Employer Reference Letter Problems

[derbeast]

Hi all,

I am just about to submit my supporting docs to Buffalo and notice a couple of problems with my documents that I wonder if someone could answer for me:
1. My two reference letters from my clients (I was self-employed) do not have a stamped company seal? Is this a problem and will they ask for another letter if this is not included?
2. My referenece letters are general (written for employment purposes and not immigration) and do not detail the work I did. Should I go to the trouble of asking my clients to redo these letters even if I am already including work contracts from them?

Many thanks,

Derek

[reachmenow]

Seal is not an issue if its on a letter head, however duties are crucial sepcially if u r under 0213 so your referene letter must contain duties.

Thanks,

[slavasz]

What kind of clients are they? Individuals or companies?
If an individual then there is no seal or a letterhead.
If in the contracts you have a detailed description of tasks to be performed then you can just add them to the letters.

[derbeast]

So you all are sure that seal is not an issue? It would be good if I could get another few opinions on this to be sure.

I am self-employed and will be appying under this work experience I have in this area.

I am also requesting a reference from a previous employer, would an email from him suffice as it is not part of the continous year of work experience I am claiming but it would probably be best to include a letter or email from him anyways or is it of any value?

Thanks,

Derek

[slavasz]

Another thing:
You keep mentioning being self-employed.
Are an actor? Artist? Dancer?
Because that the type of occupations considered as self-employed in immigration categories for Canada.
Correct me if I am wrong.

I supposed what you mean is "independent contractor". You were contracted to do something for clients but you were not part of their permanent or temporary staff.
Am I right?
For example, I worked in that pattern for some years.
Project - draw network, set up computers, deploy software, run the system, provide maintenance.

[slavasz]

Here is the information on self-employed:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/business/self-employed/apply-who.asp

Relevant experience is defined as:

participation at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics

farm management experience or

self-employment in cultural activities or athletics.

[derbeast]

Yes, this is correct. I was an IT consultant. So without the seal is ok? But it might be best to get the letters redone that includes the work I did for the clients in them?

Thanks,

Derek

[slavasz]

I think without a seal is OK as long as it can be confirmed (phone numbers, addresses, titles and names are right).