confused if still eligible for CEC

[jkgoulds]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum - usually use British Expats but can't seem to find solid info about the CEC.

Here is a breakdown of events so far:

2011- Me and my common-law went to Canada under IEC for 1 year as TFW
2012- Common-law got LMO (NOC 2225/Skill level B) with 'X' company, which extended our visas until 2014
2013- Common-law left 'X' company in May 2013 for personal reasons
2013- Me and my common-law returned back to the UK June 2013
2014- Feb 2014 in process applying for PR under CEC
2014- IELTS exam booked for March 2014

Common-law has over a 12 months of qualifying work experience with 'X' company and we meet all other criteria (if pass IELTS).

My question: I have read on various websites saying that if you leave your qualifying Canadian employment that you only have a year to apply under the CEC otherwise it is not eligible any more. Does anyone know if this is true of false?

I can't find a solid answer from anywhere, tried calling at the offices and sent emails but no reply. If it is true, my understanding is that we only have until May 2014 to get the CEC application sent in and now I'm panicking to get everything in order.

Any responce, help, advice will be greatly appreciated!

 

[iam_toby]

Instead of trusting 'various' website, as you say, what do you think about trusting the CIC
website?

>> http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/apply-who.asp

Under requirements it clearly states, that

have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in the three years before you apply,

which means that your experience has to be acquired in the three years before you apply, and has to come to a total of 12 months.

Ie. if you apply in Feb 2014 you can count experience between Feb 2011 and Feb 2014. So if you or your spouse gained 12 months of
skilled work experience since Feb 2011, then YES, you are eligible.
That is, if you meet all other requirements as well.

 

[jkgoulds]

Great thank you,

I do get that, it just the way they word things they make you think twice about it! So we are ok to apply after may 2014 even though we have been back in the UK for 9 months? That's going to save us a whole load of stress and money finding ;D

 

[iam_toby]

Great thank you,

I do get that, it just the way they word things they make you think twice about it! So we are ok to apply after may 2014 even though we have been back in the UK for 9 months? That's going to save us a whole load of stress and money finding ;D

Doesn't matter where you are, or whether you're employed or not. If you've gained the required experience
in Canada, you can go ahead and apply.

 

[jes_ON]

My question: I have read on various websites saying that if you leave your qualifying Canadian employment that you only have a year to apply under the CEC otherwise it is not eligible any more. Does anyone know if this is true of false?

It used to be true, when the CEC class had 2 streams (TFW, Post-grad). Before the rules changed in January 2013, a TFW had to gain 2 years of FT skilled employment within the preceding 3 years. Essentially that meant that you had (at most) one year to apply after leaving Canada.

Since January 2013, there is only one "stream," everyone needs one year of FT employment within the preceding 3 years.

 

[jkgoulds]

Great thanks everyone for clearing that up although I still might push it to be sent off before may, may aswel hey!

does anyone know how long it is from sending it off to them contacting you to let you know they've received it? \

ALSO another question if I may, I received a caution when I was 14-15 (at school for 'a playground fight') which came up as a reprimand on my police certificates for my 2011 IEC application. For the background declaration form which asks you 'have you been detained, incarcerated or put in jail' should I tick yes and explain even though I technically haven't, I was just arrested in the police room before being interviewed.

Thanks for any replies again

 

[jes_ON]

ALSO another question if I may, I received a caution when I was 14-15 (at school for 'a playground fight') which came up as a reprimand on my police certificates for my 2011 IEC application. For the background declaration form which asks you 'have you been detained, incarcerated or put in jail' should I tick yes and explain even though I technically haven't, I was just arrested in the police room before being interviewed.

If it shows up on your PCC, you better explain it. it won't harm your application. On the other hand, if you don't mention it, it could be viewed as misrepresentation.

 

[jkgoulds]

Yeah that is what I am worrying about, catch 22 as always but looks better if I declare it. I remember declaring it for IEC and I got a phone call confirming my explanation of it. I just hope this time round they do read it and don't throw it into the reject pile :'(

Thanks