Canadian references in general

[canspire]

Hey folks,

You'll notice from my signature that I have applied (online) for Canadian Citizenship recently. From reading further in the forum, it seems that I may never be able to get a Canadian passport though. Here is my story:-

I work cash jobs mostly in construction, and due to dearth of regular work hours, I must keep switching jobs. In essence, I don't get to become acquainted much with my co-workers/employers. Hence, I really have zero acquaintances here in Canada.

In my country of origin, I used to work as an Engineer and after I landed in Canada, I applied for similar jobs. I was called for interviews, got selected and was offered jobs in my field of education. However, I could never actually get hired because when the employer asked me to produce at least two Canadian references, I had none. As a matter of fact, I do not even have an emergency contact person in Canada. Thus, the only jobs I could ever get were cash jobs mostly in construction/warehouse duties.

Coming back to the original issue now, for my lack of any references at all (which is a requirement for applying for a passport), I may never ever be able to apply for a passport. Is there any way around this?

 

[iceman55]

Hey folks,

You'll notice from my signature that I have applied (online) for Canadian Citizenship recently. From reading further in the forum, it seems that I may never be able to get a Canadian passport though. Here is my story:-

I work cash jobs mostly in construction, and due to dearth of regular work hours, I must keep switching jobs. In essence, I don't get to become acquainted much with my co-workers/employers. Hence, I really have zero acquaintances here in Canada.

In my country of origin, I used to work as an Engineer and after I landed in Canada, I applied for similar jobs. I was called for interviews, got selected and was offered jobs in my field of education. However, I could never actually get hired because when the employer asked me to produce at least two Canadian references, I had none. As a matter of fact, I do not even have an emergency contact person in Canada. Thus, the only jobs I could ever get were cash jobs mostly in construction/warehouse duties.

Coming back to the original issue now, for my lack of any references at all (which is a requirement for applying for a passport), I may never ever be able to apply for a passport. Is there any way around this?

iirc you can skip the guarantor and produce four separate references and the only requirement for these references is that they know you for a certain period of time. There is no nationality or residency requirements for these references.

It is an archaic system but you don't have to panic, you'll figure it out when the time comes.

 

[callmebyyourname]

The waiting time to get your citizenship is 27 months now.
Isn't enough time for you to do your homework?

 

[canspire]

iirc you can skip the guarantor and produce four separate references and the only requirement for these references is that they know you for a certain period of time. There is no nationality or residency requirements for these references.

It is an archaic system but you don't have to panic, you'll figure it out when the time comes.

Really appreciate your response and positivity. The problem remains, four referees when I have zero so far.
We could meet up and have some drinks together (drinks on me), if you are also in Toronto.
That would reduce my referees from 4 to 3, lol

 

[canspire]

The waiting time to get your citizenship is 27 months now.
Isn't enough time for you to do your homework?

Well, look at it this way. If I could find zero acquaintances in 60 months, what are my chances in the next 27 months?
Yes, I know what you are thinking. Yes, there are guys like me surviving in Toronto.

 

[armoured]

You've never seen a doctor? A dentist? An accountant? A lawyer? Hired anyone to do any work on your apartment? Gone to a church or synagogue or whatever?

 

[canspire]

You've never seen a doctor? A dentist? An accountant? A lawyer? Hired anyone to do any work on your apartment? Gone to a church or synagogue or whatever?

Interesting question. Let me try to answer each one with utmost sincerity:-

• You've never seen a doctor? No (Additional info: I don't even have a health card. Yeah, I have never been to the hospital in the past 20 years or so, never been vaccinated, haven't had even a single flu-shot so far. But, this could change any day. The last time I saw a doctor was during my medicals for PR)
• A dentist? No
• An accountant? No (Why would I need to see one anyway?)
• A lawyer? No
• Hired anyone to do any work on your apartment? No
• Gone to a church or synagogue or whatever? No
• Gone out with/dated anybody? No (I tried Tinder, etc., but no luck so far. Still looking.)
• Tried to connect with someone from my community? Yes, but found none yet.

I know, you would say that this is weird. I admit that this is indeed weird, but believe me, in this country this is a possibility. I am pretty sure, I ain't the only one in such a situation. There must be plenty. In five years, I don't even know who lives next door.

 

[saou17]

Hey folks,

You'll notice from my signature that I have applied (online) for Canadian Citizenship recently. From reading further in the forum, it seems that I may never be able to get a Canadian passport though. Here is my story:-

I work cash jobs mostly in construction, and due to dearth of regular work hours, I must keep switching jobs. In essence, I don't get to become acquainted much with my co-workers/employers. Hence, I really have zero acquaintances here in Canada.

In my country of origin, I used to work as an Engineer and after I landed in Canada, I applied for similar jobs. I was called for interviews, got selected and was offered jobs in my field of education. However, I could never actually get hired because when the employer asked me to produce at least two Canadian references, I had none. As a matter of fact, I do not even have an emergency contact person in Canada. Thus, the only jobs I could ever get were cash jobs mostly in construction/warehouse duties.

Coming back to the original issue now, for my lack of any references at all (which is a requirement for applying for a passport), I may never ever be able to apply for a passport. Is there any way around this?

At the beginning of your stay in canada, you could have used recruiters/settlement agency case workers as your references. That's what I did when I arrived here as newcomer. I knew the system would need referrals. I don't know which city you are but it is not too late to register with the YMCA or any settlement agency in your area. Build a good relationship with the referral case workers at these settlement organizations so they could also recommend you for jobs and direct you towards resources in your community. Also try volunteering with an organization for at least 3-6 months even on an occasional basis (like 4 hours a week) to build your network. I know Covid didn't make it easy but it is still possible to do. They will be happy to provide a reference for you. I still use them for my work references because I was also a part time volunteer. Also for the cash jobs, these also can serve as references, regardless of how you are paid. What's important is that these people have a legit company address, a cell phone + an email with the company where they can be reached and they would vet for you. For the passport, they will require a Canadian citizenship to sponsor you. So start from now to have a few contacts that can help in this administrative side.

Try please to get out of this cash job circle thing. It will just keep you in a vulnerable position. All the best to you.

 

[saou17]

Interesting question. Let me try to answer each one with utmost sincerity:-

• You've never seen a doctor? No (Additional info: I don't even have a health card. Yeah, I have never been to the hospital in the past 20 years or so, never been vaccinated, haven't had even a single flu-shot so far. But, this could change any day. The last time I saw a doctor was during my medicals for PR)
• A dentist? No
• An accountant? No (Why would I need to see one anyway?)
• A lawyer? No
• Hired anyone to do any work on your apartment? No
• Gone to a church or synagogue or whatever? No
• Gone out with/dated anybody? No (I tried Tinder, etc., but no luck so far. Still looking.)
• Tried to connect with someone from my community? Yes, but found none yet.

I know, you would say that this is weird. I admit that this is indeed weird, but believe me, in this country this is a possibility. I am pretty sure, I ain't the only one in such a situation. There must be plenty. In five years, I don't even know who lives next door.

This is weird! How come you don't have a health card? It is the first thing you apply to when you land in Canada as permanent resident. I am finding your post really hard to believe! I don't know how old you are, but if you are an adult (with no disability or major mental health situation depriving you from asking/knowing your rights), I am assuming you probably know the importance of health card. I recommend you visit your provinces Services and get your health card done. Do you have a drivers' licence at least or a form of provincial ID with your name/DOB/Adress & signature on? this should help establish residence in your province. Have you drivers' licence + your lease agreement + copy of utility bill and take these with you to your Service Canada or Service Ontario (as I see you say you live in Toronto) near you. This will help you get the health card and move on from there. All the best to you. If you don't feel well, visit your community center/community health clinic to see what resources they have and make contact with people who could help you build your network. All the best. Canada can be hard and isolating but making new contacts is possible.

 

[canspire]

At the beginning of your stay in canada, you could have used recruiters/settlement agency case workers as your references. That's what I did when I arrived here as newcomer.

I went to the YES (Youth Employment Services). This one is just like YMCA, etc. They asked me to enroll for their month long English improvement, job search and resume building course, etc. I couldn't join such courses because I had no savings (even to sustain myself for a week) and needed to work immediately. It's a long story if you ask me further (as to how come I landed as a PR without any funds).

Also try volunteering with an organization for at least 3-6 months even on an occasional basis (like 4 hours a week) to build your network.

This is a good suggestion, never thought of this. I will find time and volunteer. Thanks.

Also for the cash jobs, these also can serve as references, regardless of how you are paid. What's important is that these people have a legit company address, a cell phone + an email with the company where they can be reached and they would vet for you.

The thing with cash jobs is, it isn't permanent. I find myself looking for a new job every week, and even every day on certain occasions.

Do you have a drivers' licence at least or a form of provincial ID with your name/DOB/Adress & signature on?

Yes, I have a G1 driver's license. It is almost due for renewal though. I never took the driving test because I knew I could never afford a car.

For the passport, they will require a Canadian citizenship to sponsor you.

Exactly, and that's the very point of my initial post in this thread. Thank you for your kind words.

 

[armoured]

The thing with cash jobs is, it isn't permanent. I find myself looking for a new job every week, and even every day on certain occasions.

I believe @saou17 's point was that even if it is a cash job, if you know the people at all and they know your name (and you probably were showing ID or something), that's enough. The requirements really are very minimal.

Another example I should have said: your landlord and/or roommates. Unless you are literally living on the street, you have had relationships with someone who knows you.

Now for some of the other stuff:
-go get a health card and go see a doctor. It's important. Take care of yourself. Regardless of the passport and citizenship. Visits like this are covered by provincial health care, everywhere in Canada.

-I echo the other suggestions, and it's equally important - just for life. Even if you're not a believer, go to a community organisation, church, temple, whatever you might be comfortable with, and ask around. Go to the library and get a library card. There is stuff happening where there are people.

 

[foodie69]

Hey folks,

You'll notice from my signature that I have applied (online) for Canadian Citizenship recently. From reading further in the forum, it seems that I may never be able to get a Canadian passport though. Here is my story:-

I work cash jobs mostly in construction, and due to dearth of regular work hours, I must keep switching jobs. In essence, I don't get to become acquainted much with my co-workers/employers. Hence, I really have zero acquaintances here in Canada.

In my country of origin, I used to work as an Engineer and after I landed in Canada, I applied for similar jobs. I was called for interviews, got selected and was offered jobs in my field of education. However, I could never actually get hired because when the employer asked me to produce at least two Canadian references, I had none. As a matter of fact, I do not even have an emergency contact person in Canada. Thus, the only jobs I could ever get were cash jobs mostly in construction/warehouse duties.

Coming back to the original issue now, for my lack of any references at all (which is a requirement for applying for a passport), I may never ever be able to apply for a passport. Is there any way around this?

I actually feel sad for you. What a waste of being here in Canada with no friends, contacts or acquaintances for all these years. It does not seem natural to me, sorry. And there is no one to blame but you. I encourage you to do more.. embrace your life, do things, go places, meet people. Even if it scares the hell out of you. You want to be a part of Canada? Eventually Canada will become a part of you. Now being a citizen for many years, I appreciate and love my home. Sing the anthem at every hockey game, fly the Maple Leaf in my garden and vote for the Conservatives. I volunteer at several institutions and work part time to have more time for my wife. We explore our province every possible moment and know a lot of people by now.
Just start somewhere and you will be surprised where it will lead you to..

 

[iceman55]

I actually feel sad for you. What a waste of being here in Canada with no friends, contacts or acquaintances for all these years. It does not seem natural to me, sorry. And there is no one to blame but you. I encourage you to do more.. embrace your life, do things, go places, meet people. Even if it scares the hell out of you. You want to be a part of Canada? Eventually Canada will become a part of you. Now being a citizen for many years, I appreciate and love my home. Sing the anthem at every hockey game, fly the Maple Leaf in my garden and vote for the Conservatives. I volunteer at several institutions and work part time to have more time for my wife. We explore our province every possible moment and know a lot of people by now.
Just start somewhere and you will be surprised where it will lead you to..

Some might say sitting around and judging what in other people's life is natural and what's not is a waste of being here.

 

[foodie69]

Some might say sitting around and judging what in other people's life is natural and what's not is a waste of being here.

I rest my case..

 

[iceman55]

I rest my case..

rest what case