High school (Grade 11) international student

[HJM]

Hi everyone,
This forum has helped me troubleshoot some issues in the past, and I am hoping to get some guidance on my niece’s situation.
I am looking into having my niece attend Grade 11 in BC as an international student and have two broad questions:

1. School selection within a school district: I live near the boundary between Vancouver and Burnaby. My understanding is that students are generally assigned to a school based on their residential address. However, within the same school district, how does one go about choosing one school over another? Are there provisions for requesting a different school?

2. Immigration/PR options for my niece: I was previously advised that I would not be able to sponsor my niece for permanent residence because her parents are alive and well. I assume this rule has not changed, but would appreciate confirmation.
If I cannot sponsor her, what options would she have to apply for permanent residence in the future? For example, once she turns 18, could she apply independently through an economic immigration pathway (or any other pathways), and would her time studying in Canada impact her eligibility - positively or negatively?

Any guidance or links to relevant resources would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Naturgrl]

1. It is usually the school in your catchment area. So there may be several schools within the school board but you attend the school in your catchment area (bussing, walking etc.).
2. You cannot sponsor her. She is not an orphan. She needs to immigrate on her own and it will not happen until she has post secondary, work experience and possibly fluent in both languages. So she could be mid 20s or later when she is eligible.

 

[HJM]

1. It is usually the school in your catchment area. So there may be several schools within the school board but you attend the school in your catchment area (bussing, walking etc.).
2. You cannot sponsor her. She is not an orphan. She needs to immigrate on her own and it will not happen until she has post secondary, work experience and possibly fluent in both languages. So she could be mid 20s or later when she is eligible.

Thank you for your kind response.
1. Right but how do I go out about figuring which school is better within a catchment area say Burnaby school board for example?
2. This is what I understood as well, so thanks for confirmation. Appreciate.

 

[Naturgrl]

Thank you for your kind response.
1. Right but how do I go out about figuring which school is better within a catchment area say Burnaby school board for example?
2. This is what I understood as well, so thanks for confirmation. Appreciate.

The Burnaby school board has a whole site for applying as an international student. As an international student you may not have a choice. Some schools are waitlisted. Who is paying her $17k+ fees.

 

[HJM]

Interesting. Thank you. I reached out to the school board and they sent their standard application for the board, not schools.
I will be paying her tuition fees, which you are correct in estimating at 17k+.

 

[Naturgrl]

Interesting. Thank you. I reached out to the school board and they sent their standard application for the board, not schools.
I will be paying her tuition fees, which you are correct in estimating at 17k+.

She also has to show that she can afford living expenses too, and ties to return. She is coming as a student which is temporary and not permanent. Her parents will want to show that they can afford her education.

 

[HJM]

Good point. Yes, we will be able to show that at both ends as well. Thank you for pointing that out.

 

[Naturgrl]

Good point. Yes, we will be able to show that at both ends as well. Thank you for pointing that out.

And ties to return. You seem to really want her to immigrate. Don't understand why she cannot wait until post secondary. Coming to Canada (if approved) for high school studies doesn't lead to PR, and getting post secondary permit will be a challenge because no ties to return, no job/education progression. Really makes no sense.

 

[HJM]

This one of the avenues we are pursing, however a lot of decisions are still in flex and needs deeper discussions at several levels. I see you point though. Will seriouly consider it. Appreciate all your feedback and suggestions. Thank you kindly

 

[steaky]

And ties to return. You seem to really want her to immigrate. Don't understand why she cannot wait until post secondary. Coming to Canada (if approved) for high school studies doesn't lead to PR, and getting post secondary permit will be a challenge because no ties to return, no job/education progression. Really makes no sense.

Nonetheless, there were people came to metro Vancouver as international students in high school. A lot of them stayed with one parent.

 

[canuck78]

This one of the avenues we are pursing, however a lot of decisions are still in flex and needs deeper discussions at several levels. I see you point though. Will seriouly consider it. Appreciate all your feedback and suggestions. Thank you kindly

I also agree that unless you are very wealthy and the 17k+/yr plus living expenses won’t impact you life now and in the longterm it makes no sense to spend money on high school. The best use of funds would be to attend a masters program at a reputable public university or even a bachelors degree. Your nerve should start learning French. Using the 17k+ for French classes and tutoring would be the best use of your funds these days if the goal is PR.