Reference Letter

[nthom]

So after two months of chasing HR, I finally got a reference letter. However, the letter does not include the telephone number of the company, just the name and address. The HR manager did give me her business card though. Also, the company is pretty big and don't accept calls regarding individual employees. Instead there is an 800 number with automated service to verify employment. Even getting this letter created some kind of legal headache as they are hesitant to put anything on letter head. I haven't been given an ITA but I went ahead and got the letter because I know everything with this company takes forever.

My question is, does not having the phone number on the letter an issue? I read somewhere that that is mandatory.

 

[Pipis Husband]

So after two months of chasing HR, I finally got a reference letter. However, the letter does not include the telephone number of the company, just the name and address. The HR manager did give me her business card though. Also, the company is pretty big and don't accept calls regarding individual employees. Instead there is an 800 number with automated service to verify employment. Even getting this letter created some kind of legal headache as they are hesitant to put anything on letter head. I haven't been given an ITA but I went ahead and got the letter because I know everything with this company takes forever.

My question is, does not having the phone number on the letter an issue? I read somewhere that that is mandatory.

No, it is not mandatory as different companies have different styles for issuing their correspondences and references. Getting the business card was smart, attach it to the reference letter and use for your application.

 

[nthom]

ok...thank you!

 

[gseran]

Hey,

So as per this cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/perm/express/intake-complete.asp, the letter needs to have a phone number. But according to my agent, an email address should also do. So as long as there's some means to get in touch and find out if the said information is true, I think you're good.

She also told me that reference letters from ex-bosses on an A4 sheet with a photocopy of their present employment's ID card attached will also be accepted if you can't get reference the standard way. And once you get your ITA, you can explain your situation in the Letter of Explanation (LOE).

Also it's best you get your present employer ref letter closer to your submission. Not a rule, just something I read on another thread.

Reference Letter - For previous employers, the letter obtained after you have left is good enough, unless and until you want to get a fresh letter or want to get the letter updated. For current employer as a rule of the thumb, get a fresh letter if the previous one which you got is older than 6 months.

Some more stuff i read,

4. Letter from Manager - If HR refuses to give you a letter, then ask your manager to issue you a letter on white paper (it should cover all the requisite points), along with a copy of his visiting card and company ID card and get the letter notarized. Submit it along with a Letter of Explanation (LOE).

LOE should cover the following points.
- 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.
- In absence of the letter, mention what proactive steps you have taken to prove your work experience.
- Mention the list of documents which you are submitting, in the absence of the reference letter.
- 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.



Cheers!