This is a guide on Letter of Recommendation (LoR) and Employment Verification Letter (EVL), which is developed in Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) format. In this guide, we address common queries and concerns about matters related to the recommendation and employment verification letters, aiming to provide clarity and guidance to individuals navigating the complexities of the mentioned Letters. This information is based on the understanding of the "Beporsed" team from various sources and is not legal advice. This guide is updated on 5th February 2024. For legal guidance and advice, we recommend consulting official sources. Recommendation and employment verification letters play a crucial role in the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program as they serve as essential evidence of an individual's eligibility for the visa. These letters provide documentation of the applicant's employment or service with the U.S. government or military in Afghanistan, highlighting their contributions and the nature of their work.
Join us as we navigate the essential questions surrounding the on Letter of Recommendation (LoR) and Employment Verification Letter (EVL), empowering individuals with knowledge and support on their journey to resettlement.
Why are recommendation and employment verification letters important for the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program?
Recommendation and employment verification letters play a crucial role in the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program as they serve as essential evidence of an individual's eligibility for the visa. These letters provide documentation of the applicant's employment or service with the U.S. government or military in Afghanistan, highlighting their contributions and the nature of their work.
For Afghan SIV applicants, recommendation letters from supervisors, or other officials who can attest to their skills, character, and service are vital. These letters provide firsthand accounts of the applicant's valuable contributions and support their claims of employment or affiliation with U.S. entities.
Similarly, employment verification letters from employers or contracting agencies verify the applicant's work history, responsibilities, and duration of service. These letters corroborate the information provided in the SIV application and help establish the applicant's eligibility for the program.
By providing comprehensive recommendation and employment verification letters along with the form DS-157, Tazkera, and Badge number, Afghan SIV applicants strengthen their cases for COM approval and demonstrate their valuable contributions to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan.
What is required in the Letter of Employment Verification from my employer?
The verification or HR letter from your employer plays a crucial role in verifying your employment history and eligibility for the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. To ensure the letter meets the necessary requirements, it should contain detailed information about your employment, including:
- Your full name and date of birth for identification purposes.
- You Takera or Passport number.
- Your job title, specific job location, and badge number.
- Clear start and end dates of your employment with the company.
- Your role and responsibilities.
- Reason for end of employment.
- Comprehensive contract information for all contracts and subcontracts, including project names, contract numbers, durations, names of prime contractors, and contracting U.S. government entities. If your employer was a subcontractor, both the prime contract and subcontract details should be included.
- If available, a copy of the contract or subcontract should be attached to the letter.
- Contact information for the HR representative completing the letter, including their name, signature, corporate email address, or an alternate contact if they are no longer with the company, and the date the letter was signed.
- For ISAF employees, a description of the work performed as an interpreter or translator for U.S. military personnel while off-base, or activities conducted for U.S. military personnel stationed at ISAF.
In cases where the company no longer exists, lacks an HR department, or has no records of your employment, alternative arrangements can be made. You can request a letter from your supervisor or a senior colleague explaining the circumstances, detailing your employment dates, and reasons for separation, and providing as much relevant information as possible.
What should I do if I can't obtain an Employment Verification/HR letter from my employer to apply for SIV?
If you find yourself unable to secure an Employment Verification/HR letter from your employer, there are several alternative steps you can take based on your specific circumstances:
- Employer Nonexistence: If your employer no longer exists, you can request a letter from your supervisor. This letter should clearly state the absence of the employer or the closure of the office, along with an acknowledgment that there is no HR department available to provide an HR letter. This letter can serve as your employment verification at the NVC (National Visa Center).
- Inactive HR Department: In cases where the employer exists but the HR department is inactive or non-existent, a senior staff within the organization can issue you the necessary documentation. The letter should explicitly mention the absence or inactivity of the HR department and affirm your employment status.
- Supervisor's Recommendation: If your supervisor is still employed with the company but there is no HR department available to provide an HR letter, then your former supervisor can provide both a recommendation letter and an employment verification/HR letter. This combined documentation or two separate documents can strengthen your SIV (Special Immigrant Visa) application.
You need to ensure that any alternative documentation obtained accurately reflects your employment history and status. Additionally, consider including any relevant details or explanations regarding the absence of traditional HR documentation to provide context to the reviewing authorities.
If I have two HR letters from different offices, am I eligible for SIV?
If you possess Employment verification or HR letters from two distinct offices, demonstrating your employment on U.S. government projects for a cumulative period of at least one year, you may qualify for the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV). Additionally, obtaining a letter of a letter of Recommendation (LoR) in accordance with SIV guidelines is crucial.
The National Visa Center (NVC) thoroughly evaluates the accuracy of your Employment verification or HR letters and recommendation letter, alongside scrutinizing your account profile and contract information and details. This process ensures compliance with SIV requirements.
Ultimately, the decision lies with the Chief of Mission (COM), who determines your eligibility based on your employment records across both offices and projects. If deemed eligible, the COM grants approval for your SIV application; otherwise, the application may be denied.
It's important to note that meeting the minimum employment duration (one year) and obtaining authentic documentation are fundamental steps toward SIV eligibility. Ensuring transparency and accuracy in your application materials enhances the likelihood of COM Approval and facilitates a smoother immigration process to the United States.
My HR letter shows I worked for less than a year, am I eligible for SIV? How can I immigrate to the United States?
If your Employment verification or HR letter indicates that you worked for a duration of less than one year, you may not meet the eligibility criteria for the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, as a full year of service to the US government is typically required. However, if the contract duration is slightly less than a year or 365 days, but your recommendation and employment verification letters confirm a full year of employment, you could still not qualify for SIV.
In cases where SIV eligibility is not met due to insufficient duration of service, individuals may explore alternative pathways, such as the Priority Two (P-2) program under the USRAP. The P-2 program is specifically designed for individuals who have served the US government for less than one year or are ineligible for the SIV program altogether.
To initiate the P-2 application process, individuals should contact their respective offices and request a referral to the USRAP program. It's important to note that individuals cannot directly apply for the P-2 program; the application must be initiated by the sponsoring office. By pursuing the appropriate immigration pathway based on your employment history, you can navigate the process effectively and work towards achieving your goal of immigrating to the United States.
Should I pay for HR and recommendation letters from individuals offering them on social media to apply for the SIV program?
No, it's strongly advised against purchasing Employment verification or HR letters, as well as recommendation letters, from individuals on social media for SIV program applications. Engaging in such transactions is not only unethical but also illegal. Despite claims on social media platforms guaranteeing these documents for SIV applications, it's crucial to understand the risks involved.
Attempting to enter the United States with forged documents can have severe consequences. The U.S. government employs rigorous measures to detect fraudulent documentation, and if fake documents are identified during the revision of the case, interview, or later stages of the application process, your case could be denied. While some individuals may have succeeded in entering different countries using purchased documents in the past, such actions can lead to legal repercussions, even after obtaining citizenship.
Authentic recommendation letters play a significant role in the SIV application process, but they must be provided by individuals who have genuinely supervised your work. Similarly, HR letters, documenting employment history, should only be obtained from legitimate sources. Your employer should provide these documents at no cost if you have genuinely worked for them.
It's very important to avoid falling victim to scams and refrain from wasting time and money on fraudulent practices. Upholding integrity in the application process ensures fairness for genuine applicants and maintains the integrity of immigration procedures.
What is required in the Letter of Recommendation from a Supervisor?
The Letter of Recommendation from a Supervisor is a critical document that provides insight into the applicant's work performance and suitability for the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. To ensure the letter meets the necessary criteria, it should contain the following key information:
- Your full name and date of birth.
- Your Takera or Passport number.
- Your job title, specific job location, and badge number.
- Description of your work duties.
- Confirmation that the recommender is/was your direct supervisor or a more senior person in the company who supervised the applicant.
- Start and end dates of your direct supervision (day-month-year).
- Comprehensive contract information including project names, contract numbers, durations, names of prime contractors, and contracting U.S. government entities.
- Justification for recommending the applicant for SIV.
- Affirmation that the applicant provided valuable services.
- Confirmation that the applicant does not pose any security concerns or threats to the U.S.
- Your supervisor's Name, Title, and Personal Email Address.
- Supervisor's Signature and the Date the Letter is Signed.
As of January 2023, it's important to note that there is no longer a requirement for the supervisor to provide a letter of recommendation to be a U.S. citizen. If the State Department requests evidence of U.S. citizenship from the supervisor, they can clarify that this requirement has been lifted.
Who may provide the letter of recommendation for my SIV petition?
The individual who submits the letter of recommendation plays a crucial role in supporting an applicant's Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) application. The guidelines for who may provide this letter depend on the nature of the applicant's employment:
- If the applicant was employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government: The letter of recommendation should typically come from a U.S. citizen, Afghan citizen, or any citizen who directly supervised the applicant or supervised the employing company. This letter must include specific details outlined in the Applicant Guidelines for Chief of Mission Approval.
- If the applicant was employed by ISAF or a successor mission: The letter of recommendation will be provided by a member of the U.S. military who worked closely with the applicant during their service. Similar to other letters, this recommendation must contain the required details as specified in the Applicant Guidelines for Chief of Mission Approval.
Submitting a comprehensive and well-documented letter of recommendation is essential for demonstrating the applicant's qualifications, contributions, and suitability for the SIV program.
How Can I Find a Former Supervisor for My SIV Application?
If you are in search of a former supervisor to support your Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) application, consider the following techniques:
- Begin by contacting any supervisors whose names you remember. The more individuals you reach out to, the higher the chance of receiving a positive response.
- Approach your former office or team lead to inquire if they have any information regarding the whereabouts of your supervisor.
- Contact your former colleagues and ask for their assistance in finding your supervisor's contact details.
- Reach out through various means, including email, and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other professional networking sites.
- If your supervisor has a common name, utilize additional details or look for pictures to help identify the correct individual.
- If unable to locate a specific supervisor, ask other relevant supervisors to provide you with a recommendation letter.
- Explain your situation to organizations such as the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) and ask if they could assist you in locating your supervisor.
- If all efforts to locate your supervisor fail, proceed with your SIV application, providing other relevant documents, and explain the challenge of not reaching your supervisor.
What if I am unable to locate or need assistance contacting my former U.S. citizen supervisor?
If you find yourself unable to locate or require assistance contacting your former U.S. citizen supervisor, it's essential to take proactive steps to ensure the continuity of your SIV application process. The National Visa Center (NVC) does not have the capability to reach out to third parties to assist in locating your former supervisor. Therefore, it is your responsibility to provide alternative documentation to support your application. You may consider the following options:
- If your direct U.S. citizen supervisor is unavailable or has left the employer or Afghanistan, you can request a letter of recommendation or evaluation from the person currently occupying that position or a more senior individual within the organization.
- Request your other former supervisors, who are Afghan or from any country with any nationality, to provide you with a recommendation letter in a true and honest manner considering the guidelines of the SIV program.
- Gather any additional documentation or evidence that can corroborate your employment history, contributions, and qualifications. This could include performance evaluations, commendations, or other official records from your time of service.
- Seek guidance from immigration attorneys, legal service providers who specialize in SIV applications or IRAP for assistance. They can offer advice on navigating challenges related to documentation and provide support in obtaining alternative forms of verification.
Taking proactive steps and exploring alternative avenues for securing documentation can help mitigate obstacles and ensure the smooth progression of your SIV application despite challenges in contacting former supervisors.
What if I am unable to find my former U.S. military or Department of Defense supervisor to support me with a recommendation letter?
If you are an Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicant and are having difficulty locating or contacting your former U.S. military or Department of Defense supervisor, you may utilize the Supervisor Locator tool (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/404.html) provided by the U.S. Department of State. This tool is designed to assist individuals in locating their former supervisors who were affiliated with the U.S. military or Department of Defense.
By accessing the Supervisor Locator tool, you can submit relevant information about your former supervisor, such as their name, unit, and dates of employment, to help facilitate the search process. While the tool may not guarantee successful contact with your supervisor, it provides a resource for applicants who require assistance in this regard.
Potential SIV applicants who need to get in touch with previous supervisors for the purpose of writing recommendations can now submit Form DS-158 to the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will send the form to the “Supervisor Locator” which will reach out to US government agencies including the DoD and Veterans Affairs in an effort to establish contact with former supervisors.
What if it is not possible for me, as a contract employee employed on behalf of the U.S. government, to obtain this recommendation from a U.S. citizen supervisor?
If you are unable to obtain a letter of recommendation from a U.S. citizen supervisor due to your employment circumstances, there are alternative steps you can take to fulfill this requirement and continue your SIV application process.
You may provide a letter of recommendation signed by your non-U.S. citizen supervisor. However, it is recommended to be co-signed by the U.S. citizen who is responsible for the contract. This letter must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Applicant Guidelines for Chief of Mission Approval to ensure its validity and acceptance.
In situations where you were employed by contractors or subcontractors to work at ISAF or a successor mission, it's important to review the specific eligibility criteria for the SIV program. Certain contractual arrangements may impact eligibility, and it's advisable to seek clarification from relevant authorities to understand your options.
In addition to the letter of recommendation, gather and share any other relevant documentation or evidence that can support your employment history, contributions, and qualifications.
Is There a Template or Format for the Letter of Recommendation in SIV program?
While there isn't a specific template or format mandated for the letter of recommendation, it must adhere to certain guidelines outlined in the Applicant Guidelines for Chief of Mission Approval. Although there's flexibility in the structure, the letter should contain essential details pertinent to the applicant's qualifications and contributions.
Avoid using generic or template-based form letters from supervisors, as they may not provide the necessary depth and specificity required for a compelling recommendation. Each letter should be customized to reflect the unique experiences and achievements of the applicant.
It's crucial to ensure that all letters of recommendation are meticulously proofread before submission. Letters containing significant spelling or grammar errors may hinder the processing of your application and potentially delay its progress.
While there isn't a standardized template, a well-crafted letter of recommendation should effectively highlight the applicant's strengths, accomplishments, and contributions in a clear and coherent manner.
I have been told that a new law says anyone who signed a contract with the US government can give recommendation letters, so Is it true?
No, this statement is not accurate. According to current regulations, recommendation letters submitted for Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applications must adhere to specific requirements. The individual providing the recommendation letter must have served as your direct supervisor during the employment period specified in the Human Resources (HR) letter accompanying your application. This ensures that the recommender can provide accurate and relevant insights into your qualifications, skills, and contributions during your employment with the US government or its contractors.
It's crucial to rely on official information and instructions provided by authoritative sources, such as the US Department of State's website (travel.state.gov), for guidance on SIV application procedures and requirements. Following the official guidelines helps to ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and compliant with the necessary regulations.
Submitting recommendation letters from individuals who did not directly supervise your work or who are not qualified to provide an informed assessment could result in delays or complications in the processing of your SIV application.
I suspect fraudulent issuance of HR and recommendation letters in my workplace, where relatives of higher-ups have received letters without actually working. How should I report this?
If you encounter instances of HR and recommendation letter fraud in your workplace, especially involving relatives of company officials who have not worked for the company, it's crucial to report it promptly. You can report such visa fraud to the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Services, by emailing PassportVisaFraud@state.gov. Additionally, ensure that you forward the same email to NVCSIV@state.gov to ensure that the matter is properly addressed within the SIV processing system.
When reporting, provide detailed information about the fraudulent activity, the individuals involved, and any supporting evidence you may have. This could include copies of the questionable letters or any other relevant documentation.
By reporting such incidents, you contribute to upholding the integrity of the visa system and preventing misuse of the SIV program, ultimately ensuring fairness and transparency in immigration processes.
The officials of my office have issued HR and recommendation letters to their relatives or have taken money for them but have not worked in the office for a single day with us. How should I report it?
If you suspect SIV fraud or misuse of HR and recommendation letters in your workplace, it's crucial to report it to the appropriate authorities. You can report such instances of visa fraud to the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Services, by emailing PassportVisaFraud@state.gov. Additionally, forward the same email to NVCSIV@state.gov to ensure that the matter is appropriately addressed within the SIV processing system.
It's essential to provide as much detail and evidence as possible when reporting such incidents, including specific instances of fraudulent activity, individuals involved, and any supporting documentation or information you may have.
Reporting SIV fraud helps uphold the integrity of the visa process and prevents misuse of the system, ultimately protecting the interests of genuine applicants and ensuring fairness in immigration procedures.
Can a non-US citizen issue a recommendation letter for their subordinate in the SIV program?
Yes, As of Fall 2021, the requirement for a recommendation letter in the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program no longer mandates that it be written or co-signed by a U.S. citizen. The State Department has clarified that there's currently no stipulation necessitating U.S. citizen involvement in the recommendation process. While the Foreign Affairs Manual suggests it's beneficial for a U.S. citizen overseeing a contract to co-sign a recommendation letter from a non-U.S. citizen supervisor, this is not mandatory.
If the National Visa Center (NVC) requests a letter from a U.S. citizen supervisor, applicants can inform them of the updated guidelines indicating this requirement's absence. In case of delays or denials based on this outdated requirement, applicants can seek assistance through channels like the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) COM denial assistance form.
Understanding the evolving guidelines and communicating effectively with relevant authorities can help ensure compliance with current requirements and expedite the application process.
If my supervisor provides a recommendation letter directly to the Afghan SIV program, will it be effective?
Yes, it can be effective. While it is generally preferable for recommendation letters to come directly from supervisors, it is not mandatory. The Afghan SIV program understands that obtaining letters directly from supervisors may not always be feasible for applicants. Therefore, if an applicant's supervisor agrees to submit a recommendation letter directly to the Afghan SIV program, it can still be considered valid.
In such cases, the supervisor should ensure that the recommendation letter includes essential details such as the applicant's name, date of birth, and case number. This helps to establish the authenticity of the letter and increases its credibility in the review process conducted by the National Visa Center (NVC) or the Chief of Mission (COM).
However, accepting the fact that the sending of the recommendation letter by the supervisor does not guarantee COM approval, applicants can communicate with their supervisors to coordinate the submission of the recommendation letter and provide any necessary guidance or instructions. By taking this approach, applicants can streamline the process and ensure that all required documentation reaches the Afghan SIV program in a timely manner, facilitating the review of their case.
Can a letter from the supervisor serve as both the HR Letter and Letter of Recommendation (LOR) required for SIV applications?
Yes, a single document can serve as both the HR Letter and LOR, provided it meets the requirements for both. If the author of the letter held dual roles as both an HR representative and a supervisor for the applicant, their combined perspective can be reflected in a single document. Also, if the relevant office or organization is not existed anymore, in this case, supervisor can prepare both the human resources letter and the recommendation letter with his signature and give it to the applicant, but should mention in the human resources letter that the relevant office or organization is closed and does not exist now.
However, it's essential to ensure that the single document contains all necessary information and meets the criteria outlined for both the HR Letter and LOR. Failure to include the required details in the letter may result in rejection by the National Visa Center (NVC) or the Chief of Mission (COM) during the application review process.
Normally, it is better to prepare letters of order and human resources separately to avoid any kind of misunderstanding during the review. Therefore, applicants should carefully review the requirements for both the HR Letter and LOR and ensure that the single document or two separated documents adequately address all criteria.
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