CEC, what does after graduation mean?

[zhddz]

I completed all the requirements for my degree on April 20, 2011, and I got a letter from my school verified that.
I started to work on my off-campus work permit on May 23, 2011
I got my PGWP on Sept. 15, 2011.
My convocation is on Nov. 20, 2011.

So it my one year's experience starts to count from Sept. 15, 2011 or Nov. 20, 2011?
(It is probably to risky to count from May 23, 2011)

 

[SenoritaBella]

Here's what the OP 25 manual says:

For the Post-Graduation Stream, the applicant must have obtained 12 months of fulltime
equivalent Canadian skilled-work experience within the 24 months preceding the
date of application [R87.1(2)(a)(i)-(ii)]. This experience must be acquired after they have
completed the required program of study and obtained a Canadian educational
credential. (Work performed under the Off-Campus Work Permit Program or on a co-op
work term does not count).
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/op/op25-eng.pdf

Based on the above, work experience for CEC starts to count after you have received your degree - so Nov 20, 2011 in your case.

 

[zhddz]

The problem is whether the Verification Letter is educational credential?

 

[SenoritaBella]

My understanding is that it refers to the degree/diploma obtained but check with the CIC call centre. Until CIC clarifies this, it's safer to go with your graduation date. Alternatively, if you can afford to lose $550, I suppose you could consider applying and see what happens?

The problem is whether the Verification Letter is educational credential?

 

[zhddz]

I can afford to lose $550, but current processing time is 16 months, I cannot afford 16 months

 

[amanpreet]

Re: CEC,suggestion for work experience for cec

My self Amanpreet kaur. I came to canada on 20 August, 2011 on study permit. I did one year of post graduate diploma and I completed my studies on 25 May 2012. I start working in Blackberry as an electronic equipment repairer Technician(2242 NOC code). I was on my off campus work permit that time. I got my degree on 23 june,2012. But I got my post graduate work permit on 23 August 2012.

As I already complete my One year experience on 1 june, 2013. I am thinking to file my PR in CEC on this coming 23june,2013. Is it safe for me to file the PR on 23 june as it is not much clear about the experience gained on off campus work permit after your graduation counts or not count in CEC.

My current status is going to be expired on 23 August 2013. So I don't have time to wait till 23 August as I don't have any employer who can provide me LMO.
I read on cic cite that once you get approval from cec then You can stay in canada as implied status.
My plan to apply on 23june,2013 so that i can get approval from cec in next two months and then I can stay on implied status after 23 August.
Please suggest me about my decision.

 

[sorrymontana]

When long time ago I called CIC asking if work on off campus work permit after the completion of degree counts towards one year requirement, they said, yes, it counts from the point when you fulfill degree requirements even if at this point you only applied for a post-graduate work permit and haven't received one.

One the other hand, their website says, experience received on off campus work permit is not counted.

Convocation date doesn't matter- I didn't even go to mine, so what, I am still in school? It's school official letter about you completing degree matters and your PGWP issue date.

If you have time to wait, then wait. If not, then there's certain risk involved.

Remember, you can always wait and apply from your home country, if it's an option.

If I had to apply and couldn't wait, I'd probably email CIC this question, explaining your timeline, what date you graduated etc etc, and asked them in writing when you are eligible to apply. Then I'd attach their answer to my application, if their answer satisfies you.

Will you have 1950 hours worked by June 23? This is something you have to take into account as well- the number of hours worked, otherwise you don't qualify even if it's exactly a year since your start work date...

 

[amanpreet]

Hello, thnks for such a good reply.Its give me bit relaxation.My hours will be around 2000 till 23june.Can you plz clarify one more thing. How can I contact with CIC.I dont have any opition so I am thinking to apply in june.even now they change the hours too.Its only 1500 something acc. to their new rules.

 

[jes_ON]

Total hours is not how CIC calculates eligibility. You need 12 months/52 weeks of full-time employment (or the equivalent in part-time hours). Full-time is defined as "at least 30 hours." So if you worked 30 hours or more per week for 52 weeks, then you qualify.

If you worked part-time hours (fewer than 30 hours per week), it gets more complicated.

 

[seton]

Convocation date doesn't matter- I didn't even go to mine, so what, I am still in school? It's school official letter about you completing degree matters and your PGWP issue date.

Convocation date is when you actually graduate, and your diploma is usually issued around this date, that's why it has mattered.

However the Act was rewritten in 2013 where it no longer says experience after graduation, but experience when no longer being a full-time student.

Clear as mud!

 

[amanpreet]

I complete my one year already. Can you please send me the link where they make the changes in CEC means CEC2013.
so that I can go through it once before applying for PR

 

[gladaki]

Convocation date is when you actually graduate, and your diploma is usually issued around this date, that's why it has mattered.

However the Act was rewritten in 2013 where it no longer says experience after graduation, but experience when no longer being a full-time student.

Clear as mud!

so are they putting new rules even on applicants from 2012

 

[honeysingh]

so are they putting new rules even on applicants from 2012

No, the new rules only apply for those who applied in 2013.

The same old rules for those who applied before Dec 31 2012

 

[gladaki]

No, the new rules only apply for those who applied in 2013.

The same old rules for those who applied before Dec 31 2012

so in my case they will see dates on my transcripts which are confer dates. I dont know who to blame call center agent who told me its your PGWP and number of hours or myself
for not checking these issues

 

[CECapplicantXX]

Aren’t you supposed to satisfy CIC that you have completed your degree requirements to apply for PGWP? I don’t understand why many emphasize on the actual Grad Ceremony, many students don’t even attend the ceremony.

I think if you got an approved PGWP it means you are done your degree otherwise CIC will not approve your PGWP application .. these are just my thoughts, I’ll wait for senior members to confirm