How to Write a Reference Letter for Canada Express entry

The reference letter is a required document to substantiate work experience in the Express Entry immigration process. It serves to validate each declared work experience and confirm that the applicant meets the program’s requirements.

Individuals required to submit this documentation include:

• The primary applicant
• Their spouse or common-law partner (if it is Canadian work experience)

1. Structure of the reference letter

The reference letter should be prepared as an official document printed on company letterhead. It should include the applicant’s name, the company’s contact information [address, phone number, email address], as well as the name and title of the signatory.

A separate reference letter should be prepared for each company where the applicant has worked in the past 10 years.

Furthermore, the letter should mention all the positions held by the applicant during their employment with the company and include the following information:

• Job title
• Duties and responsibilities
• Employment status (if it is the current employment)
• Employment period
• Number of hours worked per week
• Annual salary and benefits

2. Who can sign the reference letter for Express Entry?

The reference letter can be signed by the Human Resources manager or the applicant’s direct supervisor.

If the applicant is self-employed, articles of incorporation or other proof of business ownership, evidence of self-employment income, and documents from third parties indicating the services provided along with payment details are required.

A personal statement of primary duties or self-declaration statements are not considered acceptable evidence of self-employment experience.

If the work experience was acquired in Canada, the following documents can serve as proof: copies of T4 tax information slips and notices of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency. The period covered by these documents should reflect the period indicated for the work experience [e.g., work experience from 2006 to 2008 requires documents covering those calendar years].

Types of Reference Letters

There are four different types of references:¹

• Academic references are from teachers, professors, academic advisors, or someone else who knows you in an educational capacity.
• Employment references are from previous employers, co-workers, clients, vendors, or someone else affiliated with your past or current employment.
• Personal references are from someone who can attest to your skills and attributes.
• Professional references are business references from someone who knows you in a professional capacity.