Hi Everyone,

It was almost a year ago that I had to leave Canada and return to the UK at the end of my 2nd IEC work permit in what I would consider extremely unfortunate and unfair circumstances.
I was in the process of applying for PR under CEC with almost 2 years work experience in NOC2282 when I received news that my credit card had been compromised and needed to be cancelled. This meant that CIC were unable to take payment and returned my application to me as unprocessed. I applied again but had to leave Canada in the meantime as my Work Permit ended, this new application was subsequently rejected due to the yearly quota being fulfilled (even though I don't believe this was the case).
My current EE score is an extremely poor 314 due to my age (33) and no formal education. I have been considering returning to Canada to study a computer science diploma for 2 years which would then allow me to apply for a 3 year PGWP and also give me extra points towards my EE score (assuming that EE is still relevant in 5 years time). It seems that due to my age this may be the only way I can return to Canada, however it looks like my score at the end of it will be around 452 if I have worked it out correctly, which is still only borderline good enough. I'm quite worried about this considering I'm looking at investing 5 years of my life with no certain outcome.
I never thought i'd be considering returning to full time education in my mid 30's although I am very open to the idea. I've already taken my IELTS academic test and scored an average 8.5 and am waiting to hear back from an immigration / education establishment regarding my study options.
I guess I'm looking for opinions, thoughts and any words of guidance from others who may be or have been in a similar situation.

Thanks for Reading

You could certainly come back as a full time student and still work up to 20 hrs while in class or full time during scheduled breaks.
Nobody knows for sure what CIC will require for PR status in 5 years time or if EE will still exist or have been replaced with some other programme.

The way i see it is that education is never a bad thing and can only serve as a backup to my 7 years experience working in IT. Also it would cost a similar amount to studying in the UK

You're right, it is hard to know what the PR requirements will be in 5 years time, from what I've read the liberal government aren't too keen on EE especially where education gained in Canada is concerned.

It's an extremely hard decision to make due to the uncertainty of what may happen 5 years down the line, although I feel deep down inside that I've already made my decision, guess I'm just looking for other peoples views and opinions

Well I guess if you do not take the opportunity will probably always regret it. Also depends if prepared for the considerable outlay for a 2 year international student course approx 30kCAD plus living expenses. Fees for each semester or whole first year are I believe payable upfront before in some instances a study permit is issued, although refunded if permit not issued. As an example Centennial in Toronto quotes approx 18k CAD for first year when adding incidentals on top of the first year fee and on top of that you have accomodation/living costs International Education | Fees .Plus assume you have investigated ongoing IT job market post graduation. Maybe also seek a project management qualification along the way as PM certification has value.

On my original reply once past the moderator I missed fact poster implied a diploma course not a full blown degree so fees are slightly less in my example case from Centennial Toronto but still top out in region of 14.6k CAD just for college and the incidentals.Also note that some diploma courses are post graduate courses requiring a degree as a start point but assume you already checked that out for which ever college you are looking at.

Hello there

You must ensure that the college / uni you are hoping to study at is on the designated list - otherwise you won't get a study permit. Designated learning institutions list

Hi


1. The OP should also ensure that the school studies would be eligible for a Post Graduation WP, as not all students are eligible from some DLIs.

Agree with PMM. To be on the safe side, it is better to choose a public college and check with their international department on whether their graduating students apply for PGWP from the particular program of study that is being considered.

S

I have already considered the fees, looking at about $36k CDN... sounds like a lot but its actually about the same as studying in the UK, just hope the CDN dollar stays weak until I transfer my funds come september. I'll also be making sure I have a considerable amount saved up so I don't have to revert to eating pot noodles for dinner and living in a dorm

Checked that BCIT is on the designated list and that I would be eligible for a PGWP - Thanks Siouxie and PMM