Understanding Employment Verification Letter

Introduction

An Employment Verification Letter (EVL) serves as proof of employment, often required by USCIS for immigration applications to verify an individual has a stable income. Beyond immigration, EVLs can be used by U.S. citizens in situations like:

• Renting a property
• Applying for a loan or mortgage
• Requesting payment deferrals or loan reductions
• Job applications with new employers

It’s a key document proving financial stability and employment status for various purposes.

What are the types of Applications Requiring an Employment Verification Letter?

An employment verification letter is required for multiple purposes, some of which are mentioned below:

Employment-Based Green Cards

One of the several other ways of getting permanent residency in the United States is based on employment. The following visas are available based on employment in which EVL can help you substantiate your performance and experience: 

• EB-1 First Preference (extraordinary abilities in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics)
• EB-2 Second Preference (professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities)
• EB-3 Third Preference (skilled workers, professionals, or other workers)

Family-Based Green Cards

In family-based green cards, the US sponsor is supposed to file a Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, which assesses their financial ability to support the applicant. The EVL can substantiate its claim for reinforcing the sponsor’s financial stability. 

Work Visas

There are several other types of work visas, which may  require EVL depending upon the type of visa, that may allow foreign nationals to work in the United States for a specified period, such as:

• H-1B Visa: (specialty occupations, particularly in fields requiring specialized knowledge)
• L-1A/L-1B Visas: (employers to transfer employees to affiliated offices in the US)

Temporary Business Visas (B-1 Visa)

Temporary business visas may be required to confirm the individual’s employment status and the date of their business-related activities visit to the United States. The B-1 visa is for individuals participating in temporary business activities within the US, including:

• Consulting with business associates
• Attending professional conventions or conferences
• Negotiating business contracts

Tourist Visas (B-2 Visa)

The B-2 tourist visa is intended for individuals visiting the United States for travel purposes. In such cases, an Employment Verification Letter (EVL) can help demonstrate that the applicant has a job to return to, reducing concerns about their intent to extend their stay indefinitely.

What should be Included in an Employment Verification Letter?

It is to be understood that USCIS does not particularly provide a standard template for EVL; however, there are certain things that the letter must contain to make it comprehensive: 

Employer’s Letterhead: The letter should be on the official letterhead of the employer (or your own if self-employed).

1. Date of the Letter: The letter should be dated within three months before filing the immigration application.
2. Employee’s Name: The full name of the employee being verified.
3. Employer’s Name: The name of the company or organization.
4. Employee’s Position and Job Title: A clear description of the employee’s job title and position within the organization.
5. Dates of Employment: The start date of employment and if applicable, the end date.
6. Employment Classification: Indicate whether the employee is full-time, part-time, temporary, or contracted.
7. Salary or Wage: Provide the employee’s annual salary or hourly wage.
8. Job Responsibilities: A brief description of the employee’s primary job responsibilities, is a must if it is related to immigration.
9. Contact Information: Include contact details for the person who signed the letter, should USCIS need to follow up.
10. Signature: The letter should be signed by a person in a position of authority within the organization, along with their printed name and title.

How to Request an Employment Verification Letter?

Requesting an EVL can often be straightforward, but knowing how to approach your employer can help facilitate the process. Here are some tips:

1. The simplest approach can be to ask your supervisor or manager for the letter. 
2. You can also request it from your organisations  HR department.
3. It is generally easy to provide all the details about the immigration application you are submitting and specify the information that should be included in the letter. 

Conclusion

EVL is an important document that can help your application be credible. Whenever you apply for a green card, work visa, or even a tourist visa, the EVL proves to be a reliable employment status verification. This is essential for demonstrating financial stability and intent to return to your home country, as the USCIS is concerned that you may not overstay your welcome. 

At FileRight, we guide you step-by-step through each immigration form, ensuring every answer is reviewed thoroughly so nothing gets missed. We provide all the essential information you need to successfully file your green card application, giving you confidence every step of the way.