Character Reference Letters

Danielle1 posted 4 years ago

Hi all,

Do I need character reference letters?

I was a minor in the US and had overstayed after 18. I moved to Canada as an adult and am now a Canadian citizen. As a Canadian permanent resident, I had 2 waivers approved (1 year and 5 years). The second waiver is still valid. These waivers were applied through USCIS and I did not need reference letters.

When I last travelled, a CPB officer allowed entry to US but said that the current wavier was not applicable anymore since I am now a Canadian citizen and my last waiver was for someone who is PR resident, and that I should apply again. I am now reapplying and everything seems to be in order, however I'd like to know if I need character references letters now. How many do I need and what should it contain? Should the referrer be a US citizen or a Canadian citizen?

Thanks for any help!

J Rogers (trusted member) Trusted 4 years ago

@Danielle1

Remember, as I have said before, its an expensive mistake to not do the waiver properly. You might get away with NOT doing reference letters, but if they drop you down to a 1 year waiver, won't you kick yourself?

2 references, absolutely DO NOT use US people. Your trying to give the impression you are a Canadian and live in Canada, why would your "refences" be from a country you no longer live in? Do not forget. You overstayed, and the US is looking for ANY clues you might be wanting to overstay again. A 5 year waiver is them believing you won't. All elements of this application should present you as a contrite Canadian Citizen, with no intention of living in the US again.

Also, make sure your personal letter is well done. I have been seeing a few more "September Letters" than usual so if you make a convincing case, you might be able to get off the waiver program entirely.

Danielle1 4 years ago

@J Rogers thanks, will do.

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