Letters
Supporting letters from the following people or organizations might help support an H&C application. They may help show how established a woman is in Canada, the hardships she might face in her country, the best interests of her child, or other points in her case.
Letters from family and friends, for example, letters from:
- family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents — include how they are related to the woman, why the woman should be allowed to stay, how the woman helps them, and the impact on the family if she is forced to leave Canada
- friends and neighbours in Canada, to show that the woman is a valued member of a community — include how she helps them, for example, with childcare, housework, or emotional support, and any negative impact they will face if she must leave Canada
- a child who will also have to leave if the woman has to leave Canada — include why they want to stay here
- a child who will be affected if the woman has to leave Canada — include details about their relationship, how she helps them, and why they want her to stay in Canada
Letters about work or school, for example, letters from:
- employers — include the woman’s job title and the type of work she does, work history, pay, any positive comments that the employer can make about her and any negative impact on the employer if she has to leave Canada
- schools or training programs — to show the woman’s attendance and progress at school, including any English language courses, if needed
- letters that show how involved she is in her community, for example, letters from:
- religious leaders or members of their faith community — to show that the woman is involved in a faith community as a volunteer or participant
- volunteer work coordinators – to show that the woman volunteers in her community and contributes to those around her – include any positive comments the volunteer coordinators can make about her
Letters to show her experience with family violence and health concerns, for example, letters from:
- women’s shelters or counsellors to show that the woman tried to get help because of family violence
- therapists or counsellors to show that the woman has concerns about how she will deal with hardship or difficulties she would face if returned to her home country
- experts or medical professionals from the woman’s home country to show that their country cannot provide the type of care she or a child need for their health, including mental health, or any disabilities they have
Letters from people involved in an affected child’s life to show what is in their best interests may also be helpful.
For example, letters from teachers, neighbours, health-care providers, coaches, friends, and other community members, to show that the child has strong ties to the community. Include how the child relies on the woman and why she should be allowed to stay in Canada.
About the letter writer
These letters of support should be addressed to IRCC and include:
- the date
- the name of the writer
- how they know the woman or her child and when they met
- their contact information, including phone number and address
- a copy of a document that proves the writer is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident if they are one, for example, a Canadian permanent resident card or passport
If the letter writer is not a permanent resident or Canadian citizen, they can include a copy of an identification document from the government to show that the letter is genuine, such as a driver’s license.
All letters should be signed by the writer.
Service providers or professionals do not need to provide a copy of their identification document if they write their letter on letterhead.
Letters are more helpful if they are detailed, heartfelt, and include specific examples.
Previous page Next page