CANADA IMMIGRATION NEWS AND TIPS

Dear Miss Powell, My son studied in Canada and then received a graduate work permit. That permit is about to expire, and he is worried that his work permit may now be renewed because of the changes. I am wondering what his options are to remain in Canada now. Please advise us as we are hoping that he could eventually get to live permanently. Your kind response would be appreciated. J.T.    Dear J.T.  I have received several questions from international students wondering about their options to remain in Canada, since Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made several changes to the immigration policies. Your son and others should not panic as there are currently several options to remain in Canada and we remain hopeful that there will be new policy updates to assist graduates to become permanent residents. I will outline below the temporary and permanent options that are available. Remain as a worker   Your son may also apply to remain in Canad...

BOOK A TELEPHONE MEETING    Dear Ms Powell, I recently completed my bachelor’s degree a little early and would like to pursue studies abroad. I was looking at various countries and I can’t make up my mind. My family members are suggesting the USA, UK and various countries in Europe. However, I’m drawn to Canada based on your weekly articles and Facebook posts. My degree is in management studies and I am thinking of a postgraduate professional certificate, MBA or something along those lines. I was looking at the University of Toronto, but I’m still not sure which programme yet. Do you think it would be easy to get a visa to pursue studies in Canada? Is it expensive to study in Canada? Can I work and go to school? Thank you in advance for your time. – L.L. Good day LL, Congratulations on completing your first degree early and on your decision to pursue postgraduate studies in Canada. In today’s competitive world, the best thing you can do for yourself is to pursue education that...

  Dear Ms Powell, I   rely on your articles to help me with understanding Canada’s immigration rules. I now have an urgent matter. My son got through to study as an international student for a Canadian school. Due to corona, the government said that he could stay home and study online for up to six months. We were planning for him to go to Canada to finish up then out of the blue, no flights to Canada and more travel restrictions. We are already making a sacrifice for our son to have a better life in Canada, and we were advised that this was the best route. Now with these restrictions, we are wondering if he would qualify to live in Canada if he doesn’t get to finish up his studies and get Canadian work experience. What is my best course of action as nobody seems to be answering the phones at the embassy? I look forward to seeing my answer in The Gleaner. Thank you. – Concerned Mother Dear Concerned Mother, The government of Canada is constantly monitoring the pandemic, the si...

  Dear Ms Powell, I   graduated with a postgraduate certificate from a college in Canada and although I have been blessed to have a job, it is not a job that falls within the required National Occupational Classification (NOC) so that I can apply under the express entry. I have been extremely worried. I saw a recent article that the government has changed the policy for international students. Can you tell me if I would qualify? How do I apply? – I.E. Dear I.E., The Honourable Marco Mendicino, minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship, recently announced that “former international students who hold or held a postgraduate work permit (PGWP) will have the opportunity to apply for an open work permit”. The government will begin accepting application online from January 27-July 27, 2021. This is a special policy, introduced in response to the pandemic and the recognition that students like you may be having a difficulty locating jobs that fall within the National Occupatio...

Click link to c omplete our free online form to FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY TO COME TO CANADA.     Dear Ms Powell, I follow you on Facebook, and I noticed a post about studying in Canada. I am interested in the online studies from a Canadian college. Will I qualify for a post-graduate work permit if I study online? I want to be able to apply to stay in Canada afterwards, and so I want to make sure that I’m able to do so with an online course. Also, can you tell me how to apply for the study permit? Thank you for your time, and keep up the good work. JP Dear JP, Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made several changes within the last 12 months to their policies and procedures dealing with applications for a study permit and a post-graduate work permit,  with additional changes as a result of COVID-19. These new rules have made Canada more attractive as a place for pursuing higher education and to live permanently. Many individuals use the study-permit route a...

 FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY TO COME TO CANADA.   click link Dear Ms Powell, I recently completed studies at a Canadian university and my study permit expires in August. I’m missing my family, so I plan to go back to Jamaica and chill out for a while then return to apply for the post-graduate work permit after Christmas. My friends say I can’t leave before I get the work permit and that January will be do late to apply. Is this so? I really miss being home and my brain is tired. Can you please let me know if I can go home and then come back in January without messing up everything? TY Dear TY, International students who come to Canada for a minimum of one-year programmes and attend a designated learning institution (DLI) may be granted a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) to gain Canadian work experience and can live permanently in Canada. The time granted for work permit has always been tied to the duration of the studies. Before July 2019, students were required...

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,...