Canadian Permanent Residency and Teaching Assistantship?

[mery_mgh]

Hi all,

I am a first year PhD student at one of the Canadian universities and I also got my Masters degree from the same university 2 years ago. This means that I have worked as a Teaching Assistant at the same Canadian University for at least 2 years in Canada-Ontario (I also worked as a TA in the US for one year, again as a teaching assistant/ language instructor). I am a full time student so the number of hours of TAing is not more that 250 per year (this is the case for all TAs).
Now my question is: am I eligible to apply for Permanent Residency considering my work history? I know Teaching Assistantship is considered to be a skilled work experience by the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC).
I would really appreciate it if you could provide me with some information since no-one (including cic representatives) seems to know anything about this!!! 

[jes_ON]

Hi Mery,

You have a couple of options.  I mention the "proof of funds requirements for each, since as a graduate student, it may be an issue - most don't have a lot of money

1)  FSW3:  If you have accumulated 1950 hours as a TA (equivalent of 1 year of full-time employment), you can apply under the federal skilled workers program, Category 3.  (It's the 2nd bullet point here for some reason, but it's FSW3).
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who.asp

You need to show "Proof of settlement funds" (I know, you're already settled, don't get me started..), basically, savings of around 11K if you're single, no kids.

2)  CEC: Because you got your MA in Canada, your work since then is considered post-graduation experience under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). If you accumulate 1950 hours as a TA/RA in your PhD program within 2 years, you can apply under the CEC program.  (Alternatively, 3900 hours in 3 years as a Skilled worker, not student).  No proof of funds requirement.  But getting the hours may be difficult...
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/index.asp

3) PNP: Good thing you mentioned Ontario.  If you earn a PhD in Ontario, you automatically qualify under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Opportunities Ontario.
You can apply as soon as you've completed all program requirements. The downside - it costs 2000 extra for the Ontario nominee application (on top of the already expensive Skilled Workers application), and you guessed it, you still need to show proof of funds   It's the most expensive option, you have to first apply to Ontario and then to CIC, but it's there.  At the moment.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/provincial/apply-who.asp

Keep in mind that rules and eligibility criteria frequently change...

[Fortunate]

Hi
I am PhD student in Canada. I got my Master in another country. From the beginning of my PhD, I have two years of work experience as TA and RA (2*1950=3900 hours).
I was wondering if I am eligible to apply in CEC without any Canadian degree (before I got my PhD) based on two years of work experience.
Please help me to find my answer.
Thanks