit the document checklist

Communicating with ircc.

There are several ways we may communicate with you:

• Through your (or your representative’s) online account: We recommend that you or your authorized paid representative (if applicable) create an online account and link your application to that account. Once an application has been linked to an online account, we will send correspondence there. This makes communication easier, more secure, and quicker and will allow you or your representative to get more detailed application status information and to receive mail from us online. Using online services will ensure that you receive any correspondence (including medical forms and other requests) from us almost immediately after we send it to you. This will allow us to input your responses directly into your application for timely review.
• E-Mail: If you or your representative provide us with an e-mail address when you apply, this will be our primary means of contacting you, unless your application is linked to an online account.
• Mail: If your application is not linked to an online account and no e-mail is provided, we will send all correspondence to the most up-to-date mailing address we have on file.

Important: Do not attempt to link your application to your personal online account if you have appointed a representative. If you have appointed a representative and attempt to link your application to your own online account, you will have to cancel your representative before you can link.

If you have an authorized paid representative, they can link your application to their own online account instead.

Unpaid representatives cannot use online accounts. If you have an unpaid representative, you should remind them to regularly monitor their e-mail and mail to ensure correspondence is received.

When you authorize the use of a representative, they’ll receive all correspondence about the application on your behalf. It’s important to make sure that we always have your, and your representative’s (if applicable) most current contact information, including:

• Phone numbers
• Email addresses
• Mailing addresses

We’ll send time-sensitive and official correspondence using the most up-to-date contact information we have.

If we send a request, an answer must be provided within the timeframe provided.

For more information, see our Help Centre for instruction on changing your address or contact information .

Note: If your application was received before someone else’s, but you have not received all of the same requests, don’t be alarmed. Each file is different, and application steps may happen at different times for each file. We will contact you when:

• we need more information to process your file
• an update is available
• a decision has been made, or
• if your file is transferred to another office for processing

Make sure you regularly check to see if we have contacted you.

Be sure to check the email you gave us when you submitted if you

• are waiting to hear about your application or
• think there may be forms or documents missing

The application process

Completion check

Once you have submitted your application, we will check to determine that:

• all required application forms have been properly completed and submitted,
• the application processing fee has been paid, and
• all requested supporting documentation has been provided.

If your application package is incomplete:

• we will return it to you,
• no file will be created, and
• no record will be kept until a complete application has been submitted.

Review for decision

Your application will undergo a detailed review by an officer. The officer will consider all the information and documentation you have provided, and will decide if an interview is necessary. If so, you will be informed of the interview date, time and place.

If your application is refused, it will be returned to you with an explanation of why your it was refused.

Note : If we suspect that fraudulent documents were submitted, they will not be returned.

Remaining in Canada

You have to make sure that you have legal status to remain in Canada. You should apply to maintain your legal status in Canada while your application for permanent residence is in process. You have legal status for the period of time indicated on your temporary resident permit. Use the application kit Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor or a Temporary Resident Permit Holder (IMM 5708) ( PDF , 477.39 KB ) .

Note : If you leave Canada while your application is being processed, we cannot guarantee that you will be allowed to re-enter.

May I work in Canada?

If you wish to work in Canada, you will need a work permit in addition to your valid temporary resident permit. To apply for a work permit, use the form Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710)   (opens in a new tab)  .

Note: It is illegal to work without a valid permit.

May I study in Canada?

If you wish to take a course that is longer than six (6) months, you will need a study permit in addition to your temporary resident permit. To apply for a study permit, use the application kit Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student (IMM 5709)   (opens in a new tab)  .

If you take a course that is six (6) months or less, you do not need a study permit. If you already have a study permit, you may continue to study for the duration of the document.

What you can do to help processing

There are certain things you can do to help make sure your application is processed as fast as possible:

• submit all documents and information we have asked for with your application
• pay your application and biometric fees (if required)
• provide your biometrics as soon as possible (if required)
• mailing address;
• telephone numbers;
• facsimile number (fax);
• e-mail address.

Things that delay processing

The following may delay processing:

• unclear photocopies of documents;
• verification of your information and documents;
• a medical condition that may need more tests or consultations;
• a criminal or security issue;
• consultation is needed with other offices in Canada or abroad.

Permanent resident status

If your application is successful, you will be contacted to attend an interview with an immigration officer to become a permanent resident of Canada. As a permanent resident you may:

• Remain a permanent resident as long as you spend at least two (2) years of each five (5) year period in Canada, or until you become a Canadian citizen,
• Leave and re-enter Canada as often as you wish.

As permanent residents, you and your family members will have the right to:

• live, study and work in Canada for as long as you remain permanent residents
• access most social benefits accorded to Canadian citizens (see “ Limitations ” section below),
• apply for Canadian citizenship, and if granted, apply for a Canadian passport once you have been a legal permanent resident for three (3) of the four (4) previous years.

Limitations

There are a few limitations on permanent residents:

• you cannot vote in certain elections,
• you may be ineligible for certain jobs requiring high-level security clearances,
• if you or any of your family members commit a serious crime, you or your family members may be stripped of permanent resident status and deported from Canada.

Obligations

As permanent residents, you will also have the same legal obligations as Canadians, such as paying taxes and respecting all federal, provincial, and municipal laws.

The Permanent Resident Card

All new permanent residents will be issued a card as part of the process. Cards will be mailed to your home address soon after you become a permanent resident. For more information on the Permanent Resident Card, visit our website .

Updating your contact information

While your application is in process, you must tell us if you change your address, e-mail address, or telephone number. Use the Change your address tool to give us your new contact information.

Checking application status

In canada and the united states.

You may Contact Us or go online to see the current status of your application:

• Click on Check application status , and
• follow the instructions provided.

To obtain details on how to remove your application status information from the Internet, visit the “ Frequently Asked Questions ” (FAQ) section.

If you are outside Canada and the United States:

Contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your region.

Protecting your information

Your personal information is:

• available to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it to provide the services to you, and
• not disclosed to other organizations except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act or the Citizenship Regulations .

If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre .

• Request for Police Certificates/Clearances and Authorization for Release of Information ( PDF , 58.59 KB )

Appendix B: Fingerprint request letter

• Fingerprint request letter ( PDF , 55.88 KB )

Appendix C: Photo specifications

Notes to the applicant.

Take this information with you to the photographer

• Photos may be in colour or in black and white.
• Photos must be original and  not altered in any way  or taken from an existing photo.
• Photos must reflect your current appearance (taken within the past twelve (12) months).

Applying online

• You need one (1) photo.
• Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload  both sides  of your photo to your application.

Notes to the photographer

The photo must be:

• taken by a commercial photographer;
• 50 mm x 70 mm (2 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches long) and sized so the height of the face measures between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 1/4 inches and 1 7/16 inches) from chin to crown of head (natural top of head);
• clear, sharp and in focus;
• taken with a neutral facial expression  (eyes open and clearly visible, mouth closed, no smiling) ;
• taken with uniform lighting and  not show  shadows, glare or flash reflections;
• taken straight on, with face and shoulders  centered  and squared to the camera (i.e. the photos must show the full front view of the person’s head and shoulders, showing the full face centered in the middle of the photo);
• taken in front of a plain white background with a clear difference between the person’s face and the background. Photos must reflect and represent natural skin tones and not be altered.

The back of the photo must include:

• the name and date of birth of the person in the photo
• the name and complete address of the photography studio
• the date the photo was taken;

The photographer may use a stamp or handwrite this information. Stick-on labels are not accepted.

How-to video

Find out if you are eligible

Page details

• MyERAS Application Written Sections
• Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Residency Document Editing
• Our Process
• Applying to Residency Programs
• Residency Application Red Flags
• Application Common Mistakes
• Letter of Recommendation Guide
• Residency Letters of Interest, Thank Yous, & Letters of Intent

Your Complete Residency Letter of Recommendation Guide

Why are residency letters of recommendation so important.

Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) are a critical component of every residency candidate’s ERAS Application. In fact, Program Directors consistently rank specialty-specific LoRs as one of the most important factors for inviting candidates to interviews: in 2020, 84% of PD’s cited LoRs as an important interview invitation factor with an importance value of 4.3 out of 5.

Furthermore, specialty-specific LoRs are consistently among the Top 5 Most Important factors for ranking an applicant, according to NRMP Program Director Surveys year after year.

ERAS Letters of Recommendation serve several key functions in your residency application:

• Demonstrate experiences specific to the specialty to which you are applying
• Demonstrate good rapport with multiple physicians
• Showcase work ethic, commitment to the specialty, and contributions to medicine
• Exemplify personal characteristics, academic performance, and involvement
• Reinforce and integrate aspects of your ERAS Application and Personal Statement

Your ERAS LoRs are 1-2 page letters written by those you have worked with in the field. You should apply with 2 or more specialty-specific LoRs out of the 3 or 4 total LoRs you submit with each application.

** DO NOT SUBMIT LoRs  recommending you for a different specialty than the one which you are applying to.** 

Instead, ask your LoR authors to write 2 versions of your LoR. For example, the first LoR could be recommending you for Internal Medicine (especially if they are an internist) while the second LoR is a general recommendation for any specialty. Asking your authors to make a few small tweaks to their LoR (usually just a few sentences each) is an excellent way to help tailor your application to your top specialty as well as any backups to which you may be applying.

Who Should Write Letters of Recommendation? (and who should not)

The author of your LoRs is very important. It helps establish credibility, relevance to the chosen specialty, and can even serve as a bridge for further confirmation/investigation by programs of interest.

Generally speaking, your LoR Authors should be:

• Practicing in the specialty to which you are applying
• A higher rank/status than yourself (attendings, advisors, managers, etc.)
• Medical professionals – This can mean being a physician, researcher, public health advocate, etc.

The BEST Letters of Recommendation are from:

• Specialty-specific clinical settings in the United States
• High ranked authors who know you very well and have worked with you in an extended clinical setting (PDs, Department Heads/Chairs, Attendings)
• Recent – Within 1 year (or 2 years maximum)

Letter of Recommendation Authors should NOT be:

• Peers, family, or friends (use your best judgement)
• Written by those who do not know you or who have had little interaction with you
• Written with errors in spelling, grammar, and syntax

Basically, the strongest ERAS Letters of Recommendation will come from specialty-specific physicians in the USA who have worked with you extensively and can craft a very detailed, personable, precise, and persuasive reference toward your candidacy – which leads to our next important topic – how to actually get these Letters of Recommendation.

Need Help Editing Your Residency Letters of Recommendation?

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Obtaining the Best Letters of Recommendation

Getting the strongest LoRs takes planning and early execution. It will take your authors time to discuss your LoR with you, draft and edit, and then upload  to ERAS (which can be a daunting and confusing task – especially for international authors who are unfamiliar with ERAS).

For those currently in medical school – your clinical rotations during MS3 are when you should START PLANNING for obtaining your LoRs. This means making yourself known to attendings, establishing personal relationships, and standing out in the best ways. Moreover, be sure to foster these relationships even after your rotations. A strong residency network is one of your best allies when it comes to success in The Match.

View the Full Guide:

OBTAINING THE BEST LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

The Reality: How to Write Your Own ERAS Letters of Recommendation

The truth is that every year, thousands of residency applicants are asked to write their own residency Letters of Recommendation . Many physicians simply may not have the time, interest, or desire to write the LoR for you, but are happy to sign off at the bottom after you’ve written it for them.

So, how do you write your own Letters of Recommendation? Luckily, we’ve created an Authorship Guide for any letter writer to use.

WRITING RESIDENCY LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

If you’ve written one or more LoRs for yourself, we highly recommend having a professional review and edit this document . Since LoRs are so incredibly important for your application, you do not want to fall short. With Residency Experts, Residency Document Editing (including LoRs) is only $99 for comprehensive, in-depth editing and optimization.

Residency Letter of Recommendation Checklist

Thanking Your Letter of Recommendation Authors

Thanking your LoR writers is respectful, polite, and simply the right thing to do! Sending a genuine thank you letter or email is a wonderful way to continue building a strong rapport with your LoR author.

Remember, getting this LoR isn’t the end of the road with your writer . They may serve as an invaluable aspect of your medical network , helping you land the future opportunities you are dreaming of!

Get Started with Professional LoR Editing

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Questions about your Letters of Recommendation? Call us at 858-221-8580 or email your question to [email protected] . We are happy to assist you!

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Explaining how to write a reason book necessary for permanent residence application from composition and example sentences

Click here to select your language

Those who need a statement of reason when applying for permanent residence

When a foreigner tries to apply for permanent residence, it is necessary to Reason book . What is a statement of reason A summary of "why do you want to obtain permanent residency in Japan" in the words of the applicant It is one of the documents required when applying for permanent residence.

It seems that any qualification is necessary, but depending on the status of residence, there are cases where a statement of reasons is not necessary. For example, spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents, Foreigners who have a status of residence do not need a statement of reason when applying for permanent residence. . This is because the partner already has a permanent resident status in Japan, so it is judged unnecessary.

However A statement of reason is required for foreigners who have obtained a status of residence for work. So be prepared. *About documents required for permanent residence application Click here for the guidelines. See.

Contents of the statement of reasons to be submitted when applying for permanent residence

The most difficult thing about creating a statement of reasons is the high degree of freedom. For example, it's like being suddenly handed a blank piece of paper and told to "write whatever you like." There is no format at all, so it is natural to get lost in what to write.

If you are unsure about the reason statement, please be aware of filling in the following items.

• History from Arrival to Today
• Current working/living situation
• Pension/insurance subscription/payment status
• Reasons for wanting to obtain permanent residency

If you include these properly, you won't be kicked out.

I will explain in detail how to write it.

▼ History from arrival to today

In the statement of reason, be sure to "History from Arrival to Today" Let's write

What kind of content is “Where were you born?” “Why did you come to Japan?” “What did you do in Japan?” The chronological order It is OK if you write to Basically, if you come to Japan through a proper route and work seriously, you can just write it as it is and there will be no problems at all.

At the time of submission of the statement of reasons, the Immigration Bureau will check the consistency with the contents of the application so far. for that reason, Check that there are no discrepancies with the application forms submitted so far. I recommend writing as you go.

For permanent residence application 10 years stay in principle conditions are set. Therefore, it is necessary to write exactly what you were doing during that period.

▼ Current working/living situation

To apply for permanent residence "Being able to live independently" is included as a required item, so it is necessary to appeal by describing the working situation in the statement of reasons.

The items to be entered are as follows.

• ・The name of the company you are currently working for
• ・Content of work
• ・Monthly income and annual income
• ・When you started working
• ・Impression of the workplace
• ・Future image

If you write this far, you won't be asked a lot of questions when you apply. If you have a spouse, Living situation with family Don't forget to write about as well.

▼ Pension/insurance participation/payment status

in the statement of reason Pension/insurance subscription/payment status Please make a note of this. This is because when you apply for permanent residence, your pension and insurance enrollment and payment status will be checked in detail.

In particular If you have been enrolled in the National Pension or National Health Insurance for the past 5 years , save and check the documents and receipts such as "Nenkin regular flight" and "National Health Insurance payment certificate". If there is a delay in payment once in 5 years, waiting is one way because it will be smoother to make a track record of 5 years with no delay in payment as much as possible.

However, if the last five years were all covered by social insurance, it is OK to state that fact. In that case, there is almost no detailed check like the national pension and national health insurance.

▼ Reasons for wanting to obtain permanent residency

It is no exaggeration to say that the most important reason is the reason why you want to obtain permanent residency. " Why do you want to obtain permanent residency in Japan? ' The concrete must be stated in

For foreigners, Japan is a foreign land. It is natural to think that there is some reason why you want to live permanently in that foreign land.

It varies from person to person, but The reason why it must be Japan If you do not write logically, it will be difficult to be accepted at the time of application. If you don't have a specific reason, there is a high chance that permission will not be granted, so write down a reason that anyone can understand.

Also, at the end of the reason statement “As I have said so far, Japan is the foundation of my life, and as a resident of Japan, I will continue to abide by the law, work diligently, and live faithfully.” It is OK if you close with the words.

Who writes the statement of reasons, what language do you use?

What foreigners are concerned about when writing a statement of reason is the person who writes the statement and the language. Since it is difficult to write in Japanese, many people think about asking someone else to write for them or writing in their native language. In this section, when writing a statement of reasons, I will explain the person who writes and the language that can be used.

▼ The statement of reasons must be written by the applicant himself/herself.

As a general rule, the statement of reasons must be written by the applicant himself/herself. This is because explaining the reason for applying for permanent residence in your own words and writing it yourself will create credibility in the statement of reason.

If there is a discrepancy between the content of the statement of reasons and the person's words, there is a high possibility that the application will not pass the examination, so be sure to write it yourself instead of asking someone else to write it for you. At that time, if you are worried about Japanese Have a third party correct is also a good method. Japanese is a difficult language, so just having them check grammatical aspects such as honorifics and particles will make a big difference, so it's a recommended method.

▼ Can you write in your native language?

Statement of reason Available in native language . However, in that case Japanese translation must be attached .

Basically, the reason statement must be written in Japanese, unless there is a specific reason Do not write in your native language . Rather, in spite of the fact that I will live in Japan permanently from now on, I can not write Japanese. give a negative impression There is a possibility. Rather than making an additional Japanese translation after writing in your native language, it is recommended to write in Japanese from the beginning because it will save time and effort.

▼ Can I use a letter of reason template?

There are many templates of the reason statement on the web, It is generally better not to use . It doesn't matter if you use the structure of the statement of reason, I changed the content of the template slightly. only or full copy The act of doing Never do that. It's easy to think, "If it's just me, I won't find out." Also, even if you change part of the text of the template and submit it, the flow of the Japanese sentences will become strange, which may lead to discomfort with the statement of reason. In general, using templates There is a high possibility that it will be evaluated badly Therefore, it seems wise not to use it.

What is examined in the statement of reasons

I have explained how to write a statement of reasons so far, but what part of the statement of reasons is actually examined? Of course income and payments Numerical data integrity You will also be asked, but since you are writing the reason for permanently residing in Japan, other than that Key Points also exists.

The following two items are considered to be the main contents to be examined in the statement of reasons.

• Establishment in Japan

Let's see what each means.

▼ Establishment in Japan

As one of the contents to be examined in the statement of reasons, Establishment in Japan . Persistence means "I have no plans to return to my home country in the future" and "I want to live in Japan forever". I will live in Japan until I die ” will be the content.

Since it is not an ordinary decision for foreigners to stay in Japan without returning to their home country,

• The reason why I fell in love with Japan
• Why I want to live in Japan for a long time

The more specific you write, the more credible you will become. In addition, by enhancing the above content, naturally your own reason , and you can get out of the template-like fixed form of sentences, so you can kill two birds with one stone.

Guidelines for applying for permanent residence "Be Good" As stated, you need to write how you have lived a good life.

For example, if you are driving a car, if you have no accidents, no violations, volunteers, donations, or commendations from local governments, etc., it will be easier to be evaluated by presenting evidence. Also, if you have lived a good life since you were in your home country, it will be more credible to have a criminal record certificate issued in your home country, if possible. In addition, it is even better if you appeal that there is no tax delinquency.

If something happened in the past, Do not hide the fact and specify in the statement of reasons that it will not happen again please. If you hide it, it will make your impression worse, so the correct answer is to speak honestly. If you have someone you trust, ask them to write a letter of recommendation.

There are many ways to appeal to goodness, so using various methods claim to be good is recommended.

We support your permanent residence application!

For those who have trouble creating a statement of reasons for applying for permanent residence Please feel free to contact us via phone or inquiry form!

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Related article

Is it necessary to enroll in a pension when applying for a permanent residence visa?

Do I need to renew my permanent visa?

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Sample Letter of Recommendation for Medical Residency

• 24 May, 2021
• ERAS Application Letters of Recommendation
• No Comments

When you’re applying for medical residency, having high quality Letters of Recommendation can strengthen your application. First, become familiar with the appropriate content for an LoR and how to choose the best letter writers. Next, you might find it helpful to review a strong sample Letter of Recommendation. Doing so can help you feel more confident about these supporting documents, whether you’re getting ready to request them or preparing to draft them yourself.

Below, we’ve provided a sample LoR for an internal medicine residency applicant. First, you’ll notice that the letter touches on all the key points highlighted in our blog Guide to Writing Residency Letters of Recommendation. Specifically, this letter includes:

• Details about how the writer knows the applicant
• An acknowledgement of the specialty being applied to
• Discussion of the ACGME 6 Core Competencies
• Specific examples
• A clear and straightforward recommendation for the specialty being applied to

Sample Letter of Recommendation

Finally, we hope this sample is helpful in demonstrating what a specialty specific and well-written Letter of Recommendation looks like!

Also, if you’ve been asked to author your own LoRs, or have access to those written for you, consider signing up with  Residency Experts. When you sign up, our highly qualified editors will edit your Letters of Recommendation to perfection, and we also offer editing of the written sections of your MyERAS Application and Personal Statement. You can also check out Residency Experts’ helpful tips by reading Your Complete Residency Letter of Recommendation Guide .

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Sample LOE format

• Thread starter hopeismymiddlename
• Start date Jul 13, 2018

hopeismymiddlename

I know many were asking for a sample format for the LOE so I thought I should upload mine. Here is a format of LOE that we attached with our application. We wanted to address POF points so the letter is geared to address that. It might not be much helpful but I thought this could give you an idea/start. Thanks and best wishes. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 00/00/0000 To, The Immigration Officer, IRCC, Government of Canada, Canada. Subject: Letter of explanation for Express Entry-FSW application (Application no.) Dear Officer, I want to thank you for the invitation to apply for the Permanent Residency received 1th May 2018 under the Express Entry-FSW stream. I have uploaded all the required documents on the CIC web portal. A detailed list of all the attached documents can be found in the Appendix I . For our settlement in Canada, I will be bringing in $00000 CAD in settlement funds to support me and my accompanying spouse. I usually transfer my savings to my wife who then transfers our monthly savings from her bank account [bank name] into her savings account (bank name, account number: 00000000 ). My spouse(name of spouse) is currently the sole account holder of the [Bank name] account. The ‘Proof of Means of Financial Support’ section in application includes all our bank details along with following documents: · The last 6 months’ statements of her bank name Savings account, · Bank account verification letter and, · Screen shot of the account home page with full account number displayed. · Letter signed by my wife stating no objection from her to use the funds from her account for our settlement in Canada. Additionally, I have provided a detailed explanation ( Table 1 ) and additional supporting documents ( Appendix II ) for all deposits in our salary accounts > USD $000.00 from last 6 months. This excludes our payroll deposits and the transactions that happened between me and my accompanying spouse. Recently, I closed two of my credit card accounts and have attached the account closing letters below ( Appendix II ). Me and my wife solemnly declare that we have not borrowed any money for our settlement in Canada and all the deposits in our accounts come from our payroll/savings. Sincerely, [Primary Applicant] [accompanying spouse] +1-000-000-0000 +1-000-000-0000 [email protected] [email protected] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------The forum would not let me post a pic so I have mentioned all the columns from our table. We thought table format was much easier to read than paragraphs. Columns as below:-------------------- Table 1: Summary of deposits > $000 in our salary accounts ​ (Bank Name) (Account holder's name) (Account number) (Transaction date (dd/mm)) (Page No.from Proof of Financial Means document) (Description as on Statement) (Transaction Amount (USD)) : USD$000.00 (Source of Funds): [explain in short] (Additional Supporting Documents (Appendix II)): Bulleted list of supporting documents you want to attach (Additional information about the transaction): [Explain in detail] -------------------------The following list will be different for everyone. This is just a sample ------------------------ APPENDIX I: DOCUMENTS ATTACHED WITH MAIN APPLICATION ​ Primary Applicant – [Applicants name] A) Passport/Travel Documents 1) Passport​ 2) Valid Visa from old passport​ B) Marriage License/Certificate 1) Marriage Certificate​ C) Police Certificate: USA 1) FBI PCC from USA​ D) Police Certificate: India 1) Police Clearance Certificate from Indian Embassy at [city name], USA​ 2) Police clearance certificate stamp from the passport​ E) Proof of Medical Exam 1) E-Medical Receipt (Form)​ F) Education (Diplomas/Records) 1) IELTS Report​ 2) WES Report​ 3) Degree Certificate – MS [Degree]​ 4) Official Transcripts – MS [Degree]​ 5) Degree Certificate – B.E. [Degree]​ 6) Official Transcripts – B.E. [Degree]​ G) Employment Records 1) Official Employment letter from Employer​ 2) Last 6 months paystubs​ H) Proof of Means of financial Support 1) No objection Certificate from [spouse name] for the use of Funds from her account​ [applicant name] Bank Details 2) [Bank name] – Account Summary Letter​ 3) [Bank name]- Last 6 months bank statements.​ 4) [Bank name]- Screen shot of Account Home page​ 5) [Bank name] - Account Summary Letter​ 6) [Bank name] - Last 6 months bank statements.​ [spouse name] Bank Details 7) [Bank name]- Account Summary Letter​ 8) [Bank name]- Account Summary Letter​ 9) [Bank name]- Last 6 months bank statements.​ 10) [Bank name]– Account Summary Letter​ 11) [Bank name]- Last 6 months bank statements.​ I) Digital Photo 1) Digital Photo for [applicant name]​ Supporting Documents – [Accompanying spouse name](Accompanying spouse) A) Police Certificate USA 1) FBI PCC from USA​ B) Police Certificate: INDIA 1) Police Clearance Certificate from Indian Embassy at [city name], USA​ 2) Police clearance certificate stamp from the passport​ C) Passport/Travel Documents 1) Passport​ 2) Valid Visa from old passport​ D) Proof of Medical Exam 1) E-Medical Receipt (Form)​ E) Education (diplomas/degrees) 1) IELTS Report​ 2) WES Report​ 3) Degree Certificate – MS [Degree] 4) Official Transcripts – MS [Degree] 5) Degree Certificate – B.E. [Degree] 6) Official Transcripts – B.E. [Degree]​ F) Employment Records 1) Official Employment letter from Employer​ 2) Last 6 months paystubs​ G) Digital Photo 1) Digital Photo for [spouse name]​ ------------In Appendix II we attached the documents that we had mentioned in the table and other documents we felt will strengthen our case------------- APPENDIX II: ADDITIONAL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (Attached below) ​ A) [Document 1] B) [Document 2] C) [Document 3] D) [Document 4]  

All that? I just sent a word document with a few bullet points explaining some issues like my last name difference, exchange rate and distance learning. Not even one page.  

kayshapvivekk

Star member.

Hi, I am writing a LOE for my address history, in the last 10 years I have mostly lived in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore for work and studies. But on passport and all other documents (PCC) I have maintained my permanent address (Assam) Firstly, do I have to write a LOE explaining that I have lived across Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore for work and education, however my current and only permanent address is the one that is mentioned on the passport (Assam) And if it is advisable to submit one, please let me know if the below content is OK Dear Sir/ Madam, This is with respect to my Express Entry-FSW application no. xxxxx Kindly note my current and permanent address is as per my passport and same is consistent across all my documents including the PCC, POF, ETC. In the last 10 years I have temporarily lived in other cities within India for education and employment excluding the gap years (as mentioned in my employment and education history) while I was unemployed. I have mentioned the same in my address history. However this is to clarify that my permanent address has remained the same as mentioned on my passport through out these years and consistent across all other documents. Thanks  

Champion Member

kayshapvivekk said: Hi, I am writing a LOE for my address history, in the last 10 years I have mostly lived in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore for work and studies. But on passport and all other documents (PCC) I have maintained my permanent address (Assam) Firstly, do I have to write a LOE explaining that I have lived across Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore for work and education, however my current and only permanent address is the one that is mentioned on the passport (Assam) And if it is advisable to submit one, please let me know if the below content is OK Dear Sir/ Madam, This is with respect to my Express Entry-FSW application no. xxxxx Kindly note my current and permanent address is as per my passport and same is consistent across all my documents including the PCC, POF, ETC. In the last 10 years I have temporarily lived in other cities within India for education and employment excluding the gap years (as mentioned in my employment and education history) while I was unemployed. I have mentioned the same in my address history. However this is to clarify that my permanent address has remained the same as mentioned on my passport through out these years and consistent across all other documents. Thanks Click to expand...

hope2018 said: Why you need to write in LoE when they have provided you form for address history in pr application. Just fill that. Unnecessary explanations not needed Click to expand...

Also I have no address proofs for those cities where I have lived temporarily  

kayshapvivekk said: Thanks for the revert, the thing is I haven't lived in my permanent address (at all) in the last 10 years except a gap year. 5 Years education in Delhi and Bangalore. And 5 Years employment in Mumbai. My concern is; will this create any issue (or any back and forth) because across all my documents including the PCC i have mentioned my permanent address. PS: What exactly is the purpose of address history, my PCC had no mention of the cities within India I have lived in. Click to expand...

kayshapvivekk said: Also I have no address proofs for those cities where I have lived temporarily Click to expand...

hope2018 said: There is no requirement from IRCC to upload address proofs. Click to expand...

• I have a FD which is borderline 6 months old (created on 22nd Feb 2018) and I am planning to submit my ITA application by Sep 1st Week 2018
• I got a bank letter on bank letterhead as below; is this OK? The bank letter does not mention my FD number, however it does mention my savings account number, should this be OK? I had the savings account since 2013 and the letter did not mention the FD opening date.
• I will also include a color scanned copy of the FD
• Should I include six months FD statement?
• Should I include savings bank account statement for six months?
• I am also planning to attach my salary slips for six months as supporting documents, is it fine
• I received the bank letter in below format with the below details, is this OK?

also is it mandatory to mention the average balance for the last six months in the bank letter, or the closing balance is fine? Do you think I should request the bank manager to issue another letter with the additional info?  

yellowhornet

Good to know. Thanks for sharing OP.  

kayshapvivekk said: @hope2018 This is off this topic, but can you please help with the below query?? I have a FD which is borderline 6 months old (created on 22nd Feb 2018) and I am planning to submit my ITA application by Sep 1st Week 2018 I got a bank letter on bank letterhead as below; is this OK? The bank letter does not mention my FD number, however it does mention my savings account number, should this be OK? I had the savings account since 2013 and the letter did not mention the FD opening date. I will also include a color scanned copy of the FD Should I include six months FD statement? Should I include savings bank account statement for six months? I am also planning to attach my salary slips for six months as supporting documents, is it fine I received the bank letter in below format with the below details, is this OK? TO WHOM SO EVER IT MAY CONCERN This letter is to certify that Mr. XXX, resident of XXXXX and holder of Indian passport XXXXXX has been maintaining saving bank account number XXXXX with State Bank Of India, Branch DIBRUGARH BAZAR, since____ 2013 and he holds fixed deposits AND saving funds with the bank of approximately XXXX which is equivalent to Canadian Dollars XXXX in our account books at the close of business today on______ 2018. It is also to certify that these funds are fully free of any liens, debts and/or encumbrances and are maintained and available for immediate transfer as of________2018. This certificate is issued at the request of customer. Bank manager sign & seal Please let me know if the above documents will suffice Thanks in advance; Click to expand...

hope2018 said: It looks good if you can just get FD number added as well as six months average balance on the bank letter. It will avoid the need for you to attach statements and FD receipt. Salary stubs as supporting is fine. Even bank statements provide transparency so nothing wrong in it but both of these are not mandatory. It's good to have. Click to expand...

Hi. Does the LOE have to be notarized. Or it can just be written on a normal piece of paper and uploaded  

• TemplateLab

Immigration Letters

36 free immigration letters (character reference letters for immigration).

Immigration officers in almost all countries are very meticulous about documents relevant to immigration. Therefore, those intending to visit other countries should prepare a formal immigration letter. Such a letter should bear the organization’s professional letterhead , especially for those in foreign lands. This is one way to prove your reliability and ingenuity both of which are essential for immigration approval. Read on to learn more about this type of letter and download the template too.

Table of Contents

• 1 Immigration Letters
• 2 Common types of immigration letters
• 3 Character Reference Letters For Immigration
• 4.1 Prepare yourself first
• 4.2 Write the letter
• 5 Immigration Letters Of Recommendation
• 6 What is an immigration letter for?
• 7 Immigration Letters For A Friend

Common types of immigration letters

There are different types of immigration letters, and they serve varying purposes. For instance, a good character reference letter for immigration can help an immigration officer understand better the character of the applicant. If the letter contains all the pertinent data required, an approval should be in the works.

Immigration officers don’t want unnecessary details contained in the letter. This could be reason enough for them turning you down. When you intend to write an immigration letter of recommendation, do some research about it first. Online resources such as this one provides a great collection of good moral character letter for immigration samples and other types of immigration letters such as:

Character reference letter for immigration

A character reference letter usually defines the person’s character, and this becomes an essential source in gaining benefits for the said person. As much as possible, make the best reference letter by downloading a template or create one on your own. You may even include the address of the embassy or state department where your friend plans to send his own application letter.

Make it a point to briefly introduce yourself and define your relationship with the applicant in the first part of the letter. Of course, when writing an immigration letter for a friend, it goes without saying that you will positively describe your friend’s character. If you can provide a short anecdote to prove this, do so. Then write your closing statement. Throughout the letter, maintain a polite and courteous tone.

Immigration letter of recommendation

When writing such a letter, pay attention to the details. Remember that first impressions always count. Creating a good letter can be a daunting task but using good moral character letter for immigration samples can make the job easier. After all, these have proven their effectiveness.

After going through some samples, you can interject your thoughts like adding a decent introduction to the letter and clearly explaining the good traits of your friend. If you have some added information relevant to the letter’s purpose, do so without hesitation. Then conclude your letter with a genuine compliment.

Reference letter for immigration from the employer

An employer making a reference letter for his employee for immigration purposes need not fret too much about writing one as there are also sample letters that can assist him. The formats of these sample letters generally include information regarding the employee and the employer.

The employer should identify himself by providing his name, company, address, and other information. Briefly describe your position in the company and that of your employee and provide positive information about him.

Relationship support letter for immigration This type of immigration letter will involve your relatives trying to secure successful immigration approval. You can avail of several techniques when writing this letter. Again, start with a decent introduction followed by a description of your relative’s good character. If you have any supporting documents that can prove useful to illustrate this, include them. You can conclude your letter with a sincere compliment.

Other common examples of immigration letters include

• Company recommendation letter to the immigration office
• Multi-society immigration letter

Character Reference Letters For Immigration

How to write an immigration letter

It’s always recommended for people involved with immigration-related proceedings to strengthen their applications using well-crafted letters, coming from members of the same community or their colleagues. Such letters are important in many proceedings not just for immigration. Should someone ask you to write an immigration letter for a friend, take some time to gather all the required information before you start. Here are some tips to guide you:

Prepare yourself first

Learn about the type of immigration proceeding

Of course, you should know beforehand what type of immigration proceeding you’re involved in. Such letters could be for immigration deportation, removal proceedings or as a part of the person’s naturalization application. Other reasons may include:

• To prove the relationship
• To confirm residence or employment
• To serve as proof of physical or emotional abuse
• To verify a believable fear of persecution

Speak to the one asking for the letter

If you’re asked to write the letter, have a conversation with the person who requested for it to find out what points you need to emphasize. For instance, the requestor might want to share one of the experiences he had while working on a certain project relevant to the letter’s purpose. Anecdotes can be very helpful to illustrate points. You might also want the requestor to furnish you a resume and other information which can guide you when writing the letter.

Read some sample letters

It is always useful to have a format on how to write an immigration letter for a friend. The best way to find these is online. Samples of immigration reference letters can help you craft a more organized and formal letter . Throughout the letter, make sure that you maintain a tone of credibility and sincerity.

Write the letter

Start with the date and a salutation

First and at the beginning of your letter is the date. A few spaces below, the salutation comes next. If the writer is the applicant’s employer, he should use stationary that has the company’s or organization’s letterhead.

Next up is an introduction

The letter’s first paragraph should be a brief introduction of the writer. State the basics, like your name, your profession, citizenship status, and your relationship with the applicant. You can also mention how long you’ve known the one who requested the letter. Then provide referencing locations, dates, and such if possible.

Describe the characteristics of the person

The next paragraph will give the writer the chance to illustrate what the applicant wants to establish to the immigration officers. For instance, a testimony of the applicant’s good character can be vital in supporting any of the following predicaments:

• naturalization
• avoid deportation
• establish with immigration that the person has a genuine relationship and it isn’t a sham.
• verify that persecution in his home country can cause trauma

Whatever the case, the letter should be as concrete and as firm as possible in conveying its purpose.

Share the person’s work ethic if relevant

When an employer writes a reference letter for immigration for his employee, he should include the latter’s job position and his corresponding skills. Also, specify inclusive dates and locations of the applicant’s employment. If you’re writing the letter, you should be honest about this employee’s trustworthiness. You can demonstrate this by giving specific examples.

Conclude the document with a heartfelt recommendation

In conclusion, provide a strong recommendation for the immigration letter of recommendation that the applicant should obtain the relief he’s requesting for.

Include your contact information

Should the immigration officer need to verify or ask further questions, it is prudent to leave a means to contact you. To do this, add your telephone number or email address at the end. If the letterhead doesn’t contain your mailing address, include this in the end too. Also, include the time of day that the immigration officer may contact you.

Affix your signature

When signing, use either black or blue ink only and avoid fancy colors. The letter is not a legal document so there is no need for notarization, but it is also prudent to do so. After all, a notarized document will eliminate any doubt as to the author’s signature. However, if the one requesting for the letter deals with legal deportation proceedings, having the letter notarized is a necessary step.

Immigration Letters Of Recommendation

What is an immigration letter for?

Immigration letters and character reference letters for immigration are effective tools in supporting one’s application to immigration-related proceedings. As much as possible, members of the community or people of recognized authority should author such letters. An immigration letter can make the immigration officer’s task much easier, and this is the reason why you should write them meticulously.

Applying for one’s dream job in another country can become a possibility with a well-crafted immigration letter of recommendation. To make the task easier in such a letter, you can always use sample letters which can help you express your thoughts more precisely and coherently.

These immigration letters are also essential in helping people get immigration goals in a simpler way. Character references will allow the immigration officers to get a clearer picture of the applicant’s character traits without facing any difficulties.

Approval can partly depend upon a good reference letter. Therefore, when requested by a friend, make use of sample letters as they may help him in the most effective manner for your friend to secure his goals .

Immigration Letters For A Friend

More Templates

Job Abandonment Letter

Referral Letters

Collection Letter Templates

Gift Letter Templates

Proof of Employment Letters

Social Security Number Verification Letters

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Tips on getting letters of support for your immigration application.

• By ZoOmArts
• December 30, 2013
• WordPress , Graphic
• July 30, 2018 - 11:35 am
• Canadian Immigration Blog
• By Migrationlaw

Author/ Joseph Granton July 30, 2018

One of the most common problems that clients have with Humanitarian and Compassionate, Temporary Resident Permit, or Criminal Rehabilitation applications is obtaining letters of support for their application. In these types of immigration applications, we need to convince the immigration officer that you deserve a particular type of status. In these types of discretionary applications, it is very important to have a wide assortment of evidence that shows that you meet the legal test for the program, and some of the most influential pieces of evidence can be letters of support. These are letters from friends, family, relatives, community members, and others that talk about why you should be given the immigration status you are asking for. They can speak to your character, your experiences, and your personal circumstances. They can be a very influential piece of evidence in your application. However, even though they are very important, I see people struggle time and time again to get letters of support. They tell me that whoever they ask to write a letter of support doesn’t know what to write. That’s why I’ve written this guide to help you get excellent letters of support for your immigration application.

1. Think about who you want to ask for letters of support

The first thing you need to do before you even ask someone to write a letter of support is figure out who you are going to ask to write one. The authors of these letters should be someone who knows you well, because they will be writing about your life, your personality, and your character. They should also have legal status in Canada, ideally as a citizen or a permanent resident. It is okay for family members and friends to write support letters for you, as these are probably the people that know you best. It is also a good idea to get letters from prominent individuals in the community. Perhaps you can get a letter from your Imam, Priest, or other religious leader. Is there a cause that you volunteer with? If so, try to get one of the leaders from the organization to write you a letter. If you are comfortably discussing your immigration situation with your boss or co-workers, you can approach them too.

A good rule of thumb for support letters is quality over quantity. It is much better to have a handful of high-quality letters than it is to have 20, 30, or even 40 low-quality letters. Think ahead, and approach only people who you think will speak highly of you, and who you know can do a good job.

2. Try and have the individual write the letter themselves. Sometimes my clients will hand me a stack of support letters that are clearly all written by the same person, just with different names and signatures. They use the same sentence structure, the same phrases, the same layout, and the same font, over and over. If it’s immediately apparent to me that they are all written by the same person, then it will be even more apparent to an immigration officer who assesses these applications on a daily basis. Immigration officers will not trust letters that are all written by the same person.

The best advice I can give to my clients is to have others write their own support letters. Only the author of the letter knows the little personal details and real-world examples that make these support letters compelling. They will use their own unique writing style to convey their message. And most importantly, the immigration officer will see that a number of people took the time to write a detailed letter in support of you. 3. What Should a Letter of Support Look Like? If you give your authors a detailed breakdown of what a letter of support should contain, not only are you setting them up to write an excellent support letter, you are also more likely to have them agree to write one for you. Letters of support from individuals should contain the author’s name, and their status in Canada. They should have their address and telephone number, and even their email, somewhere in the letter, either in the introduction, or in the signature block underneath the signature. They should talk about how they know you in the letter, and they should provide a piece of ID that shows they legally reside in Canada (PR Card, Passport, Canadian birth certificate, etc.)

When you were meeting with your lawyer about filing this application, you lawyer should have explained the legal “test” you have to meet for your application. For instance, in a Temporary Residence Permit application, we need to convince the immigration officer that your need to be in Canada is compelling and outweighs any risk you pose to Canada. A letter of support should explain how you meet this test and provide examples as to how you exhibit this behaviour. So, for a Temporary Resident Permit support letter, the author should talk about how you are not a risk, and why it is very important for you to come to Canada. Letters from organizations you volunteer with, or the church/mosque/temple you go to are similar but with a few key differences. The letter should be on letterhead with contact information for the organization. The person writing the letter should identify their title within the organization underneath their signature. The letter should speak to how you are a good person, and meet the legal test for your application, but it should also contain additional details talking about how long you have been involved in the organization, that you are a valuable and well-liked member of the organization, and what you do for the organization.All letters, no matter who writes them, should be dated and signed.

4. Give your letter writers deadlines It can be hard to get a letter of support from someone who is already very busy. What many of my clients find to be a particularly helpful practice is to give the letter writers deadlines. A realistic deadline for a letter of support would likely be 2 or 3 weeks. Depending on what your lawyer says, it might be ok to give them an extension; but it is very important for you to keep following up with your authors, and checking in on a regular basis.

5. Let your lawyer review draft letters of support

Before you finalize the letter (i.e. get the author to sign and date the letter), have the author send you a draft by email, and forward a copy to your lawyer. Your lawyer likely won’t edit too much for style or grammar (small mistakes make the letter seem more authentic). Your lawyer, however, is more likely to look at the content of the letter and think of ways that it could be strengthened. Giving your lawyer a few minutes to look at the letter could make an ‘okay’ letter a great letter.

Letters of support are a valuable piece of evidence for any type of discretionary immigration application, but applicants are often overwhelmed when faced with the prospect of obtaining a handful of strong support letters. I hope that these tips help you get strong support letters on a timely basis from your authors, and provide a roadmap as to what a good letter of support should obtain. I wish you the best on your immigration application, and if you would like to talk about your application, please feel free to give me a call.

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WTO / Letters and Emails / Reference / Immigration Reference Letter (Samples & Templates)

Immigration Reference Letter (Samples & Templates)

The immigration process for any country is often long and challenging. Applicants often need to prove financial stability, good character, and how they can contribute positively to society. This proof is often given in many ways, including reference letters. Often, the writer of the letter is a person who can speak to the character and good morals of the applicant. They could be a family member, expert, or employer. The writer should be of good reputation and a law-abiding citizen of the US.

Since the letter is presented as part of the application documents, it has to portray the applicant well. Further, since there are different reasons for writing it, the writer of the letter has to be one who can give evidence proving the applicant’s good morals in the present circumstances.

If it is immigration for employment purposes, it would be best if the writer were the applicant’s former employer.

The letter’s focus should be to portray the applicant as a potentially productive member of society. The writer can express the applicant’s qualities and highlight their future job prospects by making the letter emotional to induce positive sentiments among the immigrant judges.

This article will discuss what an immigration reference letter is and how to prepare one. It also addresses certain types and a sample letter to help you write your own.

A reference letter is an official document recommending an applicant seeking immigration status in a country.

As part of the application, potential immigrants often prefer to include a recommendation letter from a close friend, family member, or former employer. They are the best-positioned people to discuss the applicant’s good character. However, since immigration is an official process, the letter must be written formally. It should exemplify positive characteristics like reliability, ethics, and hard work. 

In addition, the letter should show what positive contribution the applicant can make to the country, should their application be allowed. Beyond personality traits, the letter may also highlight the future contributions a potential immigrant may make. The essence of the letter is to influence the court’s decision to favor the applicant.

Types of Character Reference Letters for Immigration

People immigrate for different reasons; therefore, you need to understand why the applicant is applying for immigration before you write your letter. Some of these reasons include; education, deportation proceedings, status adjustment, immigration employment, permanent residency, proof of relationship, evidence of physical and emotional abuse, and to provide proof of actual harm that a person seeking asylum may experience if their application is denied.

You also need to understand the capacity in which you are writing the letter so you can customize it to the applicant’s needs.

The following are some types of reference letters you may be requested to write:

Immigration reference letter for a friend

This letter is used when writing on behalf of a friend seeking advanced permission to enter as an immigrant. It may also be used when the applicant seeks entry into a country for business, education, or tourism purposes. Regardless of why you write it, you should portray the applicant’s good character and high moral standards.

This letter should include information about their character, work ethic, and any relevant skills or qualifications. It should also include the length of time you have known them, your relationship with them, and your contact information.

Additionally, you should explain why you believe they would be a valuable addition to the country they hope to immigrate to. Often, you may have to fill out an affidavit supporting the application on Form I-864.

Following are reference letter templates for a friend:

Immigration reference letter for a family member

The applicant needs to submit particular forms when making their application. Suppose it is an application for an adjustment of status. In that case, they need Form I-485, an application to register permanent residence or adjust status; Form I-130, a petition for an alien relative; and Form I-864, an affidavit supporting the application.

When writing a letter for a family member, you should know why the requestor wants you to write it. It may be for deportation proceedings or even bond release. In such cases, you may tailor your letter to explain why the requestor needs to stay in the country by listing their redeeming qualities. Also, explain and provide the history of your relationship with the applicant. This allows you to lay the basis for highlighting the applicant’s best qualities.

The following are reference letter templates for family members: 

Immigration reference letter for an employee

This letter is used when applying for a work visa. When writing it, you should highlight the applicant’s career achievements and their redeeming qualities as an employee. Additionally, you should mention their job title, salary, duties, and dates of employment. If you are an expert in their area of employment, you can mention how their employment record will benefit their future employer. You can also list the beneficial skills the requestor has demonstrated.

Following are reference letter templates for an employee: 

Preparing to Write an Immigration Reference Letter

Before writing the immigration letter, you must consider factors such as the type of proceeding, the other supporting documents, and the recommended format you should use.

Since your letter speaks to the requestor’s character, you should consider the following important points to ensure you write comprehensively:

Step 1: Understand the kind of immigration proceeding

Applicants seek these letters for different reasons; therefore, you should know the type of proceedings in which your letter will be used before writing it. For example, suppose you are drafting a letter for bond release. In that case, you should explain how the requester is a peaceful member of society and that they are a law-abiding individual.

Step 2: Talk to the requestor

You need to consult the requestor on the details they may want to include. Since the letter is part of other documents that a judge will peruse, you should ensure the contents of it align with any other proof submitted. This justification is essential, as it supports the requestor’s case.

Ask the applicant to provide you with a copy of their resume and background information so that you can use it to write your letter. This will help you align your letter with other details in the requestor’s application. 

Step 3: Draft and sign the letter

Once you understand the nature of the proceedings and the information the requestor might want you to highlight, you can draft the letter. With a complete draft, you can review it and check whether the pointers you identified before writing are included. Once you are satisfied, you can then sign the letter.

Step 4: Find sample letters or examples

If you are unsure whether your letter will be effective, you can still look for other samples to guide you on the general format, structure, and language you can use. You can also revise it to conform to the most popular structure.

We have provided free templates that you can refer to before you start writing yours. They can guide you in writing one for family or a friend. 

How to Write a Reference Letter for Immigration

Once you have all the crucial information, you can begin writing your letter. One of your most significant considerations should be its language and flow. You should ensure your content is organized systematically so the judge easily understands who you are and why you are writing.

The following steps can guide you in writing an effective letter:

Introduce yourself

You should begin your letter by mentioning your name and position. In the letters, it is necessary to mention the capacity in which you write the letter. For example, your introduction should include your job title, birth date, country, address, email, and phone number. 

The introduction should be brief and clear, as shown below:

My name is Margaret Mendel; I am a citizen of the United States and the Chief Executive Officer at Wendell Textiles Ltd., Michigan.

Nature of the relationship between the parties

Once you mention the applicant, you should indicate how you know them. You must establish this relationship to help the court understand that you know the requestor well enough to discuss their character and morals.

You can describe your relationship as shown in the example below:

I am writing on behalf of Mark Michaelson, who has worked under my guidance as a manager since 2018. I also supervised Mark when he began as an intern at Wendell Textiles Ltd.

Describe the applicant’s character traits

You can mention the applicant’s character traits after establishing the link between the requestor and yourself. The key is to list traits relevant to your letter’s nature. If the applicant is an employee or volunteer, the traits you list should be tailored to skills you can observe as an employer. Additionally, you may also mention the applicant’s job title.

In the period I have known him, Mark has always been kind and reliable. He has built relationships with his colleagues and is very pleasant to be around. He has demonstrated the above traits in many situations, especially as a volunteer at our local animal shelter.

Explain work ethics

If the letter relates to a work or employment immigration opportunity, you may mention the requestor’s work ethic. You can explain the applicant’s honesty, trustworthiness, and reliability with specific examples. You may describe instances where the requestor demonstrated a good work ethic.

Mark has demonstrated integrity and hard work during his time as an intern and manager. He rose through the ranks during his internship due to his reliability. On one occasion, he found a wallet that belonged to one of his colleagues and returned it with all the money intact. He also offered to fill in for his sick colleague, who fell ill suddenly and could not come to work.

Expected future contributions of the immigrant

As you have observed the requestor, you can reasonably predict how they could contribute positively to society. After mentioning the positive traits, you can mention their positive impact on the country and those near them. These contributions may be financial or societal. 

Mark is efficient and trustworthy and would be a great asset as a citizen. With his exceptional nature, I am confident he will make an excellent contribution to his community.

Conclude with a heartfelt recommendation

You should then conclude the letter with a recommendation. Since you have laid the basis for the requestor’s application, your conclusion should be like a call to action. Your language must be as specific as possible when mentioning the action you want the court to take.

If you are writing the letter in deportation proceedings, you may request that the judge consider not deporting the requester.

Your recommendation may read as follows:

In my view, Mark would make a great addition to our employment industry. I would highly recommend that you accept his immigration employment application.

Template for Immigration Reference Letter

Reference Letter Template for Immigration Purposes

[Your Full Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[Recipient’s Full Name or Title (if known)]

[Court’s Name or Immigration Office]

[Address of the Court or Immigration Office]

Subject: Character Reference Letter for [Applicant’s Full Name]

Dear [Recipient’s Full Name or Title],

I am writing this letter in support of [Applicant’s Full Name]’s application for [state the nature of the application – e.g., permanent residency, asylum, etc.], which is currently under your consideration. My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a [Your Relationship with the Applicant – e.g., friend, family member, employer] of [Applicant’s Full Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [Number of Years] years, and I am fully aware of the circumstances that have led [him/her/them] to apply for [nature of the application].

Character Assessment and Relationship to the Applicant:

Duration and Capacity of Relationship: I met [Applicant’s Full Name] in [Year] through [how you met – e.g., community events, work, etc.]. Since then, our relationship has grown, allowing me to witness firsthand [his/her/their] character, values, and contributions to our community.

Moral and Ethical Qualities: [Applicant’s Name] is a person of high moral integrity, known among friends, family, and colleagues for [his/her/their] honesty, reliability, and kindness. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates respect for others and a deep commitment to [his/her/their] family and community.

Community Involvement: Throughout the years, [Applicant’s Name] has been actively involved in [specific community services, volunteer work, religious or cultural organizations], showcasing [his/her/their] dedication to giving back to the community and supporting those in need.

Professional and Personal Achievements: In [his/her/their] professional life, [Applicant’s Name] has shown exceptional qualities such as [list qualities, e.g., leadership, teamwork, dedication]. On a personal level, [he/she/they] has overcome challenges with resilience and strength, always striving for a better future for [himself/herself/themselves] and [his/her/their] family.

Reasons for Immigration and Support for the Application:

[Applicant’s Name] seeks to [briefly state the reason for immigration, e.g., pursue better employment opportunities, join family members, escape adverse conditions in home country] in [Country]. I firmly believe that [he/she/they] will not only benefit from this opportunity but will also contribute significantly to [his/her/their] new community through [his/her/their] skills, values, and work ethic.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly support [Applicant’s Full Name]’s application for [nature of the application] and kindly request that you consider [his/her/their] case with compassion and understanding. [He/She/They] is a person of good character and integrity, and [his/her/their] intentions to migrate are driven by genuine needs and aspirations for a better life.

Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you require further information or clarification regarding my recommendation for [Applicant’s Full Name].

Thank you for considering my letter of support.

[Your Signature (if sending a hard copy)]

[Your Printed Name]

Sample Reference Letter for Immigration

Subject: Character Reference Letter for Alejandro Rivera

Honorable Judge Harper,

I am writing to you today in my capacity as a friend and former colleague of Mr. Alejandro Rivera, in strong support of his application for permanent residency in the United States. My name is Maria Gonzalez, and I have had the privilege of knowing Alejandro for over 10 years, having first met him during our tenure at Springfield Community Center, where we both served as social workers.

My friendship with Alejandro began in 20XX, shortly after he joined the Community Center. Over the years, I have come to know him as more than just a colleague; he has become a close family friend, celebrated holidays with us, and has been an integral part of our local community.

Alejandro is a person of exceptional moral character, widely respected for his empathy, diligence, and unwavering commitment to helping others. His integrity is unquestionable, consistently putting the needs of those he serves above his own, and advocating tirelessly for marginalized communities.

Alejandro’s dedication to service is evident through his volunteer work with local food banks, his organization of community clean-up initiatives, and his role in launching a free after-school program for underprivileged children in Springfield. His efforts have not only improved countless lives but have also fostered a sense of unity and cooperation within our community.

Professionally, Alejandro has been recognized for his innovative approaches to community service, receiving the Springfield Hero Award in 2019. Personally, he has shown remarkable resilience, navigating the challenges of adapting to a new country while maintaining a positive and hopeful outlook on life.

Alejandro’s desire to obtain permanent residency stems from his deep-rooted connections to our community and his aspiration to continue his work here, making a meaningful difference in the lives of many. His commitment to our community’s welfare, combined with his professional skills and personal virtues, makes him an invaluable asset to our society.

I wholeheartedly support Alejandro Rivera’s application for permanent residency and urge you to recognize the positive impact he has already made, and will continue to make, in our community. His dedication, kindness, and moral fortitude exemplify the qualities we cherish and need more of in our society.

Should you require any further information or wish to discuss Alejandro’s application in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact me at 312-555-7890 or via email at [email protected].

Thank you for considering my letter of support for Alejandro Rivera. I am confident in his ability to contribute positively to our community and country, and I sincerely hope for a favorable decision in his case.

Maria Gonzalez

This character reference letter is effective due to its structured presentation, the author’s direct relationship with the individual, and the detailed examples that illustrate the individual’s positive traits and contributions to the community. The letter begins by establishing the author’s credibility and relationship with the individual, enhancing the letter’s authenticity. The use of specific instances where the individual demonstrated exceptional moral character, empathy, and dedication to community service serves to convincingly support the author’s claims. Highlighting the individual’s professional recognition and personal resilience provides a comprehensive view of their character and achievements. The letter also emphasizes the individual’s deep connection to the community and their desire to continue making a significant impact, reinforcing the argument for their application’s approval. The author’s offer to provide further information and the closing statement expressing confidence in the individual’s ability to contribute positively showcases a strong endorsement. The combination of personal anecdotes, professional accolades, and a clear display of the individual’s values makes this letter an effective tool in supporting their application.

While a reference letter is an accompanying document for immigration applications, it is one of the most important ways a requester can demonstrate their character traits. As such, the letter should be straightforward enough for the judge to understand the basis on which you write it. It should be tailored to the reason for the immigration application. In addition, its contents should align with other facts provided in the application. To ensure the letter will be effective, you should consult the requestor on facts, qualities, and achievements they might want to highlight. As you include all of the requestor’s traits, remember to exemplify them by mentioning relevant incidences where the requestor demonstrated the mentioned traits. In conclusion, your letter should support the requestor’s application. It should portray their good character and high moral standards.

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Letter Templates & Example

Employment Letter Sample for PR Application: Tips and Examples

Welcome, readers! If you’re here because you’re applying for Permanent Residency (PR) and are in need of an employment letter sample, you’ve come to the right place. We understand the importance of a strong and convincing employment letter in your application process. Therefore, we’ve compiled some samples that you can use as a template and edit as needed. This article aims to assist you in creating a well-crafted employment letter that highlights your skills, experience, and contributions to your employer. Let’s get started!

The Best Structure for an Employment Letter Sample for PR Application

Your employment letter is an essential document that you’ll need to provide when you apply for permanent residency (PR) in Canada. The letter should detail key information about your job, such as your job title, responsibilities, and employment history. Here’s what you need to know about the best structure for an employment letter sample for PR application.

Introduction Start with a brief introduction of the company or organization that you work for. This should include the organization’s name, industry, location, and number of employees. You also need to include your position and your length of service with the company. This introductory paragraph should set the tone for the rest of the letter and lay out the basic context for your employment.

Your Roles and Responsibilities Next, it’s time to dive into your specific roles and responsibilities as an employee. Explain in detail what you do, the tasks and duties assigned to you, and how you contribute to the company’s overall objectives. Be sure to highlight any unique or specialized skills that you bring to your role. This will help the Canada Immigration Officer (CIO) understand why you’re valuable to your employer and how you contribute to your company’s overall success.

Salary and Benefits In this section, you should include your salary information along with any benefits you receive through your employment. This can include things like healthcare coverage, vacation days, sick days, and retirement plans. Include any other compensation factors in this section as well. This will help the CIO determine whether your income is sufficient to support yourself and your dependents.

Employment History Next, you should provide information about your employment history with your current employer. This should include the date you started working for the company, the date of any promotions you received, and your current status as a full-time or part-time employee. You should then provide a summary of your work history, including any previous experience that might be relevant to your current role.

Conclusion The final section of your employment letter should summarize why you’re an essential employee for your company. You should highlight your skills, experience, and achievements, and how they’ve contributed to the company’s growth and success. This will help the CIO understand why your employer is reluctant to lose you as an employee and why it would be challenging to replace you.

In conclusion, you should structure your employment letter for PR application carefully. Make sure that it includes a clear introduction, detailed information about your roles and responsibilities, salary and benefits information, employment history, and a conclusion summarizing your value to your employer. By following this structure and providing detailed and accurate information, you can increase your chances of being granted permanent residency in Canada.

Employment Letter for PR Application for Skilled Worker

It’s my pleasure to recommend [Full Name] as an exceptional skilled worker to be considered for his/her permanent residency application. As [his/her] employer for [number] years, I have had the opportunity to observe the work ethic and performance of [Full Name] firsthand.

[Full Name] has consistently proven to be a valuable asset to our team, demonstrating strong technical skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients. [He/She] is efficient and diligent in completing tasks and often provides innovative solutions to complex problems, proving that [he/she] is a highly skilled worker in [his/her] field.

I strongly believe [Full Name] would be a great asset to [country] should [he/she] be granted permanent residency, bringing valuable skills and expertise to the workforce. I highly recommend [him/her] for this opportunity.

Thank you for your consideration.

[Your Name]

Employment Letter for PR Application for Entrepreneur

Dear Immigration Officer,

I am pleased to recommend [Full Name] for his/her permanent residency application as an entrepreneur. [He/She] has been an entrepreneur in the [industry] sector for the past [number] years, and I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [duration]. [Full Name] has shown impressive business acumen and has established a successful business within [location] that has created job opportunities and contributed to the economy.

[His/Her] business acumen is evidenced through [his/her] ability to generate revenue and create new opportunities. [Full Name] has developed an innovative business that has generated increased interest in the [industry] sector, and [he/she] has also demonstrated a passion for creating social impact through [specific example].

As a permanent resident of [country], [Full Name] will be able to continue making a positive contribution to the economy and local community. I strongly recommend [him/her] for permanent residency status and believe that [he/she] will continue to contribute positively to Canadian society.

Thank you for considering [Full Name] for permanent residency.

Employment Letter for PR Application for Spouse

Immigration Officer,

I am writing to support [Full Name]’s application for permanent residency as a spouse, who is married to my [wife/husband] [Your Spouse’s Name]. As the employer of [Your Spouse’s Name], I have observed the positive impact that [Full Name] has had on [Your Spouse’s Name]’s productivity and wellbeing at work.

[Full Name] is a responsible, ambitious, and dedicated individual who has a strong sense of commitment. [He/She] demonstrates great analytical skills, a willingness to learn and a positive attitude towards work and colleagues. [He/She] supports [Your Spouse’s Name]’s career goal and has been [Your Spouse’s Name]’s biggest supporter in [specific example], which has been beneficial to both [Your Spouse’s Name] and [Our company].

I fully support [Full Name]’s application for permanent residency and believe that [he/she] will make a valuable contribution to Canadian society. I strongly endorse [his/her] candidacy and hope that [he/she] will be granted permanent residency status.

Thank you for considering [Full Name] for permanent residency status.

Employment Letter for PR Application for International Student

I am writing in support of [Full Name]’s application for permanent residency as an international student. As [his/her] professor for the past [number] years, I have observed [his/her] academic and personal growth, as well as [his/her] contributions to the educational institution.

[Full Name] has demonstrated exemplary academic performance in [his/her] academic program and has consistently achieved good grades. [He/She] has also taken on several extracurricular activities, such as [specific example] which reflects [his/her] proactive approach to learning and [his/her] ability to excel beyond the classroom.

[Full Name] is an active member of the community, volunteering [specific example] that has had a positive social impact. [He/She] is well-respected among [his/her] peers, and [he/she] demonstrates great leadership potential. [His/Her] strong work ethic and interpersonal skills will make valuable contributions to Canadian society.

I strongly endorse [Full Name]’s application for permanent residency and believe that [he/she] has the potential to become a valuable member of Canadian society. Please feel free to contact me with any further inquiries.

Thank you for considering [Full Name]’s application for permanent residency status.

Employment Letter for PR Application for Provincial Nominee

I am pleased to recommend [Full Name] for permanent residency status under the provincial nominee program. As the employer of [Full Name] for the past [number] years, I can attest to [his/her] impressive work performance, which has contributed to the continued growth and success of our company.

[He/She] is a dedicated, professional, and highly skilled worker who has excelled in [his/her] role. [His/Her] technical skills and innovative problem-solving skills have contributed to the success of several important projects. [Full Name] is also a team player who collaborates effectively with colleagues and is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction.

[Full Name]’s work has been recognized with several awards in the industry and is well respected among [specific industry] fraternity. [He/She] has demonstrated leadership potential and desire to continue [his/her] professional growth in [specific industry]. I believe granting [him/her] permanent residency will allow [him/her] to continue contributing to the growth of the industry and to the Canadian economy as a whole.

I strongly endorse [Full Name]’s application for permanent residency under the provincial nominee program, and I hope that [he/she] will receive a positive response from your department. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further query.

Thank you for considering [Full Name]’s application for permanent residency.

Employment Letter for PR Application for Investor

I am writing to express my full support for [Full Name]’s permanent residency application as an investor. The purpose of this letter is to confirm that [Full Name] has invested in [My Company Name] as part of the investment program. [His/Her] participation has made a significant contribution to the growth and development of our business.

[Full Name] is a successful businessman and a well-established member of the local business community. [He/She] has demonstrated excellent business acumen, and [his/her] investment contribution to [My Company Name] has had a significant positive impact on our business growth and development. [He/She] has been actively involved in the business by providing valuable insights and guidance based on [his/her] vast knowledge and expertise in the [specific industry] sector.

It is my sincere belief that [Full Name]’s dedication to business and investing in Canada makes [him/her] a great prospect candidate for permanent residency status. I hope that [he/she] will be successful in your procedure and that [he/she] will continue to make valuable contributions to the Canadian business community.

Please feel free to contact me for further inquiry. Thank you for considering [Full Name]’s application for permanent residency.

[Your name]

Employment Letter for PR Application for Refugee

I am pleased to write this letter in support of [Full Name]’s application for permanent residency as a refugee. [He/She] worked in our company for [number] years as a [position] before having to flee [his/her] home country and seek refuge in Canada. [Full Name] is a valued employee who achieved numerous achievements within our company.

[Full Name] has demonstrated excellent leadership potential, integrity, and work ethics throughout [his/her] employment tenure. [He/She] has displayed excellent communication and interpersonal skills that have made [him/her] a positive member of our work community. [His/Her] ability to successfully work under extreme pressure and uncertainty situations has been impressive and commendable.

I think granting permanent residency to [Full Name] would be extremely beneficial for Canada. [He/She] has already experienced and overcome some of the trauma caused by persecution and has shown a strong commitment to rebuilding [his/her] life and contributing to the Canadian community. [Full Name] will continue to be an asset to Canadian society and will undoubtedly be a valuable member of [his/her] local community.

Thank you for considering [Full Name]’s application for permanent residency. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any further information.

Tips for Employment Letter Sample for PR Application

If you are applying for permanent residency in Canada, you will be required to provide a letter of employment. This letter helps to demonstrate that you are a valuable addition to the Canadian workforce and that your employment is stable. Here are some tips to help you create a strong employment letter for your PR application:

1. Use a professional tone: Your employment letter should have a professional tone that is objective and unbiased. It should be written in a formal language, and you should avoid using slang or informal language.

2. Include necessary details: Your employment letter should include your job title, salary, and the duration of your employment. It should also include the name of your employer, their business address and phone number, and other relevant details about your position.

3. Highlight your skills and achievements: Your employment letter is an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills, achievements, and contributions to your company. Use specific examples to demonstrate your value to your employer.

4. Ensure accuracy: Your employment letter should be accurate and should not include any false information. Be sure to double-check all details before submitting your application.

5. Proofread your letter: Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation are essential when it comes to creating a professional employment letter. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure that there are no errors that may create a negative impression.

By following these tips, you can create an impressive letter of employment that will help you secure permanent residency in Canada. Remember to keep it objective, accurate, and professional throughout, and you’ll be well on your way to success.

Employment Letter Sample for PR Application FAQs What is an employment letter?

An employment letter is a document provided by an employer that confirms the details of your employment, including your job position, length of employment, salary details, and duties and responsibilities.

Is an employment letter necessary for a PR application?

Yes. An employment letter is a mandatory supporting document for a PR application, as it helps to demonstrate your current employment status and income earning potential.

What should be included in an employment letter for a PR application?

An employment letter for a PR application should include your job position, length of employment, salary details, responsibilities, and other relevant information that can help to support your application.

How recent should an employment letter be for a PR application?

Typically, an employment letter should not be more than three months old when submitting it with your PR application. This ensures that the information provided is current and accurate.

What if my employer cannot provide an employment letter for my PR application?

If your employer is unable to provide an employment letter, you may need to provide other supporting documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your accountant.

Can I use a template for my employment letter for a PR application?

Yes, there are many employment letter templates available online that you can use as a reference to create your own customized letter. However, it is important to ensure that the details provided are accurate and match your current employment situation.

What if I have multiple employers?

If you have multiple employers, you will need to provide employment letters from each employer to demonstrate your total income earning potential and employment status.

That’s all folks!

Hopefully, this employment letter sample for PR application has been helpful to you. Remember to always check the specific requirements and guidelines for your country or region to ensure your application is successful. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to visit us again for more articles like this! Keep on chasing your dreams!

How to Create a Proof of Residency Letter Template from Employer: A Step-by-Step Guide Letter of Permanent Employment Template: Your Guide to Crafting a Professional and Effective Letter Permanent Employment Letter Sample: Tips for Writing a Professional and Effective Document How to Create a Professional Self Employment Letter Template Sample Employment Confirmation Letter After Probation: A Comprehensive Guide 5 Tips for Creating a Professional Employment Commitment Letter Template

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Home » Blog » How to Write an I-751 Affidavit Letter of Support

How to Write an I-751 Affidavit Letter of Support

April 16, 2024 Replace/Renew Green Card

When filing Form I-751 to remove the conditions on residence, the conditional permanent resident also needs to submit evidence that the relationship was entered in “good faith.” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) wants to confirm that the marriage was not entered into for the purposes of evading immigration laws. Much confusion surrounds the need to submit an I-751 affidavit.

What is an I-751 affidavit (letter of support)? Is the letter sufficient proof of a bona fide marriage? Who should write a letter of support? Do I need I-751 affidavits if I am getting a divorce? How should someone write the letter of support? Do you have a sample I-751 affidavit? How can CitizenPath help me?

I-751 Letter of Support, Explained

These “letters of support” are statements written by people that know the couple and have first-hand knowledge of the relationship. The I-751 affidavit helps support other evidence that the couple submits to demonstrate that the marriage was entered in good faith and is a not a “sham” marriage.

The I-751 affidavit is not mandatory, but it’s strongly suggested by many attorneys. What’s more, strong evidence of a bona fide marriage may help petitioners avoid the I-751 interview. Affidavits are most useful when the petitioner’s evidence of a bona fide marriage is weak and possibly insufficient.

An Affidavit is Not Primary Evidence

An I-751 affidavit can never replace strong, objective evidence that a bona fide marriage exists. The best evidence of a genuine, good faith marriage includes proof of having children together, joint finances (such as bank accounts, insurance, and retirement plans) and jointly owned property. These documents demonstrate that the couple lives together and is planning for the future together.

Most attorneys will agree that an affidavit is never as good the primary forms of evidence mentioned above. However, petitioners can use the I-751 affidavit letter to fill in gaps or build a stronger case on top of existing evidence. But petitioners should expect USCIS to weigh the objective forms of evidence more heavily than an I-751 affidavit.

33 Great Documents for Proving a Bona Fide Marriage on an I-751 Petition

Who should write an i-751 affidavit.

Typically, I-751 affidavit letters of support are written by friends of the married couple. The letter is not limited to friends; it may be written by a family member or even a religious leader. Ideally the person writing the letter of support has known the couple since before the marriage and until the present time. There is no requirement that the writer must be a U.S. citizen or even live in the United States. But remember, they should be a close confidant that is familiar with the couple’s life together. So the writer should ideally be local to the couple.

The I-751 affidavit is the writer’s opportunity to testify to their personal experience with the couple and share observations that led to the conclusion that the couple is in love and each spouse has honest intentions to remain a married couple. Of course, it’s impossible to be sure than even the most sincere couple will remain married forever. The writer can only testify to the extent of their personal knowledge.

Use of an Affidavit When Filing with a I-751 Waiver

In some cases, a marriage that was entered with the best intentions does not have a happy ending. Bona fide marriages could terminate early due to divorce or death. In these situations, the conditional resident must file Form I-751 with a waiver for the joint filing requirement. Even if the marriage didn't work out, the conditional resident must still prove that they entered the marriage in good faith and intended to build a life together.

Proving a bona fide marriage does become more difficult when the conditional resident is no longer married. An I-751 affidavit can help to establish the good intentions of the couple and the unfortunate reasons for the marriage ending (particularly in cases with spousal abuse).

The conditional permanent resident should contact an immigration attorney before filing Form I-751 with a waiver for the joint filing requirement. In these cases, USCIS will scrutinize the I-751 petition more heavily. An attorney can help the conditional resident achieve the best outcome.

Properly Created Affidavit for Form I-751

An affidavit is basically a sworn letter. The person who writes an affidavit is an affiant. The affiant swears to the affidavit’s truth. When submitting I-751 affidavits to USCIS, experts recommend a typed letter. Every I-751 affidavit should cover these basic points:

• Full name and address of affiant
• Date and place of birth
• Relationship to the conditional resident and spouse
• An account of your relationship explaining:
• How you met the couple
• Time frame you have known the couple
• Give a sense of the frequency (i.e. frequently socialize)
• Details explaining how the person acquired this knowledge (i.e. friends)
• Date and signature

Remember, the I-751 affidavit is supporting evidence to prove that the couple has a bona fide marriage. That is, the marriage is true and genuine. So the affiant should ideally provide a short account of why they believe this is true. The affiant can use a story that demonstrates the couple’s mutual commitment, the hard work that the couple have put into the immigration process, etc.

The letter does not need to be notarized, but it is important to include a sworn statement that states, “I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.”

The petitioner should understand that an affidavit is only supporting evidence. You must use primary forms of objective evidence to prove a good faith marriage and then use the affidavit to back it up.

Proving a Good Faith Marriage When Filing I-751

Sample i-751 affidavit.

CitizenPath has prepared a downloadable I-751 affidavit sample that you can forward to friends who are willing to write a letter of support. The downloadable PDF file includes a list of the basic points that the writer should cover in the letter and an example I-751 affidavit.

Use the sample I-751 affidavit as an example. Remember that each letter is unique and should contain elements that are personal to your story. The affiant should be honest and use anecdotes to demonstrate why they came to the conclusion that the couple has a bona fide marriage.

Although it is rare, the affiant should understand that they may be required to testify before an immigration officer as to the information contained in the affidavit.

USCIS may require the couple to attend an interview after filing Form I-751 and the required evidence. However, the odds of avoiding this interview are greatly improved by providing adequate (quantity) and strong (quality) evidence of a bona fide marriage in the petition package. Many couples are able to avoid the I-751 interview. Filing at least two well-prepared I-751 affidavit letters of support in addition to primary forms of objective evidence can help seal the deal.

Tips for Avoiding the I-751 Interview After Conditional Residence

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How To Write The Residency Letter of Intent (2022-2023)

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Residency Match 2022 – 2023 Letter of Intent Example.

As residency interview season comes to an end, you’ve identified your top choice program and you want to write a residency letter of intent. Even though programs are not allowed to ask for letters of intent, more and more are asking applicants to communicate interest. Therefore, at MedEdits, we consider letters of intent a very important part of the residency match process and encourage all applicants to send one.

These are some concerns applicants have about letters of intent:

“I have no idea what to write.” “I want to stand out.” “I want to be different.”

This is what you want to convey through your letter of intent:

• Why are you a great fit for the program?
• Why is the program a great fit for you?
• How will you contribute?
• Explicitly state the the program is your #1 choice and you will be ranking them first.
• Address the letter to the program director and any people with whom you have connected (interviewers, coordinator)
• Send your residency letter of intent by mid-January or once you have completed all of your interviews.

Program directors want to rank applicants who are likely to match into their program. This is why a residency letter of intent matters! 

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Make it clear why you are interested in the residency program.

And, don’t forget to explain why you’ll be a good fit.

Below is an example residency letter of intent from How To Be an All-Star Residency Match Applicant which you can buy on Amazon.

Heading into the final stretch of the residency match season?

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Example Residency Letter of Intent

Dear Dr. X,

I interviewed at your program on January 6th, and did a second look on January 31st. I am writing this letter to express my strong interest in your program and to inform you that I am ranking Excellent Program as my #1 choice for residency .

Excellent Program offers several unique strengths that make it the right program for me. I am particularly interested in the clinical and research opportunities that Excellent offers, including great subspecialty surgical electives, international mission trips with faculty and diverse training sites. The chance to take a year off to pursue my research interests is something else in which I am interested. I also enjoyed meeting with Drs. Great and Awesome during my second look and learning about resident involvement with community and departmental initiatives. I plan to pursue leadership positions during and after residency, and Excellent would help me achieve these goals.

I am also extremely impressed with your program’s structured didactics. I learned from Dr. Accomplished’s presentation and handouts on interview day that residents are consistently tested on the material they are learning in conferences and during rotations. In addition, I highly value the extensive simulation training that is an ongoing part of the curriculum. I was also impressed by the camaraderie and teamwork that your residents exhibited. I think I would fit in very well with the group.

During my second look visit last week, I also explored the city of Urban Oasis and became aware of its incredible diversity. Even though I will have limited free time during residency, the city’s cultural and culinary venues will offer valuable diversions. I would be really excited to live in a new part of the country and learn how medicine is practiced there.

For all of these reasons, Excellent is my top choice for residency. I would be honored to match there. As a resident, I hope to learn from my attendings and offer the best care for my patients. I also hope to make meaningful contributions to the program. My desire to become an excellent surgeon, along with my current interests and future goals, make me an enthusiastic, motivated, focused, and excellent fit for Excellent.

Sincerely, Your Top Choice Too

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Learn more about MedEdits’ residency letter of intent editing services , or contact us to create a residency admissions plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Families Together

ALERT: On Aug. 19, 2024, DHS posted for public inspection a Federal Register notice implementing the Keeping Families Together process for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens. Additional information on eligibility criteria, the application process, and examples of required documentation is available on the  Keeping Families Together page, this FAQ page, and in the Federal Register notice .

Q. What is Keeping Families Together?

A. Keeping Families Together is a process that allows certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for parole in place to enable them to apply for lawful permanent resident status without having to be separated from their families by leaving the United States for processing. Parole is an exercise of DHS’s discretionary authority under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to allow certain noncitizen “applicants for admission” to be present in the United States on a temporary, case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit. The INA defines an “applicant for admission,” in relevant part, as a noncitizen “present in the United States who has not been admitted.” Noncitizens who are present in the United States without admission or parole may be considered for parole in place under this process because they remain “applicants for admission.” Parole in place is available only for noncitizens who are present in the United States. Those who receive parole are eligible to apply for work authorization for the period of parole

Q. Which form should I file to apply for Keeping Families Together? Can I file online?

A. Requestors (the noncitizen spouse or stepchild) must file Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens , under this process. The form can only be filed online. Paper-based applications sent to USCIS by mail will be rejected (not accepted or receipted). We have created a  Filing Guide for Form I-131F (PDF, 8.95 MB) to help individuals as they prepare to file a request for parole in place through the online process.

Q. What fee is required to file a request under Keeping Families Together (Form I-131F)?   Can I obtain a fee waiver or fee exemption for this process?

A. The fee to apply is $580. No fee waivers or fee exemptions are available for this process at this time.

Q. Someone told me if I pay them a fee, they can expedite my Form I-131F or guarantee that it will be approved. Is this true?

A. No. While an attorney or accredited representative may charge a fee to prepare your request, anyone who guarantees faster processing or a positive outcome by USCIS if you pay them a fee may be trying to scam you. Visit our  Avoid Scams  page to learn how you can protect yourself from immigration scams.

Please also remember that USCIS will begin accepting requests for this process on Aug. 19, 2024. Any filings received before this date will be rejected by USCIS (not accepted or receipted) .

Q. If my Keeping Families Together request is granted, how long will my parole period last?

A. In general, if you are granted parole as a noncitizen spouse or noncitizen stepchild of a U.S. citizen under this process, your parole period will be valid as of the date USCIS approves your Form I-131F and will expire 3 years from that date. However, parole terminates automatically if you depart the United States. Parole may also be terminated at any time in DHS’s discretion upon a determination that parole is no longer warranted, for example, following the commission of criminal conduct.

As long as your parole remains valid (that is, is not expired or terminated), you will be considered in a period of authorized stay. As a parolee, you may apply for any immigration status for which you may be otherwise eligible, including adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident.

Q. What are the eligibility criteria for Keeping Families Together?

A. To be considered for this process as a noncitizen spouse of a U.S. citizen, you must:

• Be present in the United States without admission or parole;
• Have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2014, through the date of filing your request;
• Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024;
• Have no disqualifying criminal history and otherwise not deemed to be a threat to public safety, national security, or border security; and
• Submit biometrics and undergo required background checks and national security and public safety vetting.

To be considered for this process as a noncitizen stepchild of a U.S. citizen, you must:

• Have been under the age of 21 and unmarried on June 17, 2024;
• Have been continuously physically present in the United States since at least June 17, 2024, through the date of filing your request;
• Have a noncitizen parent who entered into a legally valid marriage with a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024, and before your 18th birthday;
• Have no disqualifying criminal history and otherwise not deemed to be a threat to public safety, national security, or border security*; and

*NOTE:  Consistent with the Sept. 30, 2021,  Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law (PDF) , a noncitizen who poses a threat to border security will be generally disqualified from receiving parole in place pursuant to this process. However, there is an exception for stepchildren who entered the United States unlawfully after Nov. 1, 2020, and who otherwise meet the criteria for parole in place under this process.

All such requests for parole in place are considered on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit, in the exercise of discretion, taking into account the totality of the circumstances of each individual request.

Q. If I meet the criteria listed above, will I be guaranteed to have my Form I-131F approved under this process?

A. No. All requests under this process are considered on a case-by-case basis in the exercise of discretion, taking into account the totality of the circumstances of each individual request and evaluating whether parole is warranted as a matter of discretion for significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian reasons.

Q. If I entered the United States on a nonimmigrant visa or was admitted in another status and overstayed, am I eligible for Keeping Families Together?

A. No. Parole in place is only available to an “applicant for admission,” which the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) defines, in relevant part, as a noncitizen “present in the United States who has not been admitted.” This means that noncitizens who were last admitted on valid nonimmigrant visas or were admitted in another status but have remained in the United States beyond their authorized period of stay cannot request parole in place under this process. However, a noncitizen who was previously “inspected and admitted” to the United States may be eligible under the law to apply for adjustment of status as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, if they are the beneficiary of an approved immigrant visa petition. For more information, please visit the  Adjustment of Status webpage.

Q. I have already departed the United States for an immigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Can I make a request for Keeping Families Together?

A. No. This process is only available to noncitizens who are present in the United States without admission or parole. Noncitizens who have already departed the United States may be eligible for consular processing abroad.

Q. I have Deferred Action under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Am I eligible to make a request for Keeping Families Together?

A. If you are a current DACA recipient or TPS beneficiary, you may request parole in place under this process if you are currently present in the United States without admission or parole and you are otherwise eligible. However, if you previously departed the United States and re-entered with a TPS Travel Authorization Document or an Advance Parole Document, you are not eligible for parole in place under this process because you have already been admitted or paroled into the United States.

If you are in a valid period of parole at the time your DACA renewal request is adjudicated, USCIS will deny your DACA renewal request as a matter of discretion.

Q. I once had Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS), but my DACA or TPS has lapsed. Am I eligible to make a request for Keeping Families Together?

A. If your DACA or TPS has lapsed, you may request parole in place under this process if you are currently present in the United States without admission or parole. However, if you previously departed the United States and re-entered with a TPS Travel Authorization Document or an Advance Parole Document, you are not eligible for parole in place under this process because you have already been admitted or paroled into the United States.

If you submit a DACA renewal request while in a valid period of parole or are in a valid period of parole at the time your DACA renewal request is adjudicated, USCIS will deny your DACA renewal request as a matter of discretion.

Q. Will I be able to request re-parole (a new period of parole) and renew my employment authorization when the duration of my parole under Keeping Families Together ends?

A. DHS is not planning a re-parole process. If you do not apply for adjustment of status or receive another immigration status before your period of parole expires, you may begin to accrue or resume accruing  unlawful presence . Any parole-based employment authorization granted by USCIS (category (c)(11)) will also generally expire at the same time your parole period expires.

However, if you file for adjustment of status, you may request employment authorization on the basis of your pending adjustment application, Form I-485 (category (c)(9)). If approved, you can receive employment authorization with a five-year validity date under category (c)(9). If your parole under this process is granted, you should not delay in filing their subsequent I-130 petition and I-485 application.

Q. How do I make a request under Keeping Families Together?

A. You (the noncitizen spouse or stepchild) must submit Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens , online with the applicable filing fee of $580. You may not file for this process using a paper form. Any paper filing received by USCIS will be rejected (not accepted or receipted) and you will have to file again to have your request considered.

You must submit with your online request documentation establishing that you meet all eligibility criteria and evidence of any additional factors you would like USCIS to consider. Each requestor, including stepchildren, must have their own USCIS online account to prepare and file the Form I-131F individually.

A parent or legal guardian may create an online account for their minor child if the purpose is to submit a form on behalf of the minor. If a parent or legal guardian is not available, a primary caregiver or legal assistance provider may also help a child create their own USCIS online account.

For information on creating a USCIS online account, visit our  How to Create a USCIS Online Account page .

Q. Is there a deadline after which USCIS will no longer accept requests for Keeping Families Together?

A. There is no filing deadline for this process.

Q. What evidence can I submit to show my continuous physical presence in the United States since June 17, 2014 (if I am the spouse of a U.S. citizen), or since June 17, 2024 (if I am the stepchild of a U.S. citizen)?

A. If you are making a request for this process as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, you must submit documentation that shows you have been continuously physically present in the United States from June 17, 2014, up until the time of filing your request, to meet the continuous physical presence requirement.

If you are the stepchild of a U.S. citizen, you must submit documentation that shows you have been continuously physically present in the United States from June 17, 2024, until the time of filing your request.

You should provide documentation to account for as much of the period as reasonably possible, but there is no requirement that every day or month of that period be specifically accounted for through direct evidence.

It is helpful to submit evidence of your physical presence during at least each year of the required period. We will review the documentation in its totality to determine whether you have established by a preponderance of the evidence that you were continuously physically present in the United States for the required period.

If gaps in your documentation raise questions about whether you were continuously physically present in the United States for the required period, we may issue, at our discretion, a Request for Evidence to allow you to submit additional documentation that supports your claimed continuous physical presence.

Q. What evidence can I submit to show I merit a favorable exercise of discretion for this process?

A. Our decision whether to grant your request is a discretionary, case-by-case determination. Even if you establish that you have met all the criteria for eligibility, we will examine the totality of the circumstances in your individual case to determine whether your request should be granted based on a significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian reasons and whether you merit a favorable exercise of discretion based on a review of all positive and negative factors present in your case. If there are negative factors that outweigh the positive factors presented by the evidence, we may deny your request. If you have a final unexecuted removal order or non-disqualifying criminal history, you may provide additional documentation that you believe demonstrates that you merit a favorable exercise of discretion. Such documentation may relate to, but is not limited to:

• Community ties;
• Your particular vulnerability related to advanced or young age;
• Length of presence in the United States;
• Existence of a mental or physical condition or illness requiring care or treatment in the United States;
• Your status as a parent or caregiver of a U.S. citizen child, or elderly parent or in-law;
• Your status as a caregiver for an individual with disabilities, including a U.S. citizen parent, in-law, or sibling;
• Your status as a victim or witness of a crime, or civil rights violation, or labor rights violation under investigation by a labor agency;
• Effect on other family members, including family members who are U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents; or
• Other positive factors about which you wish to provide information.

This is a non-exhaustive list of factors; we may consider any relevant factors in the discretionary analysis, including mitigating factors that relate to the specific criminal conduct or prior removal order at issue.

Q. Will USCIS verify documents or statements I provide to support my request?

A. USCIS has the authority to verify documents, facts, and statements provided to support immigration requests, including requests under this process. We may contact relatives, educational institutions, other government agencies, or other entities to verify information. In addition, USCIS will conduct background and security checks. If USCIS determines you have made a material misrepresentation or engaged in fraud as part of your request, your request will be denied, and you may be ineligible or inadmissible for other immigration benefits in the future. You may also be subject to criminal prosecution.

Q. Am I required to demonstrate that I am not inadmissible in order to qualify for this process?

A. No. Parole is neither an admission to the United States nor a determination of admissibility. As a result, requestors do not need to demonstrate that they are not inadmissible as part of this process. However, USCIS may consider facts and circumstances that may give rise to one’s inadmissibility in making the case-by-case discretionary parole determination, and requestors who subsequently apply for adjustment of status will be evaluated for admissibility at that stage.

Q. Will I be subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility when I request parole in place?

A. No. Parole is neither an admission to the United States nor a determination of admissibility. As a result, requestors do not need to demonstrate that they are not inadmissible under the public charge ground of inadmissibility as part of this process. However, requestors who subsequently apply for adjustment of status will be evaluated for admissibility, including the public charge ground of inadmissibility, at that stage.

Q. Will the information I share in my Keeping Families Together request be used for immigration enforcement purposes?

A. DHS generally will not use information contained in a request under this process for the purpose of initiating immigration enforcement action, unless DHS determines, in its discretion, that you pose a threat to national security, public safety, or border security.

This process does not preclude DHS from, in its discretionary authority, taking enforcement actions in accordance with the INA and consistent with governing policies and practices, against noncitizens who may be eligible or who have pending requests for parole under this process.

DHS may disclose information in the request to national security and/or law enforcement agencies, including ICE and CBP, for purposes other than initiation of immigration enforcement proceedings. These purposes include assistance in the consideration of parole, identification or prevention of fraudulent claims, investigation of a possible national security threat, investigation or prosecution of a criminal offense, or as otherwise needed, consistent with statutory authorities, obligations, and restrictions, as well as governing privacy and information-sharing policies.

Q. If my request is pending and I am encountered by CBP or ICE, will I be placed into removal proceedings?

A. The Sept. 30, 2021,  Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law (PDF)   direct DHS to focus its limited resources on noncitizens who pose a threat to our national security, public safety, or border security.

Those  guidelines  remain in effect. Filing a request under this process, or eligibility to file a request for parole in place under this process, does not prevent CBP or ICE from taking enforcement action against an individual when otherwise appropriate under applicable law and policy.

Q. If USCIS denies my request, will I be placed in removal proceedings?

A. If we deny your request under this process, we generally will not issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) or refer your case to ICE for possible enforcement action solely based on our denial. USCIS maintains discretion to issue an NTA or refer the case to ICE for possible enforcement action consistent with governing policies and practices, including initiating immigration enforcement proceedings based on a threat to national security, public safety or border security*.

* NOTE : Consistent with the Sept. 30, 2021,  Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law (PDF) , a noncitizen who poses a threat to border security will be generally disqualified from receiving parole in place pursuant to this process. However, there is an exception for stepchildren who entered the United States unlawfully after Nov. 1, 2020, and who otherwise meet the criteria for parole in place under this process.

Q. What is considered a legally valid marriage?

A. USCIS will generally recognize a marriage as valid for purposes of Keeping Families Together if it is legally valid in the place where the marriage was celebrated, the parties to the marriage were legally free to marry, and the marriage is not contrary to the public policy of the United States or of the state where the couple resides.

The place of celebration is generally where the ceremony took place or where the officiant of the ceremony was located and where the marriage certificate was issued. Even if a marriage is valid in the place of celebration, there are circumstances where USCIS may not recognize a marriage relationship as valid for the purposes of this process, consistent with existing case law and policies for family-based immigrant visa petitions and other benefits.

Examples of the types of marital relationships that USCIS generally will not recognize for the purposes of this process include, but are not limited to:

• Civil unions, domestic partnerships, or other relationships that do not confer the same legal rights and responsibilities to the parties as a marriage recognized by a civil authority;
• Marriages that are contrary to public policy in the United States; and
• Marriages where one or both parties to the marriage are not legally free to marry or have not given consent to the marriage.

Q. Are common law marriages considered legally valid marriages for purposes of Keeping Families Together?

A. USCIS recognizes common law marriages in adjudicating immigration benefits in certain circumstances and will similarly recognize them for purposes of Keeping Families Together if:

• The parties live in a jurisdiction that recognizes common law marriages;
• The parties meet the qualifications for common law marriage for that jurisdiction;
• The marriage is valid and recognized by the jurisdiction in which the marriage was established; and
• The marriage was established on or before June 17, 2024.

If you live in a different state than where you entered into your marriage, you may still be eligible. Some states may recognize a common law marriage contracted in another state even if the recognizing state does not accept common law marriage as a means for its own residents to contract marriage.

If you are requesting parole in place under Keeping Families Together on the basis of a common law marriage, you should submit a copy of the statute, regulation, or case law that states the requirements in that jurisdiction for establishing a common law marriage. You should also submit evidence that demonstrates you met the requirements in the jurisdiction for establishing a common law marriage on or before June 17, 2024. USCIS will review the laws of the relevant jurisdiction on common law marriages and the evidence you submit to determine whether you and your spouse should be considered to be married for purposes of this process and when the marriage was established.

Q. If my U.S. citizen spouse has died, am I still eligible for Keeping Families Together?

A. If your U.S. citizen spouse has died and you have not remarried, you may still be eligible for the Keeping Families Together process. However, to be eligible for immigrant visa petition approval and eligible to apply to adjust status as a widow(er) of a U.S. citizen, you must meet other eligibility requirements. For more information, see FAQ under “Eligibility for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjustment of Status” below.

Q. What are the age requirements to be eligible for Keeping Families Together as a stepchild?

A. To be considered for this process as a stepchild of a U.S. citizen, you must have been under 21 and unmarried as of June 17, 2024. In addition, the legally valid marriage between your noncitizen parent and your U.S. citizen stepparent must have occurred on or before June 17, 2024, and before your 18th birthday.

Q. I was under 21 and unmarried as of June 17, 2024, and am the stepchild of a U.S. citizen. Am I eligible for Keeping Families Together?

A. Yes, if you meet all other criteria. You may be eligible for this process if, as of June 17, 2024, you were under age 21, unmarried, and met the definition of a stepchild under INA 101(b)(1)(B), including being under the age of 18 at the time of your parent’s marriage to your U.S. citizen stepparent. If you pursue adjustment of status, USCIS will determine whether, at the time of the Form I-130 filing, you met the INA definition of a child or of a son or daughter of a U.S. citizen. For more information on family-based immigration processes, please refer to  USCIS resources .

Q. If I am a stepchild of a U.S. citizen, do I have to file my own individual request?

A. Yes. You must file your own Form I-131F, pay the $580 filing fee, and submit documentation establishing you meet the criteria for this process. Parents or legal guardians may sign and submit a request on behalf of a minor child under the age of 14. Children may also sign a request for themselves. If a parent is filling out the information on behalf of their child, the parent must include their information in the “preparer” section of Form I-131F.

Q. If I am making a request for this process as the stepchild of a U.S. citizen, must I have at least 10 years of continuous physical presence?

A. No. As a stepchild of a U.S. citizen, you must demonstrate continuous physical presence in the United States since at least June 17, 2024, through the date of filing. You are not required to demonstrate that you have been continuously physically present for 10 years before June 17, 2024.

Q. I am the stepchild of a U.S. citizen, and my noncitizen parent or U.S. citizen stepparent is deceased. Am I eligible under Keeping Families Together?

A. You may be eligible for this process if your noncitizen parent or U.S. citizen stepparent is deceased. However, a grant of parole does not guarantee eligibility for immigrant visa petition approval or adjustment of status.

Q. If I am granted parole in place under Keeping Families Together as a stepchild of a U.S. citizen, what will happen to me if my parent and U.S. citizen stepparent divorce before I am able to apply to adjust my status (before my parole period ends)?

A. If your noncitizen parent and U.S. citizen stepparent divorce, you may continue to be eligible as an immigrant petition beneficiary and for adjustment of status if your stepparent demonstrates an ongoing bona fide parent-child relationship to you. This might include evidence that you and your stepparent reside together or that your stepparent provides financial and emotional support for your care.

Q. Do brief departures from the United States interrupt the continuous physical presence threshold criterion? Also, if I am granted parole, will a brief, casual, and innocent absence from the United States affect my eligibility for adjustment of status?

A. No. A brief, casual, and innocent absence from the United States will not interrupt your continuous physical presence in the United States during the required period for the purpose of Keeping Families Together. For the purpose of this process, a brief, casual, and innocent absence means an absence from the United States that took place prior to June 17, 2024, and:

• The absence was short and reasonably calculated to accomplish the purpose for the absence;
• The absence was not because of a departure under an order of exclusion, deportation, or removal;
• The absence was not because of an order of voluntary departure, or an administrative grant of voluntary departure before you were placed in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings;
• The purpose of the absence and your actions while outside the United States were not contrary to law; and
• You are not a threat to border security (apprehended while attempting to unlawfully enter the United States on/after Nov. 1, 2020, or apprehended in the United States after unlawfully entering after Nov. 1, 2020). See DHS’s Sept. 30, 2021,  Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law (PDF) .

However, to be eligible for adjustment of status, you must be admissible to the United States. If you were unlawfully present in the United States before your departure and absence from the United States, you may be inadmissible to the United States under INA section 212(a)(9)(B) or (C) and ineligible for adjustment of status under INA section 245(a), even after a grant of parole in place, depending on certain factual circumstances, including how long you were unlawfully present in the United States before your departure and whether you departed after being ordered removed from the United States. If you were removed or departed the United States under an outstanding order of exclusion, deportation, or removal and subsequently reentered without being admitted or paroled, USCIS will not grant you parole in place under Keeping Families Together, regardless of the date of your removal, departure, or reentry.

More information concerning unlawful presence is available on the  USCIS website , including information about the availability of a waiver for inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)(9)(B) or consent to reapply for admission after spending 10 years outside the United States for inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)(9)(C). Determining if you are inadmissible after accruing unlawful presence can be complex. If you need help or legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. You can find information about authorized legal services on our  Avoid Scams  page.

CAUTION:  If you need to travel during your parole period or while your adjustment of status application is pending, please carefully review the “Travel” section of these FAQs below , which refers to obtaining an Advance Parole document prior to departing the United States.

Q. I am currently in removal proceedings. Am I eligible for Keeping Families Together?

A. Yes. If you are otherwise eligible for parole in place under this process, including that you are present in the United States without admission or parole, USCIS will consider your request if you are currently in removal proceedings before an immigration judge (also called INA Section 240 proceedings), including if your case is on appeal before the Board of Immigration Appeals, or if you have a case that is administratively closed. This includes if you were released on bond or on your own recognizance.

However, USCIS will consider any relevant information related to your removal proceedings, and any other relevant factors, in determining whether to grant parole in place as a matter of discretion. If you constitute an enforcement priority based on national security, public safety, or border security* concerns/issues, USCIS will deny your request for parole in place under this process.

* NOTE:  Consistent with the Sept. 30, 2021,  Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law (PDF) , a noncitizen who poses a threat to border security will be generally disqualified from receiving parole in place pursuant to this process. However, there is an exception for stepchildren who entered the United States unlawfully after Nov. 1, 2020, and who otherwise meet the criteria for parole in place under this process. 

Q. How do I find out if I am in removal proceedings or have a removal order?

A. If you do not know if you have a removal order or are currently in immigration proceedings, you can use your A-Number to look up your immigration court case status at  https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/ . You can also call the EOIR hotline: 800-898-7180 / 304-625-2050 / TDD: 800-828-1120. ‘A-Number” refers to the immigration file number provided to you by U.S. immigration officials. It is an eight or nine-digit number that begins with an “A” and can be found on correspondence you have received from DHS or USCIS or on immigration court records.

Q. I have a final removal order but have not departed or been removed from the United States or have not departed after a grant of voluntary departure. Am I eligible for the Keeping Families Together process?

A. You may request parole in place under Keeping Families Together if you otherwise meet the criteria, but if you have a final removal order and have not departed the United States after the entry of that order, or have not been removed from the United States—sometimes called an “unexecuted” removal order (including a removal order that resulted from failure to depart after a grant of voluntary departure)—you are subject to a rebuttable presumption of ineligibility for this process.

Q. If my removal proceedings were administratively closed, am I eligible for Keeping Families Together?

A. Yes. USCIS may grant your parole in place request, if you otherwise meet the eligibility criteria and merit a favorable exercise of discretion. However, to apply for adjustment of status, you may need to seek re-calendaring, termination, or dismissal of your removal proceedings, depending on your circumstances.

Q. I was removed from the United States with a final order of removal and reentered without being admitted or paroled. Am I eligible for parole in place under Keeping Families Together?

A. No. If you were removed or departed the United States under an outstanding order of exclusion, deportation, or removal and subsequently reentered without being admitted or paroled, USCIS will not grant you parole in place under Keeping Families Together, regardless of the date of your removal, departure, or reentry.

Q. What factors will USCIS consider in determining whether I have rebutted the presumption of ineligibility for parole in place because I have a final unexecuted removal order?

A. USCIS will evaluate, in the exercise of its discretion on a case-by-case basis, all positive and negative factors presented in your case, including the facts and circumstances underlying the unexecuted final removal order, in determining whether you overcome the presumption of ineligibility and be granted parole in place. Examples of information that may be relevant to overcoming the presumption of ineligibility include, but are not limited to:

• Lack of proper notice;
• Your age when the removal order was issued;
• Lack of counsel, ineffective assistance of counsel or being a victim of fraud in connection with immigration representation;
• Language access issues;
• Status as a victim of domestic violence;
• A physical or mental condition requiring care or treatment;
• Other extenuating personal factors, such as requestor’s limited resources (for example, a lack of housing that would have affected the requestor’s ability to appear);
• Other mitigating factors.

Q. I was granted parole in place under this process but am in removal proceedings before an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals or had my removal proceedings administratively closed. Can I apply for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident with USCIS?

A. Not immediately. If you want to file for adjustment of status with USCIS, you must ask the immigration judge to first terminate or dismiss your removal proceedings. Even if USCIS grants you parole in place, the immigration court generally retains sole jurisdiction over your application for adjustment of status (Form I-485) as long as you remain in removal proceedings, including if your removal proceedings were administratively closed.

If you are in INA section 240 proceedings, you should contact the appropriate local ICE Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) field office where your removal case is located and provide information about your approved parole request. Contact information for local ICE OPLA field offices for prosecutorial discretion requests is available in the “OFL Email Addresses for PD Requests” section under “Additional Information” on the Doyle Memorandum: Frequently Asked Questions and Additional Instructions | ICE page. You may request that ICE OPLA work with you, at their discretion, to jointly request that the court terminate or dismiss your removal proceedings, or if your case is administratively closed, to request that the court re-calendar and then terminate or dismiss your removal proceedings.

Q. I was granted parole in place under Keeping Families Together but have a final unexecuted removal order issued by an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals. Can I apply for adjustment of status to that of lawful permanent resident before USCIS?

A. No. USCIS generally will not have jurisdiction to adjudicate your application for adjustment of status (Form I-485), unless your removal proceedings are first reopened and terminated or dismissed by an immigration judge.

If you have a final unexecuted removal order, you may  contact ICE OPLA to request that they work with you, at their discretion, to jointly submit a motion asking the immigration court to reopen and terminate or dismiss your removal proceedings.

Q. What impact does having a criminal conviction have on eligibility for this process?

A. All felony offenses will be disqualifying under this process. Convictions for the following offenses are also disqualifying regardless of whether the conviction was a felony or misdemeanor. DHS reserves its discretion to determine that other offenses are disqualifying, even if not listed.

• Murder, torture, rape, or sexual abuse;
• Offenses involving firearms, explosive materials, or destructive devices;
• Engaging in activities relating to peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude, and trafficking in persons;
• Aggravated assault;
• Offenses relating to child pornography, sexual abuse or exploitation of minors, or solicitation of minors;
• Domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, child neglect, or child abandonment; and
• Controlled substance offenses (other than simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana).

All other criminal convictions not listed above, excluding minor traffic offenses, will result in a presumption of ineligibility for this process. To overcome the presumption of ineligibility, you must provide documentation demonstrating positive factors that can be considered in overcoming this presumption and showing that you warrant a favorable exercise of discretion. You should include copies of arrest records and certified court dispositions for each arrest or criminal charge, as well as evidence that you completed your sentence, if applicable.

Even if you establish that you have met all the criteria for eligibility, and have rebutted the presumption of ineligibility, USCIS will examine the totality of the circumstances to determine whether your request should be granted as a matter of discretion for significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian reasons.

Q. If I have a conviction for a felony offense, am I eligible for this process?

A. No. If you have been convicted of a felony offense, you are not eligible for this process, and we will deny your request.

Q. What offenses qualify as felonies?

A. A felony is a federal, state, or local criminal offense punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. A single conviction for a felony offense is disqualifying for purposes of this process.

Q. I have pending criminal charges. Am I eligible for this process while the charges remain pending?

A. No. If you have been charged with any criminal offense and the charges remain pending, we will deny your request and not refund your filing fee. You may make a request for this process once your charges are resolved. However, if your criminal charges result in a conviction, and you are convicted of a crime that renders you ineligible for this process, your request will be denied. If your charges result in a conviction and the conviction does not render you ineligible for this process, the conviction will result in a rebuttable presumption of ineligibility, which may be overcome by demonstrating positive factors that outweigh the negative factors in your case.

You should include copies of arrest records and certified court dispositions for each arrest or criminal charge, as well as evidence that you completed your sentence, if applicable. USCIS will weigh the seriousness of the conviction against the positive factors and any other relevant information in each individual case. We will consider all criminal history in determining whether you merit a favorable exercise of discretion under this process.

Q. What qualifies as a national security, public safety, or border security concern?

A. If the background check or other information uncovered during the review of your request indicates that you pose a public safety, national security, or border security concern, we will not grant your parole request. Indicators of national security concerns include, but are not limited to, participation in activities that threaten the United States. Indicators of public safety concerns include, but are not limited to, serious criminal conduct and criminal history. Indicators of border security concerns include apprehension following entry into the United States without authorization on or after Nov. 1, 2020; however, stepchildren who otherwise meet the eligibility criteria will not be disqualified if they entered on or after Nov. 1, 2020.

Q. Are dismissed, expunged, vacated, pardoned, deferred, annulled, invalidated, withheld, or sealed convictions subject to the presumption of ineligibility?

A. Yes. Convictions that were, for example, dismissed, expunged, vacated, pardoned, deferred, annulled, invalidated, withheld, or sealed will still create a presumption of ineligibility for purposes of this process, even if they may no longer constitute convictions for immigration purposes. You may be able to overcome this presumption, however, depending on the specific facts of your case, including but not limited to the fact that the conviction was expunged or vacated under state law, the reasons for the expungement or vacatur, the nature of the underlying offense, your age at the time of the commission of the underlying offense, and any other relevant facts surrounding the original conviction. In addition, USCIS may consider your entire criminal history, if any, along with other facts to determine, whether, under the totality of the circumstances, a favorable exercise of discretion is warranted.

NOTE : If you were never convicted (for example, you were only arrested), you are not subject to the presumption of ineligibility.

Q. If I have a criminal conviction that makes me presumptively ineligible for Keeping Families Together, how can I overcome that presumption?

A. The presumption may be rebutted on a case-by-case basis by providing evidence that demonstrates positive and mitigating factors that overcome the presumption. USCIS will weigh the seriousness of the conviction against mitigating factors relating to the conviction as well as other positive factors that suggest you merit a favorable exercise of discretion. The weight of the presumption will be guided by the nature and seriousness of the conviction. A less serious conviction, or a conviction that does not indicate you are a public safety concern, will carry less weight and can be more easily rebutted. In adjudicating parole in place requests on an individualized, case-by-case basis, the nature and seriousness of the conviction will determine the evidence needed to overcome it.

You should submit a detailed statement explaining the circumstances of the conviction, any mitigating factors, and any positive factors you want USCIS to consider and any other evidence you think may support your case. USCIS may request additional evidence from you if the evidence you submit initially is not sufficient to overcome the presumption of ineligibility. Examples of factors we will consider in determining whether the presumption of ineligibility based on a criminal conviction can be overcome – such as the age and nature of the conviction, as well as positive factors about the requestor – are described below.

Q. What factors will USCIS consider to determine whether I have overcome the presumption of ineligibility because of a criminal conviction?

A. Factors that can be considered in overcoming the presumption of ineligibility due to a criminal conviction may include, but are not limited to:

• Age of the conviction(s) (remoteness in time);
• Your age at the time of the offense and conviction, including whether you were a juvenile at the time of the offense;
• Sentence or penalty imposed;
• Evidence of subsequent rehabilitation;
• Nature of the conviction, including whether the conduct at issue was non-violent;
• Whether the conviction was an isolated offense when considered against the rest of your history, if any (including consideration of whether multiple criminal convictions were on the same date and may have arisen out of the same act, omission or scheme of conduct);
• Existence of a mental or physical condition that may have contributed to the criminal conduct;
• Your particular vulnerability, including any physical or mental condition requiring treatment or care in the United States;
• Your status as a victim of criminal activity, including domestic violence, particularly if related to the criminal conduct at issue;
• Your status, or that of your U.S. citizen spouse, as a current or former member of the U.S. military;
• Your status as the primary caregiver for a U.S. citizen child or elderly U.S. citizen parent or in-law;
• Your good character, such as property ties, business ties, or value and service to the community; or
• Other factors USCIS considers in its exercise of discretion.

Q. If I have a misdemeanor conviction for driving without a license, or driving with an expired license, will it make me ineligible for this process?

A. No. Misdemeanor convictions for minor traffic offenses, including driving without a license or driving with an expired license, will not make you ineligible for this process or create a presumption of ineligibility.

Q. Are juvenile delinquency dispositions subject to the presumption of ineligibility?

A. Yes. Juvenile delinquency dispositions will create a presumption of ineligibility for purposes of this process, even if they do not constitute convictions for immigration purposes. However, the factors considered when determining whether the presumption has been overcome, such as the nature of the underlying offense, your age at the time of the commission of the underlying offense, the length of time that has passed since the adjudication, and any other relevant facts surrounding the offense may be especially relevant in such cases. In addition, we may consider your entire criminal history, if any, along with other positive factors to determine, whether, under the totality of the circumstances, a favorable exercise of discretion is warranted.

If you cannot provide the record of the disposition because it is sealed or because State law prohibits its disclosure (even to you), USCIS still may request a statement or other information from you to determine whether the presumption has been overcome and a favorable exercise of discretion is otherwise warranted.

Q. Will USCIS conduct a background check when reviewing my request?

A. Yes. USCIS will conduct biographic and biometric background checks as part of its consideration of your request.

Q. What do background checks involve?

A. You must submit biometrics at an application support center (ASC), and USCIS will conduct background and security checks. Following your submission of your request, USCIS will send you a notification via your myUSCIS account that explains when and where to appear for your biometrics collection appointment.  You must print your biometric services appointment notice and bring it with you to your appointment.   If you are unable to attend the appointment, you can reschedule using our online rescheduling request process. For more information, see the Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment page and  Vol. 1, Part C, Chapter 2 – Biometrics Collection  in the USCIS Policy manual. 

Q. Can I appeal USCIS denial of my request under Keeping Families Together?

A. No. You cannot appeal the decision if we deny your parole in place request. However, you can file a new request, with new or additional evidence demonstrating your eligibility for parole in place, with the accompanying $580 filing fee.

Q. Can I file a motion to reopen or reconsider USCIS denial of my request under Keeping Families Together?

A. No. You cannot file a motion to reopen or reconsider the denial of your parole in place request under Keeping Families Together. However, you can file a new request, with new or additional evidence demonstrating your eligibility for parole in place, with the accompanying $580 filing fee.

Q. What will I receive if USCIS approves my request under Keeping Families Together?

A. If USCIS approves your parole in place request, you will receive a Form I-797, Approval Notice, that indicates the grant and validity period of parole in place. It will also include a copy of your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, and Form I-94 number.

Q. If my request for Keeping Families Together is approved, will I accrue unlawful presence?

A. No. If you are granted parole in place under Keeping Families Together, you are in a period of authorized stay, which means you do not accrue unlawful presence while your parole remains valid (that is, not expired or terminated). Importantly, however, if you receive parole in place under Keeping Families Together, it does not erase any unlawful presence accrued  before  the start of your parole period. Furthermore, a pending request for parole in place does not stop the accrual of unlawful presence.

If your parole expires or is otherwise terminated, you will begin accruing  unlawful presence  unless you are maintaining or obtain another status during the parole period. Parole may be terminated at any time in DHS’s discretion upon a determination that parole is no longer warranted, for example, following the commission of criminal conduct. It is recommended that you apply for lawful permanent resident status as soon as possible after obtaining parole in place under this process. For more information on applying for lawful permanent resident status, please visit the  How to Apply for a Green Card webpage.

Q. If USCIS does not grant my request, will I be placed in removal proceedings?

A. If we deny your request for parole in place, we will generally not issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) or refer your case to ICE for possible enforcement action solely based on the denial, unless DHS is initiating immigration enforcement proceedings against you because you are considered a priority under the Sept. 30, 2021,  Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law (PDF)   as a threat to national security, public safety, or border security.*

* NOTE:  Consistent with these guidelines, a noncitizen who poses a threat to border security will be generally disqualified from receiving parole in place pursuant to this process. However, there is an exception for stepchildren who entered the United States unlawfully after Nov. 1, 2020, and who otherwise meet the criteria for parole in place under this process.

Q. What happens if my request under Keeping Families Together is granted, but I do not apply for or receive adjustment of status during my parole period?

A. When the parole period terminates, a noncitizen returns to the same immigration status or category that they maintained before the parole in place, if any (unless that status or category has since expired or terminated), and their case will be dealt with in the same manner as any other applicant for admission, unless they obtained another immigration status or category during the parole period that is still valid beyond the parole end date. As stated above, DHS is not contemplating a re-parole process.

Q. I have a pending Form I-601A, Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver. Can I still make a request under Keeping Families Together?

A. Yes, you may make a request for this process while you have a pending Form I-601A. If you are granted parole in place under this process, you may then be eligible to apply for adjustment of status to that of lawful permanent resident by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, in the United States without first seeking a provisional unlawful presence waiver. If your Form I-131F request is granted and you then apply for adjustment of status with USCIS, you will no longer be eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver, and we will deny your Form I-601A.

Q. What will happen with my pending Form I-601A if I file a request under Keeping Families Together?

A. Your Form I-601A will remain pending and will be adjudicated in the normal course. We will not refund the fee you paid for Form I-601A if you file a request for parole in place under this process. In addition, note that if your parole in place is granted and you apply to adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident (Form I-485), you will no longer be eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver, and we will deny your Form I-601A.

Q. My Form I-601A was approved, but I have not left the United States to attend a consular interview yet. May I make a request under Keeping Families Together?

A. Yes. If you are present in the United States without admission or parole, are otherwise eligible for this process, and merit a favorable exercise of discretion, we may approve your request even though we already approved your Form I-601A.

Q. I previously filed a Form I-601A and now am filing a Form I-131F. Do I have to pay the Form I-131F fee?

A. Yes. You must pay the $580 fee for the Form I-131F, even if you previously filed a Form I-601A.

Q. I previously filed a Form I-601A. Will you prioritize consideration of my Form I-131F?

A. USCIS may prioritize your Form I-131F if you have a pending or approved Form I-601A and you include your Form I-601A receipt number on your Form I-131F request. For this reason, you should make sure to include your Form I-601A receipt number on your Form I-131F.

NOTE:  For your case to be identified and potentially prioritized, you must ensure that all biographic information on Form I-131F, including your name, exactly match the information you provided on the Form I-601A you previously filed.

Q. I have a pending Form I-601A. What happens to that request if my request under Keeping Families Together is granted?

A. Your Form I-601A will remain pending and will be adjudicated in turn. However, one of the eligibility requirements for the Form I-601A is that you do not have a pending application for lawful permanent residence with USCIS. Therefore, if you are granted parole in place and file for adjustment of status with USCIS, your pending Form I-601A will be denied.

Q. If I am granted parole in place under Keeping Families Together and no longer need a provisional unlawful presence waiver, will USCIS refund the filing fee for my Form I-601A?

A. No. Keeping Families Together is voluntary and requires payment of the requisite fee even if you have filed a Form I-601A. Filing fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition, or request, or if you withdraw your request.

Q. If my request under Keeping Families Together is denied, does this affect the decision on my pending Form I-601A?

A. No. The denial of a request for parole in place does not affect the adjudication of the Form I-601A, but the reasons that led to the denial of a parole in place request may also affect eligibility for a provisional unlawful presence waiver, including the determination of whether you merit a favorable exercise of discretion.

Q. If my request under Keeping Families Together is denied, can I still file a Form I-601A?

A. Yes. Form I-601A has different eligibility requirements than parole in place. A denial of parole in place does not make you ineligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver; however, you should review the reasons for the denial of your parole in place request to determine if any of those reasons also make you ineligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver.

Q. If my request for Keeping Families Together is granted, will I be eligible to request employment authorization?

A. Yes. If USCIS approves your request for Keeping Families Together, you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing  Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , under eligibility category (c)(11). You can only apply for employment authorization after your Keeping Families Together request is approved. If you file your Form I-765 Employment application before USCIS approves your I-131F request under this process, USCIS will reject or deny your Form I-765.

Q. Will there be a fee to apply for employment authorization (Form I-765)?

A. Yes. If you file online through your myUSCIS account, the filing fee for Form I-765 is $470. If filing on paper and sending by mail, the filing fee for  Form I-765 is $520. If you would like to request a fee waiver, you must file your Form I-765 by mail and your filing must include a completed  Form I-912 or a written request for a fee waiver with supporting evidence of your financial inability to pay the fee. At present, you cannot request a fee waiver if you file your Form I-765 online.

Please visit our  Request for Fee Waiver webpage for additional information, guidance and tips on fee waiver requests. You can also review the  Form G-1055 for a complete fee schedule.

Q. Can I file my Form I-131F at the same time (concurrently) as an application for employment authorization (Form I-765)?

A. No, at this time, you must submit these two forms separately. If your Form I-131F is approved and you are granted parole in place, you can then file Form I-765 to apply for an EAD based on your authorized period of parole.

Q. How long will I be authorized for employment?

A. If your request for this process is approved and you are later granted an employment authorization document (EAD) under eligibility category (c)(11), your EAD will generally be valid for the same duration as your parole period, which can be up to three years under this process. Once you apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident, you will then be eligible to apply for employment authorization pending adjudicating of your adjustment application under eligibility category (c)(9). You can receive employment authorization with a five-year validity under category (c)(9). If your parole under this process is granted, you should not delay in filing a subsequent I-130 petition and I-485 application.

Q. What should I do if my Employment Authorization Document (EAD) was lost, stolen, or damaged?

A. If your parole period is currently valid, and you need to replace a valid EAD because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, please review the “Replace an EAD” section on the  Employment Authorization Document page.

NOTE: Do not  file Form I-131F with this replacement Form I-765. If you submit Form I-131F when you are filing to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged EAD, we will deny your Form I-I31F, and we will not refund the filing fee for Form I-131F.

Q. As an employer, if I provide my employee with information regarding their employment to support a request for parole in place, will that information be used for immigration enforcement purposes against me or my company?

A. An employer may, as they determine appropriate, provide individuals requesting parole in place under this process with documentation verifying their employment. This information will not be shared with ICE for civil immigration enforcement purposes under section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (relating to unlawful employment of noncitizens), except in cases involving unscrupulous employers who exploit undocumented workers by engaging in illegal acts ranging from the payment of substandard wages to imposing unsafe working conditions and facilitating human trafficking and child exploitation, and who therefore may be a DHS worksite enforcement priority as described in the Oct. 12, 2021 memorandum entitled “ Worksite Enforcement: The Strategy to Protect the American Labor Market, the Conditions of the American Worksite, and the Dignity of the Individual .”

Q. How can I tell if an employer is discriminating against me because I am a parolee?

A. An employer may be engaging in discrimination if they:

• Demand that an employee only show specific documents from the  Lists of Acceptable Documents or ask for more or different documents than are required to complete  Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, or create an  E-Verify case; or
• Reject documents from the  Lists of Acceptable Documents  that reasonably appear to be genuine and relate to the employee, including documentation showing employment authorization because it has a future expiration date or because of an employee’s prior unauthorized status.

The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice has an office dedicated to ensuring that employers do not discriminate against individuals who are permitted to work in the United States. These include parolees who have been granted work authorization. If you think your employer may be discriminating against you, contact the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) at 800-255-7688 (TDD for the deaf and hard of hearing: 800-237-2515).

Q. What happens to my employment authorization if USCIS terminates my parole before it expires?

A. If USCIS terminates your grant of parole, there will no longer be a basis for your parole-based employment authorization. USCIS may therefore revoke your employment authorization.

Q. Can I file a family-based petition (Form I-130) at the same time as my parole in place request (Form I-131F)?

A. Each form must be filed separately with their own fees, but there is no requirement to wait to file a Form I-130. The Form I-131F may only be filed online, whereas the Form I-130 may be filed online or on paper by regular mail. The timing in which you file a Form I-130 will not affect the adjudication time of your Form I-131F.

Q. USCIS granted my request under Keeping Families Together. Does my U.S. citizen spouse or stepparent need to file Form I-130 for me so that I am able to apply to adjust to lawful permanent resident status?

A. Yes, unless your U.S. citizen spouse or stepparent has already filed a Form I-130 on your behalf. To be eligible for lawful permanent resident status on the basis of your marriage or stepchild relationship to a U.S. citizen, you must have an approved Form I-130. If you requested parole as the stepchild of a U.S. citizen, you must have a separate Form I-130 filed on your behalf.

Q. What are the requirements for my U.S. citizen spouse to file Form I-130?

A. In addition to having a legally valid marriage that is valid in the place of celebration, and that is not contrary to the public policy of the United States or state in which you and your spouse reside, your petitioning U.S. citizen spouse must demonstrate that your marriage is bona fide and was not entered into for the primary purpose of seeking an immigration benefit. For additional information on requirements and filing procedures for Form I-130, please see our  Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative page.

Q. What are the requirements for my U.S. citizen stepparent to file Form I-130?

A. To be a beneficiary of a Form I-130 as a stepchild, and eligible to apply to adjust status, the child’s stepparent must demonstrate that their marriage to the child’s noncitizen parent was bona fide. For additional information on requirements and filing procedures for Form I-130, please see our  Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative page.

Q. What additional documents can I provide to demonstrate that my marriage is bona fide for purposes of the Form I-130?

A. At the time of filing the Form I-130, your U.S. citizen spouse, as the Form I-130 petitioner, will need to provide evidence that your marriage is bona fide. Such evidence may include but is not limited to:

• Documentation showing joint ownership of property or evidence that you and your spouse reside together;
• Documentation showing that you and your spouse have shared financial resources;
• Birth certificates of children born to you and your spouse;
• Affidavits from others who have personal knowledge of your marriage; and
• Any other documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union.

Additionally, your marriage must not be contrary to the public policy of the United States or state where you and your spouse reside.

Q. What are the requirements for widow(er)s and what do I file?

A. If you are a  widow(er) , you must have a pending or approved Form I-130 filed prior to your spouse’s death, which will be converted to a  Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant . If a Form I-130 was not already filed on your behalf, you may file a Form I-360 petition as a self-petitioner but must do so within two years of your spouse’s death. You also must not have been legally separated from your spouse at the time of death and you must not remarry prior to the adjudication of your Form I-360.

Q. Can I apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) concurrently with my Keeping Families Together request (Form I-131F)?

A. No. You must first be granted parole in place before applying for adjustment of status.

Q. If USCIS grants my request under Keeping Families Together, does this mean I will be eligible to adjust my status to that of a lawful permanent resident (LPR)?

A. This process does not change the eligibility criteria for LPR status but provides an opportunity for eligible noncitizen spouses and children of U.S. citizens to adjust their status under existing legal authorities without having to depart the United States to seek an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. To qualify for adjustment of status under  INA 245(a) , an applicant must prove that they have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States, among other requirements. A grant of parole in place will satisfy the parole requirement under INA 245(a). Eligibility for  Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status , and any related forms that might be required, including  Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility , will be determined on their own merits in a distinct and separate process from the parole in place decision.

Q. If my request under Keeping Families Together is granted, am I subject to the “3- and 10-year unlawful presence bars” and the “permanent bar”?

A. If you are granted parole in place under this process and subsequently apply for adjustment of status, you will be evaluated for admissibility at that stage. For more information about how unlawful presence impacts the determination of inadmissibility, please visit  Unlawful Presence and Inadmissibility .

Determining if you are inadmissible after accruing unlawful presence can be complex. If you need help or legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. You can find information about authorized legal services on our  Avoid Scams  page.

Q. If I have previously worked in the United States without employment authorization, am I ineligible for adjustment of status under INA section 245(c)(2) and 245(c)(8)?

A. The bars to adjustment of status at INA section 245(c)(2) and INA section 245(c)(8), which are related to accepting or engaging in unauthorized employment, generally do not apply to noncitizens seeking adjustment of status based on an approved Form I-130 as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen. Spouses and children of U.S. citizens are considered immediate relatives under the INA.

Q. If my request under Keeping Families Together is granted, what will happen to me if my spouse passes away before I am able to apply to adjust my status (before my parole period ends)?

A. If your U.S. citizen spouse has died, you may still be eligible for  adjustment of status if you meet the eligibility requirements. To qualify, you must not have been legally separated from your spouse at the time of death and you must not remarry before USCIS adjudicates your adjustment application.

If you qualify as a widow(er), and you have a pending or approved Form I-130 filed before your spouse’s death, it will be automatically converted to a Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant.

If a Form I-130 was not already filed on your behalf, you may file a Form I-360 as a self-petitioner, but you must do so within two years of your spouse’s death.

Q. If my request under Keeping Families Together is granted, what will happen to me if my spouse and I divorce before I am able to apply to adjust my status (before my parole period ends)?

A. Generally, you will be ineligible to adjust status as the spouse of a U.S. citizen if you and your spouse divorce before you apply to adjust status. To be eligible for immigrant petition approval or to adjust status as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, you must still be married to your spouse at the time of application and final adjudication.

Q. If my request under Keeping Families Together is granted, will I be subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility when I apply to adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident?

A. If you apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident after you are granted parole under this process, you must demonstrate that you are not inadmissible under the public charge ground of inadmissibility at INA 212(a)(4) (unless you are exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility), as well as the other grounds of inadmissibility in INA section 212.

For more detailed information on the public charge ground of inadmissibility, please refer to  USCIS Public Charge Resources, as well as  USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 8, Part G, Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility .

Q. If my request under the Keeping Families Together is granted, can I travel outside the United States during my period of parole?

A. A grant of parole in place through Keeping Families Together does not authorize parole back into the United States if you decide to depart. If you depart the United States after being granted parole in place, your period of parole will automatically terminate. If you depart the United States without first obtaining an Advance Parole Document, you run a significant risk of not being able to return to the United States and you may also be ineligible for future immigration benefits.

CAUTION: Travel outside of the United States, even with advance parole, may have severe immigration-related consequences, including with respect to potential inadmissibility or execution of an outstanding order of removal. Parole into the United States is not guaranteed even if you have been granted advance parole prior to leaving the country. You are still subject to immigration inspection at a U.S. port of entry to determine whether you may be paroled into the United States and whether you are eligible for the immigration status you seek. For further information, see  Travel Documents | USCIS . Consultation with a qualified attorney or accredited representative is strongly advised prior to any travel outside of the United States.