Applicant from PhD program after 5 Nov, 2011 connect here to get status

[MASOUD2011]

I am curious to know what about the others before TJ like - MASOUD2011, Shomo, jessiezz, EH2010, ejamal, aelatar, Reno,, snow_walker, Karmen, craneberry2012, MapleDream, and phdapplicant ?? Any news yet guys?

I will submit some supporting docs, probably next week.

 

[informer2000]

Ok, now I am getting worried. I don't think the letter of attestation that I got from the DGS at the time of application had a stamp/seal on it. It had the same information contained in the template on the CIC Web site now, but back then there was no mentioning of any stamps!

I was wondering if it is possible to update the documents which were already submitted to CIC? And how? For example, I can try to send them a new letter of attestation as per their requirement and maybe with an updated bank statement.

Also, what if they do return the application because of this? Does this mean we have to reapply all over again (i.e., a totally separate application) or could we just appeal with an attached stamped attestation letter?

EDIT: Apparently those who got their applications returned are new applicants and this was from CIO. I'm assuming that those who already got their applications forwarded to VO will only be contacted about missing documents (or at least I hope so).

 

[Dani1982]

Ok, now I am getting worried. I don't think the letter of attestation that I got from the DGS at the time of application had a stamp/seal on it. It had the same information contained in the template on the CIC Web site now, but back then there was no mentioning of any stamps!

I was wondering if it is possible to update the documents which were already submitted to CIC? And how? For example, I can try to send them a new letter of attestation as per their requirement and maybe with an updated bank statement.

Also, what if they do return the application because of this? Does this mean we have to reapply all over again (i.e., a totally separate application) or could we just appeal with an attached stamped attestation letter?

EDIT: Apparently those who got their applications returned are new applicants and this was from CIO. I'm assuming that those who already got their applications forwarded to VO will only be contacted about missing documents (or at least I hope so).

Get a new letter and Fax, email and mail it to CIO as soon as possible

 

[salam20]

Ok, now I am getting worried. I don't think the letter of attestation that I got from the DGS at the time of application had a stamp/seal on it. It had the same information contained in the template on the CIC Web site now, but back then there was no mentioning of any stamps!

I was wondering if it is possible to update the documents which were already submitted to CIC? And how? For example, I can try to send them a new letter of attestation as per their requirement and maybe with an updated bank statement.

Also, what if they do return the application because of this? Does this mean we have to reapply all over again (i.e., a totally separate application) or could we just appeal with an attached stamped attestation letter?

EDIT: Apparently those who got their applications returned are new applicants and this was from CIO. I'm assuming that those who already got their applications forwarded to VO will only be contacted about missing documents (or at least I hope so).

my advice for you is to send another copy of your application package including the missing document (stamped) to them.(get an original copy of your IELTS report from the IELTS exam center, it may cost you $15 or 20)

I got another advice but did not work for me. Send them the stamped document and a letter that has your application information with date that it was delivered. My application reached them on August 30 and I sent the stamped letter on the oct 22 but I think was too late as i think they did not attach it to my app. so i got my app, package today with a letter asking for the letter stamped. ( see the guide and find the form that is on cic appendix or check my old posts.

Plz do not repeat my mistake.

 

[salam20]

Bad news :-[, i got my application package returned for the reason "not accompanied by an original letter of attestation". I did included an enrollment letter with the remarks"completed at least two years and in good academic standing..." Apparently they won't recognize that letter. Actually, my university just wouldn't use the template they provide on the cic website.The person in charge said similar issues happened weeks ago and all they can do is provide an additional letter explaining they can not use the template(they say the letter are generated by the system automatically). I have to send my application again with the same letter. I really don't know if they would return my application again. I can only hope for the best. But good thing is that I can include police certificate now, so I won't need to wait till they request for it.

It is your right i believe so
1) ask to see the dean, or assoc.
2) ask to see the rules written ( remember avoid misconduct)
3) get the students lawyer or advocate involved
4) may think of getting your MP involved (not sure)

 

[moresa]

Sure. Nationality: Iranian,
No dependent in the application
I claimed my 3 years work experience from back home. A lawyer in our school said that my RA would not count as a job and also my 3 years TAship wouldnt even equal to 1 year full time job (not equal to 1950 h).

Hi morena34,

Are you sure that RA is not being considered as a job? The reason I am asking is that in NOC both TA and RA have the same code as: "4012 Post-secondary teaching and research assistants". How come one is counted and the other is not ?!

 

[websphereguy]

Bad news :-[, i got my application package returned for the reason "not accompanied by an original letter of attestation". I did included an enrollment letter with the remarks"completed at least two years and in good academic standing..." Apparently they won't recognize that letter. Actually, my university just wouldn't use the template they provide on the cic website.The person in charge said similar issues happened weeks ago and all they can do is provide an additional letter explaining they can not use the template(they say the letter are generated by the system automatically). I have to send my application again with the same letter. I really don't know if they would return my application again. I can only hope for the best. But good thing is that I can include police certificate now, so I won't need to wait till they request for it.

I feel for you. I had initial rejection from CIC due to that. But upon pushing the message across and seeing the head of FGS myself, I was able to get them to make the exception. You see, it could be because not many ppl have made this request, so it is rather new to them. You should show them the rejection letter you got from the CIC along with the request from CIC in the application guide. It also helps to hilight the words with a yellow hiliter - cause sometimes they conveniently choose not to bother.

 

[websphereguy]

Slow morning... Here's to more good news from other members / applicants of the phd stream

 

[TyrusX]

Slow morning... Here's to more good news from other members / applicants of the phd stream

We should try to invite more people to the forum. The more people we have the better we are informed of the overall progress. So far it really seems they haven't even started processing the 2012 applicants.

 

[morena34]

Hi morena34,

Are you sure that RA is not being considered as a job? The reason I am asking is that in NOC both TA and RA have the same code as: "4012 Post-secondary teaching and research assistants". How come one is counted and the other is not ?!

Well, I was hoping that the RA also counts as work experience! But like I said, I have not been given any points for that in my application! I believe there are lots of uncertainties and discrepancies in this PhD category. CIC should definitely update the website and explain requirements and criteria in more clear way! If they have opened this category for PhD students who passed 6 terms, 2 years whatever, at least CIC people should consider 2 years of RA/TA as 1 year full time job! Otherwise what is the point?? no one can get the 67 points unless they got max language score or having a relative here!

 

[TyrusX]

Well, I was hoping that the RA also counts as work experience! But like I said, I have not been given any points for that in my application! I believe there are lots of uncertainties and discrepancies in this PhD category. CIC should definitely update the website and explain requirements and criteria in more clear way! If they have opened this category for PhD students who passed 6 terms, 2 years whatever, at least CIC people should consider 2 years of RA/TA as 1 year full time job! Otherwise what is the point?? no one can get the 67 points unless they got max language score or having a relative here!

TA/RA does count as work experience. It actually more valuable than homeland work experience because it counts as Canadian Work Experience. Don't need to worry.

 

[asbereth]

TA/RA does count as work experience. It actually more valuable than homeland work experience because it counts as Canadian Work Experience. Don't need to worry.

I think the reason why they didn't give him any points for TA/RA was because you would need more than just the contract letter to claim the work experience (as per the guidelines of the checklist). Job duties and responsibilities, and the total number of hours worked up to the date of applications are most likely not mentioned in the contract letter, and the CIO officer would need this information before they can figure out how many points to give you. I know this for a fact because one of my friends just got his PPR (for CEC though), and he only claimed TA/RA experience for the past two years. Too bad CEC won't accept TA/RA experience anymore starting next year

I feel for you. I had initial rejection from CIC due to that. But upon pushing the message across and seeing the head of FGS myself, I was able to get them to make the exception. You see, it could be because not many ppl have made this request, so it is rather new to them. You should show them the rejection letter you got from the CIC along with the request from CIC in the application guide. It also helps to hilight the words with a yellow hiliter - cause sometimes they conveniently choose not to bother.

I'm wondering about this too. I was actually surprised to know that some schools can't provide the letters that have the wording that the students are in good academic standing and give university seal along with the letters. I suppose it's not really a common practice before the PhD stream, since even I had to explicitly tell them that I want the 'good academic standing' part to be in the letter (by default, usually they wouldn't put the wording).

 

[websphereguy]

This just in...
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2012/2012-11-16.asp?utm_source=media-centre-email&utm_medium=email-eng&utm_campaign=generic

 

[TyrusX]

This just in...
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2012/2012-11-16.asp?utm_source=media-centre-email&utm_medium=email-eng&utm_campaign=generic

I don't think that is a good indication for the stream. Seems to me that they will retire it when that is implemented. Or maybe they acknowledge and put it under the CEC class, which would be the right thing to do.

 

[hamed_hamed]

Ok, now I am getting worried. I don't think the letter of attestation that I got from the DGS at the time of application had a stamp/seal on it. It had the same information contained in the template on the CIC Web site now, but back then there was no mentioning of any stamps!

I was wondering if it is possible to update the documents which were already submitted to CIC? And how? For example, I can try to send them a new letter of attestation as per their requirement and maybe with an updated bank statement.

Also, what if they do return the application because of this? Does this mean we have to reapply all over again (i.e., a totally separate application) or could we just appeal with an attached stamped attestation letter?

EDIT: Apparently those who got their applications returned are new applicants and this was from CIO. I'm assuming that those who already got their applications forwarded to VO will only be contacted about missing documents (or at least I hope so).

What is this attestation letter?!?!?!?!
Have not been able to check the forum, was defending my proposal...and now a new thing: attestation letter!
Every day we getting meaningless requirements from CIC, which put us into stress!
Is it a requirement for people who applied in Dec,Nov,Jan, Feb?
When I filed my application, I didn't see such requirement! Pooooohh tired of Ottawa office!!!
I am sure my friends who applied in 2010 to the Buffalo office didn't have such problems.