Employer Support Letter
The Express Entry system stands as a beacon for skilled workers aspiring to make Canada their new home. Amidst this journey, a pivotal document—the proof of work experience letter—holds the key to a successful Express Entry Application.
If you are planning to immigrate to Canada through one of the economic programs in Express Entry such as the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker etc., you will need to provide proof of your work experience. One of the most important documents you need is an Employment Reference Letter, which contains specific information about your job duties, salary, and duration of employment. This article will explain what to include in the Employment Reference Letter, how to get it from your employer, and what to do if you face any difficulties.
What to include in the Employment Reference Letter?
According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Employment Reference Letter must:
- Be printed on the letterhead of the company, and include the company’s contact information (e-mail, phone number, and address).
- Include the name, title and signature of your superior or the company’s Human Resources (HR) officer.
- Include your name, the title of all occupations held at the company
The Content of the Letter should Include:
- Job title
- Duties and responsibilities
- Job status (if it’s your current job)
- Dates worked for the company
- Number of work hours per week
- Annual salary plus benefits
If you are self-employed, you’ll need to provide additional evidence:
- Articles of Incorporation or other proof of business ownership.
- Evidence of self-employment income.
- Documentation from third-party individuals indicating the services you provided along with payment details. Note that self-declared main duties or affidavits are not acceptable as proof of self-employed work experience.
The most important part of the letter is the list of duties and responsibilities, as it shows how your work experience matches the requirements of the immigration program you are applying for. You need to first find your NOC (National Occupational Classification) code, which is a four-digit number that represents your occupation in the Canadian labour market. You can search for your NOC code on the IRCC website, and make sure that you perform at least 80% of the duties listed under your NOC code.
When writing the list of duties, do not copy the ones from the NOC code page, as IRCC will notice that and doubt the authenticity of your letter. Instead, write your own duties based on your actual work experience, and use the NOC code page as a reference. You can also add some duties that are not on the NOC code page, to show your unique skills and contributions.
How to get the Employment Reference Letter from your employer?
Getting the Employment Reference Letter from your employer can be challenging, especially if you are still working for them and do not want to reveal your immigration plans. Here are some tips on how to approach this situation:
- Contact your HR department or your Manager and ask them if they can provide you with the letter with the required information. If they refuse, you can ask your manager to talk to them and persuade them to cooperate. You should also send them an e-mail and request a response, so that you can have a proof of their refusal in case you need it later.
- If none of the above works, you can ask your manager to sign a letter on their behalf, even without the company letterhead, that includes most if not all of the information required. You will also need to get their signature notarized, and attach a copy of their business and/or company card.
In addition to the Employment Reference Letter, you should also provide other supporting documents that relate to your work experience, such as contract, pay stubs, certificate of employment and/or salary, promotion letters, etc.
What to do if you face any difficulties?
Getting the Employment Reference Letter from your employer can sometimes be challenging or not possible. Here are some tips on how to approach this situation:
- Contact your HR department and ask them if they can provide you with the letter with the required information. If they refuse, you can ask your manager to talk to them and persuade them to cooperate. You should also send them an e-mail and request a response, so that you can have a proof of their refusal in case you need it later.
- Alternative documents for proof of work: If you cannot obtain a reference letter from your employer, you can provide other documents to support your work experience, such as contracts, pay stubs, tax documents, correspondence with your employer, etc. You should also include a letter explaining why you could not get a reference letter.
- IRCC verification methods: When obtaining proof of employment it is important to consider IRCC verification methods. Immigration officer assigned to your case may contact your employers, supervisors, or clients to verify your work experience. They may also use directories, websites, or other sources to verify the registration and contact information of the businesses you worked with. They may also request official tax documents from you or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to confirm your work hours and income. In some cases, they may do field visits to your workplace.
In addition to the Employment Reference Letter, you should also provide other supporting documents that relate to your work experience, such as contract, pay stubs, certificate of employment and/or salary, promotion letters, etc.
Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer for Express Entry
As you can see, Express Entry is a dynamic and complex system that requires careful planning and preparation. By hiring an immigration lawyer, you can benefit from their expertise and guidance throughout the process. Here are some of the advantages of working with an immigration lawyer for Express Entry:
- An immigration lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes or omissions of information in your Express Entry profile that could lead to application denial or a five-year ban.
- An immigration lawyer can help you find the proper forms to fill out, guide you through the process, and ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
- An immigration lawyer can help you improve your CRS score by advising you on how to improve your language skills, gain more work experience, obtain a higher level of education, get a job offer or a nomination from a province or territory, or add a spouse or common-law partner to your profile.
- An immigration lawyer can help you identify the best program or stream for your occupation and skills, and help you apply for it.
- An immigration lawyer can help you monitor the Express Entry draw schedule and results, and inform you if your category is being targeted or if there are any changes to the minimum requirements.
- An immigration lawyer can help you prepare your application and supporting documents in case you receive an ITA, and ensure that you meet the deadlines and criteria.
- An immigration lawyer can help you spot errors made by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and advise you on the next steps.
- An immigration lawyer can help you appeal an unfavourable decision, and represent you in court if necessary.
Hiring an immigration lawyer is not a requirement for Express Entry, but it can make a big difference in your outcome. An immigration lawyer can save you time, money, and stress, and increase your chances of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
If you are interested in hiring an immigration lawyer, you can contact us at MM Immigration Law and we will be happy to assist you. We have extensive experience and knowledge in Canadian immigration law, and we have helped thousands of clients achieve their immigration goals. We offer a reasonable fee for our services. Contact us today and let us help you with your Express Entry application. 🍁
Express Entry
Express Entry is the electronic management system for applying for permanent residency. It is not an immigration category but a system to facilitate the selection and processing of Canada’s economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and some Provincial Nomination Programs. This system evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, aligning with Canada’s economic needs.
Applicants must first make an “expression of interest” by creating a profile and, if eligible for at least one program, they will enter the Express Entry pool. Candidates from this pool will receive an ‘Invitation to Apply’ once they pass the points threshold under a draw. The points threshold is determined according to the latest draw that is held approximately every two weeks.
Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Trades
Federal Skilled Worker
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and it is not intended as legal advice. The information is not a substitute for professional legal advice, and it may not be appropriate for you. Do not rely solely on this blog. Always do your own research and due diligence. Immigration laws and regulations can change over time. It is important to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer if you are unsure how to proceed.