letters of support - testimonials

[wert]

Hi Everyone!

We have asked a number of friends to write us letters of support/testimonials.
And so far almost everyone wanted to know if CIC will contact them, be it via email, telephone or mail.
Does anyone know?

What experiences have your family and friends had that have written such letters?


Thanks!

[Patricksgirls]

It is actually unusual for the CIC to contact others on the application or in evidence.

[AllisonVSC]

Assure your friends and family that it is highly unlikely CIC will contact them. And in case they are unclear about what to write here's a bit from my letter to friends and family asking them to write on our behalf. If you'd like the whole letter you can find it posted several places here, or PM me and I'll be glad to send it to you. Allison

General information to consider including in your message (this can be written in French or in English, by the way)...
 
1.  A description of how you know either one of us (typically the person you knew first)...examples
I am a friend of XXX, I was a co-worker of XXX, I am the sister of XXX, etc

2. A description of how you became aware of our relationship, when you met the other partner, activities we participated in together, etc
 
3.  A statement to the effect that, in your judgement, we are in a real, loving, ongoing, genuine (you choose the words) relationship based on your personal knowledge and experiences

[wert]

thanks for the quick responses!

Does anyone actually know of a case where CIC has contacted others than the applicant(s)/sponsor?

[rjessome]

thanks for the quick responses!

Does anyone actually know of a case where CIC has contacted others than the applicant(s)/sponsor?

Yes, I know of a few.  But only because there were "poison pen" letters written to CIC about the applicant and/or sponsor.

[canadianwoman]

Does anyone actually know of a case where CIC has contacted others than the applicant(s)/sponsor?

When reading appeal cases I've seen a few where the visa officer did contact others. Occasionally they have even gone to the applicant's home to check things out.

[Patricksgirls]

I would imagine those that have a solid genuine case will not have their letters even truly examined. We are going to have some written also but really we have a year of emails and call logs plus western union, photos, visits to add to the application.
Now I am intentionally not going to have my mother pen one as she is quite bitter about me moving to Canada and I in no way want to chance a phone call. I suppose you could say it may turn into a poison pen.
Immigration has already questioned my father via phone at the Emerson border when I got my visitor record so he is going to do one for us.