Paid work as a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Research Assistant (RA) during your full-time Canadian graduate degree does NOT count towards Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. However, under Canadian immigration law, this experience can be used to meet the minimum eligibility requirements to enter the Express Entry pool under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, though it cannot be used to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
International students pursuing a Master’s degree or PhD at Canadian universities are often employed by their institutions as Teaching Assistants or Research Assistants. ㉛ This highly skilled work is an excellent way to fund an education, but it also creates confusion when it comes time to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry. Understanding how IRCC categorizes student work is crucial for maximizing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
The primary source of confusion lies in the difference between Express Entry programs. ⚔ Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), any work performed while you are a full-time student in Canada is strictly excluded from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). However, the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program does not have this restriction for meeting basic program eligibility. While this TA or RA experience cannot be used to gain any actual Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for your profile ranking, it is incredibly valuable for meeting the minimum eligibility criteria (the 67-point assessment) required to enter the Express Entry pool under the FSW pathway.
Step-by-Step Process for Claiming TA/RA Experience in Canada
Claiming this experience for FSW eligibility requires meticulous documentation. IRCC officers are trained to scrutinize student work to ensure it was genuine, paid employment and not simply an academic requirement. 📝 Follow these steps to ensure your Express Entry profile is bulletproof.
Step 1: Identifying the Correct NOC Code
The first step is classifying your job correctly under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. 🔍 Work as a university TA or RA falls under NOC 41201 (Post-secondary teaching and research assistants). This is a TEER 1 level occupation, which qualifies as skilled work for the purposes of the Federal Skilled Worker program.
Step 2: Proving the Work was Paid
To count toward Express Entry eligibility, work experience must be paid wages or a salary. 💰 Volunteer work or unpaid internships do not count. You must differentiate between an academic grant/scholarship and actual employment income. You will need T4 tax slips, pay stubs, and employment contracts from your university’s Human Resources department proving you received a wage for your labour.
Step 3: Calculating Continuous Hours
Under the FSW program, your work experience must be continuous for at least one year (1,560 hours total, or 30 hours per week). 🕐 Since TAs and RAs usually work part-time (e.g., 10 or 15 hours a week), you must pro-rate the time. For example, working 15 hours a week for two continuous years equals one year of full-time skilled work experience.
Step 4: Obtaining Specialized Reference Letters
A standard university transcript is not enough. You must secure a detailed reference letter from your supervising professor or the university HR department. 📮 This letter must be on official letterhead, state your exact working hours, your hourly wage, the duration of employment, and detail your specific duties (e.g., marking papers, conducting lab research) to match the NOC 41201 description.
How Much Does the Express Entry Process Cost?
Applying for PR as an international graduate involves several standard government fees and preparation costs. Below is an overview of what you will spend in CAD.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry Processing Fee | $990 | The mandatory base application fee paid to IRCC when submitting your eAPR. |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $600 | The final fee required for IRCC to issue your PR status (can be paid upfront). |
| Language Testing (IELTS/CELPIP) | $300 – $350 | Mandatory English or French language test to prove proficiency for the FSW program. |
| Medical Examination | $200 – $300 | Required upfront medical exam conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Creating your Express Entry profile is instant once you have your language results and reference letters. 📅 However, you must wait for IRCC to hold a draw and issue an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Once you submit your final application with all your TA/RA proof, the standard processing time for the Federal Skilled Worker program is approximately 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why doesn’t TA/RA work count for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?
The immigration regulations explicitly state that any work experience gained while enrolled as a full-time student in Canada cannot be counted towards the 1-year minimum requirement for the Canadian Experience Class.
Do stipends or scholarships count as paid work?
No. Funding granted strictly for academic purposes or living expenses (like a fellowship or scholarship) is not employment income. You must show that you were paid a taxable wage for specific services rendered.
Can I combine my TA work with an off-campus job to get 30 hours a week?
Yes, under the Federal Skilled Worker program, you can combine multiple part-time jobs in different NOC codes as long as the primary occupation meets the continuous one-year standard and you provide valid proof for all roles.
Does TA experience gained outside of Canada count?
Yes. If you worked as a paid Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant at a university in your home country, this foreign work experience is perfectly eligible for points under the Federal Skilled Worker program, provided you have the proper reference letters.
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