Don't know where to start- please help!

[J1782]

Hi all,

I've already been admitted to a biological science graduate program at a Canadian university, with a tentative start date in January. My tuition and research will be funded by the university. Everything's pretty much set, except for my student permit. I haven't even started the application process yet.

I just don't know where to start. My application should be relatively straightforward, but the problem is, I'm staying in the US on an expired visa (it's a long story, but here's a word of advice: if your lawyer is taking too long to do something as simple as extending your visa, then s/he's screwed you over and it's time to switch to a better one).

One lawyer told me that I can apply for a student permit at the Canadian embassies here in the US, but another lawyer told me that I have to apply from the Philippines. So which lawyer is right?

I've also read on this board that my application is going to get denied either way because of my overstay. To be honest, I myself think that my situation is pretty hopeless. It's going to be hard for me to prove ties to the Philippines, since most of my relatives are residing here in the US. Is there any way I can prove that I have every intention of returning to the Philippines, besides family ties?

Any response or appraisal of my situation will be greatly appreciated, no matter how grim.

[PMM]

hi

Hi all,

I've already been admitted to a biological science graduate program at a Canadian university, with a tentative start date in January. My tuition and research will be funded by the university. Everything's pretty much set, except for my student permit. I haven't even started the application process yet.

I just don't know where to start. My application should be relatively straightforward, but the problem is, I'm staying in the US on an expired visa (it's a long story, but here's a word of advice: if your lawyer is taking too long to do something as simple as extending your visa, then s/he's screwed you over and it's time to switch to a better one).

One lawyer told me that I can apply for a student permit at the Canadian embassies here in the US, but another lawyer told me that I have to apply from the Philippines. So which lawyer is right?

I've also read on this board that my application is going to get denied either way because of my overstay. To be honest, I myself think that my situation is pretty hopeless. It's going to be hard for me to prove ties to the Philippines, since most of my relatives are residing here in the US. Is there any way I can prove that I have every intention of returning to the Philippines, besides family ties?

Any response or appraisal of my situation will be greatly appreciated, no matter how grim.

You are going to have a hard time convincing CHC/CIC that with the overstay in the US that if you are issued a study permit for Canada, that you will leave on its expiry.  You can't apply in the US as you have to prove lawful status see:  http://tinyurl.com/yj96gsy

PMM

[J1782]

Thanks, PMM.

One more question- if I apply through the consulate in Manila, do I have to be physically present there, or can I get most of my application done through mail and return for the interview?

I'm asking because I'm still waiting for job offers in the very likely event that my application is denied and I have to stay in the Philippines permanently.

Thanks again.

[PMM]

Hi

Thanks, PMM.

One more question- if I apply through the consulate in Manila, do I have to be physically present there, or can I get most of my application done through mail and return for the interview?

I'm asking because I'm still waiting for job offers in the very likely event that my application is denied and I have to stay in the Philippines permanently.

Thanks again.

It is quite possible that Manila will NOT send the passport outside their area of jurisdiction and you will need to submit your passport as you are require a TRV as well as Study permit.  I would not hold my breath that you will get it.

PMM

[J1782]

So this basically means I can't even apply for a student visa without going back to the Philippines? So if I get denied, I'll be stuck in an unfamiliar country with practically no way out and no means of support. Guess my situation gets worse the more I find out.

Thanks for the honest replies, PMM.