Affidavit of Support - Employer Letter

[Quitinav 1]

Hi all,

I have a question regarding the Employer Letter for the I-134 Affidavit of Support.

The VisaJourney tips give an example that reads, <<"To whom it may concern: (first name,last name) has been employed full-time with the XYZ Company since 200_ as a (name of your job), and is an employee in good standing with an annual salary of $XXXX. Signed, John Doe, Supervisor (or whatever title)." The letter should be on company letterhead.>> However, I've also read that it is necessary to state whether my position is temporary or permanent. Does the "good standing" portion of the sample letter cover that?

I'm concerned because I am a teacher who does not yet qualify for tenure, so my school district cannot sign anything saying that I am a permanent employee even though they told me verbally that they will offer me another contract in May. Our interview is in April, so there'd be no way for me to include a copy of the new contract. Do you guys think it would be sufficient if my school district signed the following statement?

"Christina has been employed as a teacher for XXX Public Schools since August 21, 2011. Her annual salary is $XXXXX. She is a valuable employee, and her prospects for continued employment and advancement with XXX Public Schools are excellent."

Even though I meet the income requirements and will have the other forms of supporting evidence (bank statements, tax returns, W2s), I'm kind of wondering if I should get a co-sponsor just in case the CO specifically asks at the interview whether my employment is temporary or permanent. I wouldn't want my fiance to have to try to explain it, or for it to be the only reason for denial.

Thanks in advance for all of your help and suggestions. This website and the communities on these forums have been a lifesaver as we try to navigate this process!

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

That letter sounds fine. It is not even required, unless your consulate specifically states they require one. You can use recent pay stubs along with or in place of an employment letter.

[ShirahBet 42]

Mine didn't say permanent. All permanent means is that you're not a temporary employee, seasonal, etc. I think you'll be fine.

[Quitinav 1]

That letter sounds fine. It is not even required, unless your consulate specifically states they require one. You can use recent pay stubs along with or in place of an employment letter.

Thanks Jay-Kay. I am not sure if our consulate requires the letter, but I will send it just in case. I also have recent pay stubs to submit.

Mine didn't say permanent. All permanent means is that you're not a temporary employee, seasonal, etc. I think you'll be fine.

Thanks ShirahBet. That makes sense, and it is good to hear that yours didn't say permanent and was fine. I will add that I am full-time employee, just so that there is no doubt as to whether I might be a temporary, long-term reserve.

[Tina and Johan 206]

Teacher here too, and I am not getting tenure until the end of this school year. I hadn't thought of that being an issue at all. I would see "temporary" as a long-term sub or maybe IF you work at a district that is susceptible to layoffs and you'll be getting a pink slip come March 14th. But I think if you follow the example above (as I plan to do) then really all you need is what's already stated there. I would think the only way it wouldn't work is if you're on some sort of suspension with your district. Just to compare notes, are you planning to get this from the district office or your principal? I'll be doing this in the next few weeks. Sending positive vibes your way for the interview!

[tila_vida 6]

That is more than fine, I was nervous about the affidavit of support, but they didn't say anything to me, they barely even looked at it.

The reason for that is, in K-1 visas, we will really be proving the affidavit of support during Adjustment of Status (that is the next level of paperwork that you will start on once your fiance arrives to the US). That later affidavit (form i-864) is much more through, but even for that, that letter meets all requirements.

Best of luck!

[baron555 934]

Then you won't have a letter to submit. No big deal.

[dgalster 1]

Tenure doesn't have anything to do with "permanent." I guess if you're job was really permanent you'd have to keep doing it after you die.

Permanent and Temporary are HR classifications or statuses, there are some different rules about employers' obligations in each case. If you were a Temporary employee you would know it (I think).