Application Refused

[action]

Hey guys,

I called CIC center before i applied. they said it counts the time under OFF campus work permit after u graduation. I have no idea why he got refused.
even i also asked the CIc Officer when they came to my school doing the immigration speech

 

[Ozge]

@SenoritaBella: Thank you very much for your effort to help I read that instruction guide couple of times before I prepared my application. And my understanding from that work experience related section was once you graduated and received your diploma, work experience gained after that counts. My diploma is dated April 2011. I started my job June 2011 and as I mentioned before I received the PGWP in July 2011. So I thought I was good to go OCWP expires specifically 3 months after someone graduates so that when person finds a job after grad they can start working while waiting for PGWP. Just because it is called OCWP does not mean it is part of our studies in that case.

I am really confused and after new_566's post I searched about it online and found few people's application got refused due to this problem. Everybody's case is different and we do not know all the details about their situation from their postings so it is hard to say.

I also got my application reviewed by immigration lawyer before I mailed it out so I am frustrated.

The only thing I can think of maybe they pay attention to the diploma issue date and go by that date?

@New_556: What is the date on your diploma?

Thanks!

 

[jes_ON]

Hi SenoritaBella,

I graduated on Jan 16 and my PGWP issued on March 8.

Assuming your NOC is skilled and you worked at least 37.5 hours per week - what proof did you send regarding your graduation date? Is that on your transcripts / copy of degree?

I ask because you could try appealing the decision, if the reason for the refusal was an error made by the VO (you provided all the evidence, but they overlooked it or missed something). You would have to write a letter appealing the decision based on the information you already provided (not new information you could add now).

A response to the appeal does not usually take too long - in the meanwhile you could be gathering the documents you would need to re-apply...

 

[Ozge]

I found this thread regarding this issue.

http://www.trackitt.com/usa-discussion-forums/canadian-experience-class/269730399/is-my-work-experience-enough

 

[jes_ON]

The problem turned out to be the graduation date, which was later than the "completion of degree requirements" date. The OP applied less than a year from actually graduating. This is unfortunately, not a rare mistake.

Students be warned - You may think "convocation" is just a ceremony, but that is usually when your degree is awarded, (i.e. you graduate). Until you graduate, your experience will not count. You CAN apply for your PGWP before you graduate, that's what happened here, and is a source of confusion.

 

[new_566]

@ Jess_Ontario,

I understand your comment on this but my question is I did not graduated till May 31 then how did I get my PGWP (March 8, 2011 and Convocation May 31, 2011). Can you please explain this fact a bit.


Thanks,

 

[SenoritaBella]

To apply for the PGWP, you only need confirmation that you have completed your degree requirements. The VO's refusal letter makes it clear that you must start counting work experience after graduation - see below:

"I am not satisfied that you meet the skilled work experience because you have not acquired 12 months of full-time Canadian work experience in a NOC type 0 or Level A or B within the 24 months before the date the application is made and after you have acquired a Canadian educational credential; work experience acquired before graduation does not qualify. "

It is confusing, but now that you know you can re-apply if you qualify.

@ Jess_Ontario,

I understand your comment on this but my question is I did not graduated till May 31 then how did I get my PGWP (March 8, 2011 and Convocation May 31, 2011). Can you please explain this fact a bit.


Thanks,

 

[new_566]

@SenoritaBella,

I have one more question for you?

Last week I've sent them an email explaining my situation with the proper document(s).
My question is should I wait for their reply or just sent out my new application?

And I thing I do qualify as I'm still working as a full timer.


Thanks

 

[SenoritaBella]

I think it depends on how much time you have and how long you are willing to wait for a reply from the visa office. Note that if you re-apply and the visa officer decides to re-open your old application, you can withdraw the new application and receive a refund of the fees(if they have not began processing).

 

[new_566]

@SenoritaBella,

Thanks for the reply.
Say, I've re-applied and before I get the new file no. (AOR) they re-opened my previous application.
Can you please some idea about withdraw without the file no. ?

Thanks

 

[jes_ON]

They will re-open your file if the VO made an error. In this case, if we understand correctly, the VO did not make an error. Your best course of action is to re-apply.