PERM approved, but university won’t issue detailed EVL — is professor letter enough for I-140?
Hi everyone,
I’m in the process of filing my I-140 (PERM already approved), and I’m facing a situation with my education-based experience documentation.
My attorney provided a draft “experience verification letter” (EVL) for my master’s program that includes detailed technical skills (Python, SQL, big data, etc.) gained during the program. However, my university is not willing to issue or sign anything beyond a standard registrar letter confirming:
• Degree
• Dates of study
• Basic program learning outcomes
They also shared a course catalog, but nothing with detailed technical skills.
Most of my professors have left the university, but I was able to contact one former professor who is willing to sign the exact draft letter (same content from attorney), but on their current organization’s letterhead, not the university’s.
So my final documentation would be:
• Degree certificate
• Transcripts
• Registrar letter (generic)
• Course catalog / learning outcomes
• Detailed EVL from former professor (not on university letterhead, but includes full contact info and signature)
My questions:
1. Has anyone been in a similar situation where the university refused to issue detailed letters?
2. Is a professor letter (not on university letterhead) generally accepted by USCIS?
3. Did this lead to an RFE or approval in your case?
My attorney seems okay with proceeding, but I just wanted to hear real experiences from others.
Appreciate any insights—thanks in advance!