I am having a very difficult time getting information from immigration services in both Canada and my home country. I am a Ph.D student from Pakistan and have been offered a position as a graduate research trainee at McGill university at the McDonald campus from January 25th 2012 to July 25th 2012. The invitation letter states I should apply for a work permit, however from what I could gather from the CIC website the visa processing time from Pakistan is 9 months. If this is the case, my research duration given will be over. Also, is it necessary for me to obtain a Quebec acceptance certificate? Do I require BOTH a temporary resident visa and work permit, or just a work permit?

Thank you!

A work permit is generally required for post-graduate research. A LMO or CAQ would not typically be needed. Quoted delays at the Islamabad office are in the area of 9 months. Although it is possible that your case may be processed more quickly, there is the possibility that you may have to reschedule the assignment.

Dear Bro:
I am also in the same situation kindly tell me did u got ur visa .as mine is still in process after 6.5 months of submission.

i had applied for work permit and currently in 25th Week. any one knows what is the expected time? or any one recieved any thing?