What happens if lender Cannot verify employment?

Asked by: Trinity Bartoletti  |  Last update: December 26, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (60 votes)

It is possible for a loan to be denied during the underwriting process, so you'll want to do everything you can to make sure that doesn't happen. If the lender can't verify your employment through the human resources department, be sure to call the department and explain your situation.

What happens if employment is not verified?

Failing to do so can result in penalties or fines that can harm your business. However, if a request for employment verification comes from another party, such as an employer, landlord or mortgage lender, there aren't laws and regulations that require employers to respond to an employment verification request.

Do banks really call your employer verify employment?

Banks can call your employer to verify employment for personal loans. But most banks will simply verify your income through a tax document or bank statement when evaluating your application for a personal loan.

How close to closing do lenders verify employment?

and the complexity of the borrower's employment history [1]. To reduce the risk of any changes in employment status prior to closing, lenders may re-verify the borrower's employment approximately 10 days before the scheduled closing.

How long does it take for a lender to verify employment?

The process can last from a few days to weeks if a lender is manually reviewing documents and calling employers. On the other hand, a lender that uses a third-party vendor to digitize or automate the verification process can complete verifications in minutes or hours.

Mortgage Lenders Don't Want You to Know This About Income Verification

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How do mortgage lenders verify self employment?

The lender may verify a self-employed borrower's employment and income by obtaining from the borrower copies of their signed federal income tax returns (both individual returns and in some cases, business returns) that were filed with the IRS for the past two years (with all applicable schedules attached).

How long does it take HR to verify employment?

While the majority of employment verifications can be completed in less than 72 hours, there are several reasons it may take longer.

Do underwriters call to verify employment?

This process varies from lender to lender. Some lenders will verify your employment with your employer either over the phone or through a written request. Then, about 10 days before your scheduled closing, re-verify your employment. This is done to make sure nothing has changed with your employment status.

Do they verify employment on closing day?

Lenders typically verify your employment twice: when you apply for a home loan and several days before closing. They don't usually check your employment after closing, but they may in some cases. Loan companies verify employment multiple times because they need confidence you have a stable enough income to buy a home.

What if my employer refuses to verify employment for a mortgage?

If the lender can't verify your employment through the human resources department, be sure to call the department and explain your situation. You can also ask the lender whether supporting documentation, such as recent paystubs, tax returns, and W-2s, will be sufficient.

Can I change jobs right after closing on a house?

If possible, it's best to wait a while after closing on your home to change jobs, but life changes can happen suddenly.

Do lenders actually verify employment?

Lenders are keen on verifying your employment history, income, and employment status to assess your ability to repay the loan. Stable employment is highly valued, and self-employed individuals may face unique challenges during this process.

What happens if you fail employment verification?

Some of the implications of failing a background check include: Loss of job opportunity: Failure to pass a background check can result in the loss of a job opportunity. Companies may withdraw a job offer if a candidate fails the background check, as this may suggest that the candidate is unsuitable for the position.

What happens if you don't have proof of employment?

References. References from people at your current place of employment, whether an HR person or your direct manager, can also suffice as proof of employment for those third parties that don't require a formal Employment Verification Letter.

Can anyone call HR to verify employment?

Verification of employment (VOE) requests on current or former employees can come to an employer from government agencies, mortgage lenders, prospective employers, collection agents and others.

Do lenders verify employment after closing?

If your loan is cleared to close, the mortgage lender may still want to verify income and employment. This would not be a good time to make a major career move. Also, your ability to refinance a home loan in the next couple of years could be impacted by a job change after your original loan closes.

Can a loan be denied after signing closing documents?

Yes, there is. 'At closing' or 'clear to close' refers to the point where the lender takes a final look at your application. It usually happens about a month or two after your application. If there are discrepancies such as job change or lower credit card score from accumulating debt, your loan can be denied.

Can I sue my lender for not closing on time?

Can I sue my lender for not closing on time? Yes, you can claim against your lender if they don't finish on time. However, it is unlikely to result in an extension of loan commitment. In these instances, consult with an attorney to get advice.

How long does employment verification take?

Employment verification

This kind of check might take two to four days, or maybe more, as the recruiter needs to be in touch with all the past employers or their HR personnel. Thus, the higher the number of jobs the candidate has changed, the more tedious the process becomes.

Do underwriters verify pay stubs?

Loan underwriting: Lenders use applicant pay stubs to verify creditworthiness during the underwriting process.

What to do if someone calls to verify employment?

When someone requests an employee reference, be honest and keep the conversation short. Stick to the basics like dates of employment and the position your former employee held.

How serious is employment verification?

Employment verification can also reveal false employment claims, gaps in employment, or fabrication of job titles. Employment verifications are an important part of the pre-employment screening process because they help reveal if your candidates are trustworthy and a good fit for the job.

Does employment verification show termination?

The Hard Truth: Yep, It Goes on Your Record

Oftentimes, when a new employer checks your references, all they can check is your dates of employment and whether of not you're “eligible for rehire”.

Can HR refuse to verify employment?

Unless legally required, employers are not required to fill out employment verification letters for past or present employees. Companies that prefer not to provide these verification letters will often include that information as part of their employee contracts, but not everyone is aware of this.