This post covers an immigration reference letter for a friend.
Writing an immigration reference letter for a friend is a huge legal responsibility because this letter is primarily needed to determine the individual’s U.S citizenship application.
Here I will guide you on how to write a perfect immigration reference letter for a friend step by step. From drafting the letter to submission.
I will also share 2 different samples of immigration reference letters for friends.
Let’s dive right into
Contents
what is an Immigration reference letter
An immigration reference letter is a brief statement of facts written by a friend, family, or anyone close to the applicant for the purpose of highlighting the applicant’s positive personal behaviors in support of his immigration application or any other immigration proceedings.
The function of an immigration reference letter is to demonstrate that the person wanting to stay in the country has strong morals and ethics and is, or would be, a valuable part of the community.
An immigration reference letter can also be utilized for an immigrant who is facing deportation proceedings.
see also: Immigration recommendation letter (tips+ template)
How to write an immigration reference letter for a friend
The format of an immigration reference letter is usually that of a business letter. However, because immigration reference letters are emotional, more body paragraphs may be written to prove the relevant facts.
The following is how to write an immigration reference letter properly.
Gather important details of the applicant
Before writing your immigration reference letter make sure you have all the important details to make your letter stand out.
Despite the fact that an immigration reference letter is written for official purposes, this letter should be a personal statement that includes information such as:
- Personal background of the applicant.
- The professional background of the applicant.
- Applicant personal behaviors.
- Applicant expectations
- etc
The goal is to present a brief story about the immigrant’s past and future in the United States. Use stories to make the letter seem less like a list of points and more like a captivating personal story.
Write your letter
The following is how to arrange and properly write the immigration reference letter for a friend
Your address
The first thing on your immigration reference letter is your address.
Keep it in the upper left corner of your letter.
All of your information, including your name, postal address, and physical address, must be clearly visible. It’s also a good idea to include your phone number, email address, and personal website.
for example
Alexander Anold
103 Main Street
Acounty, CA 12311
222-333-001
Aanold@gmail.com
Date
A date must be included in the immigration reference letter.
Put a date underneath your address.
for example
Alexander Anold
103 Main Street
Acounty, CA 12311
222-333-001
Aanold@gmail.comNovember 01, 2025
After the date, write the address of the immigration authority to which you write a letter to your friend.
Alexander Anold
103 Main Street
Acounty, CA 12311
222-333-001
Aanold@gmail.comNovember 01, 2025
U.S citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Subject
Write the subject of your letter underneath the authority address.
The applicant’s name must be in the subject line of the immigration reference letter.
The letter’s subject should be bolded, italicized, or underlined, and it must be well-framed to reflect its intent.
for example
Alexander Anold
103 Main Street
Acounty, CA 12311
222-333-001
Aanold@gmail.comNovember 01, 2025
U.S citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Re: Character reference letter for immigration of Allister Bhanji,
First Paragraph/Introduction
The first paragraph of an immigration reference letter for a friend should describe why you’re writing it. It must answer the Who, Why, and What questions. It must state who is writing, on whose behalf the letter is being written, why the letter is being written, and for what purpose the letter is being written.
In other words, the first paragraph must include all necessary details so that the person to whom the letter is sent can determine the exact nature of the relationship between the writer and the applicant, as well as the credibility of the reference provided.
for example
Alexander Anold
103 Main Street
Acounty, CA 12311
222-333-001
Aanold@gmail.comNovember 01, 2025
U.S citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Re: Character reference letter for immigration of Allister Bhanji,
To whom it may concern,
My name is Alexander Anold, and I am 35 years old. I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to write this letter on behalf of my friend, Allister Bhanji, who recently sought to immigrate to the United States. Allister is someone I’ve known for 15 good years. I worked with him on biological research projects both in U.S and in India, so I can witness his work ethic, integrity, and overall compassion will have beautful impact in U.S community.
Body paragraphs
The body paragraphs of the character reference letter for immigration should include all relevant facts and evidence capable to prove to the immigration officials that the applicant is entitled to immigrate to the country.
for example
Alexander Anold
103 Main Street
Acounty, CA 12311
222-333-001
Aanold@gmail.comNovember 01, 2025
U.S citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Re: Character reference letter for immigration of Allister Bhanji,
To whom it may concern,
My name is Alexander Anold, and I am 35 years old. I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to write this letter on behalf of my friend, Allister Bhanji, who recently sought to immigrate to the United States. Allister is someone I’ve known for 15 good years. I worked with him on biological reserach projects both in U.S and in India, so I can witness his work ethic, integrity, and overall compassion will have beiuful impact in U.S community.
Allister appears to have been born into a compassionate family, and he definitely pursued a career in medicine solely to help others in need, rather than for financial gain.
Allister’s husband is employed at ABC tech LLC. in the United States, where he has worked for the past six years. She wishes to immigrate to the United States in order to be with her husband. They’ve only been married for three months and have yet to have a child.
Closing Paragraphs
The closing paragraphs of the character reference letter for immigration should complement the applicant and insist that he is the right fit to have the country’s citizenship.
for example
Alexander Arnold
103 Main Street
A county, CA 12311
222-333-001
Aanold@gmail.com
November 01, 2025
U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Re: Character reference letter for immigration of Allister Bhanji,
To whom it may concern,
My name is Alexander Arnold, and I am 35 years old. I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to write this letter on behalf of my friend, Allister Bhanji, who recently sought to immigrate to the United States. Allister is someone I’ve known for 15 good years. I worked with him on biological research projects both in the U.S and in India, so I can witnessed his work ethic, integrity, and overall compassion will have a beautiful impact on the U.S community.
Allister appears to have been born into a compassionate family, and he definitely pursued a career in medicine solely to help others in need, rather than for financial gain.
Allister’s husband is employed at ABC tech LLC. in the United States, where he has worked for the past six years. She wishes to immigrate to the United States in order to be with her husband. They’ve only been married for three months and have yet to have a child.
Allister has a high level of honesty, a strong sense of patriotism, a strong character, and a kind and friendly demeanor. Because I am confident that she will be a valuable contributor to our country, I have no reservations in recommending that Allister be granted immigrant status in the United States.
Thank you for considering my friend, and I would be pleased to answer any questions you may have. 222-333-001 is my phone number, and Aanold@gmail.com is my email address.
Regards, Sincerely,
Sign:
Alexander Arnold
Let the applicant verify the letter
Your letter is now complete. Allow the applicant to approve and confirm the information.
After verification, the applicant will attach the signed and notarized letter with the application and submit it.
Immigration reference letter samples
sample immigration reference letter for a friend
The following is the sample immigration letter of support for a friend
Hellen John
10o East Street
Main view, CA 12311
111-313-001
Hjohn@gmail.com
November 01, 2025
U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Re: Character reference letter for immigration of Rose Patel,
To whom it may concern,
My name is Hellen John, and I am 35 years old. I am overjoyed to be able to write this letter on behalf of my friend, Rose Patel, who recently applied for citizenship in the United States. I’ve known Rose Patel for at least 15 years. I worked with him on biological research projects in both the United States and India, and I’ve seen firsthand how his work ethic, honesty, and overall compassion will have a positive impact on the American population.
Rose appears to have come from a caring family, and he sought a career in medicine entirely for the sake of assisting others in need, rather than for personal profit.
Rose’s husband works in the United States for ABC tech LLC, where he has been for the past six years. She wants to move to the United States so she may be with her husband. They’ve just been married for three months and don’t have any children.
Rose is honest, has a strong sense of patriotism, a strong character, and a pleasant and welcoming manner. I have no hesitation in recommending that Allister be allowed immigrant status in the United States because I am convinced that she will be a valued asset to our country.
Thank you for taking the opportunity to consider my friend, and I would be happy to address any questions you might have. My phone number is 111-313-001, and my email address is AHjohn@gmail.com.
Regards, Sincerely,
Sign:
Hellen John
good moral character friend immigration reference letter
The following is a sample of good moral character friend immigration reference letter
Your Name
Your Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Department of Immigration
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Re: Character reference letter for immigration of [name of the Applicant]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this character reference letter on behalf of my long-time friend [name of the applicant], who has recently applied for citizenship in the United States. My name is [your name], and I’ve had the pleasure of knowing [name of the applicant] for the past four years. I think of him as a great business partner and a loyal person.
I met [name of the applicant] 5 years ago when I was working in Israel. He willingly accommodated me while I was there and treated me like family because of his compassion and goodwill. After spending some time with him, I realized how attentive, industrious, and compassionate he is in general.
[name of the applicant] family, on the other hand, has long resided and worked in the United States. He is now retiring and he will be very grateful to join and live with his wife and four children for the rest of his life.
[name of applicant] is honest, dependable, serene, and conscientious with everyone he meets, and I am delighted to tell you about him. Knowing him is a huge honor, and I consider it a privilege to be his friend. I have no reservations in suggesting that [name of applicant] be awarded permanent residency in the United States.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email].
Thank you
Signature
Your Name
Wrapping up
Writing an immigration reference letter for a friend is a huge legal responsibility.
So the following is how you can write a perfect immigration reference letter for a friend
- gather all important details of the applicant
- start with your address
- add the date
- provide the address of the immigration authority
- write the heading/subject of the letter
- Start your first paragraph with a statement that introduces you and expresses your purpose.
- In body paragraphs, explain why the applicant must be granted citizenship.
- In the closing paragraphs, recommend the applicant and provide your contact information.
Tada! You are letter is ready for use.
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