CEC work experience for graduates

[lolita22]

Hey there!

I want to apply for CEC around September but I have a few questions. My background - I finished a 4 year science related degree in Canada and have PGWP for 3 years. My university has a graduate transition to employment program where you can have a 1 year work experience in a job related to your degree (not as a permanent employee but a contract worker) so I applied for a job through that. It's a research assistant job in a laboratory setting, full time, where I get to publish a scientific paper at the end of my work. I have the duties of a research assistant employee even though I'm a contract worker. Will I still be eligible for CEC?

Thanks~

[Pouce]

Hi , Is it Co-op work? or if its under school program, it doesnt count for CEC i guess. work experience has to be after you graduated.

[jes_ON]

I want to apply for CEC around September but I have a few questions. My background - I finished a 4 year science related degree in Canada and have PGWP for 3 years. My university has a graduate transition to employment program where you can have a 1 year work experience in a job related to your degree (not as a permanent employee but a contract worker) so I applied for a job through that. It's a research assistant job in a laboratory setting, full time, where I get to publish a scientific paper at the end of my work. I have the duties of a research assistant employee even though I'm a contract worker. Will I still be eligible for CEC?

Hi - you can be a "contract employee" - your relationship with the university is pretty much the same as an employee (they take your taxes and EI contributions out of your paycheck, you receive other benefits) - the "contract" part just means that there's and end-date to the job (as opposed to "permanent" employee - no end date).

If you are a contract employee, no problem.

[lolita22]

Hi , Is it Co-op work? or if its under school program, it doesnt count for CEC i guess. work experience has to be after you graduated.

No it's not a co-op work - I finished my university degree.

[lolita22]

Hi - you can be a "contract employee" - your relationship with the university is pretty much the same as an employee (they take your taxes and EI contributions out of your paycheck, you receive other benefits) - the "contract" part just means that there's and end-date to the job (as opposed to "permanent" employee - no end date).

If you are a contract employee, no problem.

They do take taxes off my paycheck but I don't have any benefits. Do they look at the duties and work conditions or anyone whose a contract worker is ineligible?

[jes_ON]

They do take taxes off my paycheck but I don't have any benefits. Do they look at the duties and work conditions or anyone whose a contract worker is ineligible?

Of COURSE they look at the duties - that's key!  But duties are irrelevant if you're self-employed - it's the "self-employed" that are not eligible.  (Self-employed will usually get a T4A instead of a T4).

I am a "contract employee."  I am not self-employed, there is a difference.  It sounds like you are a contract employee, since your employer is taking the statutory deductions.  Term contracts are ok for CEC, just not self-employed "contractors."

No benefits - are you sure?  No paid vacation?  Sick leave?  No insurance?

[error]

You should speak with Human Resources. CIC will likely take whatever is written in your employment letter. HR should describe your RA duties and make it clear that your work requires a university degree. If you ask them nice, they can/should even provide the NOC code.

[lolita22]

Of COURSE they look at the duties - that's key!  But duties are irrelevant if you're self-employed - it's the "self-employed" that are not eligible.  (Self-employed will usually get a T4A instead of a T4).

I am a "contract employee."  I am not self-employed, there is a difference.  It sounds like you are a contract employee, since your employer is taking the statutory deductions.  Term contracts are ok for CEC, just not self-employed "contractors."

No benefits - are you sure?  No paid vacation?  Sick leave?  No insurance?

I looked over my contract again and you are right! It says I'm a contractual employee and that my appointment is subject to terms and conditions of employment for non-bargaining unit employees (adminstrative, technical, maintenance and security personnel). So that's still ok, right?

I don't have insurance, no. I allowed to take 5 days paid vacation for the whole year.

[lolita22]

You should speak with Human Resources. CIC will likely take whatever is written in your employment letter. HR should describe your RA duties and make it clear that your work requires a university degree. If you ask them nice, they can/should even provide the NOC code.

That's a good point, thank you!

[jes_ON]

I looked over my contract again and you are right! It says I'm a contractual employee and that my appointment is subject to terms and conditions of employment for non-bargaining unit employees (adminstrative, technical, maintenance and security personnel). So that's still ok, right?

I don't have insurance, no. I allowed to take 5 days paid vacation for the whole year.

OK, then, your only benefit is a lousy 5 days paid vacation - feel free to publicly embarrass the university for such a lousy deal, I don't ever want to work for them

Yes, you are "employed" and not "self-employed," so at least on that point, you are eligible for CEC.   Make sure you will complete 12 months + 1950 hours...

[lolita22]

OK, then, your only benefit is a lousy 5 days paid vacation - feel free to publicly embarrass the university for such a lousy deal, I don't ever want to work for them

Yes, you are "employed" and not "self-employed," so at least on that point, you are eligible for CEC.   Make sure you will complete 12 months + 1950 hours...

Will do! Thanks a lot for your help!

[lolita22]

hey Guys,

I have another question. How will the cic know how many hours I've done? It should be included in a letter from my employer? Also does that mean it has to come from the university, or from my boss?

Thanks!

[jes_ON]

Yes, read the checklist again.  Can be your boss or from the University's HR department - whichever, give them a copy  of the checklist that indicates the specific elements that must be in the letter.

[lolita22]

thanks again!