Immigration applications for family-based visa categories, such as fiancé or spousal visas, require the submission of various documents to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). One of these documents is the letter of intent to marry petitioner. In this article, we will discuss what a letter of intent to marry petitioner is, its purpose, and how to write a compelling one that can increase the likelihood of a successful immigration application.
A letter of intent to marry petitioner is a formal declaration written by an individual intending to marry their foreign partner or fiance(e) to support their visa application. In this letter, the writer states their plan to marry the petitioner and outlines the reasons for their decision. The letter plays a vital role in the immigration process and is essential to prove the authenticity of the relationship between the two parties.
What is a Letter of Intent to Marry Petitioner?
A letter of intent to marry petitioner is a written statement in which the foreign national who intends to marry a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident declares their intention to marry the petitioner within 90 days of their admission to the United States. This letter is a crucial document in fiancé visa applications (K-1 visas) and spousal visa applications (K-3 visas and CR-1/IR-1 visas).
Why is a Letter of Intent to Marry Petitioner necessary?
The letter of intent to marry petitioner is necessary because it establishes the foreign national’s intent to marry the petitioner and live together in the United States. This letter also serves as evidence that the foreign national qualifies for a fiancé or spousal visa, which requires that the petitioner and the foreign national have met in person within the past two years.
What should a Letter of Intent to Marry Petitioner include?
A letter of intent to marry petitioner should include the following information:
- The full legal name and date of birth of the petitioner and the foreign national
- The date and place of the first meeting between the petitioner and the foreign national
- A statement declaring the foreign national’s intent to marry the petitioner within 90 days of their admission to the United States
- A statement declaring the foreign national’s intent to establish a life together with the petitioner in the United States
- A statement declaring that the information provided in the letter is true and accurate to the best of the foreign national’s knowledge
How to Write a Compelling Letter of Intent to Marry Petitioner
Writing a compelling letter of intent to marry petitioner can increase the likelihood of a successful immigration application. Here are some tips on how to write a compelling letter of intent to marry petitioner:
A letter of intent to marry petitioner is a necessary document in fiancé or spousal visa applications, as it establishes the foreign national’s intent to marry and live together with the petitioner in the United States. It should include specific information about the first meeting between the petitioner and foreign national, a declaration of intent to marry within 90 days of admission, and a statement of commitment to establish a life together. Writing a concise, clear, and honest letter with the help of an immigration attorney can increase the likelihood of a successful immigration application.
Keep it concise and clear
A letter of intent to marry petitioner should be concise and clear. Use simple language and avoid technical jargon that could confuse the USCIS officer reviewing the application.
Be specific and provide details
Provide specific details about the first meeting between the petitioner and the foreign national. Include the date and place of the meeting, how long the meeting lasted, and what the two of you did together. This helps establish the authenticity of your relationship.
Show your commitment
Show your commitment to the petitioner and your intent to establish a life together in the United States. Explain why you want to marry the petitioner and why you believe your relationship is genuine.
Be honest
Be honest in your letter of intent to marry petitioner. Do not exaggerate or provide false information. The USCIS officer reviewing your application will be able to tell if you are not being truthful.
Get help from an immigration attorney
If you are unsure about how to write a compelling letter of intent to marry petitioner, consider getting help from an experienced immigration attorney. They can review your letter and provide guidance on how to make it more effective.
Tips for Writing a Compelling Letter of Intent to Marry Petitioner
Writing a compelling letter of intent to marry petitioner can increase the likelihood of a successful visa application. Here are some tips for writing an effective letter:
1. Keep it concise and clear
A letter of intent to marry petitioner should be concise and clear. Use simple language, avoid technical jargon, and structure your letter in a way that is easy to read and understand. Remember that the USCIS officer reviewing your application will have to read many letters, so making yours easy to read and understand can help improve your chances of success.
2. Be specific and provide details
When writing your letter of intent to marry petitioner, provide specific details about your relationship. Include the date and place of your first meeting, how long the meeting lasted, and what the two of you did together. This information helps establish the authenticity of your relationship and demonstrates to the USCIS that you have a genuine relationship with the petitioner.
3. Show your commitment
Your letter of intent to marry petitioner should show your commitment to the petitioner and your intent to establish a life together in the United States. Explain why you want to marry the petitioner and why you believe your relationship is genuine. This can include details about your shared interests, your plans for the future, and your mutual support for one another.
4. Be honest
Honesty is crucial when writing a letter of intent to marry petitioner. Do not exaggerate or provide false information. The USCIS officer reviewing your application will be able to tell if you are not being truthful. If you are caught providing false information, your application may be denied, and you may be barred from entering the United States.
5. Get help from an immigration attorney
If you are unsure about how to write a compelling letter of intent to marry petitioner, consider getting help from an experienced immigration attorney. They can review your letter and provide guidance on how to make it more effective. An immigration attorney can also help ensure that your application is complete and that you have included all the necessary supporting documents.
FAQs for Letter of Intent to Marry Petitioner
What is a letter of intent to marry petitioner?
A letter of intent to marry petitioner is a written statement declaring one’s intention to marry a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This document is generally required as part of the application process for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa or CR-1 spousal visa. It provides evidence of the couple’s genuine relationship and intent to marry within 90 days of the foreign national’s admission to the U.S. on a fiancé(e) visa or 2 years of the foreign national’s admission to the U.S. on a spousal visa.
What should be included in a letter of intent to marry petitioner?
A letter of intent to marry petitioner should include a statement of intent to marry the petitioner within 90 days of arrival in the U.S. (for fiancé(e) visa) or 2 years of arrival in the U.S. (for spousal visa), the date, location, and manner of the proposal or engagement, details of the couple’s relationship history including how they met and how frequently they have seen each other, and a brief description of their future plans together. It should be written and signed by both the foreign national and the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioner.
Can a letter of intent to marry petitioner be handwritten?
Yes, a letter of intent to marry petitioner can be handwritten. However, it must be written legibly and in ink, and should be signed and dated by both the foreign national and the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioner. Typewritten or printed letters are also acceptable as long as they are signed and dated by both parties.
What is the purpose of a letter of intent to marry petitioner?
The purpose of a letter of intent to marry petitioner is to establish the genuine relationship and intent to marry between the foreign national and the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioner. This document is often required as part of the proof of the bona fide nature of the relationship between the couple applying for a fiancé(e) visa or spousal visa. It helps immigration officials to determine whether the relationship is genuine and whether the couple is intending to establish a life together in the U.S.
Should a letter of intent to marry petitioner be notarized?
No, a letter of intent to marry petitioner does not need to be notarized. However, it should be signed and dated by both the foreign national and the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioner. It is also a good idea to include biographical information about both parties, such as their full legal names, dates of birth, and places of birth. This will help to avoid any confusion or delays during the visa application process.
