Getting the right to work or stay in the United States sometimes requires written statements that plead your case — even for individuals with credentials from prestigious institutions like Oxford University.
The important question is: what is a character reference letter for immigration? In this post, we’ll show you how to easily put a great reference together.
Who Should Be the Reference?
Whether you’re an immigration applicant wanting to move to the US or somebody close to them simply trying to help, you likely have a reference in mind (if not yourself).
However, not everyone can take this on. Here’s a quick look at who’d be a good reference:
- Someone already respected in the local community
- Someone who has known the applicant for years
- A previous/current US employer, teacher, or colleague
- Neighbors who know the applicant’s character well
- Anyone who can share positive stories about the applicant
If you know anyone who ticks at least one of those boxes, ask for their help. Similarly, you could make an excellent reference if you’re one of the above.
There should be multiple references — ideally, a mix of personal and professional ones will help you make the strongest possible case.
Use an Online Template
Whether you’re writing a reference or asking someone else for help, use a template. These can really help structure the statement and even give ideas for what to write.
Plenty of sites offer online document templates for next to nothing, some even let you customize their specifics to fit your situation. The most you’ll have to do is answer a few questions — you’ll get a completed document in minutes.
However, you’ll still need to write the reference yourself; no template can substitute the power of a personal story about the applicant’s kindness and good moral character.
These templates give you a great structure, but it’s up to you to keep it personal and make sure it won’t sound generic.
How to Make the Reference More Personal
On this note, if you’re writing a reference for someone, you need to know which stories can turn the case in your favor. This means the reference has to prove you truly know them (for at least a few years, preferably) and have first-hand experience with their character.
Here are a few points worth mentioning, or potential stories worth telling:
- The applicant’s reliability and responsibility, such as how they manage family duties
- Their kindness and compassion, such as any good deeds or volunteering they do
- How engaged they are in the community, such as their contributions to local events
- Their integrity, with examples of how trustworthy they are with sensitive information
However, big stories like these aren’t the be-all, end-all. An applicant doesn’t need to do a ton of volunteer work or care for a child to deserve a spot in the country. Anything that shows they’re a kind, hardworking person will still help.
Finding the Right Tone and Language
The letter might be personal, but it’s still going to an immigration official. You can write emotively in the reference, but you must stay sincere and respectful.
This is another way a template helps — it shows how to write a reference that’s heartfelt without descending into flattery. On the topic of flattery, don’t exaggerate or lie to make an applicant look good. What you write might come across as insincere and call the reference into question.
Here are a few extra language and general writing tips for these documents:
- Write in first person to highlight your connection with the applicant
- Be specific about the applicant’s contributions, with clear examples
- Don’t be too complimentary; any stories you share will do the work
- Stay positive and keep the focus on the applicant’s good character
- Don’t go over 1-2 pages, or you might end up repeating yourself
Honesty is the Best Policy
Above all else, if you’re writing a reference, just be genuine. Be honest about the applicant, your relationship to them, and the impact they’ve had on you. Anything other than this could seriously jeopardize the applicant’s case.
You don’t have to pretend the applicant is perfect, though you also shouldn’t go out of your way to mention reasons to deny their visa. The truth will make more of an impact than flowery prose about how great an applicant is.
A Clear Final Endorsement
Reference writers need a strong conclusion that actively recommends approving their friend or family member’s application. For example, you can say directly that you believe they’re of good moral character and would benefit the community (and country).
In addition, you (or the reference) should provide contact details in case the immigration officials need to get in touch again to get more information or context.
Final Thoughts
An immigration character reference could definitely benefit from an online template. However, a good reference comes from the heart and uses the template as a springboard to show why the US should welcome the applicant.
