Are recommendation letters or sponsors needed?

Sometimes applying for citizenship can feel like applying to get into a University. Lots of transcripts and application forms, a section for certifications, and there's even an essay you have to write regarding why you want to "get in".

Despite those superficial similarities, though, letters of recommendation — be it from employers or teachers — are not asked for, are not needed, and even if you voluntarily present them, won't affect the outcome. Most likely, your case worker will reject any attempt to present a recommendation letter, as a recommendation letter doesn't really fit into the requirements — except for perhaps the general clause about being "of good character." But being of good character simply means you haven't committed any crimes or associate with criminals or terrorists.

And unlike a visa application or a permanent residency application, you do not need a sponsor or guarantor to naturalize.

So although individuals can't sing their praises about you, there is a space on the 履歴書（その２） {rirekisho (sono ni)} (Personal History Form, part 2) for 賞罰 {shōbatsu} (Awards and Punishments). 99% of the time, if you have any type of traffic or parking violation, you list it in this spot. However, if you have won any officially recognized awards by a countries government (for example, service to one's country in the arts, military, or volunteer work), you would list it here. I wouldn't put your Salesman of the Year award in here. As a teenager, I was awarded the Congressional Award for volunteer work by my congressman, but that was too long ago and too common and trivial for me to consider putting it on the form.

On the 親族の概要 {shinzoku no gaiyō} (Overview of Relatives) form, there is a column as to whether your relative approves, disapproves, or has no opinion regarding your naturalization. A relative disapproving of your naturalization doesn't disqualify you or even cause you to "lose points" in the eyes of the case worker. It simply causes them to ask you more questions, especially if you're naturalizing as an entire family unit, as naturalizing may affect your relationship with your family in that the change in your citizenship could make it easier or more difficult to visit family overseas for an extended period of time.

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