PhD student vs. LMIA

[flurion]

Hi,

I am a PhD student and I am getting paid to be a Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant (for the last 2.5 years). Does this count as a job offer? if it does, does it have LMIA?
My next question is that before express entry, there used to be a PhD stream in FSW. Is there a similar thing for PhD students available now?

Thanks

 

[flurion]

To add more info:
I have job experience from my home country and in total I have around 450 points (using this site's calculator). So the question is can I use my TA/RA as a job offer to get the additional 600 points?

 

[purplesnow]

nope. an LMIA is a specific document, if you don't have one your job doesn't count as an offer.
also, as far as i know, work experience while a student, doesn't count as work experience for points.

 

[fpaikar]

Why not apply under the PHD stream guess they have a special category for PNP .

 

[flurion]

Thanks @ fpaikar. I will go check it out.

 

[Canada-Ontario]

well, I think PhD students, as long as they are student and have not graduated, can not get PNP. I know this is the case for at least Ontario. PhD students have around 400 points which is not enough for the current express entry draws. Current minimum points are +700 I think.
Besides, TA and RA doesn't count as canadian work experience because they are gained with study permit (not work permit).
Any way, I am a PhD students too. If any one found a solution for PhD students let others know please.

 

[jes_ON]

To add more info:
I have job experience from my home country and in total I have around 450 points (using this site's calculator). So the question is can I use my TA/RA as a job offer to get the additional 600 points?

No, you don't have arranged employment and cannot count work experience obtained as a student. But if you qualify anyway, there is no harm in submitting your EE application.

It's true that so far, those issued invitations to apply have all had higher scores because of arranged employment or PNP. But we're only 2 1/2 months into the year, the threshold scores will go down. You have a chance with 450 pts.