character reference letters

Annetteposted 9 years ago

On the checklist of required documents, I see nothing about character reference letters. But I think they could be beneficial to the application process. Any thoughts or experiences with this? And would you recommend letters from family or friends? Or employer? also, has anyone had employment repercussions after requesting letter from employer?
Btw, my criminal record is from 1986. And I've had same employer for 25+ years. I don't know if he is aware of my past, am hesitant to tell him, but also feel he would write me and excellent reference letter. Really torn on what to do...
Thanks in advance

Replies (recent first):

Wrong, character references are no longer “needed” or required. Neither is proof of employment.

It is recommended you include both to help your application but we have done a few without both of these items and gotten waivers approved.

94rad replied 2 years ago   #35

@rae24 When you say on the application "no" to having a criminal record, it should not prompt you for court documents. I have in the past used any documents that were given to the client for the denial of entry as "court documents", but no, if you don't have a criminal record, you don't even HAVE court documents to show.

J Rogers replied 2 years ago   #34

@J Rogers Hi, I just want to ask if you have no criminal record do you still need to submit A copy of the official court record?

Thanks

rae24 replied 2 years ago   #33

@J Rogers Thank you very much for the information and I am certainly going to do that. I am almost complete on the supporting documents needed for the waiver application especially the strong ties here in Canada which is my current mortgage, regular full time job for years as well.

rae24 replied 2 years ago   #32

@rae 24

Yes. Reference letters are needed. You NEED to show you know people here in Canada. Remember, their "assessment of you" is based on the fact you are a risk to overstay again if the waiver is granted. If you leave things out, your just hurting your chances.

Overstaying is certainly more concerning to them than some criminal offences.

J Rogers replied 2 years ago   #31

Hello Guys,

I am currently fixing the documents required for the waiver. My current situation is, I have no criminal record, I just overstayed and banned to enter. My question is do I really need to submit a character reference letter?

Im am currently working in the Canadian airport for 6 years now, passed the transport Canada security clearance, with RCMP and FBI clearance certificate. any information or suggestions is highly appreciated.

Thank you very much in advance.

rae24 replied 2 years ago   #30

@Dave

I write the reference letters for my clients about half the time. So I can help you if you need it.

pardon.experts@rogers.com
416-843-1371 (text)

J Rogers replied 4 years ago   #29

Sorry to dig up an old thread.

The reference letter is the last item I need for my first application. Someone touched rightly on this being the hardest part for a guy to get started. Does any of the waiver service providers scripted reference letters? I'd like to spend less time hand wringing over how to approach this than asking someone to sign something.

Thanks,
Dave

Rupert replied 4 years ago   #28

In Ontario we need 2 letters of reference. I have heard Michelle say they might need a different number out west.

Reference letters can be short if your waiver is a slam dunk. If its a first waiver or your not a slam dunk, then the letters should state that you have shown changes that coincide with your criminal history.

In about 40% of my clients cases I write these for them, with the person signing them.

John Rogers replied 5 years ago   #27

Get the reference letters always no exceptions period!!

jamie9260 replied 5 years ago   #26

@jazzsax, #23, If you were my client and going to Calgary, I would make you take certified court documents, again this is just standard practice for my service, no matter where you are delivering your paperwork. I probably send my clients with more paperwork than necessary, but I absolutely hate when a client gets their paperwork rejected because of something I did...it hurts business and drives me nuts..LOL..if you do it yourself..then you are on your own..

michelle replied 5 years ago   #25

Michelle probably knows that airport better than me.

I have only sent 2 clients there in the in the past 12 months. Both were reapplications and neither had court documents. They also had very old convictions.

JOHN ROGERS replied 5 years ago   #24

Is Calgary requiring copies of the court documents as well?

jazzsax replied 5 years ago   #23

@John Rogers #21, Thanks, there does seem to be different rules for different provinces, which is interesting...why I like Pardons better...I really only deal with Saskatchewan and a few Manitoba residents, however, I do have clients who will deliver an application to Calgary or Edmonton International Airport, so I need to stay on top of those POE. It makes sense that people want to deal with local companies..

michelle replied 5 years ago   #22

The majority of my clients are in Ontario, I send all Quebec clients to a colleague there, and I do a lot in BC. Thats partially because for months a company out there put my toll free number on their emails. I would inform them I was a different company, and when they started asking questions they realized I was about half the price. (Its not anyone who posts on this board)

So i ended up with quite a few BC clients. For all of my clients i advise 2 letters of reference. For anyone in Saskatchewan (I have none) or Alberta (I have a couple) I will advise 3 to be on the safe side. Obviously Michelle would know better than I about those 2 provinces.

JOHN ROGERS replied 5 years ago   #21

It is interesting to see how each border has different requirements. Here in Saskatchewan, all border crossing require 3 reference letters, plus an employment letter or personal income tax. There are no exceptions..Your paperwork will be refused. Makes no difference if your are doing it on your own, hired someone, first time or renewal applicant. I have learned a lot on this site. Thanks!

Michelle replied 5 years ago   #20

Reference letters should be NON relatives. Just friends. But remember that I was responding to jazzsax about reference letters and "why not" have more than 2. For most people, 2 simple reference letters from people who claim to have known you for over 5 years will suffice.

As he has pointed out, he is thinking of applying BEFORE he knows its a slam dunk, so is doing everything he can to ensure he has the best possible chance. For most people who have no ban, and are 5 years removed their their offence or whatever it is that they did, 2 normal letters will work.

I do write letters for some clients (not from me but from people they provide the information for) and I find for a lot of male clients, reference letters can be a major hassle. When I follow up with clients who have started the waiver but not completed it, its the biggest reason.

JOHN ROGERS replied 5 years ago   #19

only people I keep in touch with is family and cousin in laws... people married to my cousins. Will that work?

btcman replied 5 years ago   #18

John Rogers. What if I don't keep in touch with ANYBODY from before I did the crime? I moved to the other side of the country and left that life behind. What should I do then?

btcman replied 5 years ago   #17

Good to know John!

jazzsax replied 5 years ago   #16

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