Employment Verification Letter for Immigration: Everything You Need to Know
Must-Know Facts About Employment Verification Letters
An employment verification letter (EVL) is an official document from your employer that confirms key details about your job. It is a critical requirement for many U.S. immigration applications, including green cards, work visas, and even some visitor visas.
This letter serves two primary purposes:
- Proof of income: Demonstrates that you have the financial means to support yourself or your family.
- Proof of employment/ties to home country: Shows that you are securely employed, which is often reviewed when applying for temporary visas.
The EVL is typically requested from your HR department or direct supervisor and should be thorough, specific, and professional. A strong letter generally includes:
- The date of the letter
- The employee’s start date of employment
- Employment status (full-time or part-time)
- Job title and detailed job description
- Current salary or wage
- Employer’s signature, full name, and official title
Because of its importance in immigration cases, this letter should always be prepared carefully and submitted alongside other supporting documents.
What Is an Employment Verification Letter for Immigration?
An employment verification letter for USCIS is a document signed by an employer—often by a supervisor or HR representative—that verifies your role, income, and responsibilities. It is widely used in U.S. immigration matters to prove financial stability and, in some cases, ties to a home country.
The best practice is to request the letter directly from HR or your manager. The more detailed and specific the letter, the stronger your immigration application will be.
How to Write a Proof of Employment Letter
When preparing or reviewing your EVL, ensure that it contains the following:
- Date of issuance
- Employment start date
- Work status (full-time or part-time)
- Position/title
- Detailed description of duties and responsibilities
- Salary or hourly wage
- Employer’s signature, full name, and official title
While notarization can sometimes strengthen the letter, it is not mandatory for most USCIS applications.
Employment Verification Letter for Green Card Applications
An EVL is often a required part of the green card process, particularly in family-based or employment-based petitions. For example:
- Family-Based Green Cards: If you are sponsoring a spouse or relative, USCIS will ask for financial proof that you can support them through forms like Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) or Form I-134. An EVL supports your financial credibility by verifying your job and income.
- Employment-Based Green Cards: Proof of employment is fundamental. Your EVL should not only confirm your current role but also describe your duties and relevant experience that qualifies you for the position.
- Tourist Visas (B-1/B-2): For visitor visas, the EVL demonstrates your ties to your home country and ability to fund your stay in the U.S., helping to meet the Section 214(b) requirement.
Sample Employment Verification Letter for Immigration
Below is a sample EVL format that can be adapted to individual situations. Always use official company letterhead for credibility.
April 5, 2025
USCIS
PO Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120
RE: Employment Verification for [Employee’s Name]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter confirms that [Employee’s Name] is a full-time employee at [Company Name] and has been employed since [Start Date]. [Employee’s Name] currently earns an annual salary of [$XX,XXX] as a [Job Title], where [he/she] is responsible for [job duties/responsibilities].
[Employee’s Name] is a valued member of our team, and we anticipate a continued employment relationship. Should you have any questions about [his/her] employment, please contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Employer’s Name]
[Employer’s Title]
[Company Name]
When Is an Employment Verification Letter Required?
USCIS may require an EVL at several stages of the immigration process, including:
- Family-Based Green Cards: To confirm financial stability of the sponsor.
- Employment-Based Green Cards and Work Visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.): To establish work history, qualifications, and current job details.
- Tourist Visas (B-1/B-2): To show financial capacity and intent to return to your home country.
Employment Verification Letters and Supporting Evidence
In addition to the EVL, applicants often submit:
- Tax returns
- W-2 forms
- 1099s or other income documents
If you are self-employed, you may need to draft your own verification letter and include additional financial records to support your case.
Professional Guidance From Immigration Attorneys at Green Card Link
The requirements for an employment verification letter can vary depending on your visa type, immigration category, and personal situation. To ensure accuracy and compliance with USCIS standards, consult with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link. The attorneys at Green Card Link provide detailed guidance on drafting or reviewing EVLs and can help you strengthen your overall immigration petition.
Implications of Unexpected Unemployment
Employment is not always guaranteed, and sudden job loss can occur for many reasons. For instance, companies may shut down unexpectedly or downsize their workforce, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when thousands of employees faced layoffs and furloughs. If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial to maintain documentation showing the date your employer provided notice of termination or furlough, along with any expected return-to-work date, if applicable.
Even if no specific return date is given, you can still strengthen your immigration case by presenting USCIS with a well-prepared employment plan. This may include details about how you are actively seeking new opportunities and your strategy for securing long-term, stable employment. To ensure you present the strongest possible case, it is always best to consult with an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link, who can guide you through the process and advise on the most effective approach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Verification Letters
Can I send USCIS my federal tax return instead of an employment letter?
While tax returns demonstrate what you have earned in past years, they do not serve as proof of your current employment status. USCIS generally requires an employment verification letter to confirm your ongoing income and job situation.
Is there a required format for an employment verification letter for immigration?
There is no official USCIS template, but your letter should include:
- The date of the letter (issued within three months of filing your application)
- Employment dates (start and, if applicable, end date)
- Job status (full-time or part-time)
- Job title and position description
- Salary or wage details (annual or hourly)
- Employer’s signature, printed name, and official title
- Company letterhead, if available
What if I don’t meet the income requirements as a petitioning sponsor?
If you cannot meet USCIS’s minimum income requirement, you may use a joint sponsor or qualifying household member. A joint sponsor assumes full legal responsibility for supporting the intending immigrant and must independently meet the 125% income threshold. Importantly, they do not need to be related to the immigrant.
Does my employer have to provide a letter of employment?
Yes, an employer’s verification letter is one of the strongest ways to prove employment and income to USCIS. It should detail your wages, length of employment, and job responsibilities.
How do I write an employment verification letter for immigration?
If you are employed by a company, the letter should be written and signed by a supervisor or HR representative. However, if you are self-employed or an independent contractor, you may draft and sign the letter yourself.
How can I request a letter from my employer?
You may submit a request verbally, in writing, or through your HR department. Some companies also use employment verification services. Be clear in specifying what information must be included for USCIS purposes.
Can I write my own employment verification letter?
Yes, but only in limited cases, such as when you are self-employed. In these instances, USCIS requires detailed evidence about your business, including:
- Proof of company existence
- Tax returns
- Payment receipts or salary statements
- Evidence of financial stability and operation
- The letter must clearly establish your role and active involvement in the business. It
should be signed, notarized, and ideally prepared with guidance from an immigration attorney at Green Card Link, since it carries legal weight.
What if I cannot obtain a verification letter from my employer?
If your employer refuses or cannot provide one, consult with the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link to identify acceptable alternatives, such as pay stubs, employment contracts, or sworn statements.
How Green Card Link Can Help
While this guide provides an overview of employment verification requirements, every case is unique. The experienced immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can evaluate your specific circumstances, help you gather the strongest documentation, and ensure your petition to USCIS is presented effectively. With decades of combined experience, the team at Green Card Link is dedicated to helping you achieve your immigration goals.