Q1029. Do corporate employment verification letters and salary certificates require Ministry of Labour approval before MFA review?

Answered by the NYC Visa & Translation legalization desk

An employer-issued employment letter or salary certificate does not automatically require Ministry of Labour approval simply because it concerns employment. First ask the MFA which authentication route applies to a private-company document and whether notarization or another form of signature certification is required. Obtain a dated letter on company letterhead stating the employee’s details, employment period, position, and salary where needed. Have an authorized representative sign it, and obtain supporting company-registration or signing-authority evidence if requested. Arrange any required translation and complete the specified authentication steps. A common pitfall is assuming an HR signature and company stamp alone satisfy the MFA’s requirements for private documents. Verify the applicable requirements with the Department of Consular Affairs before filing.