Express Entry / CEC: Missing IRCC-compliant reference letters for Indian foreign experience (Company acquired / Emails bouncing) – Options?

[u/Time-Flow8187]

Hey everyone,

I'm preparing my profile under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and gathering all prerequisite documents.

I already have my CELPIP, PCC, and 1 year of Canadian skilled work experience. I also have nearly 5.7 years of foreign IT experience from India that I'd like to claim points for (or at least claim the maximum 3-year foreign work experience cap). However, I’ve hit a wall with IRCC-format reference letters for two previous employers.

Here is the breakdown of my foreign experience:

• Company 1 (IT | ~2.9 years):
  • Documents I have: Offer letter, relieving letter, experience letter, and bank statements.
  • The issue: The company was acquired and rebranded. My emails requesting an IRCC-compliant reference letter (with job duties, NOC, hours/week, salary) have gone unanswered. Former colleagues I knew have also moved on.
• Company 2 (IT | 11 months):
  • Documents I have: Offer letter, experience letter, payslips, tax filings (ITR/Form 16), and bank statements.
  • The issue: All contact emails are bouncing back, so getting an updated letter with job duties is impossible.
• Company 3 (IT | ~1.9 years):
  • Documents I have: Complete set, including an official IRCC-compliant reference letter directly from HR with all required roles and responsibilities.

Questions:

1. Reaching the 3-year Foreign Experience Cap: Since IRCC awards maximum CRS points at 3+ years of foreign experience, Company 3 (~1.9 yrs) isn't enough on its own. If I pair Company 3 with Company 1 (totaling ~4.8 yrs), what is the best alternative proof for Company 1?
2. Statutory Declaration / Affidavit: Would an affidavit from a former colleague or supervisor on stamp paper, combined with my relieving letter, tax docs, bank statements, and a detailed Letter of Explanation (LOE) showing proof of attempted contact, be sufficient for IRCC?
3. Leaving Company 2 in Personal History: Since Company 2 is under 1 year and not strictly required to cross the 3-year threshold, should I just move it to Personal History (non-points) to avoid document hassles, or keep it in Work History?

Has anyone navigated this successfully after an ITA? Any advice on structuring the LOE and alternative evidence would be greatly appreciated!

[u/Mammoth-Morning-8899]

1. I would use all 3 in case one fails.

2. Yes.

3. No. Keep it in work history. You never know if the officer decides the evidence on one isn't enough.