Which Programme is Best? ( Express Entry or Study)

Dear Ms Powell,

My family and I would like to live in Canada. I spoke to a consultant, who recommended that I go back to study at a college and then apply for permanent residence. I'm concerned about the cost of studies when both my husband and I have a degree and have four years' work experience in our respective fields. I have friends who have got through without having to go to school. Which programme is best - the Federal Skilled Workers (FSW) programme, the Federal Skilled Trades (FST), or the Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP)? Is it really better to apply to study rather than apply straight to get permanent residence in Canada? I'm confused, please help.

BF

Dear BF,

There are several programmes available to professionals to become permanent residents of Canada. The most common options are under the FSW programme, the FST programme, Canadian Experience Class, and the PNP.

Individuals who have a minimum of one year work experience in professional occupations such as senior managers, supervisors, teachers, lawyers, dentists, doctors, engineers, nurses, computer programmers, accountants, insurance, land surveying, to name a few, usually qualify under the FSW programme.

Under the FST programme, individuals with experience as trade personnel are usually granted permanent residence. To qualify, you must have done a minimum of 3,120 hours of paid work in one of the eligible trades within the last 10 years. Individuals with experience in industrial, electrical and construction trades, maintenance and equipment operation trades, technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production, processing, manufacturing, utilities and central control operators, as well as, chefs, cooks, butchers and bakers are in high demand.

If you or your spouse has experience working in Canada within the last three years, you can qualify under the Canadian Experience Class. The work experience must be in a job which is classified under the National Occupation Class skill level 'O', 'A', 'B'. These jobs are usually managerial, supervisory, professional, and technical or skill trades jobs.

Most provinces have programmes which are designed to attract professionals to live and work in the province. Therefore, you can apply through the PNP. Each province/territory has its own rules based on its economic needs and job demands.

You should note that there are other programmes available for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals in sports, agriculture and the arts, and application for permanent residence may be submitted through one of these specialised programmes.

How To Determine What's Best

 The option that is best suited for you and your spouse would be based on your particular situation and whether or not you are able to get the required points to be selected under the express entry system. The express entry system is the gateway to Canada for persons seeking to apply as economic immigrants.

The key is being able to get a high comprehensive ranking score in order to be selected under these programmes and to be admitted into the pool of applicants.

Many individuals opt to attend school to further their qualifications and to gain work experience in Canada. By doing this, they could increase their points and chances of being selected under the Canadian Experience Class. The problem with this option, as you noted, is that attending school in Canada as an international student could be very expensive. Many individuals use their life savings, that they could otherwise use as settlement funds, as their tuition fees and at the end of their programme, they have very little money in their savings. You should note, however, that you would be authorised to work part-time during your studies and have the opportunity to save. You will need to have excellent time management skills so that your grades do not suffer, as if you do not maintain your grades you could lose the right to complete your studies.

Another factor is that if you have a valid job offer at the time of applying, then you will not need to show that you have the minimum settlement fund for you and your family that is usually required as economic immigrants.

Essentially, you will need to weigh the cost and explore all the available options to get a higher comprehensive ranking score, such as maximising your scores in all the categories. One of the easiest ways to maximise scores is under the language option, having a job offer, get more work experience or seeking nomination from one of the provinces. These are a few of the strategies you can employ.

You should also find out from consultant the exact reason for recommending studies and find out your next steps after the completion of your studies.

If you need help determining what is best for you and your family complete our free assessment form here and we will respond to you with our recommendations.

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 practise are in immigration, real estate, commercial, personal injury, family and administration of estates. Email: info@deidrepowell.com subjectline: immigration. Call 613.695.8777/ 876.922.4092/ 922.8899 Facebook: jamaicanlawyer Twitter: deidrespowell.