When submitting various USCIS immigration forms it is necessary to provide evidence of current income. One of the methods to evidence current income is through an employment verification letter (EVL).
USCIS officers evaluate forms such as Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, and Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency, to determine if the household has sufficient income to support an immigrant. While federal tax returns are effective for documenting past periods, an employment verification letter can help prove in the current year.
When applying for a green card, almost all family-based immigrants and some employment-based intending immigrants must show that they have adequate means of financial support and are not likely to become a public charge. To do this, the I-130 petitioner must fill out Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. If the petitioning sponsor doesn’t meet the income requirements, a household member or joint sponsor must also join on.
Generally, adjustment of status applicants (except for certain classes of immigrants) must submit Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency. Green card applicants file Form I-944 to show that he or she is not inadmissible based on the public charge ground. In other words, it is a way for the intending immigrant to demonstrate that he or she will not become reliant on the government for financial support. Evidence of current income may be part of the supporting documents.
An employment verification letter is not necessarily required, but it is recommended. It can help corroborate your pay stubs or provide good primary evidence if you were recently hired.
EVL Requirements
An employment verification letter for an affidavit of support is provided by the employer. Typically, the person who signs the letter is your supervisor or a human resources representative. The letter should be on company letter and include the following information:
- Employment start date
- Current employment status (full time, part time)
- Title or position
- Annual salary or hourly wage
If you paid by the hour, the best practice is to convert to annual salary. You may have your letter notarized. However, notarization is not a requirement.
Sample Employment Verification Letter
This sample employment verification letter is for use as evidence with an affidavit of support. Each letter is unique. In fact, your situation will certainly be slightly different. The letter should be short and to the point. Use this sample cover letter as an example.
Where to Submit the Letter
Include the employment verification letter along with your other supporting documents for the respective form.
When you prepare your Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) or Declaration of Self-Sufficiency (Form I-944) on CitizenPath, you’ll also receive a set of filing instructions personalized for your situation. Based on your answers to questions in each form, our software will create a custom set of instructions so you know exactly which supporting documents to submit with each form. Try it now.
