Reference Letter Recommendations for the Department of
Immigration
Have you ever had to write a reference letter for someone seeking asylum? Have you been asked by
someone seeking asylum in your congregation to discuss his or her Christian faith with the
Department of Immigration? It can be hard to know what to say and what not to say in such a
serious situation. One of our pastors has generously shared a reference letter that he wrote for a
member of his church who was seeking asylum. A copy of the letter (minus identifying information)
is posted below, followed by some other helpful tips for conversations with the Department of
Immigration.
Example Letter
Reference for NAME
To whom it may concern:
From DATE, I have been serving as the Senior Pastor for NAME OF CHURCH. During my time there, I
have had the opportunity to meet and get to know NAME OF APPLICANT, who has demonstrated
himself/herself to be a consistent attender and member of the church since DATE.
NAME has been able to develop friendships within the church community and is recognised by
church office-bearers as a reliable and dependable person at the church. NAME is a man/woman
who has an authentic and genuine faith in Jesus Christ, which he/she demonstrated by being
baptized on DATE. NAME continues to be a vital member of our church community, participating in
our church community events and discipleship programs.
If I can assist with any further questions, I would be more than happy to be of assistance.
Yours faithfully.
NAME
Additional Recommendations
The pastor who wrote this letter said that the Department of Immigration called to ask follow-up
questions that related directly to the reference he gave. This had not happened on previous
occasions. The questions were about church attendance, where/how the applicant receives
discipleship, and whether the church is still supporting the applicant.
The pastor said that the follow-up phone call really stressed to him the importance of including
dates, details of the applicant’s involvement in church and the value that the applicant provides to
the church community. The pastor also said that the interviewer from the Department of
Immigration wanted clear yes or no answers to the questions. It didn’t feel like a conversation that
the pastor would have normally had about a person’s faith. The pastor said that, “Clear and definite
answers that show that you are fully in tune with the person’s circumstances are important.”