I plan to stay after studying

I plan to stay after studying - News - Jamaica Gleaner - Tuesday | November 26, 2013

Dear Ms Powell,
I am a student from Jamaica and I am finishing up my master's degree at a university in Toronto. I was told that when I finish my studies I can apply to stay permanently in Canada. How can I do that? - D.L.

Dear D.L.,

As a current master's student in Canada you should consider the opportunities available under the Ontario Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP). There are other provinces that have a similar programme, but since you are in Ontario, I will focus on the requirements under the Ontario PNP.

The PNP is open to students who are not 'bonded', to their home country. So, if are not the recipient of a grant or scholarships from your home country or international organisations, which requires your return to your home country on the completion of your study, you may apply.

You may submit an application, with supporting documents and fees to Opportunities Ontario, under the PNP.

You will need to satisfy certain requirements and provide the necessary proof. The main requirements and documents are:

1 Legally residing in Canada for a minimum of one year and have a study permit, temporary resident visa, work permit .

2 Successfully completed or will complete a minimum of one year's study in the master's programme at an eligible Canadian university.

3 Sealed copy of your university transcripts.

4 Demonstrate an intention to live or work in Ontario.

5 Résumé or curriculum vitae.

6 Certified copy of your university degree, certificate and diploma.

7 Copy of birth certificate and a copy of all the pages of the passport for yourself and any dependent.

8 Provide a recent, original letter/ statement to demonstrate that you are able to meet the minimum savings/ income to support yourself and any dependent you may have. The table below gives an example of the amount of Canadian funds that are currently required:

Number of family members Funds required

1            $11,086

2            $13,801

3            $16,967

4            $20,599

In your particular case, you will need to submit a letter from your university to prove that you are in the last semester of an existing master's programme and that you have been a full-time student at an eligible publicly funded university in Ontario. You should also submit a copy of documents such as your bank statement, lease, utility bills and credit card statements, to show that you have, in fact, lived in Ontario for a minimum of one year. You do not need to provide proof that you have a job offer in order to be eligible to apply.

The non-refundable application fee is currently CDN$1,500. It will take approximately 90 days to process your application. There is a limit on the number of applications that will be processed annually, so you should submit your application as soon as possible. The key is to provide all the relevant information to demonstrate that you have a genuine potential to settle successfully and permanently in Ontario.

Once your application is successful, you will receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate. Within six months after receiving that certificate, you may apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada to become a permanent resident. 

If you have additional questions about your eligibility or need assistance with your application, you should consult privately with an immigration lawyer. 

Best of luck!

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public who is a member of the Jamaican and Ontario, Canada bars, with office located in Ottawa, Ontario. Her areas of practice are in immigration, commercial, real estate, personal injury, family and administration of estates. She is on the roster of mediators for Ottawa, Toronto and the Dispute Resolution Foundation of Jamaica. Email: info@deidrepowell.com. Subject line: Immigration Twitter: deidrespowell Facebook: jamaicanlawyer