Format of latter from family and friend pls help?

[ayodejicharle]

Pls does anybody have and idea of the format for the letter by family and friends, does it have to be hand written or typed out and do I use a notary republic to certify it, if so is it done by me or them b4 I get it from them! Pls guys help out with a format pls!


Cheers guys!

 

[CharlieD10]

My family and friends variously used handwritten letters, typed letters signed by them, and emails. It doesn't seem to matter, and only if you are applying as a common-law couple do at least two of those need to be notarized affidavits, otherwise they don't have to be notarized.

The letters basically included:

1) I am related to/have known sponsor and/or applicant since X date. (To establish who they are).
2) I am asking that you approve applicant's request for permanent residence in Canada so that (they explain what they know of our marriage and our plans for life together and why we should be approved).

They all wrote their own letters, we just asked them to talk about how long they've known us, what they know about our relationship and why they believe we should be permitted to live together in Canada. We didn't give them any other guidelines. All the letters were very individual, and I think that is better than a bunch of letters that looked like you gave them all the same template and they just filled in their names.

 

[Fencesitter]

We wrote the letters ourselves and asked our friends and family to sign. Each letter was individualized. The letters basically contained a) when we first met the person / family member, b) that they know without doubt that our relationship is genuine (noting our son and two dogs + the length we have been living together), and c) wishing us good luck for our new life in Canada. Each letter was signed and contact information given in case the VO wants to contact them for verification purposes.

We included three letters from both sides of the family and five letters from friends who have known us here in China.

I think these will be useful to further establish that our relationship is genuine and our intentions to re-establish in Canada.

FS

 

[Steph C]

We got 2 notarized because it was in the instructions, which you'd have to read for yourself. We had about 8 letters in total, all emailed, most of the people signed and scanned/emailed their letters to us.

 

[Fencesitter]

Notarized letters: depends on the country specific instructions and if it's a spousal or common-law / conjugal partner application. For spousal sponsorship, I'm pretty sure (99.9%) that there is no requirement for letters to be notarized (for all countries). Letters from friends and family are at your own discretion - you can include them or not. I suggest including them because they help to establish the genuineness of your relationship, plus they help to confirm the sponsor's intention to re-establish in Canada (if living exclusively abroad).

FS

 

[Steph C]

Yes of course; we had a lot because of Conjugal.. this person would have to read their specific instructions to deem what's best. Our format was casual style. Just Dear Steph C, or to Whom it may concern. Then talking about how they knew us as a couple and details like that. In these people's own words.

 

[Fencesitter]

I see.

The letter from my parents stating that we can live with them when we first arrive was informal. They addressed the letter to my wife, son, and myself. It's a very touching letter...and states everything that should satisfy even the meanest VO.

FS

 

[ayodejicharle]

We both here in Canada do does it mean we still need the letter or not? Pls rely to make sure I get them or better still letter her mum write a letter still and two of my friends who she spoken to on phone.



Cheers

 

[Fencesitter]

The last few posts are referring to letters from family to use for proof of intention to return to Canada.

Still, letters from family and friends in support of the couple moving to Canada are definitely a good idea.

They don't have to be notarized, but they should be signed and include contact info.

FS

 

[weary-damsil31]

Hello guys!

So i go through the guide of spouse/common-law partner in canada class but it doesn't state that the statutory declarations from family and friends should be notarized. We got all the letters but the commissioner of oaths told us today that they must sign it in front of him so none of the letter we have are notarized.Do you think it will hurt our application?

 

[Fencesitter]

if it's a spousal sponsorship, no, it won't hurt. It won't hurt to simply provide a signed letter. This is extra evidence, not required by CIC.

For other types of sponsorship, I'm not sure what the requirements are, so check the guide to make sure.

FS