Stu --
> 1. I've got an up-to-date reference letter from my previous employer which
> states the dates I worked for them however it doesn't specifically mention
> that software programming was involved. Must it state that software
> programming was part of the job in order for the experience to be valid?
The reference letter does indeed need to state the nature of job.
However, very often the reference letters don't state that - usually just
the position, dates and salary.
In my case, that was the best I could get out of my previous employer.
So do the best you can.
If most of your reference letters don't describe the job duties, then it can
be an issue.
It may trigger an interview.
If most of your reference letters state the job duties, with the exception
of one or two, you may be ok.
> 2. One of the previous company's I worked for is no longer in business but
I
> have a reference from them which was dated back in 1997 when I left. I can
> provide contact details if further information is required. Is this enough
> or do I really have to get an 'up-to-date' reference?
If they are no longer in business, then there is no way to get an official
reference.
Go with what you've got.
You can also try contacting any ex-colleague and ask for a reference.
Give all contact informations that you can dig-up.
> 3. I have a basic "one line" reference from my very first employer which
is
> again dated a few years back when I did my first Canadian PR application.
It
> was hard enough getting this then as they weren't particularly
co-operative
> to previous employees. I worked for this employer for about a year. I
think
> my only option is to forward this letter since I'm unlikely to get an
> up-to-date one. Am I right in assuming that as long as I can prove 4 years
> of experience then this is enough to guarantee maximum points in the work
> experience category?
There won't be any "guarantee".
As I said above, if most of your evidence is incomplete, it can trigger an
interview.
If the processing officer judges that the bulk of your evidence is not
conclusive, he/she may either give you less points or schedule an interview.
> 4. I had a software programming contract for 3 months while on a working
> holiday in Australia. I've written to the agency that hired me and they
can
> provide dates but not really responsibilities. So I guess this is too
little
> info again?
Yeah, but then you've got to go with the best you can.
Make sure you include contact information.
> I looked hard but can only find the contract of employment for my very
last
> job and current jobs. What other information can be used instead of a
> contract of employment. Can I submit certified copies of payslips as proof
> of employment with the references instead?
You should anyway provide pay stub copies.
Not in lieu, but in addition.
After gathering all your evidence, take a long and hard look at it.
If you were the processing officer looking at such evidence, would you be
convinced?
If you have doubts at that point, you may need the help of an immigration
consultant who has experience in preparing (and successfully concluding)
cases of your type.
You may need expert guidance to prepare a case and present it well.
Best wishes.
|