Employment Verification Letter for a Marriage-Based Green Card (USCIS) — Templates & Examples
- Таня В
- Dec 6
- 4 min read
When applying for a marriage-based green card through Adjustment of Status (AOS), USCIS requires proof that the petitioner spouse (a U.S. citizen or permanent resident) has sufficient and stable income to financially support the immigrant spouse. The primary financial document is Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, but one of the most effective supporting documents to strengthen your case is an Employment Verification Letter.
This letter helps USCIS confirm the sponsor’s current job, income, and financial stability, reducing the risk of an RFE (Request for Evidence). Below is a complete guide on what the USCIS-ready Employment Verification Letter should include, when to use it, and ready-to-copy templates.
What Is an Employment Verification Letter for USCIS?
An Employment Verification Letter is an official letter from the employer confirming:
the petitioner’s current employment status,
job title and duties (optional),
start date,
full-time or part-time status,
current annual income,
whether the position is permanent and stable.
USCIS uses this letter to verify that the sponsor’s income meets or exceeds the 125% Federal Poverty Guidelines, as required by Form I-864.
The letter does not replace tax returns or pay stubs, but it significantly strengthens the case.
Why Does USCIS Request an Employment Verification Letter?
USCIS needs clear proof that the petitioner:
currently has stable and ongoing employment,
has sufficient income to support the immigrant spouse,
is not likely to become a financial burden on the U.S. government (public charge).
This letter is especially helpful when:
the sponsor recently changed jobs,
income increased significantly,
the tax return does not reflect current earnings,
the income is close to the minimum required for I-864,
there is limited work history or inconsistent income,
USCIS previously issued an RFE regarding financial evidence.
Who Should Provide the Employment Verification Letter?
The letter must be issued by the employer of the sponsoring spouse — the person filing the I-130 petition and submitting Form I-864.
It should not be written by the immigrant spouse.
When an Employment Verification Letter Is Crucial for a Marriage-Based Green Card
You should definitely include the letter if:
1. The sponsor recently started a new job
A short employment history may raise questions. The letter confirms that the income is current and stable.
2. The sponsor’s income is close to the minimum required
USCIS may doubt whether the income is sufficient. A detailed letter helps eliminate risk.
3. Income consists of multiple components
Such as:
base salary,
overtime,
commissions,
tips,
bonuses.
The letter clarifies the real earning level.
4. The sponsor works part-time
USCIS may question stability. The employer’s confirmation helps.
5. An RFE has been issued
The Employment Verification Letter is one of the strongest responses for income-related RFEs.
Required Elements of a USCIS-Ready Employment Verification Letter
A proper letter should include:
Full legal name of the employee (petitioner)
Company name and address
Job title
Date employment began
Employment status: full-time or part-time
Current annual income (must be specified)
Statement confirming the position is permanent and stable
Contact information of the employer
Signature of HR or supervisor
Printed name and title of the person signing
USCIS does not require details such as:
Social Security number
Job duties
Reasons for employment gaps
Bonuses breakdown
The key focus is the sponsor’s ability to meet I-864 financial requirements.
Formatting Requirements
USCIS prefers:
a letter printed on official company letterhead,
signed by HR or a supervisor,
a PDF copy included in the I-864 evidence packet,
clear contact information for verification.
Electronic signatures are acceptable.
Employment Verification Letter Template (English, USCIS-Compliant)
Below is a fully compliant template for marriage-based Adjustment of Status cases.
Example of a Perfect USCIS-Ready Employment Verification Letter
How to Include the Letter in Your Marriage-Based AOS Packet
The Employment Verification Letter should be uploaded or attached as part of the I-864 supporting documents, along with:
Most recent tax return (Form 1040)
W-2 or 1099
Last 6 months of pay stubs
Employer letter (this document)
It is typically placed:
right after the pay stubs,
or as a separate section titled “Employment Verification Letter.”
No translation is required since the letter must be in English.
Common Mistakes That Lead to USCIS RFEs
Avoid the following:
❌ Letter not printed on company letterhead
❌ Annual income not stated
❌ Missing employment start date
❌ No confirmation that job is permanent
❌ No employer contact information
❌ Only hourly rate listed (USCIS needs annual figure)
❌ Letter older than 90 days at the time of submission
Quick Checklist for a Strong Employment Verification Letter
Sponsor (Petitioner)
Income matches pay stubs
Job title correct
Start date accurate
Full-time/part-time indicated
Annual income clearly stated
Letter is recent (less than 90 days old)
Employer/HR
Printed on company letterhead
Signed by HR or supervisor
Includes company contact information
States the employment is permanent and stable
Clean, professional formatting
Conclusion
An Employment Verification Letter is one of the strongest supporting documents for the financial portion of a marriage-based green card application. It:
strengthens the I-864
demonstrates stable income
reduces the likelihood of an RFE
helps USCIS verify the sponsor’s financial eligibility
supports cases where income history is inconsistent or recently improved
Combined with pay stubs, tax returns, and W-2s, the Employment Verification Letter dramatically increases the clarity and credibility of your financial documentation.
FAQ — Employment Verification Letter for Marriage-Based AOS
1. Is an Employment Verification Letter required for USCIS?
Not always, but it is strongly recommended, especially for new jobs or borderline income.
2. Does the letter need to include annual income?
Yes. USCIS evaluates the sponsor’s ability to meet I-864 requirements, so income must be clearly stated.
3. Can I submit a scanned PDF?
Yes — USCIS accepts scanned PDF employer letters.
4. How recent should the letter be?
Preferably within the past 60–90 days.
5. What if the sponsor has multiple jobs?
Submit one letter per employer.