The Lost Paddy

Hi folks,

Having all but given up on the work/sponsorship route across, we have decided on tryin the study option, what I'm wondering, has anyone found a legit cheap course that they have applied for? Most seem to come in around $10/11000 per year, and as a means to an end that could prove costly (as we already have Uni qualifications etc).

Any advice would be appreciated! Cheers.

DigitalGhost

You're best bet would probably be to enrol on a masters or something, it is going to cost you either way though.

Kate_P

Hi there,
Where are you thinking of settling? We came over on a study visa and although I paid a lot in international fees for my course, I also have friends who took less expensive courses to meet bare min. requirements!

The Lost Paddy

Thanks for the reply, we are hoping to move to Toronto if possible, but are essentially willing to go anywhere at first, for a couple of years if needed, then relocate to Toronto.

We both already have uni qualifications, I have 7+ years work experience now and my partner has a degree too, but has worked as a driving instructor since leaving college.

Ideally we would like to do a course that meets the bare min of entry, so that I can start to work straight away, if thats not possible then I would like for her to do something she could possible use in Canada, she has an interest in photography, or a cookery course, but all the uni's we are looking at are circa $10/12,000 per year, which is a lot when essentially it's just a means to an end!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

The Lost Paddy

Not a bad idea, however we have been advised it's best ot get a two year course, as if I'm the partner that can work straight off then it will probably take over a year for me to get my PR.

Incidenatlly does anyone have any info on the process to PR from the study route? How one or both can apply for this?

Big thanks.

DigitalGhost

I don't think that student time counts towards any kind of credit toward rewarding PR unless you were then to take one of the PNP-type routes offered to graduates by some provinces after your course in said province has ended.

The Lost Paddy

From what I've been told, a couple can come across on the study visa, one studying and the other has an open work permit, no restrictions, is this not the case? If this is the case then I would work and would hope to convert this into PR if possible.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

DigitalGhost

I'd check that out on the CIC site if I were you as it doesn't sound quite right to me. I know that Canada is becoming tougher on student visas now as the US, UK and Australia are closing their doors so the demand is soaring.

zednought

I believe you are correct. Obviously, you only have the OWP for the duration of the study visa. I also looked at this option a couple of years ago. I abandoned it in the end. Too risky for the expense.

DigitalGhost

And there is going to be a lot of expense.

The Lost Paddy

Will do thanks, appreciate the advice.

Incidentally, would anyone know how a bankrupcy might effect a visa application? A private or personal bankrupcy, and it's apparently discharged?

A friend that is hoping to move across had to declare bankrupcy in December 2008, his year is up I believe and he is out the other side of this thing, would this become an issue for him in his application process?

Cheers,
TLP.

DigitalGhost

I would start a seperate thread for that if I were you.

The Lost Paddy

Yes, the circa $12,000 per year is a lot, specially as it's a means to an end, but I'm sure I could support us poth for the couple of years, and my partner can work after 6 months too I believe, so it may not be too bad...unless you know of additional costs I've not thought of?!

The Lost Paddy

How so?! Would be really interested for your take on that please!

The Lost Paddy

Will do, thanks!