Education requirement in CEC

[eng3a]

Hi all,
currently I am full time Msc student (thesis based program). The normal time to finish is about 2 years or so (that meets the CEC requirements).
I started my program in September 2010 and I will finish my degree by the middle of December 2011 (so almost 15 months, full time). I will go through the PhD directly by January 2012 that's why my supervisor pushed me to finish the Msc instead of waiting for two years.

in this case, am I still applicable to apply under the graduate stream or not? please advise...

Thanks

[flusty]

If you are going back to do the PhD right after the masters, then you are not eligible to apply under CEC... cos you need a valid PGWP to apply under CEC.. note that experience you gain during your studies ( say through TA or RA) does not count.... you have to finish your degree (Phd or masters) and work full time for a year with valid PGWP to be eligible under CEC..

[jes_ON]

Eng, the for the post-graduate stream, the education requirement stipulates 2 years of full time education plus degree/diploma, followed by 1 year of skilled employment (does not require PGWP, only that the work experience is authorized).  Even though your degree program is 2 years, if you complete it in  1 1/2 years, it won't meet the education requirement.

No worries, tho.  Look into your provincial nominee program - If you're in Ontario, for example, once you finish your PhD you will qualify pretty much automatically.

If you were hoping to qualify before then, it appears that you may be out of luck...

[eng3a]

it seems that CIC doesn't encourage hardworking students 

[jes_ON]

Eng, you can't say that ... read this...

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2011/2011-11-02.asp

[eng3a]

Eng, you can't say that ... read this...

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2011/2011-11-02.asp

I changed my mind... 

This is very attractive.

[portmoody]

I am not sure if Eng is entirely confused.. although the paste below may not apply to phD.

The guidelines say that you can combine time studying, to make 2 years - right?

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/graduates.asp#education
a one-year Master's program (certificates and diplomas cannot be counted) and an additional year of education, obtained in Canada, before admission into the one-year program (for a total of two years).

[htayyab]

Taken from CIC's website.

Education Requirement for CEC for graduate stream:

Education is only assessed if you are applying as a graduate of a Canadian post-secondary educational institution.

If you want to apply based on your Canadian credentials, you must complete either:

    a full-time Canadian post-secondary educational program of at least two years or
    a one-year Master's program (certificates and diplomas cannot be counted) and an additional year of education, obtained in Canada, before admission into the one-year program (for a total of two years).

Note: English- or French-as-a-second- language courses do not count toward education requirements under the Canadian Experience Class.

Applicants must complete a program of study and earn:

    a diploma, degree, trade or apprenticeship credential from a public post-secondary educational institution such as a college or a university that is provincially recognized, or
    a degree from a private post-secondary educational institution, that is provincially recognized, or
    a diploma, trade or apprenticeship credential from a private CEGEP.

Note: You must have proper status during any period of full-time study or training.

If you do not meet the minimum education requirements when applying as a graduate, your application for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class will be refused.
Definitions

    Full-time studies – To be eligible, you must have been considered “full-time” at your school.
    Two years of study – At least 16 months—or four semesters—within the 24 months before completing a full-time post-secondary program of study in Canada.

Note that your studies would be counted as 2 years of full time as long as you have at least 16 months or 4 semesters completed towards your Master's degree.

Hope this helps!

[eng3a]

Thanks to every one who helped me,

I meant to apply in the work stream.. one of my friend in the same university, same dept. applied with the work stream after 2.5 years MSc and it did work with him..