How to write a character reference letter for a citizenship case

This page is about writing the letter. It is general information, not legal advice. For the full citizenship process, see Becoming a U.S. citizen: the complete guide.

Why are people asking for these letters now?

Because USCIS may now check on applicants in their neighborhood, and letters can help it skip that step.

On August 25, 2026, USCIS put "neighborhood investigations" back into its Policy Manual. Under that policy, unless USCIS waives it, an investigation applies to every citizenship applicant and usually happens before the interview. An investigator may talk with neighbors, landlords, people at local businesses, supervisors and coworkers.

USCIS also says it may waive the investigation. Sending at least two character reference letters with the N-400 can help it decide to do that. So applicants, clinics and workshops are now asking friends and coworkers for letters.

Three things to keep in mind:

• The letters are optional. Not having them does not, alone, mean someone lacks good moral character.
• They can matter. USCIS says a failure or refusal to send letters may play a part in its decision to investigate.
• They are not a guarantee. A strong letter helps, but USCIS still decides whether to waive the visit.

Who can write a letter?

A U.S. citizen who knows the applicant personally, and who is not their relative.

The USCIS Policy Manual says letters should preferably come from U.S. citizens who know the applicant personally. It gives examples: neighbors, employers, coworkers and business associates. Think also of a pastor, a coach, a teacher, a volunteer leader, a landlord, or a longtime customer.

USCIS does not consider letters from family or relatives. A spouse, parent, child, sibling, cousin or in law should not write one. Their support matters, but it will not count for this purpose.

Not a citizen yourself? USCIS says "preferably" citizens, and it asks each writer for proof of citizenship or status. A clinic can tell the applicant whether a letter from a green card holder is worth sending. If there is any doubt, ask someone else.

What must the letter include?

Four things, all of them. The USCIS Policy Manual lists what each letter should contain:

1. Who you are and how to reach you. Your full name, address, phone number and email.
2. Proof of your citizenship or status. For a U.S. citizen, this is usually a copy of your U.S. passport photo page, your U.S. birth certificate, or your naturalization or citizenship certificate. These are the same kinds of papers USCIS accepts elsewhere on the N-400 to prove citizenship.
3. How you know the applicant, and for how long. Be specific. "I have lived next door to her since March 2018" says more than "I have known her a long time."
4. Real examples, and a clear statement. Share true examples of the applicant's honesty and how they take part in the community. Then say plainly what you believe about their moral character, and about their attitude toward the United States and the Constitution.

That last point is the heart of the letter. Officers want facts, not praise.

What examples should I use?

Use what you have seen yourself. Since August 2025, USCIS tells officers to weigh good qualities, not only look for problems. The policy names things that count in a person's favor:

• Steady involvement in the community: church, school, sports, volunteering, a neighborhood group
• Caring for and supporting family
• School and training
• Steady, lawful work
• How long they have lived here lawfully
• Paying taxes and handling money responsibly

Pick two or three that you know firsthand. For each one, give a short, real example.

Weak: "He is a great guy and a hard worker."

Strong: "I have supervised him at our bakery since 2019. He opens the store at 5 a.m. and has never missed a shift without calling. Last year he trained three new workers, and he once came back to return $40 a customer overpaid."

What should I leave out?

• Anything you do not know is true. Write only what you have seen or know for a fact. If USCIS contacts you later, your answers should match your letter.
• Guesses about their legal case. Don't say they "deserve" citizenship or "meet every requirement." You are a witness to character, not a lawyer.
• Other people's private details. Do not name the applicant's children's schools, other people's immigration status, or private family stories.
• Your Social Security number. It is not on the list. Do not include it.
• Copied or template sentences only. A form letter with blanks filled in reads as weak. Use your own words. Our worksheet below helps you do that.
• Language the applicant wrote for you. It is fine for them to remind you of dates. The words should be yours.

How should the letter look?

Keep it to one page if you can. Plain is best.

• Date at the top.
• To: "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services."
• Re: the applicant's full name and birth date. Add their A number if they give it to you.
• Body: three or four short paragraphs, in the order above.
• Closing: a line saying the letter is true to the best of your knowledge, then your signature by hand, printed name, and contact details.
• Attach the copy of your citizenship proof.

Write in English if you can. If you write in another language, the applicant must send a full English translation with a signed note from the translator. That is the USCIS rule for any paper not in English.

Notarize it? The list of letter contents in the USCIS Policy Manual does not include a notary stamp. What it asks for is your contact details, proof of citizenship or status, how you know the applicant and real examples. Sign by hand. If you want to add a notary, ask the applicant's clinic first.

Give the signed letter and the copy of your proof to the applicant. They send it to USCIS with their N-400. If they already filed, they should ask a clinic how to send it.

What if USCIS contacts me?

It may. Under the policy, an investigator must say they are from USCIS and explain why they are asking. They may ask how you know the applicant, about their work and family, their reputation, and things like that.

• Ask to see ID if someone shows up in person. Real USCIS staff will tell you who they are.
• Tell the truth. Say what you know. Say "I don't know" when you don't.
• Watch for scams. USCIS does not ask for money by phone or email. See How to spot fake immigration agents and ICE scam calls.

If USCIS plans to deny an application because of what it learns in the investigation, it must tell the applicant and give them a chance to respond.

I am the applicant. Whom should I ask?

Ask two or three U.S. citizens who know you well, and who are not family. Choose people who can give real examples, not people with titles.

1. Make a short list: a neighbor, a boss or coworker, a pastor or volunteer leader, a longtime client.
2. Ask early. Give them two weeks before you plan to file.
3. Send them this page. It tells them what to include.
4. Give them facts they may not have: your full name, birth date, A number, and dates they might need, like when you started at work.
5. Never write it for them. Let them use their own words.
6. Keep copies of each letter and the proof attached, with the rest of your N-400 packet.

Have an arrest or other red flag? Letters do not fix that. Talk with a lawyer first. See Applying for citizenship with an arrest or record.

Who can help?

A free citizenship workshop can review your letters along with your N-400. Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service. Details checked October 18, 2026.

• Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA), for low income San Mateo and Santa Clara County residents: 650-326-6440. Walk in help Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1861 Bay Road.
• Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, Redwood City: free citizenship workshop on the second Tuesday of each month, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register at (650) 780-7530.
• San Mateo County Immigrant Services, for San Mateo County residents: (650) 363-4194, immigrantservices@smcgov.org.
• For Santa Clara County residents: the Office of Immigrant Relations keeps a list of citizenship providers.
• Anywhere in California: the state's map of free immigration legal services, or call (916) 651-8017.

Hosting a letter writing night at church? See How to host a citizenship document gathering workshop.

Questions people ask

Will writing a letter put me at risk? You are vouching for someone's character, not taking on legal duties. Write only what is true, and be ready to repeat it if USCIS asks.

Can my employer write it on company letterhead? Yes, that is fine, as long as it has all four parts and the writer signs it and attaches proof of citizenship.

Can I write one for my sister? You can, but USCIS will not consider a letter from a relative. Help her find a neighbor or coworker instead.

How many letters should the applicant send? USCIS says at least two can help. Two or three strong letters are better than many weak ones.

Is there a worksheet I can print?

Yes. Fill this in first, then turn it into your letter in your own words.

Thank you for standing with your neighbor. A few honest lines from you can help someone take one of the biggest steps of their life.