Reference letter issue

[aniketganoo]

Hi everyone. I'm in process of creating my OINP application. I had requested a reference letter in the company that I'm currently working with. But they have refused to provide any such letter (verbally). They can't even give that in writing. So I don't see any alternative except providing a letter of explanation. Can anyone help me with the content? Also how much will this affect my case??
My CRS score: 434
Noc code: 2171
Received pt notification of interest.

 

[Stanlee]

Hi everyone. I'm in process of creating my OINP application. I had requested a reference letter in the company that I'm currently working with. But they have refused to provide any such letter (verbally). They can't even give that in writing. So I don't see any alternative except providing a letter of explanation. Can anyone help me with the content? Also how much will this affect my case??
My CRS score: 434
Noc code: 2171
Received pt notification of interest.

Try to get a letter from a colleague/manager who can vouch for your roles and responsibilities (on plain paper). You can also get it notarized and also attach his/her visiting card and copy of his employee id to the letter.

Also submit all other documents (employment contract/offer letter, salary slips/pay stubs, relieving letter, etc) with the reference letter along with a LOE (Letter of Explanation).

 

[aniketganoo]

Yes.I can get my colleague to sign it. And i have all the supporting documents as well i.e. offer letter, pay slips, account statements. However, I work in a small firm. We don't have business cards. Is it ok if I send it without business card? I can provide all his details in the letter itself..

 

[Virab555]

Instead of business card, you may mention your colleague's contact information right in the letter, and he should sign on it

 

[Stanlee]

Yes.I can get my colleague to sign it. And i have all the supporting documents as well i.e. offer letter, pay slips, account statements. However, I work in a small firm. We don't have business cards. Is it ok if I send it without business card? I can provide all his details in the letter itself..

No issues, you can submit a copy of his company ID card and contact details so that if any verification needs to be done, they can reach him. Also a link to his LinkedIn profile may not do any harm (provided it is updated).

 

[aniketganoo]

That's good news. Will do that. Any ideas on letter of explanation content??

 

[Stanlee]

That's good news. Will do that. Any ideas on letter of explanation content??

The letter should basically cover the following.
1) State the reason why you cannot get a reference letter from employer, if you have any evidence to support you statement, please mention it and also attach it along with the letter
2) In absence of the letter, mention what proactive steps you have taken to prove your work experience
3) Mention the list of documents which you are submitting, in the absence of the reference letter
4) Request the Case Officer to consider your case in light of your situation and also in terms of the proactive steps taken by you to submit best alternative documentary evidence.

 

[aniketganoo]

Thanks everyone for your help!!

 

[polcoin]

LETTER OF EXPLANATION
Employment (with xxxxxx ) – Document Index
Dear Immigration officer (CIC),
I, xxxxxx, am writing this letter to explain the documents I have included as a proof of my employment with xxxxxx.
Documents included:
1) Employment Proof Letter on Company Letter Head Pg: 2
2) Supervisor’s Reference Letter with roles and responsibilities. Pg: 3-5
3) Supervisor’s Visiting Card Pg: 6
4) Pay Stubs (first three [2005] and latest three [2015-16]) Pg: 7-12
5) Company Joining Offer Letter Pg: 13-20
6) Company Identity Card Pg: 21
7) Official Salary Hike and Promotion letters for the period of employment Pg: 22-42
8 ) Latest Form-16 (Government Tax Report) for Year 2014-15 Pg: 43-46

My HR department issued an employment proof and salary certificate (item 1 above) on company letter head but could not include details on past roles held and job responsibilities. Hence, I have obtained a reference letter from my immediate supervisor that lists my past roles and job responsibilities along with employment details. In addition, I have included all my promotion letters on official letter head that mentions my role changes.

Yours truly,
xxxxxx



AND THAT IS WHAT I SUBMITTED.

 

[aniketganoo]

LETTER OF EXPLANATION
Employment (with xxxxxx ) – Document Index
Dear Immigration officer (CIC),
I, xxxxxx, am writing this letter to explain the documents I have included as a proof of my employment with xxxxxx.
Documents included:
1) Employment Proof Letter on Company Letter Head Pg: 2
2) Supervisor’s Reference Letter with roles and responsibilities. Pg: 3-5
3) Supervisor’s Visiting Card Pg: 6
4) Pay Stubs (first three [2005] and latest three [2015-16]) Pg: 7-12
5) Company Joining Offer Letter Pg: 13-20
6) Company Identity Card Pg: 21
7) Official Salary Hike and Promotion letters for the period of employment Pg: 22-42
8 ) Latest Form-16 (Government Tax Report) for Year 2014-15 Pg: 43-46

My HR department issued an employment proof and salary certificate (item 1 above) on company letter head but could not include details on past roles held and job responsibilities. Hence, I have obtained a reference letter from my immediate supervisor that lists my past roles and job responsibilities along with employment details. In addition, I have included all my promotion letters on official letter head that mentions my role changes.

Yours truly,
xxxxxx



AND THAT IS WHAT I SUBMITTED.

Thanks! That was very helpful! Good to know that it worked in your case

 

[Stanlee]

You can check out this link as well. Might be of help.

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/nail-the-challenge-of-getting-reference-letter-from-current-employer-t397796.0.html

 

[Virab555]

Actually, CIC webpage says that your letter of reference needs to be signed either by the company official or applicant's immediate supervisor. So, if my supervisor signs the reference letter, drafted as requested by CIC, do I still need to submit a letter of explanation with all these pay stubs, just because it is not signed by the HR?
I think everyone will agree that in big companies it is tough to get HR to sign such letters.
Another question, do we need stamps on the letter of reference?

 

[Stanlee]

Actually, CIC webpage says that your letter of reference needs to be signed either by the company official or applicant's immediate supervisor. So, if my supervisor signs the reference letter, drafted as requested by CIC, do I still need to submit a letter of explanation with all these pay stubs, just because it is not signed by the HR?
I think everyone will agree that in big companies it is tough to get HR to sign such letters.
Another question, do we need stamps on the letter of reference?

If the letter is signed by the supervisor/HR, it would suffice. Anything part from Reference Letter would fall under supporting documents, which may or may not be requested by the case officer. It would be advisable to submit them as part of your application package (if you are referring to OINP).

The OINP Application Guide says, get it stamped/sealed, if applicable. I would interpret it as - If by practice, in your company all official documents are stamped, then you might as well get your reference letter also stamped. If all other documents which you submit (offer letter/appointment letter etc) has company stamp/seal, then you may have to explain why you do not have the stamp on reference letter.

 

[Virab555]

and what about FSW?

 

[Stanlee]

and what about FSW?

OINP accepts applications under FSWP and CEC. So it does not matter, whether it is FSW/CEC, the requirement for reference letters are the same.