The 5 year limitation on Postdoc duration in Canada???

[samanta60]

Hi
I know that all or most universities in Canada limit postdoc positions/contracts to a maximum of 5 years after obtaining the PhD degree.

My first question is, do they count the 5 year from the PhD defense date, or the date that the PhD degree was gained/issued? I mean 5 years after what date you can not be a postdoc anymore in Canada?

The second question is, if the Professor still wants to hire the person after the 5 years is passed, but cannot hire them as postdoc due to this rule, is there any other option for making a work contract? I know Research Associate is another type of position quite similar to postdoc, but its process is a bit complicated. Assuming the postdoc has a valid open work permit, is there any other option for hiring them for a short period given that the supervisor has fund to support it?

 

[nkj000]

Hi,
Across Canada, postdoc position is only for 5 years. These years are counted the basis of the year of award of a Ph.D. degree. Say, if one is awarded a PhD degree in July 2016, they will just add 5 in 2016. So roughly upto June 2021 one can hold postdoc position.
As per my knowledge, even a Prof. wants to keep you as a postdoc, after 5 years of your PhD, it's simply not possible. Second thing for international postdocs (postdocs who are not Canadian or with PR status) only a close work permit is issued. Means you can not work elsewhere unless it is mentioned in your work permit. A spouse of international postdoc may apply for open work permit. So basically if you are a international postdoc, then you have to leave Canada after your postdoc contract unless you get a PR status or another job. Keep in mind, according to current immigration law with any kind (close/open) of work permit one can work continuously only for 4 years in Canada. So getting a PR is the best solution.
After 5 years of postdoc experience, assuming you have not completed 4 years on work permit in Canada, research associate is only a option (in terms of promotion) in the University system. However, getting a RA position without having a PR stats is also difficult. Other positions as research staff /technician may be offered but totally depends on Prof. / University system etc.
Hope you get your answers,
Best wishes
nkj