Hi Guys, I took a gamble by submitting my application without the reference letter since my employer is not willing to give it. I submitted a bunch of supporting documents - Paystubs, Offer/Pay Package letters, HR emails, certificates, T4, NOA, Application for my current WP, Covering letter etc as supporting documents. I was hoping to get lucky and got my AOR ydy. (App received - Nov 19/AOR - Jan 6)
With that said, it doesn't mean that the emp reference letter is not required as it is a very important document. I m still trying to get one and i m expecting that CIC would ask me one anytime during the PR process. So i would saym, try as much as you can to get it. If you run out of options then do it as a last resort. I was running out of time on my WP and decided to send my application without it. If i get it i will add it to my application. All the best!