If you have been asked to write a character reference letter for immigration purposes, it is important to understand what is required and how to go about writing it. This type of letter is typically written by someone who knows the immigrant personally and can provide insight into their character and behavior. In this article, we will provide tips for writing a character reference letter for immigration purposes, as well as seven examples to help you get started.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter for Immigration Purposes
When writing a character reference letter for immigration purposes, there are several things to keep in mind:
- Be honest: It is important to be truthful when writing a character reference letter. Do not exaggerate or overstate the immigrant’s qualities or accomplishments.
- Use a professional tone: The letter should be formal and respectful in tone. Avoid using slang or informal language.
- Provide specific examples: Use specific examples to illustrate the immigrant’s character and behavior. This will help to give the letter more weight and credibility.
- Include your contact information: Be sure to include your contact information in the letter so that immigration officials can reach out to you if necessary.
Seven Examples of Character Reference Letters for Immigration Purposes
Character Reference Letter for Immigration Court Hearing
Dear Judge,
I am writing this character reference letter on behalf of [Name], whom I have known for [Number of years]. [He/She] is one of the most compassionate people I have ever met, always going out of their way to help others. [He/She] is also incredibly hardworking, [having completed a degree/holding a steady job/etc.].
I believe that [Name] would make a valuable contribution to society if given the opportunity to stay in the United States. Thank you for taking the time to consider my letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Character Reference Letter for Spousal Sponsorship
Dear Immigration Officer,
I am writing this character reference letter on behalf of [Name], whom I have known for [Number of years]. [He/She] is a kind, loving, and supportive spouse to [Your Spouse’s Name] and an active member of the community.
I have no doubt that [Name] will be able to adjust to life in Canada and will make a positive contribution to society. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Thank you for considering my letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Character Reference Letter for Employment Authorization
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing this character reference letter on behalf of [Name], whom I have known for [Number of years]. [He/She] is a highly skilled and dedicated worker, with a strong work ethic and excellent communication skills.
I am confident that [Name] would be a valuable asset to any employer and would make a positive contribution to the community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Thank you for considering my letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Character Reference Letter for Green Card Application
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing this character reference letter on behalf of [Name], whom I have known for [Number of years]. [He/She] is a responsible, hardworking, and law-abiding individual who has made a positive contribution to the community.
I believe that [Name] would make an excellent permanent resident of the United States and would be a valuable addition to society. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Thank you for considering my letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Character Reference Letter for Asylum Application
Dear Asylum Officer,
I am writing this character reference letter on behalf of [Name], whom I have known for [Number of years]. [He/She] is a kind, compassionate, and honest person who has experienced persecution in [Country of Origin].
I believe that [Name] would be at risk of harm if returned to [Country of Origin] and would be a valuable asset to the United States if granted asylum. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Thank you for considering my letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Character Reference Letter for Naturalization Application
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing this character reference letter on behalf of [Name], whom I have known for [Number of years]. [He/She] is a responsible, law-abiding, and patriotic individual who has contributed to the community in many ways.
I believe that [Name] would make an excellent citizen of the United States and would be a valuable addition to society. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Thank you for considering my letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Character Reference Letter for Visa Application
Dear Visa Officer,
I am writing this character reference letter on behalf of [Name], whom I have known for [Number of years]. [He/She] is a responsible, hardworking, and law-abiding individual who has made a positive contribution to the community.
I believe that [Name] would be a valuable visitor to the United States and would comply with all of the terms and conditions of the visa. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Thank you for considering my letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a character reference letter for immigration purposes?
A character reference letter for immigration purposes is a letter written by a person who knows an immigrant personally and can provide insight into their character and behavior. This type of letter is often requested during the immigration process to help officials determine whether the immigrant is a good fit for their intended destination.
Who can write a character reference letter for immigration purposes?
A character reference letter for immigration purposes can be written by anyone who knows the immigrant well and can provide insight into their character and behavior. This can include family members, friends, colleagues, or community leaders.
What should be included in a character reference letter for immigration purposes?
A character reference letter for immigration purposes should include specific examples of the immigrant’s character and behavior, as well as their relationships with others. It should also be written in a formal tone and include the writer’s contact information.
How long should a character reference letter for immigration purposes be?
A character reference letter for immigration purposes should be one or two pages long, with a maximum of 40-50 sentences. It should be detailed enough to provide insight into the immigrant’s character and behavior, but not so long that it becomes tedious to read.
Can I use a template to write a character reference letter for immigration purposes?
Yes, there are many templates available online that can be used as a starting point for a character reference letter for immigration purposes. However, it is important to customize the letter to fit the specific circumstances and to use specific examples to illustrate the immigrant’s character and behavior.
What should I do if I am asked to write a character reference letter for immigration purposes but do not feel comfortable doing so?
If you do not feel comfortable writing a character reference letter for immigration purposes, it is important to be honest and decline the request. It is better to decline than to write a letter that is not truthful or accurate.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter for immigration purposes can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance and examples, it can be done effectively. By following the tips provided in this article, you can write a letter that will help immigration officials understand the immigrant’s character and behavior, and ultimately contribute to a successful immigration process.