Can I apply for a student visa for my wife while waiting for PR application

[aqeelc]

Hello Everyone,

I am a canadian citizen and I have applied for my wife's sponsorship who is in pakistan.  The application went to Islamabad office in Sept 2011.

I was wondering since it will take around 2 years for this process to complete, can I get my wife here on a student visa.  She is finishing her med degree in Jan 2012.  I can try to find her a program here to get admission in.  Please let me know if anyone has done this before and have been successful in it.  From what I hear, the visit visa is usually denied by the embassy, what about a student visa application?

[kuku]

I believe student visa and immigration file is separate entity..but this would have been true, had the student visa been applied before the PR file.

Chances are less to get the student visa either. As the VO knows that her ultimate goal is to immigrate to the country. Still you can try once your sponsorship is approved.  Chances are minimal if you try before even getting sponsorship approval as in that case VO is not sure if you will be eligible for sponsorship and in that case chance for her to live illegally in the country is higher.

I would say-Just give it a try. If rejected, it is not gonna affect PR file anyway.

Btwn just out of curiosity question  you said she is med grad...does it mean MBBS ? if yes, what course are you planning to apply relevant to that degree ?

[aqeelc]

Yes kuku, by med degree I mean MBBS.  I still haven't decided which program I'm going to enroll her in but it'll be something related like radiology or something.  I was hoping I run into someone who has tried this scenario and let me know their experience.  I feel very confident that if my wife presents her case such that she wants to stay active in the work force and in her field and that I am approved as a sponsor and that she will come back if her student visa expires, the VO should issue her the visa. Specially considering she will be paying high international student fees to the institution.

[kuku]

yes thats true.. I would rather give it a try.. Nothing to lose if visa is rejected except few bucks...

[shamsia]

Hi there, you can apply for a student visa for your wife, and chances are that she will get it too. But the cost of her studying on a student visa is 4 times more as compared to her studying with a PR. Also, I would advise you to bring her to Canada first and then apply...not only will it make be easier for them to process your application but it will also make it easier for you to undrerstand if there are any exemptions or any credits that you would have to upgrade etc. You will also qualify for grants, loan and bursaries as a PR holder..just a suggestion.

And the tuition fee is crazyyy...if a local is paying $ 5000 per semester, you will be paying between $ 8000 - $ 9000 (figures are just rough) or even more in some cases with no approval for loans until you become a PR holder... so upto you...if money is not a problem then sure but a smart way will be to wait..since you are coming here as a PR eventually anyways so why go through student visa problems and higher costs...but it's your own choice... All the best!

[kuku]

 @ shamsia

I agree with what you said. But for him the main purpose to get student visa is their wish to live together during and for the time period their application gets approved, if I am not mistaken from his post.

So I would advice just to give it a try. Nothing wrong in paying 5-6k extra if you get to live together. This is especially true for the VO her wife will be going to, where processing time is almost 2 years. Joy and fun of living with your loved ones is much more than spending even 10 k extra. isn't it?

[shamsia]

 @ kuku: Yup you are right Like I said, the choice is his. And Pakistan takes 24 months! God that's two years!! My heart really goes out for them... I hope this student visa works out for them inshallah

 @ aqeel: You can join the Pakistan thread to get better insight into your situation by joining here: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/chc-islamabad-spouse-sponsorship-timeline-2009-2010-t28775.0.html

All the best!

[kuku]

Good luck aqueel

 @ shamsia

Did you hear anything from ND yet?

[shamsia]

Good luck aqueel

  @  shamsia

Did you hear anything from ND yet?

Nope, not a word. I check my email and mailbox everyday. We should be ordering the CAIPs notes soon to see how things stand. Luckily, we had been proactive and sent the required forms along with our application so getting them shouldnt really be a problem. What about things at your end?

[kuku]

Nope, not a word. I check my email and mailbox everyday. We should be ordering the CAIPs notes soon to see how things stand. Luckily, we had been proactive and sent the required forms along with our application so getting them shouldnt really be a problem. What about things at your end?

well, It is too early for me to expect anything from ND yet. I just got sponsorship approval on Oct 20...Haven't even received the mail on hand .. should be in my mail box today or tomorrow as they mailed it on Oct 20.
As long as PR application part is concerned , all I can see on Ecas is "Application for Permanent Residence received on Aug 11" and "medical result received"

So I really do not know where do I stand. Different people have different opinions about this update. 

[shamsia]

well, It is too early for me to expect anything from ND yet. I just got sponsorship approval on Oct 20...Haven't even received the mail on hand .. should be in my mail box today or tomorrow as they mailed it on Oct 20.
As long as PR application part is concerned , all I can see on Ecas is "Application for Permanent Residence received on Aug 11" and "medical result received"

So I really do not know where do I stand. Different people have different opinions about this update. 

Dont rely on ecas, its wierd to say the least

[kuku]

Haven't you got the PPR yet?

I would say behavior from ND office is more weird than Ecas..