Immigration Corner | Jamaican student in Canada wants advice

Dear Ms Powell,

I read your articles online all the time and I must say thank you for keeping us informed. I have tried to apply under the express entry system a number of times and I did not get through, so I applied to study in Canada. I have been here since September. I expect to complete my studies next summer and I'm doing some research to see what would be the next step to getting a permanent residence card as soon as possible. I would appreciate some advice.

- KK

Dear KK,

I am glad you have been reading my articles as I try to help readers, locally and internationally, to stay informed about the Canadian immigration system, which actually changes on a regular basis. Thank you for providing a feedback.

There are several pathways to permanent residence for international students in Canada. I would need to know more about you to provide you with options. The best pathway is usually based on your age, language ability, work experience, education and adaptability, among other factors.

Pathway to Permanent Residence

The most common pathway is to first complete your studies, then immediately apply for a work permit under the Post Graduate Work Permit Programme (PGWP). This will give you an opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which would no doubt improve your chances of being selected under the Canadian Experience Class through the express entry system. You could also be eligible for a provincial nominee from one of the provinces.

A post-graduate work permit is usually granted based on the length of your studies, up to a maximum of three years. So if you graduated from a programme that lasted eight months, your work permit will be valid for no more than eight months. If you graduated from a three-year programme, you could receive a work permit that would be valid for three years.

To be eligible for a PGWP, you will need to have successfully completed full-time studies in Canada for not less than 900 hours or eight months at a designated learning institutions or participating schools, such as a public post-secondary institution, a college, trade/technical school, university or CEGEP (in Quebec), or a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions. Full details of eligible schools can be found on the government of Canada's website.

Your study permit must be valid at the time when you apply for the PGWP and so it is recommended that you submit the application within 90 days of receipt of written confirmation of the successful completion of your studies. You do not have to wait until you have the actual certificate in hand to apply, as long as you enclose a confirmation letter from the school with the application.

You did not indicate the course that you are currently undertaking or the source of your funding for school. However, you should note that your PGWP could be denied if your programme was funded by your country or an international organisation such as one of the government of Canada Awards Programme, CIDA, DFATD, OAS, or an exchange programme. If you are bonded by your country or a company in your home country, then you would need to obtain a formal release from that bond before you apply.

WORK EXPERIENCE

The critical thing to pay attention to is that while studying you are authorised to work up to 20 hours per week off campus. You should take advantage of this, as if you gain Canadian work experience in a supervisory, managerial or administrative position and the occupation falls within one of the eligible categories then this will help you to increase your chances of being given an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

I recommend that you consult with an immigration lawyer to provide them with a copy of your English exam results, your educational credential report or copies of your post-secondary certificates, so that you can be advised of the best route for you, based on the finer details of your case.

Another important step is to try to increase your marketability and your comprehensive ranking scores under the express entry system by doing some French language courses. If you are able to communicate effectively in both English and French, then this will increase your chances of being granted permanent residence. Best wishes.

- Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator, and notary public in Ontario, Canada. Submit your questions and comments to Email: info@deidrepowell.com subjectline: immigration, Call 613.695.8777 Facebook: jamaicanlawyer.