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When applying for a UK Spouse Visa, one of the most critical components of your application is providing evidence that the financial requirement is met.
An employment letter is a mandatory document for applicants who rely on employment income, whether the sponsor (a UK-based partner) or the applicant themselves. This letter formally confirms the employment details used to meet the visa’s financial thresholds.
This article explains the purpose, requirements, contents, formatting tips, and provides a sample template for the Spouse Visa Employment Letter.
Why the Employment Letter Matters
The UK Home Office sets a minimum annual income threshold of £29,000 for sponsoring a spouse or partner. The requirement increases if dependent children are also being sponsored.
The employment letter serves to:
- Confirm the sponsor’s (or applicant’s) job status
- Verify that the salary meets or exceeds the required threshold
- Support the income evidence provided by payslips and bank statements
Without this letter, your financial evidence may be incomplete, which could lead to delays or refusals.
An employment letter is required if:
- The sponsor is employed by a company (Category A or B of financial requirements)
- The applicant is applying from within the UK and is relying on their income
- You are including employment income from a job that’s been held for less than 6 months (Category B)
It’s not required for:
- Self-employment (though accountant letters are)
- Income from savings, pensions, or rental income only
Essential Information to Include
The Home Office provides a clear list of the information that must be included. An effective employment letter must be:
- Printed on official company letterhead
- Signed and dated
- Addressed to UKVI/Home Office or ‘To whom it may concern’
It must confirm:
- Sponsor’s (or applicant’s) full name
- Job title/role
- Type of employment (permanent, fixed-term, part-time, full-time)
- Start date of employment
- Current gross annual salary or hourly rate
- The number of hours worked per week
- Confirmation that the person is still employed as of the date of the letter
- Contact details of the employer or HR department
For Category B (less than 6 months of employment), it should also:
- Confirm the salary in the previous employment
- Clarify the continuity of employment if applicable
Structure for an Employment Letter
It is a formal employment verification letter template that confirms an employee’s job status, salary, working hours, and other relevant employment details. It also provides the employer’s contact information and includes a signature from an authorised person.
You need to follow the given structure:
Employer Information
- Company email and contact number
- Address of the company
- Company name
Employee Information
- Employee’s complete name
- Your job title
- Department of the company you work for
- Status of employment
Employment Detail
- You are joining date
- Current salary and current post
- Mention the frequency of payment, for example, monthly or weekly
- Number of hours you work in a week
Verification Statement
- Confirmation that the employee is still working or has left the company
- Affirmation that employee status is stable and will remain ongoing
Additional Information
- Any benefits you are getting from the company, like health insurance and allowance
- Any chances of promotions and increments in salary
Employer Signature
- Signature of HR or manager
- The printed name and title of the person who is signing your letter
- Date
Formatting Tips
- Use professional formatting with the company logo and full address
- Avoid handwritten letters
- Use unambiguous language
- If multiple employers are involved, include a letter from each
Pro tip: It should include the employer’s full contact details, such as business address, phone number, and email address. All details must match your payslips, bank statements, and employment history exactly.
A client came to me after their application was unexpectedly delayed. He had submitted an employment letter that, while factually correct, was written in a casual style. The letter used informal language and lacked the authoritative phrasing that immigration officers look for.
My Advice
I advised him to request a reissued letter that adhered to a more conventional business tone, including a clear outline of the employment relationship, the company’s official contact information, and a signature from an authorized representative.
This adjustment made a significant difference, as the revised document met the formal criteria required by the visa authorities.
Common Mistakes That Can Lead to Rejection
- Missing the current salary or job start date
- The employer is not signing or dating the letter
- Not printed on letterhead
- Incorrect or outdated details (e.g., previous salary not updated)
- Employment not matching the payslips or bank deposits
A different experience involved a client whose employment letter was based on an outdated template that no longer met current immigration standards. He found themselves in a difficult situation after his visa application was flagged for inconsistent document formatting and terminology.
I immediately worked with their employer to update the letter, ensuring all content was current, clearly formatted, and reflected today’s requirements.
This overhaul resolved the immediate issues and taught the client to keep all documentation up to date when facing immigration processes.
Ensure that the employment letter matches precisely with the following:
- The last 6 months of payslips
- Corresponding bank deposits
- Information on the application form
Supporting Documents to Include with the Letter
In addition to the employment letter, you must submit:
- The last 6 months of payslips
- The last 6 months of the corresponding bank statements
- Employment contract (optional but helpful)
- P60 (if available)
If You Change Jobs before Applying
If you change jobs within 6 months before applying, this affects how you meet the requirements:
- You will likely fall under Category B, which has stricter rules.
- You must show income from the current job AND income from the previous job.
- Both employers should provide letters.
Final Checklist
Before submitting your employment letter, ask:
- Is it on the company letterhead?
- Is it signed and dated?
- Does it confirm all the required details?
- Does it match other financial documents?
You’ll like this too: Document Checklist For UK Spouse Visa
Sample Employment Letter Templates
This format is ideal for sponsors who rely on salaried income to meet their financial requirements.
Template #1:
[Company Letterhead]
[Company Address]
[Company Phone Number / Email]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter is to confirm that [Full Name of Employee], born [Date of Birth], has been employed with [Company Name] since [Start Date].
They currently work as a [Job Title] on a [Full-Time/Part-Time; Permanent/Temporary] basis.
Their current gross annual salary is £[Amount]
They work [Number] hours per week
This employment is ongoing, and we still employ the employee.
If you need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [HR Contact Email or Phone Number].
Kind regards,
[Signature]
[Name of HR Representative]
[Job Title]
I fully support their visa application and am happy to confirm the above information for UK Visas and Immigration. If you need any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact KQ Solicitors.
Template #2:
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Company Letterhead]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
This is to confirm that [Your Spouse’s Name] has been employed with [Company Name] as a [Job Title] since [Joining Date]. [Your Spouse’s Name] currently earns [Salary] and works full-time hours.
[Your Spouse’s Name] is a valued member of our team and an asset to our organization. They are responsible for [Job Responsibilities], and we are confident in their ability to continue meeting and exceeding expectations.
[Employer’s Contact Details]
[Signature]
[Printed Name]
[Job Title]
Please feel free to contact us if you require any further information.
Employment Letter vs. Covering Letter
It’s common to confuse the Spouse Visa Employment Letter and the cover letter in spouse visa applications, but they serve very different roles.
The Spouse Visa Employment Letter is a formal document, written by the employer on company letterhead, that confirms the sponsor’s job, salary, and contract details. It’s required to prove the financial requirement.
The applicant writes the cover letter. It’s personal and concise, outlining the relationship background, the purpose of the application, and a list of supporting documents. It’s not mandatory, but it helps give the caseworker a clear overview.
Here is a table for better understanding
| Aspect | Employment Letter | Covering Letter |
| Purpose | Confirm the sponsor’s job and income | Explains the applicant’s background and documents |
| Who writes it? | Employer | Visa applicant |
| What it includes | Job title, salary, contract type, working hours | Relationship history, reason for applying, and document summary |
| Is it mandatory? | Yes | No, but highly recommended |
| Who signs it? | Employer or HR | Applicant |
Conclusion
The Spouse Visa Employment Letter is a small but critical part of your UK visa application. Getting it right can significantly increase your chances of success, while mistakes can lead to delays or even a refusal.
By ensuring the letter is accurate, complete, and timely, you demonstrate to the Home Office that you meet the financial requirements and are serious about your application.
If you are unsure, it’s always wise to consult an immigration advisor or solicitor to review your documentation before submitting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How recent should the employment letter be for a visa application?
The letter should be dated within 28 days before submitting the visa or ILR application to ensure it is considered valid by UKVI.
Can a self-employed person provide an employment letter for a spouse visa?
Self-employed individuals cannot provide a standard employment letter but must submit self-employment financial records, including tax returns, bank statements, and business accounts.
Can I submit a digital employment letter for my visa application?
Some immigration authorities accept digitally signed letters, but it is best to check specific visa requirements. We prefer a letter on official company letterhead with a wet signature.
What if my employer refuses to provide an employment letter?
If your employer is unwilling to issue the letter, you can provide alternative proof of employment, such as recent pay slips, tax returns, or an employment contract. However, an official letter is the most potent form of evidence.
What happens if my salary does not meet the visa requirement?
If your salary falls below the required threshold, you may need to provide additional financial evidence, such as savings, investments, or other sources of income, or explore exemptions from financial requirements.
Do I need a new letter for a visa extension?
Yes. Even if your job hasn’t changed, you need an up-to-date letter reflecting your current employment status.