Confusion regarding the question "is work an essential component for your studies"

[searay]

I recently received an offer for a funded PhD program at an Ontario university. In my funding letter, it states that:

"We are offering you a funding support package of $26,074 per year. Your tuition and ancillary fees will be deducted from your funding support package each year.

Typically, funding sources can include scholarships, graduate fellowships, and part-time employment such as a graduate teaching assistantship.

You will receive a 70-hour GTAship for the fall/winter term in your first year of study. This is your initial appointment. In subsequent years, during your funding-eligibility period, you will receive an annual GTAship for at least the same number of hours of employment or equal financial support (as a GTAship)."

In my visa application form, if I answer "yes" to the work requirement question, the portal provides an option to upload evidence that work is a requirement for my studies. The instructions specify that I must provide a letter from my educational institution stating that work is a necessary requirement for the completion of my studies.

Should I just upload my funding letter? OR should I answer the work requirement question with a No?

 

[Naturgrl]

Answer is no. Work is not compulsory to complete program like a co-op term

 

[julienmore]

I recently received an offer for a funded PhD program at an Ontario university. In my funding letter, it states that:

"We are offering you a funding support package of $26,074 per year. Your tuition and ancillary fees will be deducted from your funding support package each year.

Typically, funding sources can include scholarships, graduate fellowships, and part-time employment such as a graduate teaching assistantship.

You will receive a 70-hour GTAship for the fall/winter term in your first year of study. This is your initial appointment. In subsequent years, during your funding-eligibility period, you will receive an annual GTAship for at least the same number of hours of employment or equal financial support (as a GTAship)."

In my visa application form, if I answer "yes" to the work requirement question, the portal provides an option to upload evidence that work is a requirement for my studies. The instructions specify that I must provide a letter from my educational institution stating that work is a necessary requirement for the completion of my studies.

Should I just upload my funding letter? OR should I answer the work requirement question with a No?

This is a common point of confusion, so you’re not alone. In your case, the GTAship described in the funding letter is part of your financial support, not a mandatory academic requirement to complete the PhD. Since the letter does not state that employment is required for degree completion, answering “yes” could create unnecessary complications. The safer and more accurate choice is to answer “no” to the work requirement question. If asked separately about funding or employment, your funding letter can be used there, but it does not meet the definition of required work for completing the program.