When an individual applies for immigration to the United States, character reference letters can strengthen their application by verifying their personal qualities, family ties, and history of responsible behavior. An immigration reference letter (letter of support) written by a friend provides the reviewing authority with additional information about the applicant’s moral character and suitability for immigration. This document serves as a formal statement of endorsement, reinforcing the applicant’s commitment to family and positive integration into the community.
We have drafted two professionally designed templates to assist writers in preparing effective immigration reference letters. The template includes a formal version for official submissions and a more personal version for informal or supplementary use. Completed examples for both versions are also included to provide clear guidance on how to adapt the templates to real-world situations.
How to Write an Immigration Reference Letter for a Friend
Preparing an immigration reference letter involves including specific details that support the applicant’s character and personal circumstances. Each part of the letter serves a purpose and should be written thoughtfully. The formal template included here guides the writer in preparing a professional and properly organized document. Below are detailed instructions for writing each part of the letter based on the format of the template.
Sender’s Information
The letter should begin with the sender’s full contact details, which establish the writer’s identity and allow immigration authorities to reach them if needed. This information includes the sender’s full name, street address, city, state, ZIP code, phone number, and email address. It should be placed at the very beginning of the document, above the date and recipient’s information.
EXAMPLE
Stuart Martin
860 Washington St
New York, NY 10998
(212) 555-0163
[email protected]
Before finalizing the letter, make sure the sender’s contact details match any other documents included with the application. Immigration officers may check letters against the official record, and even small differences in the name, address, or phone number can cause confusion or delay the review. Reviewing this information carefully keeps the letter consistent and professional.
Date and Recipient’s Information
After listing your contact details, add the date the letter is written, followed immediately by the recipient’s information. Include the immigration officer’s title, the name of the immigration office, and the complete office address. If you do not know the officer’s specific name, it is acceptable to address the letter to the office responsible for handling the application. The formatting should maintain a formal appearance, aligning the sender’s and recipient’s information at the beginning of the document.
EXAMPLE
March 12, 2094
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Field Office Director
75 Lower Roxbury Blvd
Boston, MA 02120
Subject Line
Insert a subject line that mentions the applicant’s name and states the purpose of the letter.
EXAMPLE
Subject: Immigration Reference for Kate Phillips
Keep the subject line simple and direct by mentioning the applicant’s full name and the purpose of the letter. This makes it easier for immigration officers to immediately match the letter to the correct file. Avoid using emotional or promotional words that could distract from the formal nature of the document.
Salutation
Use a formal greeting to open the letter. If the specific immigration officer’s name is known, address them directly. If not, a general salutation such as “To Whom It May Concern” is appropriate for official use.
Introduction Paragraph
Begin the letter by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship to the applicant. State your full name, describe how you know the applicant, and mention how long you have known them. Include a brief statement supporting their application by affirming their positive character and your confidence in their ability to contribute positively to the community. This paragraph sets the foundation for the endorsement by establishing your credibility and connection to the applicant.
EXAMPLE
I am writing to provide my full support for the immigration application of Kate Phillips. I have known Kate for the past six years and can personally attest to her good character, reliability, and strong family values.
Focus on presenting straightforward facts about your relationship with the applicant. Avoid inserting emotional reflections or unrelated personal stories, as these can make the letter seem less formal. A direct introduction builds trust and keeps the attention on your professional endorsement.
Body Paragraphs (Character and Circumstances)
The body of the letter focuses on describing the applicant’s character traits and their personal circumstances related to immigration. This portion should be organized naturally into two parts: one highlighting personal qualities and the other explaining family ties and any previous relocation delays. Each part should remain factual and professional, avoiding casual phrasing or emotional storytelling.
a) Personal Qualities and Behavior
Start by describing the applicant’s personal qualities based on your direct observations. Highlight traits such as honesty, responsibility, professionalism, and kindness. Referring to specific behaviors or examples strengthens the letter and demonstrates that the endorsement is based on genuine experience rather than general impressions.
EXAMPLE
Throughout the time I have known Kate, she has consistently demonstrated responsibility, honesty, and kindness. She has managed professional commitments reliably and has often volunteered her time to assist community initiatives, reflecting her commitment to ethical values and social responsibility.
When writing about personal qualities, refer to real observations or experiences rather than listing adjectives without context. Describing actions that show honesty, responsibility, or reliability gives the endorsement stronger credibility and makes the letter more persuasive.
b) Family Ties and Relocation Circumstances
After covering the applicant’s character, explain their family situation in the United States and provide factual context for any delays in relocation. Mention immediate family members already residing in the United States and briefly describe any professional or contractual obligations that previously prevented the applicant’s move. Keep the wording formal and focused on relevant information without adding emotional appeals.
EXAMPLE
Kate maintains close family ties in the United States, with her spouse and children residing in New York for several years. Due to contractual obligations in her home country, she was unable to relocate earlier. With those responsibilities fulfilled, she now seeks to reunite with her family and continue building a stable and supportive home environment.
When explaining family ties and relocation reasons, stay focused on facts such as professional commitments or legal obligations. Emotional appeals are not appropriate in this context and could weaken the formal tone of the letter.
Endorsement Paragraph
After covering the applicant’s background and circumstances, conclude the body of the letter with a respectful endorsement of their immigration application. Keep this part brief and focused, stating your support in direct terms without adding unnecessary elaboration. A short, confident endorsement leaves a stronger professional impression.
EXAMPLE
I respectfully request that you give her application your favorable consideration.
Keep the endorsement paragraph brief and direct. Avoid repeating earlier points or adding personal opinions. A short, respectful recommendation leaves a professional impression without appearing exaggerated.
Formal Closing
Complete the letter with a formal closing phrase such as “Sincerely,” followed by your full name. If the letter is intended to be printed and signed manually, leave enough space above your typed name for a handwritten signature.
EXAMPLE
Sincerely,
Stuart Martin
Use formal closing phrases like “Sincerely” or “Respectfully” to end the letter properly. Casual closings such as “Best regards” or “Warm wishes” are better suited for personal messages and should be avoided in formal immigration letters.
When using this template, focus on writing factual, respectful paragraphs. Avoid emotional storytelling, casual expressions, or unsupported claims. The letter should present a reliable endorsement based on direct personal experience. Keeping each part of the letter focused on the applicant’s character, family ties, and circumstances maintains a professional and trustworthy tone throughout the document.
FAQs
The immigration letter is usually included in the applicant’s supporting documents. If the application is submitted online, the letter can be uploaded in PDF format. For paper submissions, it should be printed on standard letter-size paper, signed if applicable, and placed with the rest of the application package. Writers should also keep a copy of the letter for their own records in case it is requested later.
Yes. While it is often recommended that the letter be written by someone residing legally in the United States, immigration officers do consider letters from individuals living abroad—especially if they have a strong personal or professional connection to the applicant. The key is to focus on relevant knowledge of the applicant’s character and background, rather than the writer’s citizenship status.
It is not required to attach additional documents with the letter unless specifically requested by the applicant or their attorney. If the writer chooses to include a copy of their identification or proof of address, it should be kept simple and relevant. Submitting extra paperwork unrelated to the endorsement may distract from the purpose of the letter and complicate the review process.
This template is intended to support a thoughtful and professional endorsement based on personal knowledge of the applicant’s character. Before submitting the letter, review each section carefully to make sure the content remains accurate, respectful, and relevant to the immigration case. The Word and Google Docs versions of the template can be customized directly by editing the text. In the PDF version, the main body section is editable for entering personalized details. If you prefer a more customized PDF version with formatting changes or additional edits, it is recommended to make adjustments in Word or Google Docs before exporting the final version as a PDF or another preferred format.
