Graduate Research Assistant as work experience for TFW category of CEC

[amd1463]

I have searched the previous post regarding GRA as a work experience for CEC, but still, I have questions in my mind.

"I am M.Sc. student, have started my program in Sept, 2008 and receiving GRA (full time). All my GRA income is taxable and I have my T4 slip (not T4A) and assessment from CRA.

In Sept, 2010., I am planning to apply under the temporary foreign worker category of CEC.

Could it be possible for anyone to tell me if my work experience as GRA (NOC 4122) under study permit will be eligible for temporary foreign worker category of CEC ?

Thanking you in anticipation

Regards,

Amd

[J-Do]

 yes, as long as it is T4, not T4A; by the way, which university do you go to and what are you taking?

[jes_ON]

If you are working full-time, you cannot possibly be a full-time student or vice-versa, that is the way that CIC might see it.  Personally, I do not believe a GRA stipend constitutes employment as an RA.

No one here can give you a definitive answer.  When people have asked CIC, responses have been mixed; most recently, the answer has been no.  It may all depend on which IO looks at your file.  It's a $550 gamble.  If you roll, let us know how it turns out.

[nikolai_s]

In the letter from my university, they list me as an RA for 36 hours/week in summer (or spring when my advisor buys me out) and for 12 hours a week when I am a teaching assistant. I get both T4 and T4A forms. I have about half listed under cell 28 (scholarship/bursa) on T4A and half listed in cell 14 in T4 (Employment income).

If  I calculate myself as working 36 hours/week as RA and 12 hours/week as TA, I will get just a bit over 2 years of full time equivalent (within the past 3 years). Should I contact a lawyer with my case?

[amd1463]

Thanks for your replies, I thought Graduate Research Assistant acts as a work experience as it is listed in NOC as Graduate assistant- University (NOC 4122). As far as we are paid (not scholarship or fellowship) for our work and have all taxable income, then it should be considered as experience.

I understand jes_ON,  it is hard to get the exact answer but let me know if anyone with similar situation have applied and got PR. Thank you. Any comments or suggestions?

[dapin84]

I just read this in a document from Buffalo about the requirements for the 2 years experience:

"Only work experience received while holding a Work Permit (one that is employer-specific) will count towards the 2 years full-time equivalent"

Google it and you will find it in page 12.


Has anybody known anything about this?

[jes_ON]

I just read this in a document from Buffalo about the requirements for the 2 years experience:

"Only work experience received while holding a Work Permit (one that is employer-specific) will count towards the 2 years full-time equivalent"

Is this powerpoint document the one that you're referring to? 
www.watport.uwaterloo.ca/PowerPoint/PR-Sept09.pdf

While worrisome because of the title of the author/presenter, I don't believe that information is either current or accurate.  It is not in the OP 25 or any version of the instruction guide.   It would mean that if someone had a PGWP, but for some reason their education did not qualify, they could not use their experience toward the foreign worker stream; nor could someone on an open work permit. 

The OP 25 says only that the individual has to be residing and working in Canada legally.
www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/resources/manuals/op/op25-eng.pdf

[dapin84]

Hi Jes

Thanks a lot for the clarification, I was really worried about that

[amd1463]

Thanks for information Jes and Dapin. Did you find any information for Graduate student stipend (GRA) as a full time work experience ? Thank you.

[jes_ON]

You're welcome, but... you know what free advice is worth   I'm not an IO, so if someone else knows something more definitive, the info would be welcome...

[Ulysses]

Dear amd1463, Nicolai, Dapin; did you guys get any more information on whether the Research Assistantship done as a grad student counts as acceptable work experience for the CEC?

My case is similar so the information would be helpful. Thanks a lot!

[dapin84]

I haven´t got any new information, but if someone has applied or when someone applies let us know please so we all know how it works.

[indusvision]

My case is also similar that I am a GRA at University with 36 hours of Research Assistantship and 12 hours of Teaching (I get T4A for RA, and T4 slip for Teaching). I am also thinking to apply under Canadian Experience Class as TFW with 2 years of experience. I am also confused that if Immigration Offier will count it as work experience or not?

[PJones]

Hey. Im a phd student with 2.5 years of RA/TA in my masters and 1 year of RA/TA in my phd. i've applied in the middle of july. Ill let ya all know how it goes.

[nylx]

I am paying attention to this topic, 'cause I'm in the same position