What is a letter of support?

A letter of support plays a pivotal role in presenting the authenticity of the relationship between the sponsor and the principal applicant. If you are applying to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner, you may want to ask close friends and family members to write a letter of support for your relationship. In some cases, this is optional. In others, like if you are not living together, you may need to provide these letters as per the document checklist.

This letter is an important opportunity for friends and family to describe the nature of the relationship and provide insights that help immigration officers assess the credibility of the application.

The purpose of the letter is to convince the immigration officer not only of the eligibility of the sponsor and the applicant but also of the genuineness of the relationship itself. It's crucial to communicate in a manner that feels natural and honest, capturing the true essence of the bond between the couple.

Center your letter on the aspects of the relationship that you have personally witnessed, as this holds more weight than second-hand information. Highlight pivotal moments you've directly experienced, such as their initial interactions when you first met them as a couple. Narrate instances where your presence allowed you to witness their dynamics firsthand, offering a genuine and unfiltered portrayal of their connection. These authentic observations provide a deeper insight into the authenticity of their relationship than anecdotes that you've heard from others or instances in which you were not present.

How to write a letter of support for a sponsorship application?

Introduction: Setting the Stage for the Relationship

Begin by introducing yourself, such as your full name and date of birth. Then, introduce the couple. Who do you know better? How long have you known them? This helps establish a timeline for the relationship's progression and sets the tone for the letter.

Sharing Memorable Moments: Bringing the Relationship to Life

Start by speaking about the first time that you met the sponsor and the Applicant as a couple. When and how did you first meet them?

Witnessing the Partnership: Family and Friends Involvement

How has their relationship progressed? Share stories in which you were personally involved to highlight the connection between the individuals and strengthen their compatibility. These personal anecdotes provide insight into the profound nature of their relationship and serve as concrete proof of its genuine authenticity.

Describe how family members and friends have observed and supported the couple's relationship. Mention instances where gatherings or events celebrated their connection. This involvement from close circles reinforces the credibility of the relationship and demonstrates its impact on the wider community.

Again, try to focus on events that you personally witnessed.

Overcoming Challenges: Strength Through Unity

Every relationship faces challenges, and this is an opportunity to talk about how the couple tackled them together. Highlight instances where they stood by each other during difficult times, showcasing their resilience and mutual support. This illustrates the emotional foundation of their bond. This could include parts of long-distance relationships, or why the relationship may be uncommon in the community due to differences about religion, age, gender or other.

Cultural Integration: Embracing Diversity Together

If relevant, discuss how the couple has embraced each other's cultural backgrounds and integrated them into their lives. This shows a willingness to understand and respect each other's heritage, further solidifying their bond.

Personal Testimonials: Heartfelt Endorsement

If you, as a friend or family member, have personally observed the relationship, share your perspective. Express your support for the couple and your belief in the sincerity of their connection. Your endorsement carries weight and adds a personal touch to the letter.

Closing: Affirming the Relationship

In the concluding paragraph, emphasize the unwavering commitment and love the couple shares. Reiterate your confidence in the authenticity of their relationship and your anticipation for their future together in Canada.

Add your name, address, email and phone number. Feel free to sign it with a blue pen or with an electronic signature.

In conclusion, writing a letter of support for spousal sponsorship is a chance to paint a vivid picture of the couple's relationship. Your words play a vital role in demonstrating that their bond is genuine, heartfelt, and not driven solely by immigration motives. By sharing honest anecdotes and personal observations, you contribute to making their application a true reflection of their love story.

Sample letter

[Your Name]

[123 Elm Street]

[Maplewood, ON]

[M5C 2V3]

[youremail@email.com]

[123-456-7890]

[Date: August 19, 2023]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter in support of the sponsorship application for permanent residency in Canada by Emily Thompson, born on January 15, 1987, and Daniel Nguyen, born on September 3, 1985. Having had the privilege of knowing Emily for the past 8 years and witnessing the beautiful journey of her relationship with Daniel over the past 6 years, I have the pleasure to write this letter of support for their relationship.

I met Emily at the University of Toronto. We were both studying Mechanical Engineering, and we met in class. We would spend time together studying at the library and we particularly enjoyed exploring new coffee shops near the Annex. Our relationship grew closer over the years.

I first had the pleasure of meeting Emily and Daniel during a summer barbecue in July 2017. After returning from an exchange in Europe, this was the first time that I met Daniel. From the moment they arrived at the event, it was evident that theirs was a bond beyond the ordinary. Emily never stopped talking about Daniel. They were always coming back to each other with laughter and seem to be having a great time.

As their relationship evolved, I had the privilege of being part of numerous occasions that celebrated their love. From a surprise engagement party in December 2019 to a cozy couples Valentine's Day dinner in 2021, it was impossible not to notice the affectionate glances they exchanged and the shared private jokes that seemed to create a world of their own. Their union seemed to effortlessly draw family and friends together, transcending differences and creating an environment of unity and joy.

Emily has a family cottage, and she invited both her friends and family for a long weekend. In August 2023, I saw Emily’s family and younger siblings enjoyed to spend time with Daniel.

Through personal challenges that life presented like COVID, Emily and Daniel displayed an unwavering solidarity that spoke volumes about their commitment to one another. Their resilience during times of uncertainty and their ability to stand by each other's side, no matter the circumstance, underscored the emotional foundation of their relationship. It's this kind of steadfast support that serves as the backbone of their bond. This is a strong quality of Emily, and I see this in their relationship.

One aspect that truly stands out about Emily and Daniel's relationship is their embrace of each other's cultural backgrounds. Emily's penchant for Vietnamese cuisine and her efforts to learn the language and customs of Daniel's family have been heartwarming to witness. Likewise, Daniel's enthusiastic embrace of Emily's family traditions and her love for hockey demonstrated their mutual respect and genuine interest in each other's lives.

As someone who has been fortunate enough to witness their relationship firsthand, I wholeheartedly endorse Emily and Daniel's application for permanent residency in Canada. Their love is sincere, steadfast, and goes beyond immigration motives. I believe in the power of their bond, and I am confident that they will continue to build a beautiful life together in Canada.

In closing, I would like to express my excitement about their future together and my complete confidence in their commitment to one another. It is with great pleasure that I extend my support for their sponsorship application, and I am here to provide any further information if needed.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Address]

[Email]

[Phone number]

[Blue Pen Signature or Electronic Signature]

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