Last Updated On 11 March 2023, 9:49 AM EST (Toronto Time)
Job experience letter is an essential part of your permanent residency application for Canada. Whether you apply through Express Entry, PNP or come on a work permit, you will need an employer reference letter to evidence your previous work experience.
Moreover, there are certain Canadian immigration specifications that your letter needs to match if you want to claim points for your work experience in the Express Entry system.
In this article, you will learn about the details your reference letter should include, along with common mistakes and alternatives to reference letters.
Details to include in a job reference letter
For IRCC to verify your employment history, your employer reference letter should include the following information.
Company information, including company name and address
One of the most common mistakes is when your reference letters do not include your main duties. While evaluating your application, IRCC uses your NOC’s description and duties you assess your application.
Therefore, to ensure that you get points for your experience, check if your reference letter includes your main duties, which align with your NOC’s description and main duties.
Another critical point to remember is that from November 16, IRCC will implement the use of the new NOC 2021 to assess all applications.
Alternatives to the employment reference letter
A job reference letter is the most suitable evidence you can provide to claim points.
However, in circumstances where the company is no longer operating or your point of contact is not with the company anymore, there are certain alternatives you can consider.
The following is alternative evidence that may help your application:
Pay stubs
Tax forms
Offer of employment
Personal letters from co-workers
Bank statements with pay deposits
Any media references with your name on the company can include social media posts welcoming you as a new hire
Affidavit from your former supervisor or co-worker, including their official ID and business cards
Include a letter explaining why you could not get a job reference letter.
Lastly, include any evidence you think will help strengthen your application if you are missing a job reference letter. Remember to refer to the new NOC 2021 while you self-assess your application.
March 18 – Canada announces new measures to support Turkish and Syrian temporary residents including open work permit and extension of temporary status without any fee.
Watch live – the new PGWP extension 2023 announcement by IRCC Minister Sean Fraser and read the transcript in your preferred language for better understanding.
March 14 BC PNP Draw (British Columbia) invites more than 230 applicants for Permanent Residency (PR) targeting tech, healthcare, and childcare occupations
March Quebec arrima draw invites 1,017 profiles for the permanent residency (PR). Cut off score drops by 20 points as compared to first arrima draw of 2023.
Shivika Adhwaryu is a content writer for Immigration News Canada. She brings the latest, well-researched, and verifiable content to help newcomers, students, and Canadians navigate life easily in Canada.
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