How Does Canada Verify Work Experience For Immigration Purposes?

One of the biggest hurdles many skilled immigrants face while getting into Canada is proving that they have relevant work experience. Canada has strict rules for working experience for immigration purposes. The experience must be specific to the field and can be directly accepted if it is related to the occupation in Canada. 

In addition to this, the experience must be paid and full-time. The applicants must show proof of relevant work experience with certified copies of their past relevant work documents like letters of employment or copies of pay stubs. To get approved by the IRCC, you will need a Canada visa for a work permit and a former employer or a current co-worker to verify your work experience. To know how Canada verifies work experience for immigration purposes, read ahead.

– Verify Your NOC

To verify work experience, Canada uses the NOC to assess whether an occupation is skilled, semi-skilled, or unskilled. Skilled occupations are classified as A or B in the NOC. Semi-skilled occupations are those that are classified as C in the NOC. Unskilled occupations are those that are classified as D in the NOC.

– Employment Letter 

An employment letter is a document that verifies your work experience for immigration purposes. It is usually written by your employer and addressed to the immigration authorities. The letter should include your job title, start and end dates, and a brief description of your duties. The letter should also state that you are authorized to work in the country where the letter was issued.

– Pay Stubs or Tax Documents 

You can provide copies of your pay stubs or tax documents, such as a T4 slip, as evidence of your employment and salary.

– Reference Letters

You can provide reference letters from past or current supervisors or colleagues detailing your work experience and skills. These letters help demonstrate your abilities and highlight your strengths. They can also provide insight into your work ethic and how you interact with others. These letters should be on company letterhead and signed by the writer. Including reference letters with your application can give you an edge over other candidates.

– Professional Licence or Certifications

You can provide copies as evidence if you have a professional licence or certification related to your work experience. This shows that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for the job. It can also give the employer confidence that you will be able to perform the job duties satisfactorily.

– Work Portfolio

If you have a portfolio of work that you have completed, like writing samples, designs, or code snippets, you can include it. A portfolio can be a great way to showcase your skills to potential employers and can help you stand out from the competition. You can provide it as evidence of your skills and experience. This can be useful if you are seeking new opportunities, trying to advance in your current role or applying for permanent residency for Canada. Your portfolio can showcase your abilities and highlight your achievements. It can also give potential employers or clients a sense of your work style and approach.

Bottom line 

It’s important to note that these are just some ways to verify your work experience for immigration purposes. The specific documentation that you will need to provide may vary depending on the immigration program you are applying for and the specific details of your work experience.