Looking for PR in Canada thru studies | Need help in course selection

[vivek.rana]

Hi All,

I am new to this forum. I have gone through many posts in this forum, and they are really very informative.
I am looking for PR in Canada through studies, since my occupation is not included in the Federal Skilled Worker SOL.
Below is my profile in brief:

10th from CBSE - 84.4%
12th (PCM) from CBSE - 81%
Graduation - B.E. (Electronics and Communication) from Maharishi Dayanand University (Rohtak, Haryana) - 71.7%
Work Experience - 5.5 Years as a Software Engineer, currently working in Accenture.
IELTS - Not taken yet, but will not be a big hurdle.

I am targeting Sep 2012 intake (only if I am not late for it else will go for Jan/Sep 2013) and shortlisted following courses.
I am looking only for 2 year (4 Semesters/16 Months) courses as it will make me eligible for a 3 year open PGWP.
I need suggestions on courses, visa acceptance, job prospects etc.

1. Information Technology Solutions (Ontario Graduate Certificate) from Humber College.
I selected this course because I already have experience in this field and if I gain a Canadian credential, getting a job would become a bit easier (that's what I think, reality may be different).

My doubts:
- How are job prospects for IT professionals in Canada? (Those who area already in Canada - studying/working, please answer this )
- Would I face a student visa rejection for course selection as I already have extensive experience in this field, and Visa Officer may think that I am only eyeing 3 years PGWP and I am possible immigrant?

2. Global Business Management (Ontario Graduate Certificate) from Humber College.
Though I have not read very encouraging reviews about this course on the forum, but it has two internships at the end of 1st and 2nd year respectively. These internships would be really helpful in gaining Canadian work experience, and if I am not wrong that's what employers look for.

My doubts:
- What kind of job opportunities this course will open? (those who are already in Canada plz answer this.)
- How is the reputation for this course among employers? (those who are already in Canada plz answer this.)
- Would I face a visa rejection due to course mismatch as it is not relevant to my previous studies/ work exp?

3. Master of Global Management (Master's degree) from Royal Roads University.
This is a 12 months course with an additional 6 months internship and that makes it 18 months course. So, I suppose this course will be eligible for a 3 year PGWP. The 6 months internship is really attractive as it will be helpful in gaining valuable Canadian experience.

My Doubts:
- How is the reputation of Royal Roads University and the MGM Course?
- Since it is a Master degree and not a graduate certificate, are there chances for visa refusal due to course mismatch?
- How are the job opportunities in British Columbia?

I would really appreciate if someone can provide me information on above courses and help me in selecting the most suitable course.
Thanks in advance ...

 

[tiger007]

Hi All,

Below is my profile in brief:

10th from CBSE - 84.4%
12th (PCM) from CBSE - 81%
Graduation - B.E. (Electronics and Communication) from Maharishi Dayanand University (Rohtak, Haryana) - 71.7%
Work Experience - 5.5 Years as a Software Engineer, currently working in Accenture.
IELTS - Not taken yet, but will not be a big hurdle.

I am targeting Sep 2012 intake (only if I am not late for it else will go for Jan/Sep 2013) and shortlisted following courses.
I am looking only for 2 year (4 Semesters/16 Months) courses as it will make me eligible for a 3 year open PGWP.
I need suggestions on courses, visa acceptance, job prospects etc.

Hi,

With an impressive resume such as yours, if you score good in IELTS (min 7.0) and since you 've core software/I.T work experience, why are you not considering pursuing Masters in Computer Science Engineering and probably then PHD at any of the top Canadian Publicly funded Universities?
You even 've a good chance of securing funding at top level Universities such as Univ. of Toronto.

http://www.gradschool.utoronto.ca/programs/Graduate_Units/Computer_Science.htm
http://www.gradschool.utoronto.ca/Admission_Requirements/english-proficiency-requirement.htm
http://portal.sgs.utoronto.ca/current/admission/intdegequiv.asp?#country

http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/graduate-degree-programs/master-of-science-computer-science#group-prog-requirements

 

[tiger007]

1. Information Technology Solutions (Ontario Graduate Certificate) from Humber College.
I selected this course because I already have experience in this field and if I gain a Canadian credential, getting a job would become a bit easier (that's what I think, reality may be different).

My doubts:
- How are job prospects for IT professionals in Canada? (Those who area already in Canada - studying/working, please answer this )
- Would I face a student visa rejection for course selection as I already have extensive experience in this field, and Visa Officer may think that I am only eyeing 3 years PGWP and I am possible immigrant?

Regarding opportunities in IT or be it any sector, with an resume to back up such as yours, if you pursue Master's in computer Science it would be much much better than say pursuing a simple PG level certificate from a college. I mean there's no comparison between programmes such as Information Technology Solutions (Ontario Graduate Certificate) from Humber College and a Master degree in CS from a top rated Canadian Univ.

Alternatively you can also apply for any of the top level MBA's across Canadian universities, if you score high enough in GMAT and IELTS.

In-fact if you pursue our Master's in CS from any of the 2 universities (UNIV. OF SASK. or UNIV. OF REGINA) in Sask. province, you can apply for direct PNP and then PR, even without a job offer!
(http://www.saskimmigrationcanada.ca/student) ---check Master's and PhD Graduate Stream.

Also, you can consider doing Master's in any oft he universityies in Ontario province, where under International masters graduate stream you can apply for PNP, and then PR without a job offer!
(http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/OI_PNPSTUDENTS_MASTERS.html)

So, in my personal opinion, you must definitely consider doing a Master's degree (in CS/MBA), from a top or atleast any of the recognize publicly funded Universities across Canada!

 

[vivek.rana]

Hi tiger..
thanks for this information ..
I believe Master of Science in CS is more research oriented and prepares one for further studies at Doctoral level .. whereas I want to work in the Industry ..

University of Toronto's Master of Applied Science is a good program, having an internship of six months, but tuition fee is on a higher side ($ 30,000 approx.).
I browsed the website of University of British Columbia, and found another interesting program. It is Master of Software Systems (MSS). It's 16 month program including 4 month of internship and is ideal for people looking for a career in IT industry. Tuition fee is $ 20,000 approx.
Just want to check, if anyone in this forum has applied or planning to apply to this program...??? I would like to have some more info about this program ..

one more doubt I have is regarding PGWP. The MSS program is of 16 months having 4 terms (not semesters).
So, what would be the duration of PGWP? Would it be 16 months or 3 years because CIC classifies any program of 16 months as a 2 year program.

 

[HBK]

@vivek rana,
Hi if your intention is to obtain pr then why not to look at ontario PNP.
No job offer require after completing master.hence its pilot project,limlited upto 1000 applicant per year.

http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/OI_PNPSTUDENTS_MASTERS.html

 

[tiger007]

@ vivek rana,
Hi if your intention is to obtain pr then why not to look at ontario PNP.
No job offer require after completing master.hence its pilot project,limlited upto 1000 applicant per year.

http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/OI_PNPSTUDENTS_MASTERS.html

I already told him so!

 

[HBK]

I already told him so!

yep
actualy i didnt see it LOL

 

[tiger007]

Hi tiger..
thanks for this information ..
I believe Master of Science in CS is more research oriented and prepares one for further studies at Doctoral level .. whereas I want to work in the Industry ..

University of Toronto's Master of Applied Science is a good program, having an internship of six months, but tuition fee is on a higher side ($ 30,000 approx.).
I browsed the website of University of British Columbia, and found another interesting program. It is Master of Software Systems (MSS). It's 16 month program including 4 month of internship and is ideal for people looking for a career in IT industry. Tuition fee is $ 20,000 approx.
Just want to check, if anyone in this forum has applied or planning to apply to this program...??? I would like to have some more info about this program ..

one more doubt I have is regarding PGWP. The MSS program is of 16 months having 4 terms (not semesters).
So, what would be the duration of PGWP? Would it be 16 months or 3 years because CIC classifies any program of 16 months as a 2 year program.

Hi,

Both degrees are good. Go for any of them..or similar type of higher degrees, in any top rated publicly funded Universities.

Regarding your doubt in MSS @ UBC, you need to confirm it with the University international admission center and ask them about the course, credit hours, the difference (if any) between Terms and Semesters and of-course the PGWP the students receive after completion of the course.

 

[bhargav00200]

Hi,

Both degrees are good. Go for any of them..or similar type of higher degrees, in any top rated publicly funded Universities.

Regarding your doubt in MSS @ UBC, you need to confirm it with the University international admission center and ask them about the course, credit hours, the difference (if any) between Terms and Semesters and of-course the PGWP the students receive after completion of the course.

Hi all,

I am in same confusion. I found that software development work is very less in canada if we compare it with India. If we see any freelancing site, there will be 7-8 indian bidders out of 10. Even if we see courses of canadian universities', most of the universities offering computer science program not software engineering.

I am thinking to select management course, because management people can work in any type of company. If we talk about the ontario, there is a lot of rush and chances of getting jobs are getting down. Canadian government is planning to develop rural areas like Saskatchewan, alberta, manitoba, b.c., many industries have been establishing over there and chances of getting pr in such areas are very high i like to go in such provinces.

Its better to get master degree instead of pgd, but i am coming from poor family. Please anyone help me in selecting true path. I'll appreciate.

regards,
Bhargav

 

[vivek.rana]

Hi Bhargav,

I am still confused about course selection. After reading many posts in this forum, I assume that going for a college for some PG certificate course is just waste of time and money. We cannot expect to get decent jobs in NOC 0, A, or B category (someone correct me if I am wrong ;D) and without such jobs it is very difficult to get PR.

I have another confusion, that I want to change my work profile from technology to business management, so I thought to go for MBA, but tuition fee for MBA at reputed universities is very high, which I cannot afford.

So, what options do I have?

I just thought of going for any PG Certificate/ Diploma in business management in colleges like Humber/ Centennial (preferably a 2 year course which can get me a 3 year work permit and then PR, if possible) and leave the rest on my luck, but many posts on this forum scare me of going for this option.

I read your post and thought that we somewhat have a similar problem. So I would like to discuss it with you.
Could you please share your education and work experience background?
What are your aspirations for career and PR in Canada?

We may be able to help each other.

 

[world.citizen]

If you have intentions of PR, it's best you stick to your existing field, get your PR done and then switch tracks. If you switch tracks now, they might refuse you a study permit due to "course mismatch" and then the whole PR thing will go down the drain.

As you said, you're more interested in working in the industry than studying. For this, I suggest completing a quick 1 year (8-month) graduate certificate program in your current field. With the kind of experience you have (Accenture is a very reputed company!), it shouldn't be very difficult for you to bag a permanent, full-time NOC job.

Expected timeline:
Sep 2012 - Start program.
Apr 2013 - Finish program, apply for 1 year PGWP, find a permanent, full-time NOC job and apply for Ontario PNP.
Aug 2013 - Receive nomination. Apply for PNP work permit so you no longer have to worry about your 1 year PGWP expiring. Apply for PR.
Aug 2014 - Acquire permanent residence of Canada.
Aug 2014 - Do whatever the hell you want. Get a job as a barber for all I care.

 

[harry_aussie]

Why not wait till July and see the new rules and occupations in demand. Mey be you can come on a permanent visa to Canada. Did you try to find out about immigrating to Australia ??.

 

[salmanali203]

Hi Bhargav,

I am still confused about course selection. After reading many posts in this forum, I assume that going for a college for some PG certificate course is just waste of time and money. We cannot expect to get decent jobs in NOC 0, A, or B category (someone correct me if I am wrong ;D) and without such jobs it is very difficult to get PR.

I have another confusion, that I want to change my work profile from technology to business management, so I thought to go for MBA, but tuition fee for MBA at reputed universities is very high, which I cannot afford.

So, what options do I have?

I just thought of going for any PG Certificate/ Diploma in business management in colleges like Humber/ Centennial (preferably a 2 year course which can get me a 3 year work permit and then PR, if possible) and leave the rest on my luck, but many posts on this forum scare me of going for this option.

I read your post and thought that we somewhat have a similar problem. So I would like to discuss it with you.
Could you please share your education and work experience background?
What are your aspirations for career and PR in Canada?

We may be able to help each other.

Hi Vivek nd Bhargav,

I am also targeting sept 2012 or jan 2013 intake but have same confusions as yours. I am having 4 yrs Of IT experience and right now associated with Ericsson Noida. I am also targeting PR through studies.

I have a friend in canada who has done a project management diploma from humber in 2009-2010 and now he has a job and PR. He said IT job Market is pretty decent there you just have to be there to get a job.

BUT..my biggest confusion is the program selection. I am thinking about Oracle Database Developer from humber or Seneca for 1 yr as it suits my profile.

Please remain in touch we can discuss and probably go together there.

Regards
Mohammad Salman Ali

 

[vivek.rana]

If you have intentions of PR, it's best you stick to your existing field, get your PR done and then switch tracks. If you switch tracks now, they might refuse you a study permit due to "course mismatch" and then the whole PR thing will go down the drain.

As you said, you're more interested in working in the industry than studying. For this, I suggest completing a quick 1 year (8-month) graduate certificate program in your current field. With the kind of experience you have (Accenture is a very reputed company!), it shouldn't be very difficult for you to bag a permanent, full-time NOC job.

Expected timeline:
Sep 2012 - Start program.
Apr 2013 - Finish program, apply for 1 year PGWP, find a permanent, full-time NOC job and apply for Ontario PNP.
Aug 2013 - Receive nomination. Apply for PNP work permit so you no longer have to worry about your 1 year PGWP expiring. Apply for PR.
Aug 2014 - Acquire permanent residence of Canada.
Aug 2014 - Do whatever the hell you want. Get a job as a barber for all I care.

Hi world.citizen,

Thanks for the suggestion.
I also thought the same thing of going for a one year graduate certificate program related to my field (may be project management, or business analysis).

But the condition of one year PGWP really scares me.
I mean if I am not able to get job in NOC O, A, or B, and the PGWP expires, what option do I have?
And say, I get a job when my PGWP is about to expire, how to get the work permit extended?

I have read on this forum (and elsewhere also) that it’s quite difficult to get a positive LMO. Is it so?
Because without a work permit, I would have no option but leave Canada.

 

[vivek.rana]

Why not wait till July and see the new rules and occupations in demand. Mey be you can come on a permanent visa to Canada. Did you try to find out about immigrating to Australia ??.

Hi Harry,

Yeah I am also looking forward to new rules and new SOL of the Federal Skilled Worker Program when it is published in July.
I really wish that they include the IT occupations this time. ;D

And yes, I have considered Australia also. I met an immigration consultant regarding this.
She told as my education is not ICT related (its BE in Elec. & Comm.), there are very high chances that I might not be able to get positive skills assessment from ACS.
And I should wait until I have 6 years of experience before applying (Currently it’s over 5.5 years).

Moreover, I am also more inclined towards Canada. So, looking for a study route to get PR.