Do you really need employment letter for I-134

[luckme2013 0]

Do you really need employment letter for I-134?

[Avery Cates 1,141]

I would say yes. They want at least a couple of the things that they're asking for in their instructions.

Is there some reason you can't get one?

[Mel&Lal 12]

I thought the employment letter was in case you could not get pay stubs or w-2 forms, but I most likely wrong.

[Sistersister 0]

I submitted 2 months of pay stubs and the last 2 years of tax transcripts. I did not submit an employment letter and did not have any issues in Addis Ababa using them for the I-134.

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

The employment letter is not a requirement. It is just one of the ways you can document your income.

[Mufmer 24]

In order to avoid so many questions from CO about fiance/fiancee employment, its better to get employment letter so be on safe side n get it.

Edited August 26, 2013 by Mufmer

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

I do not see how it is 'safer' to use an employment letter. Pay stubs work just as well, if not better. They contain all the vital information, such as your employer, pay rate and year-to-date income. The poster above used only pay stubs and tax returns at the same consulate the OP will interview at.

[Mufmer 24]

I do not see how it is 'safer' to use an employment letter. Pay stubs work just as well, if not better. They contain all the vital information, such as your employer, pay rate and year-to-date income. The poster above used only pay stubs and tax returns at the same consulate the OP will interview at.

In Some Us- Embassy they mention in packet3 n in some they dont, so it really depend....

[Anna Grant 169]

It may depend on the embassy. I didn't provide an employment letter as it's my now husband's company - he would be writing the letter! However, London are known to be lenient on income evidence.

It may also depend on why you don't have an employer letter. I had a good reason why I didn't.

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

In Some Us- Embassy they mention in packet3 n in some they dont, so it really depend....

Okay, so it is not a requirement unless the instructions from your consulate specifically states you must have one. It won't avoid a lot of questions/be safer to have one for most people that are not instructed to definitely have that letter. Pay stubs typically contain all the vital information on them. Even with the I-864 for AOS, the employment letter is not a requirement. You can use the employment letter, pay stubs or both. Those that are self-employed will not have a letter from their employer, nor will those that obtain income from a source other than being an employee. Proof of income is what it is required.

[David & Diana R 1,005]

I included pay stubbs, w-2's and employment letter. I can't figure out why anyone would not include the employment letter, unless you are hoping to give the VISA people a reason to send you an RFE or to deny your applicationa all together. I would recommend including the letter. The letter states that you are currently employed...it can't hurt. Just sayin'.

Aloha Ke Akua

[Steve12 1]

i have a question, i am employed and i have the letter and pay stubs, tax transcript and I134. but i am leaving to go back home for personal business which means i won't have a job. so do i need a co-sponsor. my income is way above what they ask for.

so what is your suggestion fellow VJ's.

[LeeLL 0]

Some employers no longer provide an employment letter. Instead they refer you to a company known as the Work Number. Not sure if anyone has any experience with using them as a resource during their interview. I will find out when it's time for my fiance's interview.

[Gosia & Tito 199]

I do not see how it is 'safer' to use an employment letter. Pay stubs work just as well, if not better. They contain all the vital information, such as your employer, pay rate and year-to-date income. The poster above used only pay stubs and tax returns at the same consulate the OP will interview at.

It establishes how long you have been working (yes, you can also do that with paystubs), but more important, what is your status: contract, permanent; as that also helps establish whether other benefits would apply, normally a contract has to provide his/her own health insurance, retirement monies, etc; at same time and because of those benefits, a contract would usually have a higher hourly rate. even when there is employment at will, a permanent employee has a sense of permanence that might support their petition. An employee letter usually also details bonuses and other benefits the person would have.

Again, case specific.

Is not a requirement, and it depends on the specific case and the embassy

Edited August 26, 2013 by Gosia & Tito

[Jamaica10 13]

If you are able to get an employment letter I suggest you get one if it is listed as a requirement. Anyone can say anything about not needing one, but at the end of the day the U.S. Embassy in your country has the final say and I would hate for you to no obtain one and it's needed at the time of your interview. Better safe than sorry. You never know what type of interviewing officer you'll get, some are stricter than others, which is why it's best to cover your tracks. My fiance submitted all of what they asked for and they took what they wanted leaving a few documents behind, but one of the interviewing officer took all of the documents required from others at the embassy. A lot of times when I read reviews, some people are lucky to not have to submit any documents/proof during their interview besides the DS forms and affidavit of support. GOOD LUCK!