This will be a two part series with the first focusing on Study Permits and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the second, Express Entry the easiest and most popular method.
Study Permit
A study permit is a document issued by immigration Canada that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.
How it works
Most foreign nationals need a permit to study in Canada but before you start the process you need to first satisfy the requirements. To be eligible you need:
an acceptance letter from a DLI
proof of financial support that will cover tuition and living expenses
proof of identity
When you have all three you can apply online. You can only apply online unless you have a disability or have a hold on your travel document. Additional documents may be required depending on your situation and what you put on your application.
Cost to apply for a study permit per person is $150 Canadian dollars and must be paid before you submit your application. You attach a receipt of payment along with your application.
Advantages
Those who hold a study permit are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week and full time during the winter and summer holidays
You qualify for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) upon completion of your study. The length of the permit is dependent on how long you studied for. If you did a one year course you qualify for a one year work permit and if you do two or more years you are eligible for a three year work permit. This gives you enough time to secure a job and thereby extending your chances of getting permanent residency.
Access to world class universities and colleges
Plethora of job opportunities
Affordable cost and higher standards of living compared to most countries
Access to a wealth of scholarships and grants dedicated to international students
Disadvantages
The cost to apply for a study permit is high and non-refundable if your application is rejected
If you have responsibilities back home 20 hours of work will prove challenging
A study permit does not guarantee permanent residency
Canadian universities and colleges are expensive. You pay twice as much as your Canadian counterpart
Living in Canada is not a bed of roses. There is the harsh weather and a difference in culture and lifestyle to deal with
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
This program is for workers who have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory and want to live in that province. It is also for those who want to become permanent residents of Canada.
How the program works
If you want to immigrate through the PNP program, a province or territory has to nominate you. You will need to apply to the PNP in the province or territory where you want to settle and satisfy the requirements set out by the province. It should be noted that each province has its own rules and criteria. Once you apply, the province or territory will assess if you will be able to meet their economic or labour market needs, and those of Canada. But before you go pulling up an application form you need to be aware of the two ways you can apply under this program.
1. Apply through Express Entry
You will need to create an Express Entry profile if you don’t have one already. We will cover Express Entry in part 2 of this series so stay tuned. Once you have created your profile you can adjust and select the provinces you are interested in and any of those selected provinces might send you a notification of interest. If you get a notification of interest you would then apply to that province’s Express Entry stream. If you’re application satisfies the requirements the province will send you a nomination certificate and you get an automatic 600 points.
The other option through Express Entry is to contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination under an Express Entry stream. If the province or territory agrees to nominate you, you create an Express Entry profile (or update your profile if you already have one) and show you have been nominated.
2. Non-Express Entry process
In the non-Express Entry process you can apply to the province or territory for nomination under a non-Express Entry stream. You will however need to meet the eligibility requirements of the province that nominates you. You apply for permanent residence online once nominated.
Advantages
Provincial Nominee Program is one of the easiest processes to immigrate to Canada as you don’t need high CRS Scores.
If you’re application for PNP is accepted you are automatically granted 600 points which improves you’re overall scoring. 600 points is a sure guarantee to get an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
You don’t need an Express Entry profile to apply for a nomination
Disadvantages
There is a cost to apply for PNP for some provinces. That fee is non-refundable. For example Ontario’s application cost ranges from $2000-$3500 depending on the stream.
You are expected to live in the province that issued you the nomination for at least two years
Longer than normal processing times
Some provinces require you to have a job offer before they grant you nomination
However do not be deterred by the disadvantages, the benefits far outweigh the cost.
If you have any questions or need clarification, please reach out. I came to Canada on a study permit. Experience is better than words on a paper.
See you next week as we look at the most popular immigration pathway, Express Entry.
Julz out!
Comments