Address for Reference Letter?

[Galant 0]

As part of our evidence of relationship etc. my fiancee and I have a couple of friends (both ordained ministers) willing to write reference letters testifying to the reality of our relationship and character references etc.

My question is, to whom should they address the letter? To Whom It May Concern? USCIS?

I've had a look around and can't see any info on anything like this - are there any guidelines/requirements?

Thanks.

G.

[YuAndDan 153]

This is good front load evidence, and should be included in the I-129F packet, address to USCIS.

Examples can be found here: http://www.visajourney.com/examples/USCIS_I751_Affidavit.doc

[Galant 0]

This is good front load evidence, and should be included in the I-129F packet, address to USCIS.

Examples can be found here: http://www.visajourney.com/examples/USCIS_I751_Affidavit.doc

Okay.

I have to say, the language of that letter makes little sense to me. Should I just copy it entirely or is it an example only?

[brlukath 1]

The link given provides an example of an affidavit--i.e. a sworn declaration--that appears to have been submitted in connection with getting a different immigration benefit (one you will want once you have been married for 2 years).

If your friends aren't able/willing to go to a notary public to make this happen they can sign a declaration. It would look like the example linked by YuandDan and could read something like this:

1. My name is [your friend's name]. I am a U.S. citizen residing at [your friend's address]. I am an ordained minister [explain details].

2. I have been a close personal friend of [your name] since [include your facts].

3. I learned of the relationship of [your name] and [your fiance(e)'s name] on [date]. [Additional information regarding personal knowledge of relationship].

Wherefore, I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

_________________________________________

[your friend's name].

And you would title it "declaration" not affidavit. You need not have it notarized nor have it addressed. Just include it in your package to USCIS.

If your ministers want to write an actual letter, address it to "Sir or Madam" and the service center where you submit your I-129F.

[YuAndDan 153]

This is good front load evidence, and should be included in the I-129F packet, address to USCIS.

Examples can be found here: http://www.visajourney.com/examples/USCIS_I751_Affidavit.doc

Okay.

I have to say, the language of that letter makes little sense to me. Should I just copy it entirely or is it an example only?

Use this as an example, it will need to be reworded to fit your situation, (Filing I-129F for Fiancee visa)

[jsnearline 2]

You don't need to do affidavits for the 129F. Regular letters are fine.

[jsnearline 2]

The key is that the letters you submit from others should not simply attest to the existence of your relationship, but should speak to your intent to marry within the prescribed 90 day limit. For example, we submitted:

a statement from my wife's parents stating their approval of our engagement

a letter from the marriage preparation coordinator at our parish indicating our registration there

email correspondence between my mom and my fiancee

email correspondence between me and my wife's sister

In your case, getting a letter from an ordained minister might be helpful if they are the one who will perform the ceremony.

[Galant 0]

Should they simply put - 'To Whom It May Concern'? And is there a specific address to put at the top of the letter?

[Galant 0]

Bump.

[Galant 0]

Bump. Can anyone confirm whom I need to address in the letter or if To Whom It May Concern will suffice, please?