PR CEC application: B.Sc. + M.Sc. case???

[rob123]

My situation is probably different from anyone else.

I have a B.Sc. degree from one of Canada's University

Right after that (take 4 months summer break) I get into a 3-year term Graduate program in the other Canadian University. Now I am in my final year and preparing for graduation.
I have 12-15hours/week work as a Graduate Research Assistant.

According to cic "12 months of full time or full time equivalent (37.5 hours a week) within 24 months"

By counting work hours I don't qualify, but I do enter my graduate program full time, so I wander if I can still apply PR under CEC category?

Thanks.

 

[rjessome]

No, I don't think so because your graduate program will have you remaining on a study permit. Only hours obtained while on a work permit or post graduate work permit will count towards CEC.

 

[jes_ON]

A PGWP is not required, only that the work be authorized; in this case, the work is authorized.

The problem is the hours - obviously, taking classes and doing course work are not "paid employment" and cannot be considered towards the hours. Only the hours of employment that your university will "count" will be considered.

Don't worry, with your graduate degree you will have other options... look into the PNP program of your province.

 

[rob123]

Thanks guys.

Good new is I am qualified to applied under CEC catagory.

I consulted with my department admin. and she write a letter which indicates that I already had enough working hours within 2 years fram.
Graduate program includes course work and research. During semesters you work as a parttime RA and take courses (in combination totally 30 hours a week), between semesters you worked as a full time RA (in my case 30 hours a week).

 

[jes_ON]

And, how many hours of paid employment will show on your T4s, notice of assessment?
In any case - best of luck.

 

[KAMMAR]

Hi,

Could you please clarify how did your department admin calculates the hours? In which university are you?

I'm in the same ship as you but thought working while studying is not acceptable at all because I should have a work permit? Did you check with the immigration?

please give me more details as I'm very confused

 

[rjessome]

A PGWP is not required, only that the work be authorized; in this case, the work is authorized.

If the OP got that work experience while on a study permit and OCWP, it won't be counted towards CEC.

 

[Essat]

If the OP got that work experience while on a study permit and OCWP, it won't be counted towards CEC.

jes_ON is right. Work at most universities is authorized i.e. having a study permit allows you to work on campus. And that's all that CIC requires. What rob123 needs is a well written reference letter from the supervisor indicating the specifics of his job as outlined in the CEC checklist. Of course there is confusion regarding use of RA (or GRA?) as work experience considering that it is performed under a study permit and only T4A's are issued. However, I have seen a number of people being accepted that its worth giving a try. And I must add that I applied as a Graduate Research Assistant and my application has been completed.
Essat

 

[jes_ON]

If the OP got that work experience while on a study permit and OCWP, it won't be counted towards CEC.

If it was pre-graduation ( before completing the 2-year study requirement), that would be true. But this work experience is actually post-graduation...

 

[rjessome]

If it was pre-graduation ( before completing the 2-year study requirement), that would be true. But this work experience is actually post-graduation...

Gotcha. I was just speaking to a colleague about this yesterday as well as he has done many of these type of CECs successfully for those who complete their undergrad in Canada and go on to do graduate research. Good to know! Thanks.

 

[jordan_jordan]

Hi jes_ON and Essat

I was searching the forum to gather some data about applying under category 4122, CEC.

I found that your applications are almost complete. Congratulations !

I have a question and I really appreciate if you can help me.

I came to Canada in Sep 2009 as a PhD student. I am doing TA and RA with my study permit and I am receiving fund from my university. I have also forms T4 and T4A.

Am I eligible to apply under the CEC-4122? (in Sep 2001) Since I am doing TA and RA with my study permit not with Work Permit.

thank you for your help and suggestions,
Best

 

[jes_ON]

Well, if you've been reading these posts, you know that there is no simple answer to your question, of which some variant must have been asked at least 30 times in the past year.

GENERALLY (but not 100% all the time) for grad students, the T4 is for employment, the T4A is for a stipend or scholarship. The hours associated with the T4 (employment) might be counted as skilled employment, but not the T4A. You need to accumulate (and document) 3900 hours. You have 3 years to do this, but it is very unlikely that you will have the hours by Sep 2011 (or even Sep 2012).

There are PNP programs for PhD grads, this is likely your easiest path.