Letter of reference

[rex001]

Hi,

Does letter of reference need to be in original copy? Is there anybody here submitted a notarized copy / certified true copy and was approved and accepted?

Thanks!

 

[mot]

Hi,
If what you mean is the letter of reference from your employer, then it should be in original. The letter is to be addressed to CHC and you cant send a photocopy of a letter to the addressee.

Mot

 

[rex001]

Hi Mot,

Is letter of reference different from the certificate of employment?

Thanks!

 

[thaiguy]

A letter of reference is usually from your immediate manager or supervisor, or maybe from a coworker or friend, and states positive things about your personal or professional character. If it's from your manager or supervisor, it also may include a description of your job duties.

A certificate of employment usually comes from the human resources department of your employer and states your final position, your final salary, and how long your were employed.

 

[fbf2006]

The letter doesn't have to state things about your personal or professional character. It's just a letter that details your duties, job title and such so that CIC can determine if you're a skilled worker under a certain NOC code. The letter should also include a business card or at least be on company letterhead that includes how to reach the person that wrote it so information can be verified if needed.

I believe a notarized copy of the reference letter can be used.

 

[thaiguy]

The letter should also include a business card or at least be on company letterhead that includes how to reach the person that wrote it so information can be verified if needed.

Some employers - for instance, government agencies - will not allow a reference letter on official letterhead because it would imply official support for the employee.

You're right that it doesn't have to include details about one's personal or professional character, but it helps because these letters are usually used to obtain employment. Immigration is a special case.

 

[rex001]

So, from what I understand here is that COE (certificate of employment) is different from LOR (letter of reference) and with this, I shouldn't submit COE (the ones available with me now) because the officer will not consider this rather I should request for LOR for all my employers. Hmmm.. this will take me long as I am already in Canada under a work permit and will have to wait for months to go back to my country to request these LOR's...

Is there anyone from here that has submitted COE instead of LOR that has been accepted and approved?

Thanks.

 

[fbf2006]

I don't think whether you call it a COE or LOR matters. For all we know, it could be the same thing. The question is, what detail does the COE you have include? Does it include the details requested by CIC? The details CIC wants is included in the application instructions. If it has that info, then you should be fine.

 

[fbf2006]

thaiguy, thanks. I was referring to immigration which is what I thought we were focusing on here. If it's about obtaining employment, I understand what you mean about including personal and professional characteristics.

 

[thaiguy]

I don't think whether you call it a COE or LOR matters. For all we know, it could be the same thing. The question is, what detail does the COE you have include? Does it include the details requested by CIC? The details CIC wants is included in the application instructions. If it has that info, then you should be fine.

This is correct. Don't get caught up in semantics. You need to prove to immigration where you worked and what your responsibilities were.

 

[bla333]

Rex,
Kumusta uli. I submitted letters of work experience outlining my job position, responsibilities and income signed by my supposed supervisor (they never checked ) on the letterhead of the companies I worked for together with the business cards of the signing supervisor. I also had these letters notarized as required by the CIC. I followed their instruction by the book and they never came back to me to ask me further information on my work experience. I think it worked pretty well for me IMHO.

George

 

[rex001]

Thanks to all of you for the enlightenment! Now it's all clear to me. I am now ready to submit my documents to the CIC. Hope this thread will also help others in some ways...

Rex