How to Prepare Supporting Letters for Your Green Card Interview

January 28, 2026

Preparing for a green card interview can feel stressful, especially with so many details to think through. One piece that often gets overlooked is the supporting letters. These simple documents can make a difference when the officer reviews your case. They help connect the dots, show your past in a positive light, and reflect your ties to others.


Many people reach out to a green card lawyer in Las Vegas when they are not sure what these letters should look like. Since 2009, we have helped thousands of families, individuals, and businesses with immigration matters, including many green card applications based on family relationships. Knowing what to ask for and how to get them organized can make the whole process smoother. In this guide, we will walk through what makes a strong letter, who can write one, and how to bring everything together in time for your interview.


What Are Supporting Letters and Why Do They Matter


Supporting letters help back up your application by showing who you are from other people’s perspectives. These letters are not for showing facts like dates or legal history. Instead, they offer a more personal look at your life, your relationships, and your character.


Most letters come from people who know you well:


• Family members or spouses who can speak about your home life

• Employers, coworkers, or school contacts who can talk about your skills or work ethic

• Friends or mentors who can describe your personality and community support


These letters help fill in the picture of your life. For example, if you are applying through marriage, a good letter from your partner or mutual family friend can describe how real your relationship is. If you have worked in the U.S., a letter from a manager could help confirm steady work history. They serve as added proof without needing long legal arguments.


Choosing the Right People to Write Letters


Choosing someone to write your letter is not just about picking someone close to you. It is about picking someone who knows your story and can speak clearly about your strengths. A letter from someone who barely knows you or gives vague details will not help and could raise questions.


Here is what helps when selecting letter writers:


• Think about people who have known you over time and can offer steady support

• Aim for a mix if possible, such as one personal and one professional voice

• Avoid asking someone who may exaggerate or give off-topic details


You do not need a large number of letters. Two or three solid ones can speak louder than ten weak or unclear ones. A good rule is to pick people who you trust to write something specific and honest.


What to Include in a Good Letter of Support


Every strong letter of support has a few basics. The letter should clearly say who the writer is, how they know you, and why they believe you should get a green card.


Here is what should be in each letter:


• The writer’s name, contact info, and how they know you

• How long they have known you and the kind of relationship you have

• Detailed examples of your character, family life, or work experience

• A short note of support at the end sharing why they believe you deserve approval


The tone should stay simple and sincere. This is not the time for legal jargon or dramatic speeches. Stick to facts and real-life examples, such as “I have worked with her for three years, and she has always been reliable and kind to others.” What you want is a natural, honest, and easy-to-read story, not something that sounds too rehearsed or generic. As part of our immigration practice, we regularly prepare I-130 petitions and I-485 green card applications, so we see how thoughtful supporting letters with clear examples can strengthen a case.


Avoid letters that:


• Feel copied or written from a template

• Include false stories or exaggerated claims

• Are too short or missing key details


Letters written in someone’s real voice, with simple language and a clear message, come across much better during interviews.


Organizing, Translating, and Submitting the Letters


Once you have collected your letters, do not just toss them into a folder and hope for the best. It is important to keep them clean, readable, and ready to share. Keep these tips in mind when preparing your stack:


• Make sure each letter is signed and dated by the writer

• Print or copy the letters on clean, easy-to-read paper

• If a letter is in a different language, get it translated and include the certified translation

• Keep extras in case the officer asks for a second copy


You may never be asked for all your letters during the interview, but presenting them clearly and confidently can help set the tone. Being organized shows responsibility and respect for the process.


When to Ask for Help Reviewing Your Letters


It is easy to think a letter looks fine on paper, but small errors or missing pieces can lead to questions you did not expect. This is where talking with a green card lawyer in Las Vegas can be helpful. Whether it is reviewing the tone of the letters or checking the basic details, a second opinion can prevent problems before they happen. Our bilingual team works in both English and Spanish, which can be especially helpful if your letter writers feel more comfortable in one language than the other.


Ask for help if:


• You are not sure what details immigration officers look for

• You feel the letters may be too long or confusing

• You need help deciding which letters to include and which to skip


You do not want to find out something is wrong when you are already sitting in a waiting room for your interview. Having another set of eyes can be a helpful step, especially if English is not your strongest language or you feel unsure about the process.


Confidently Step Into Your Interview


Preparing strong letters and knowing what they are supposed to do can steady your nerves. These are not just papers, they are personal photos in words that show your life, your relationships, and your place in the community.


Our advice is always to focus on truth, clarity, and care. A few honest letters with real examples speak louder than dozens of repeats. Staying organized, asking the right people, and getting help when needed gives you the best chance to present your case with confidence.


Preparing for a green card interview in Las Vegas can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to gathering personal letters from those who know you best. Working with a green card lawyer in Las Vegas at the Law Offices of Ariadne Berrios can help you feel confident about each part of your application, avoid costly mistakes, and give you peace of mind. Let us review your supporting letters together so you can move forward with clarity. Send us a message whenever you are ready.