CIC Hours calculation

[spanishnick]

Hi,

I worked 28h a week from mid-november 2015 to june 30, then 20h from july 1 to july 22 (Friday), and full-time as of July 24, all with the same employer under the same NOC code.

I currently have a little over 33 weeks of FTE. That means I would need to wait until end of November to apply. However, because we don't specify the days in the start and end date of contracts, how do they calculate the number of hours?

For example, my contract started mid-November, does CIC assume that is started early November when counting the hours? If so, I could apply by early November as, by the time I (hopefully) get an invitation, I would have easily exceeded the number of hours.

Also, with one of my contracts ending June 30 and the other starting July 1, how can the system know that there are no gaps? I am just worried that I am waiting till November to apply only to be found ineligible.

Finally, when proving that you have worked these hours, do you need to show work contracts? Or are work certificates describing the start and end date, as well as the number of hours sufficient?

Thank you very much

 

[istari]

Hi,

I worked 28h a week from mid-november 2015 to june 30, then 20h from july 1 to july 22 (Friday), and full-time as of July 24, all with the same employer under the same NOC code.

I currently have a little over 33 weeks of FTE. That means I would need to wait until end of November to apply. However, because we don't specify the days in the start and end date of contracts, how do they calculate the number of hours?

For example, my contract started mid-November, does CIC assume that is started early November when counting the hours? If so, I could apply by early November as, by the time I (hopefully) get an invitation, I would have easily exceeded the number of hours.

Also, with one of my contracts ending June 30 and the other starting July 1, how can the system know that there are no gaps? I am just worried that I am waiting till November to apply only to be found ineligible.

Finally, when proving that you have worked these hours, do you need to show work contracts? Or are work certificates describing the start and end date, as well as the number of hours sufficient?

Thank you very much

The automatic system is very general; it calculates your work hours based on whole months, so it doesn't know the difference between someone starting on November 1st and November 15th.
Once you receive ITA and submit your documents, it is your responsibility to make sure it all adds up and that the information is correct.
So if the system calculates your work hours wrong, and you receive ITA before you are really eligible, it is your responsibility to decline the invitation and wait for an ITA when you are eligible, or you will be rejected.

Regarding the gap between June 30 and July 1: again, the system will be general and see that gap could be anywhere from 0 days to 2 months, and will allow it. It is then up to you to prove how long the gap really is, and then up to the VO to decide whether or not that gap is acceptable. (Obviously, in your case, the gap is 0 days, and will not be a problem.)

 

[spanishnick]

Great, thank you for your quick reply.

I was wondering if a contract is needed, or a work certificate is sufficient. I worked for three weeks "without" a contract. My employer is willing to provide me with a work certificate for this period. He is willing to go through asking me a work contract if needed, but he would like to avoid it if possible (as this is a retroactive contract, and administratively speaking, it could be complicated and take time).

So before annoying my employer, I just want to be sure that a work contract is mandatory, or if a work certificate is sufficient.

Thank you

 

[istari]

Great, thank you for your quick reply.

I was wondering if a contract is needed, or a work certificate is sufficient. I worked for three weeks "without" a contract. My employer is willing to provide me with a work certificate for this period. He is willing to go through asking me a work contract if needed, but he would like to avoid it if possible (as this is a retroactive contract, and administratively speaking, it could be complicated and take time).

So before annoying my employer, I just want to be sure that a work contract is mandatory, or if a work certificate is sufficient.

Thank you

You don't need a contract. The only document that is mandatory is a reference letter.

 

[jes_ON]

I currently have a little over 33 weeks of FTE. That means I would need to wait until end of November to apply. However, because we don't specify the days in the start and end date of contracts, how do they calculate the number of hours?

This information must be provided in your letter(s) of employment, and supported by other documents (e.g. T4, NOA (if in Canada); other possible documents could include contracts, pay stubs, Record of Employment (in Canada), etc).

For example, my contract started mid-November, does CIC assume that is started early November when counting the hours? If so, I could apply by early November as, by the time I (hopefully) get an invitation, I would have easily exceeded the number of hours.

1) Your employer's letter needs to give exact dates.
2) If your corroborating evidence (e.g. income earned) does not confirm the duration, hours worked per week, and salary/age indicated in your letter of employment, then your whole application becomes less credible.

Also, with one of my contracts ending June 30 and the other starting July 1, how can the system know that there are no gaps? I am just worried that I am waiting till November to apply only to be found ineligible.

The system doesn't know, but if you cannot support the information provided in the "system," then your application will be refused. Best option for your situation is to (a) treat each contract as a separate job (not a problem if the work is in Canada); (b) don't submit your profile until you are sure you qualify, or (c) go head and submit your profile, but if you get an ITA, refuse it until you know you qualify.

Finally, when proving that you have worked these hours, do you need to show work contracts? Or are work certificates describing the start and end date, as well as the number of hours sufficient?

Letters of employment/reference are the single most important document to prove your skilled work experience. Read the requirements on this website, under the section "Proof of Work experience"
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/perm/express/intake-complete.asp