An employment verification letter for immigration is a formal document written to verify the employment status and income of an employee who is undergoing the immigration process.
The correspondence is addressed to immigration authorities, often the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and written by the employer or the companyโs human resources representative.
People may request this letter when they are applying for work permits, permanent residency, sponsoring someone for a visa, or other immigration benefits such as waivers. It is submitted in conjunction with Form I-864.
To ensure that the letter is written in the correct format, it is advised to use templates and reference samples of such letters. Alternatively, the document is referred to as a verification of employment letter for immigration. It must be factual and accurate, as it is deemed legal evidence of the applicantโs employment and income status.
note
A verification letter for employment meant for different immigration processes should not be confused with a job offer letter. A verification letter is proof of ongoing employment, while an offer letter is evidence of a commitment to employment.
This article provides a guide on how to write a verification letter for employment and what information to include in one that is meant for immigration applications. It also educates employers and HR representatives on the use and legal considerations of such a letter. Also, it has samples for reference purposes.
Which Immigration Processes Require an Employment Verification Letter?
The verification letter for employment can be requested for multiple immigration processes, especially where occupation or work history is a primary consideration. It serves as evidence that a visa applicant has a valid job and that their financial status qualifies them for the specific immigration program. The process may ask for additional and specific information such as salary amount, employment duration, designation, etc., so it is important to adhere to any specifications included in the request by authorities.
Examples of immigration processes that may require a verification letter for employment include:
Work visa
Authorities may need to verify applicantsโ employment as they apply for H-1B and L-1A/L-1B visas to work in the U.S. These two categories need the verification letter for different reasons because they both have different work experience requirements. In some cases, H-1B visas require proof of experience in the respective role; therefore, employment must be verified. L-1A/L-1B visas do not require previous experience in the specific role but may require a minimum of one year of professional experience otherwise.
Employment-based green card
This category of green cards allows foreigners to migrate to the U.S. based on employment. This option requires the applicant to have relevant work experience. Letters for this application should be detailed and highlight the job responsibilities, formal job titles, and tenure dates to ascertain that the applicant is qualified to work in the U.S. and in the respective role.
This green card option allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their relatives. Supporting documents, such as proof of employment, must be submitted to confirm the financial ability to sponsor the applicant. Other supporting documents required include a completed Form I-864, an affidavit of support, pay stubs, and Forms W-2 or 1099. Each sponsor must submit their own affidavit and verification documents for joint sponsors.
B-1 temporary business visa
B-1 visas are issued to visitors who do not intend to work or receive payments from the U.S. government during their visit.
EXAMPLE
Examples of such visitors include people who travel for seminars, negotiate contracts, attend meetings, or buy goods and property.
A letter verifying their employment is needed before they are awarded the visa. Such a letter must state the reason for the visit and activities to be undertaken in the U.S. and clarify that the visitor will not be working or receiving payment from U.S. sources during the visit.
B-2 tourist visa
Since the USCIS must verify that the tourist will return to their home country, they require applicants to complete Form DS-160, which includes a verification letter for employment. The letter should showcase two key details โ the tourist has a job awaiting them upon return, and their financial status allows them to support their travel and accommodation costs during their visit to the US.
Other immigration processes that may require submitting a verification letter for employment include applying for an extended stay while in the US. Also, the letter is needed for a permanent residency application to verify that an applicant has a valid employment and income source to support themselves while living in the US. It is also requested when immigrants in the US want to adjust their immigration status. Lastly, the letter may also be requested when applying for a green card.
How to Write an Employment Verification Letter
Before writing a verification letter for an employee, you need to understand how to structure it and what information to include. This is because it is a formal correspondence and must clearly and objectively convey the relevant information.
Below is a guide on how to write a professional letter, along with examples for each section of the document:
Sender information
Start by including your complete information. Details to be included in this section are your name, physical address, valid phone number, and email address. This information should be accurate and exactly as mentioned in the official records.
EXAMPLE
Jamal Hani
CEO, Global Technologies Inc.,
44 Hilton Avenue,
Phebe, AZ 3098
Date of the letter
Like traditional formal documentation, the letter must be dated. This should be the exact date you are writing the letter. The date must be written in an appropriate format.
EXAMPLE
March 10, 2023
Information about the addressee
Next, it must be clear to whom the letter is being sent. It is addressed to the appropriate immigration authority. The specific agency or department may vary depending on the country and its immigration system. This section contains the addresseeโs name and postal address.
A sample of such information is given below:
EXAMPLE
Benjamin Hinds
Immigration Approval Committee,
El Paso, TX 77494
The subject of the letter
The subject is meant to let the readers understand the purpose of the letter, which is to verify employment in brief. Additionally, it must align with the immigration process in question. A good subject line informs the recipient of the specific reason for the letter and uses captivating words to ensure it can be identified from other correspondences.
EXAMPLE
RE: Employment verification for John Doe Green Card Application
Employee details
Then, introduce the employee whose employment is being verified in the letter by providing identification information and job-specific details. These may include the employeeโs name, job title, department, and employment start and end dates.
Below is a sample of how to write this section:
EXAMPLE
This letter is to certify that Jane Doe is an employee at XYZ Company. He has been an executive in the sales department since January 5, 2022.
TIP
Privacy should be observed regarding the type of information shared in the letter. Unnecessary and sensitive information, such as medical history and social security numbers, should not be included.
Employment confirmation statement
Also, you should include a statement that clearly shows the immigration letter is meant to verify that the applicant is an employee of the specific company. The inclusion of this statement is taken as an official testimony of the validity of the employeeโs claims to have had valid employment.
For example, such a statement would be written as follows:
EXAMPLE
I do hereby confirm that the named party, Jane Doe, is legitimately and lawfully employed at XYZ Company.
Employment status
Next, you need to indicate whether the applicant works part-time, full-time, temporarily, under contract, or at another type of work frequency. This information can be crucial in determining the stability of the employeeโs employment status and finances. You can indicate the employeeโs average hours per week, which determines their income.
EXAMPLE
He is currently working under a 3-year contract with ABC Company. He works full-time and is highly committed to his role in the company.
Salary
Afterward, you must indicate the employeeโs annual wages in this section of the verification letter for employment written for immigration purposes. These may include the annual salary or hourly wage, compensation, benefits, health insurance, and paid vacation time. This information is needed to determine their financial capability. The authorities may need to be certain that the immigrant can afford basic needs such as housing, food, air conditioning, utilities, and healthcare.
A sample of the section is given below:
EXAMPLE
His gross annual income is $85,000. This is inclusive of bonuses. He is also subscribed to the companyโs medical insurance coverage. He is entitled to 20 days of paid vacation time and an additional 10 days of unpaid leave.
Job duties
Next, this section of the letter must mention the job duties assigned to the employee. While this does not have to be a detailed job description, it can outline several key responsibilities to give the authorities an overview of the employeeโs role in the company.
EXAMPLE
John Doe is responsible for leading and overseeing the finance department. He is tasked with preparing the companyโs budgets, allocating resources, and auditing expenditures. He is a key member of our team, and his contribution ensures that the company remains profitable and sustainable.
Hours worked
The proof of employment document must then discuss additional details regarding the applicantโs job. You can mention the employeeโs work schedule, the number of hours worked each week, and overtime or on-call requirements.
EXAMPLE
He works 40 hours a week. He signs in at 8:00 a.m. and signs out at 04:00 p.m. He is entitled to a 1-hour lunch break from 01:00 to 02:00 PM. On the first Monday of the month, he is typically required to be on-call as the company takes inventory and reports its earnings and expenditures. For overtime, he earns $35 per hour in wages.
Mention qualifications and skills
A summary of noteworthy skills and qualifications can be included in the letter. This is because the exceptional qualifications and skills of the employee also make them eligible for the respective immigration process. These special skills, such as those in prestigious specializations and occupations, may sometimes be prioritized.
The skills and qualifications can be listed as follows:
EXAMPLE
John Doe has a Ph.D. in law. He has a long record of volunteer work. He is empathic, generous, and an adamant activist against gender discrimination. His performance of managerial responsibilities in our company also demonstrates his leadership abilities.
Signatures
Your signature is the last component of the letter. However, you must have authorization to write on behalf of the company. Placing your signature on the letter declares that you agree with its contents. Details that can be included here are your signature, name, job title, and contact information.
EXAMPLE
[Signature]
Halley Meyers
HR Manager
halleymeyers@email.com
(202) 5555-5555
Template Employment Verification Letter
[Your Companyโs Letterhead]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Company Phone Number]
[Company Email Address]
[Date]
[Embassy or Consulate Name]
[Embassy or Consulate Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Employment Verification Letter for [Employeeโs Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing in my capacity as [Your Job Title] of [Company Name], to verify the employment status of [Employeeโs Full Name], in support of [his/her] application for [specify the type of visa application – work permits, permanent residency, sponsorship, or immigration benefit such as a waiver], as required by Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
[Employeeโs Full Name] has been an employee with [Company Name] since [Start Date], currently holding the position of [Employeeโs Job Title]. [He/She] is employed on a [Full-Time/Part-Time] basis, with an annual salary of [Amount in Local Currency], which is paid [weekly/monthly/annually]. This salary is exclusive of bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation.
Employment Details:
Job Title: [Employeeโs Job Title]
Start Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Employment Status: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
Annual Salary: [Amount in Local Currency]
Additional Compensation: [List any bonuses, commissions, etc., if applicable]
[Employeeโs Name]โs role at [Company Name] involves [briefly describe the employeeโs responsibilities, emphasizing any roles or responsibilities that demonstrate reliability, stability, and contribution to the company].
[Optional: If the letter is for sponsoring someone for a visa or other specific immigration benefits, briefly mention the relationship with the employee and the purpose of the sponsorship or immigration benefit.]
We understand the importance of this application and hereby affirm that [Employeeโs Name] is in good standing with [Company Name], and we anticipate [his/her] continued employment with us. [Company Name] supports [Employeeโs Name]โs application for [specify the type of visa or immigration benefit] and attests to the accuracy of the information provided herein.
Should you require any further information or documentation regarding [Employeeโs Name]โs employment, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Thank you for considering this verification letter as part of [Employeeโs Name]โs application. We look forward to your favorable response.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (if sending a hard copy)]
[Your Printed Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]
For visa sponsorship
Subject: Visa Sponsorship for Ms. Elena Rodriguez
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you as the CEO of Quantum Innovations Ltd., a leading company in the United States specializing in the development of advanced AI technologies. We are committed to fostering innovation and excellence in our field, and to do so, we continually seek to collaborate with the brightest minds worldwide.
It is with great pleasure that we extend an invitation to Ms. Elena Rodriguez, a distinguished software engineer, to join our team as a Senior AI Developer. Ms. Rodriguez has been selected for her exceptional skills and contributions to AI research and development, particularly in the area of machine learning algorithms, which align perfectly with our current projects and long-term goals.
Ms. Rodriguez’s employment details are as follows:
- Position: Senior AI Developer
- Duration of Employment: 3 years, with the possibility of extension
- Annual Salary: $130,000 USD, plus benefits including health insurance, relocation expenses, and a housing allowance
- Start Date: June 1, 20XX
Quantum Innovations Ltd. hereby agrees to sponsor Ms. Rodriguez for a work visa to the United States. We fully support her application and will ensure compliance with all the necessary financial obligations and responsibilities her employment entails. We believe that Ms. Rodriguez’s expertise will be invaluable to our team and will significantly contribute to our innovative projects and the advancement of AI technology.
We kindly request your assistance in processing Ms. Rodriguez’s visa application to facilitate her relocation and commencement of employment with Quantum Innovations Ltd. We are prepared to provide any additional information or documentation required as part of this process.
Thank you for considering our request. We look forward to welcoming Ms. Elena Rodriguez to the United States and to our team at Quantum Innovations Ltd. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly should you need further clarification or assistance.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
Johnathan Smith
CEO, Quantum Innovations Ltd.
Phone: (555) 234-5678
Email: jsmith@quantuminnovations.com
Sample Employment Verification Letter for Immigration
For a work visa
Subject: Employment Verification Letter for Mr. David Zimmerman
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you in my capacity as the Human Resources Manager of Innovatech Solutions Inc., to confirm the employment status of Mr. David Zimmerman, who has been a dedicated member of our team since January 10, 20XX. This letter is provided to support Mr. Zimmerman’s application for a work visa in Germany.
Mr. Zimmerman is employed with us on a full-time basis as a Lead Data Scientist, a position in which he has not only excelled but also significantly contributed to the success of our data analytics projects. His annual salary is $120,000 USD, excluding bonuses and other compensations.
In his role, Mr. Zimmerman has been instrumental in leading the development and implementation of our flagship project, the “Smart Analytics Platform,” which has revolutionized the way we analyze big data and has significantly increased our efficiency by 40%. His expertise in machine learning and predictive analytics has been invaluable to our operations and has contributed to Innovatech Solutions Inc.’s reputation for being at the forefront of technological innovation in data science.
Innovatech Solutions Inc. is an industry leader in providing cutting-edge data analytics solutions, and Mr. Zimmerman’s contributions have been pivotal in maintaining our position as innovators in the tech industry. His employment with us is ongoing, and we fully expect him to return to his position here after the completion of his project in Germany.
We understand the importance of the work visa for Mr. Zimmerman and for our company’s operations in Germany, and we hereby affirm our sponsorship and support for his application. We believe that his work on the project in Germany will not only benefit our company but also contribute to the technological advancements in the field of data science.
Should you require any further information or documentation regarding Mr. David Zimmerman’s employment, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at (555) 789-0123 or via email at hr@innovatechsolutions.com.
Thank you for considering this verification letter as part of Mr. Zimmerman’s work visa application. We look forward to your favorable response and appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
Laura Johnson
Human Resources Manager
Innovatech Solutions Inc.
Analysis
The letters are structured to effectively communicate requests for visa sponsorship and employment verification for an individual’s work visa application. The first letter details an organization’s intent to hire a distinguished professional for a specialized role, emphasizing the individual’s exceptional skills and the alignment with the company’s innovative projects. It provides specifics about the job offer, including position, salary, benefits, and the organization’s commitment to sponsoring the individual’s work visa, underscoring the importance of their expertise to the company’s success and innovation goals.
The second letter serves as employment verification, confirming the individual’s significant role and contributions within the company. It outlines the individual’s position, salary, and pivotal achievements, highlighting their instrumental role in leading successful projects and their impact on the company’s efficiency and industry standing. This letter supports the work visa application by affirming the individual’s ongoing employment and the company’s support for their international project work, indicating the mutual benefits of their work abroad.
Both letters provide clear, concise information and emphasize the organization’s support for the visa applications, demonstrating the individuals’ critical roles and contributions. Direct contact information is included to facilitate further inquiries, showcasing a professional approach to assisting employees in navigating visa processes. These examples illustrate how to craft formal sponsorship and verification communications to support work visa applications effectively.
Free Templates
Legal Considerations for Writing an Employment Verification Letter for Immigration
Immigration is a legal process; therefore, any document, such as a letter verifying an applicantโs employment status, submitted in support of or to facilitate the process is considered legal. You are required to be aware of the legalities surrounding the document.
The following considerations should be observed when writing and submitting such a letter:
Accurate representation of facts
Information provided in the verification letter for employment written for immigration purposes must be truthful and accurate. Employers and applicants can be persecuted if they misrepresent facts or make false statements. The applicant may also be barred from entering the U.S. as a result.
Compliance with immigration laws
The verification letter for employment written for immigration purposes must adhere to any guidelines provided by the USCIS about formatting and information to be included. It must also be submitted in a format that the appropriate authorities have approved.
Protection of employee details
You are expected to uphold any data privacy laws to which the employee is entitled. You must ensure that the verification letter for employment does not disclose the employeeโs sensitive and confidential information, such as immigration status, bank account numbers, medical records, etc., that can be used against them.
Consistency with company policies
Since the letter is an official document of the company, it must adhere to applicable company policies and procedures. Such policies may include documentation and filing requirements.
Conclusion
A verification letter is a legal document validating an employeeโs employment status when applying for any immigration process. It is your responsibility to write an accurate document. Essential information should include your details, the applicantโs details, employment status, salary, and signature.
To ensure the necessary information is provided, you can refer to online templates and sample letters. Such guides offer insight into what information to include and the proper format and structure to use. Once crafted, the letter should be sent on time to ensure that the employee can use it as a supporting document for his application.