Character Reference Letter for Immigration Template

A Character Reference Letter for Immigration is a personal statement written on behalf of a visa applicant to support their immigration application by detailing their moral integrity and personal virtues. helps the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) understand that the applicant possesses good moral character (GMC) and is therefore worthy of becoming a contributing member of society in the United States.

Such a letter is often used in various immigration applications, including visa applications, green card petitions, or naturalization processes.

Table of Contents

• When to Use
• Who to Select for Reference
• How to Write
• Writing Tips
• Character Reference Letter for Immigration Sample

When to Use

A character reference letter for immigration is often submitted voluntarily by applicants when applying for:

• an employment visa, or
• a family immigration visa.

However, character reference letters are explicitly requested in specific scenarios, including:

• Naturalization processes;
• Certain USCIS visa (such as refugee) applications; and
• Court cases related to immigration.

Who to Select for Reference

Whom you should ask to write your letter depends on the type of visa you are applying for and the specific purpose of the letter.

For example, if applying for an employment visa, it is more appropriate to ask your employer for character references rather than a family member.

Ideally, the writer should select

• a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident in good standing with the US government, meaning they should not have any criminal records;
• family members, employers, managers, or recognized experts in your field who has known you for a long period of time, ideally over a period of 5-10 years.

How to Write

A good character reference letter for immigration should be:

• Evidence-based;
• Heartfelt; and
• Truthful, with information aligning with any other evidence provided to the USCIS.

While sample letters can provide a helpful starting point, it is crucial for the writer to use their own words to convey the applicant’s unique attributes and circumstances. This makes the letter more compelling and genuine.

Step 1: Introduction

The letter should begin with a brief self-introduction of the writer, explaining:

• Who the writer is;
• Their occupation;
• How and when the writer came to know the applicant; and
• Any notable positions or qualifications that lend credibility to their assessment.

Include specific dates and locations to anchor the writer-applicant relationship in a real-world context. It’s important to establish why the writer’s perspective on the applicant’s character is valuable and relevant.

Sample

Dear Honorable Immigration Judge and Officers,

I am Jane Doe, a registered nurse at Springfield Hospital. I have known John Smith since 2012, when we both volunteered at the Community Food Bank in Houston, Texas. My seven-year acquaintance with John and my professional healthcare background give me a unique insight into his compassionate nature and dedication to community service.

Step 2: Body Paragraphs

The body of a good reference letter should contain one to two paragraphs that include the applicant’s:

• Positive characteristics, supported by any specific examples;
• Financial stability, showcasing their preparedness to live and work in the U.S;
• Emotional stability, such as how they handle difficulties through meditation or other coping mechanisms;
• Potential hardships if their immigration process does not succeed.

Keep in mind the good moral qualities the USCIS is looking for. The writer should also mention how the applicant has overcome obstacles in life or corrected negative behaviors in the past, if any.

Ensure that the information provided matches other evidence submitted to the USCIS to avoid discrepancies. Do not lie about or alter facts in the letter.

Sample

Maria exemplifies dedication and professionalism. During her tenure, she consistently exceeded project expectations, notably leading a critical software development project in July 2021 that significantly enhanced our company’s reputation.

Maria has maintained solid financial stability through prudent savings and investments to ensure her financial independence in the US. She also exhibits emotional resilience, having skillfully managed personal challenges such as a family member’s illness by engaging in mindfulness and community support groups.

Her move to the US is not only a step towards professional growth but also crucial for her to access better career opportunities that are scarce in her home country.

Step 3: Closing

Conclude the letter by summarizing why the applicant deserves immigration consideration. The writer should clearly state their recommendation for the application based on their experiences and observations of the applicant’s character.

After the closing statement, the writer should sign and date the letter. Their contact information, including their mailing address and contact number, should also be stated.

While it is usually not required, having the letter notarized is recommended for additional authenticity.

Sample

Based on my longstanding relationship with Jim and my firsthand observations of his character, I wholeheartedly recommend him for immigration to the United States. His contributions to the community and his robust moral fiber make him an ideal candidate for residency. I am confident that Jim will continue to be a valuable, upright, and contributing member of society.

Writing Tips

When crafting a character reference letter for immigration, it’s crucial to communicate effectively and persuasively. Here are some tips to enhance your letter.

Be Relevant

The letter’s content should reflect the applicant’s situation and the purpose of the visa. If the applicant is applying for a work visa, focus on professional accomplishments rather than general compliments. For a family-based visa, emphasize the applicant’s role within the family.

Be Supportive

The letter should emphasize the applicant’s positive impact on their community, family, or profession. This helps underscore their worthiness for the immigration request.

Be Empathetic

Discuss the potential emotional and practical impacts on the applicant and their family if the immigration request were denied. This adds a layer of personal insight to the application and highlight the stakes involved.

Character Reference Letter for Immigration Sample

Download our free character reference letter for immigration template — available in both PDF and Word formats.

CHARACTER REFERENCE LETTER FOR IMMIGRATION

_______________, 20_____

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is ________________________ [Referrer’s Name], a ________________________ [Referrer’s Job/Personal Title] residing in ________________________ [Referrer’s State of Residency]. I’m writing to vouch for ________________________ [Applicant’s Name], who I’ve known for ________________________ [Length of Time] as ________________________ [Relation to Applicant], and to support their application for ___________________ [Immigration/Visa Type].

During my relationship with ________________________ [Applicant’s Name], they have consistently demonstrated that they are a valuable member of the collective. A notable commitment includes _________________________________________________ [Applicant’s Contribution], demonstrating ________________________ [Applicant’s Name]’s ________________________ [Personal Trait]. As a result of their commendable effort, ______________________________ [Outcome of Contribution]. ________________________ [Applicant’s Name]’s dedication in _________________________________________________ [Applicant’s Contribution] further showcased their ___________________ [Personal Trait]. Thanks to___________________ [Applicant’s Name], _________________________________________________ [Outcome of Contribution]. Additionally, ________________________ [Applicant’s Name] made a significant contribution to _________________________________________________ [Applicant’s Contribution], highlighting their ___________________ [Personal Trait]. Because of ___________________ [Applicant’s Name], _________________________________________________ [Outcome of Contribution]. These endeavors have not only enriched our community but also underscored their crucial role in creating a supportive and vibrant environment.

I wholeheartedly endorse ________________________ [Applicant’s Name]’s application for ________________________ [Immigration/Visa Type]. Throughout my interactions with ________________________ [Applicant’s Name], I have consistently witnessed their deep commitment to enhancing our community. I am confident that ________________________ [Applicant’s Name] will carry this same spirit of dedication and positive influence into their new environment.They will grow to be an invaluable asset, not only to our community but also to your country.

Should you have any further questions or wish to discuss ________________________ [Applicant’s Name]’s application in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

____________________________________ [Referrer’s Signature]
________________________ [Referrer’s Name]
________________________ [Referrer’s Job/Personal Title]

________________________ [Referrer’s Phone Number]
________________________ [Referrer’s Email]