For those in the process of submitting a Green Card Application, the experience letter requirement can be a bit confusing. Luckily, we’ve put together all the information you need along with a sample experience letter template for you to use.
An experience letter from your previous employer is required when applying for a green card to demonstrate your knowledge, abilities, and experience.
The experience letter is submitted with the I-140 Immigration Petition for Alien Worker stage to prove the years of experience and qualifications that you had listed in your PERM application.
For example, if you had listed that you had three years of experience working on computer software, the experience letter would show that, while employed by your previous employer, you did in fact work on computer software as part of your job responsibilities.
The following parts of an experience letter for a green card are common, though experience letters may differ by employer:
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Introduction (What, What, Where, When, Why)
As with any professional letter, the experience letter starts with the employer's introduction. The employee who writes the letter may introduce themselves and specify their relationship with the visa applicant in this section.
Position
The experience letter must mention the position or positions you held while working for that employer. If you held several positions while working at the company, the letter should list all of them or the most recent or highest-ranking position.
Responsibilities and Skills
In this part of the experience letter, the employer lists the responsibilities you held within your position. The more specific the better, as the letter must demonstrate that you have special work skills you want to bring to the United States.
Therefore, instead of simply stating that the applicant worked on computer software, the letter should list the specific programs and skills they used on the job.
Recommendation
Although not a requirement, some employers will include the visa applicant's recommendation.
Conclusion
Employers should add their contact information and a signature with their job description listed underneath to conclude the letter.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to verify that [APPLICANTS NAME] was employed by [COMPANY NAME] during the period from START DATE to FINISH DATE.
[APPLICANT'S NAME] was an exceptional employee at [COMPANY NAME] who executed their duties to the highest professional standards. We have no doubt that [APPLICANTS NAME] will continue to make an outstanding contribution as a [JOB TITLE] in any similar organization.
If you would like to discuss [APPLICANT’S NAME] employment at [COMPANY NAME] in future details, please feel free to contact our office.
[SUPERVISORS SIGNNATURE]
[SUPERVISOR’S TITLE]
[COMPANY NAME AND ADDRESS]
By following the structure outlined above, writing an experience letter will be a straightforward endeavor.
Be truthful
Any untruthful information may surface at a later date and cause problems with your application. The last thing you want is for your application to be denied due to an incorrect position title or working period on the cover letter.
Be thorough
The description and responsibilities of the job should include all of the duties and skills that the worker had while employed by the company, because every little detail contributes to the strength of the application.
You can provide a different letter for each relevant job you’ve held, which can demonstrate the diversity of knowledge you’ll bring with you to the US as a green card holder. Therefore, don't submit any unrelated experience on the letters as the letter's purpose is to verify the skills and experience you have listed on your PERM application.
Conclusion
Although it may seem difficult, writing a job experience letter for a green card is not nearly as difficult as it may appear. Just follow our tips and outline and your letter should be ready to submit with your green card application.