The Employment Verification Letter for Immigration: Who Needs It and How to Get It
Many immigration applications require proof of your employment status and income. This document, often called a USCIS employment verification letter, employment verification letter (EVL), income verification letter, or job letter for immigrants, serves as crucial evidence for the U.S. government.
Read this guide to learn about employment verification letters for immigration purposes. We’ll explore when they’re required, what information they should contain, and how to obtain them from your employer or create them yourself if you’re self-employed.
What Is an Employment Verification Letter?
During your immigration journey (like seeking a green card or other visa type), you may encounter situations where USCIS requires proof of income. This is where an employment verification letter comes in.
It’s a document written and signed by your employer, typically a supervisor or someone from the Human Resources department. The letter will most likely become part of your official documentation for USCIS (primary or secondary evidence), verifying your current employment status and pay.
The more details the letter includes, the more substantial the evidence it provides. So, it’s vital to ensure your employer incorporates specific information like your start date, current employment status (full-time, part-time, etc.), job title, and wage details (annual salary or hourly rate).
IMPORTANT! While both documents are related to employment, don’t confuse an employment verification letter with an Employment Authorization Document, known as a “work permit.” An immigration employment letter confirms your current employment status and revenue. Your employer issues it as evidence for USCIS during your immigration process. An EAD, on the other hand, is an official document issued by USCIS permitting you to work legally in the United States.
Who Needs an Employment Verification Letter for Immigration?
Employment verification letters are crucial in proving financial stability during various immigration processes. Here are the main situations when USCIS might have a request for employment verification.
Family-Based Green Cards and Employment Verification Letters
When sponsoring a close relative for a green card through a family-based petition, proving your financial ability to support them is mandatory.
USCIS uses Form I-864: Affidavit of Support to assess your financial standing and ensure you have sufficient resources to care for the green card applicant.
The Affidavit of Support is a legally binding agreement where you pledge financial responsibility for the sponsored immigrant. It demonstrates your ability to provide for their basic needs and prevent them from becoming a “public charge” reliant on government assistance.
To strengthen your case and verify your financial ability, USCIS requires you to submit various proof of employment documents along with your completed Form I-864:
- Your most recent individual federal income tax returns,
- IRS tax forms that detail your income earned from employment (W-2) or self-employment (1099) for the tax year,
- recent pay stubs,
- and the employment verification letter.
This proof of income letter must be written and signed by your employer.
The EVL is particularly important if you’ve recently changed jobs or are combining your income with your spouse to meet the minimum income requirements.
In certain family-based immigration situations, the EVL is crucial in USCIS’s assessment of your financial stability. It confirms your current employment and revenue income, consolidating the evidence you can support the green card applicant.
Employment Verification Letters for Employment-Based Green Cards
When pursuing a green card through employment sponsorship, the USCIS employment verification letter is a compulsory piece of evidence for your application.
Unlike family-based green cards, where your financial stability is the primary concern, employment-based green cards focus on your skills and experience. Your prospective employer is petitioning for your permanent residency based on your qualifications for a specific job.
For this reason, verification of employment letters from your current or previous employer strengthens your application by showcasing your qualifications.
Compared to verification letters for temporary visas (B-1 or B-2), the one for an employment-based green card needs more details.
A well-written letter that accurately reflects your relevant experience reinforces your case. Your employer should provide a detailed history of your work experience.
Generally, your EVL should also include a listing of your formal job titles for each relevant position, along with the corresponding dates of employment. Additionally, a description of your responsibilities in each role would be highly beneficial.
Employment Verification Letters for Self-Employed Green Card Sponsors
While tax returns (especially federal income tax returns) are a primary source of financial verification for USCIS when evaluating green card sponsorships, self-employed individuals may need additional documentation.
Form W-2, typically issued by employers, details the income earned via your job. Self-employed sponsors, lacking W-2s, will need to submit alternative evidence to prove their financial standing and ability to support the sponsored immigrant.
In this scenario, USCIS requires an employment verification letter. However, since you’re self-employed, you’ll be responsible for drafting and signing the income verification letter.
It should mirror the information typically found in a standard employer-issued verification letter (details on job title, income details, etc.). While not mandatory, some self-employed applicants choose to have their letters notarized for added legitimacy.
Employment Verification Letters for Work Visas
H-1B Visas
The H-1B visa is often associated with specialized occupations like technology or engineering. Prior work experience isn’t always mandatory, but USCIS still needs a complete picture of your professional background. An employment verification letter for immigration and your resume provide evidence of your past work history and strengthen your application.
L-1A/L-1B Visas
These visas are designed for intracompany transfers, allowing employees of foreign companies to work in their U.S. branches. Eligibility for L visas hinges on several factors you must consider:
- You must possess the necessary skills and qualifications to perform the duties of the offered position in the U.S.
- Unlike H-1Bs, L visas require a minimum of one year of relevant work experience before applying. The employment verification letter/proof of income confirms this experience, showcasing your qualifications and firming your case for visa approval.
IMPORTANT! Regardless of the specific visa type, the employment verification letter for visa documents your professional background. They provide USCIS with valuable insights into your past roles and responsibilities, ultimately supporting your eligibility to work legally in the United States.
The Employment Verification Letter for B-1 Temporary Business Visitors
The B temporary visitor visas allow foreign nationals to enter the U.S. for specific business or travel purposes.
However, unlike work visas, B-1 visas don’t permit engaging in paid labor or receiving payment from U.S. sources during your stay.
Although you won’t be working for a U.S. company, an immigration employment verification letter is still required for your B-1 visa application. This letter serves two key purposes:
- It confirms your employment status and job title with your employer overseas, proving your ties to your home country. In other words, the EVL reduces concerns that you might seek unauthorized employment in the U.S.
- It describes the business activities you intend to conduct during your visit, helping USCIS understand the legitimacy and purpose of your trip.
Employment Verification Letters for B-2 Tourist Visas
The B-2 tourist visa is a popular option for foreign travelers visiting the United States for leisure. However, securing approval hinges on convincing USCIS that you intend to return to your home country after your visit and have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your trip.
As you can easily imagine, having a job in your home country strongly indicates that you intend to return after your American vacation. An employment verification letter strengthens your application by demonstrating you have a job waiting for you back home.
The income verification letter also serves as evidence of your financial stability. Backing your employment history with a salary or wages suggests you have the financial means to support your travel expenses in the United States without relying on local employment.
You’ll be asked about your employment history when you complete Form DS-160 to apply for a B-2 travel visa. A hiring and income verification letter complements this information by providing official documentation from your employer.
How to Write the USCIS Employment Verification Letter and What Should Your Employer Include in It?
While USCIS doesn’t offer a specific employment verification letter template, it must include accurate and essential details, as inaccurate information can significantly delay your application processing.
Formatting Your Employment Verification Letter for USCIS
The format of your income and job verification letter speaks about professionalism and effectiveness to USCIS, so don’t underestimate the EVL’s looks.
Employer-Provided Letter
If your employer writes the letter, they should use their company's official letterhead. This letterhead typically includes the company logo, name, address, and contact information.
Self-Employed Individuals
If you're self-employed, create your letterhead that includes your business name, contact information (phone number and email address), and possibly even your website address (if applicable).
The date on the employment verification letter is of significant importance to USCIS. The letter’s date should fall within the 3 months preceding your USCIS application. Ideally, the date should be as close to your filing date as possible to ensure the EVL information reflects your current employment status and income. A recent letter demonstrates stability and reinforces your application.
EXAMPLE! If you plan to file your USCIS application on April 1st, it would be ideal to have your verification of employment and revenue letter dated between January 1st and March 31st of that same year.
Content Requirements for Your USCIS Employment Verification Letter
The content of your letter of employment verification is critical. It should provide USCIS with clear and accurate details about your employment situation to support your immigration application.
Your employment verification letter for green card and other visa types should maintain a professional tone using a formal salutation.
Your employment details are the heart of the job and revenue verification letter, providing a snapshot of your current or past employment and income.
Let’s see a quick income verification content checklist so you can ensure your employer doesn’t miss anything:
Category
Salutation
Dates of Employment
* Start Date
* End Date
Job Title(s)
Compensation
* Salary
* Hourly Wages
Employment Classification
* Full-Time
* Part-Time
* Temporary
* Contract
* Other
Optional: Description of Job Responsibilities
Signature Block
* Authorized Signatory
* Printed Name & Title
* Company Name
Description
Formal greeting
Clearly states the date you began your employment.
Includes the date of your last day of work (if applicable).
Your current job title(s) or most recent title(s).
Details about your earnings.
Your annual salary (if applicable).
Lists your hourly wage (if applicable) and consider including an estimated annual salary.
Specify your employment status.
Indicates if you work full-time (typically 40 hours per week).
States if you work part-time (less than 40 hours per week).
Indicates if your position is temporary.
Specifies if you're employed under a contract.
Describes any other employment categories (e.g., seasonal, freelance).
Briefly describes your job duties (relevant skills for specific immigration cases).
Someone with authority to verify employment (employer, HR manager, etc.).
Signer's full name and official title.
Name of the company.
Example
"To Whom It May Concern"
"Start Date: May 1st, 2022" (if currently employed)
"End Date: N/A" (if currently employed)
"Software Engineer" (or "Software Engineer, Project Manager" if held multiple positions)
"$85,000 annually"
"$25.00 per hour equates to approximately $52,000 annually."
"Full-Time"
"Part-Time"
"Temporary"
"Contract"
"Freelance"
"Responsible for developing and testing software."
"John Smith, CEO"
"ABC Technologies Inc."
Do you believe your employer is too busy to check the EVL requirements item by item? Do they say they don’t know how to write an employment verification letter for immigration?
Here is something they can use!
Employment Verification Letter Sample
To be even more concise, here is an employment verification letter template your employer can use without much effort:
Employment Verification Letter Template
This letter verifies the employment of [YOUR NAME] at [YOUR EMPLOYING COMPANY NAME].
They began their employment with us on [INSERT START DATE] and currently hold the position of [ INSERT JOB TITLE]
They are a [INSERT EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION] employee, and their annual salary is [INSERT ANNUAL SALARY]
Their responsibilities include [LIST 3-4 KEY JOB DUTIES RELEVANT TO THE JOB AND THEIR IMMIGRATION CASE].
Please do not hesitate to contact me, [EMPLOYER NAME AND TITLE IN THE COMPANY], at [PHONE NUMBER/EMAIL] if you require any further information.
Sincerely
[NAME]
[JOB TITLE]
[SIGNATURE]
How to Ask Your Boss or HR Department for a USCIS Employment Verification Letter
You can take several approaches to obtain a letter of employment for immigration purposes, depending on your employer’s internal processes and your comfort level.
1. Direct EVL Request Through Your Manager
The most straightforward approach to securing your employment verification letter is often a direct request to your supervisor or manager. Schedule a meeting or conversation with them to discuss your needs. Be prepared to provide them with complete details about your situation, including:
- The immigration benefits you’re applying for (e.g., green card, visa extension, etc.).
- Any specific information USCIS requires in the proof of income letter (refer to USCIS guidelines for details).
- The deadline for submitting the letter to USCIS.
2. Contacting Human Resources for a Visa or Green Card Employment Verification Letter
Some companies have established procedures for handling employee requests for work and income verification, so contact your company’s HR department to inquire about their process. HR departments typically handle these requests efficiently and can ensure the letter adheres to the company’s formatting standards. Be prepared to offer additional information, as they may have specific forms to fill out.
3. Using Employment Verification Services
If obtaining the employment letter from your company proves difficult, consider using an employment verification service. They act as intermediaries, sending your request to your employer on your behalf.
It can be a helpful option if you’ve left your previous job or face challenges in communication with your current employer. For instance, InVerify provides immigration-specific employment verification letters. At the same time, The Work Number is another popular employment verification service for all types of EVLs, not only those meant for immigration purposes.
Employment Verification Letter for Visas or Green Card Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions regarding verifying your employment status and income, when you need the EVL, how it should look, and how to deal with it? Other clients have already been in your shoes, so let’s see more info that could help you learn from their experiences!
What is a PERM Employment Verification Letter?
During the Program for Employment-Based Alien Certification process, employers sponsoring foreign workers for a green card need to prove that the job they offer meets U.S. labor market requirements. One crucial piece of documentation in this process is a PERM verification letter for employment and revenue. It is written by your current employer, verifying that you possess the minimum educational background, skills, and work experience necessary for the position. In essence, the EVL confirms you meet the qualifications for the job the employer is sponsoring you for.
Do I Need Multiple Letters of Employment Verification If I Hold Multiple Jobs?
If you hold more than one job, you’ll need separate employment verification letters from each employer. When filling out USCIS forms, you’ll combine your income from all jobs to determine your total annual income.
How Should Hourly Wages Be Represented in the Income Verification Letter for Visas or Green Cards?
The letter should specify your hourly rate and average weekly work hours if you’re paid hourly. Ideally, the letter would include an estimated annual income based on this information. If not, you should submit an additional signed document outlining the calculation for your annual income.
Can I Write My Verification Letter of Employment If My Own Business Hired Me?
USCIS carefully examines documentation from self-employed petition seekers to assess their financial stability. Since a W-2 form (typically used for employed individuals) isn’t applicable, you must submit an EVL income proof letter, written and signed by yourself. It should detail your current employment status and business operations. It should also include essential details of a standard employment verification letter and be notarized to add legitimacy.
What Happens If I Can't Obtain a Job and Income Verification Letter from My Employer?
If, despite your efforts, you cannot secure an employment verification letter from your employer, hire an immigration attorney. They can advise you on alternative evidence you can present to USCIS to support your case.
Where Should I Submit My Employment Verification Letter for Visa or Green Card?
Include your EVL and supporting documentation for the relevant USCIS form you’re filing.
Do You Need Help with USCIS Submissions and Employment Verification Letters?
All USCIS application processes are complex, and employment verification letters don’t fall far from the tree. Our firm is here to help! ImmigrationDirect has extensive experience assisting clients with all aspects of USCIS submissions, including ensuring your proof of income and employment are accurate, complete, and meet USCIS requirements. Don’t hesitate to contact our team today for a consultation. We’ll guide you through the process and ensure you have the strongest possible application package!
