Ex-employer refuses to provide a letter. What to do?

The EB-2 NIW visa is intended for professionals with exceptional or advanced qualifications, capable of demonstrating that their presence in the United States will bring significant benefits to the country. One common challenge in this type of process is the need to gather a series of evidences and documents that prove your experience and contributions in the field. Among these documents may be a letter from a former employer that certifies your performance and the relevance of your work.

However, when the former employer refuses to provide this letter, it is important to know how to act legally and, above all, without harming your petition. First, it is advisable to try to establish a friendly dialogue with the former employer. Clearly and respectfully present the importance of the letter for your immigration process, highlighting that the document is only to prove your professional trajectory and does not impose any kind of obligation or exposure on the company or former supervisor. Often, a transparent conversation can help resolve the situation.

If the initial attempt is unsuccessful, consider gathering alternative documents and evidences that can replace or complement the information the letter would provide. These documents include emails, contracts, performance evaluations, project records, among others that prove your experience and contributions during the period you worked at the company. Testimonies from colleagues who can still validate your performance can also be useful to strengthen your case.

It is essential to remember that the immigration process follows specific criteria and that the sum of the evidence presented is evaluated by immigration officers. Therefore, even without the former employer’s letter, it is crucial to gather as much proof as possible to demonstrate the legitimacy of your professional experience and reinforce the relevance of your work to the United States.

Always ensure to follow the immigration laws of the country and avoid resorting to solutions that are not in compliance with current legislation. Finally, it is prudent to seek guidance from specialists or professionals experienced in immigration processes, but always with caution when choosing reliable sources and avoiding scams or approaches promising miraculous results. Transparency and compliance with the rules are determining factors for success in any immigration process.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.