2nd MS/PhD & Potential Visa Issue

[wait150]

Hello everyone,

I am planning on pursuing a Master's degree in Computer Science in Canada. I already have a MS degree in CS from an US university and have around 7 years of relevant work experience under my belt. Moreover, I am an Indian citizen and am 38 right now, FWIW.

Do you think because of my profile, it might be a concern to get a student visa/WP in Canada. What are your recommendations for increasing my chances in such a case? Will applying for PhD increase the probability of getting a visa and subsequently, with the immigration process going forward?

Thank you in advance.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hello everyone,

I am planning on pursuing a Master's degree in Computer Science in Canada. I already have a MS degree in CS from an US university and have around 7 years of relevant work experience under my belt. Moreover, I am 38 right now, FWIW.

Do you think because of my profile, it might be a concern to get a student visa/WP in Canada. What are your recommendations for increasing my chances in such a case? Will applying for PhD increase the probability of getting a visa and subsequently, with the immigration process going forward?

Thank you in advance.

It makes no sense to essentially do a repeat Master's degree, so yes, it is a concern and likely to result in a refusal as a non-genuine student. A PhD would be a more logical progression.

 

[wait150]

Thank you @canuck_in_uk for your inputs.

One more question - during my first MS, my specialization was in Systems. What if I choose to do another MS in some other/more recent research area within Computer Science to remain relevant for this fast paced industry - e.g. artificial intelligence, robotics, bioinformatics? Do you still think a second MS will raise eyebrows?

 

[Impatient Dankaroo]

Thank you @canuck_in_uk for your inputs.

One more question - during my first MS, my specialization was in Systems. What if I choose to do another MS in some other/more recent research area within Computer Science to remain relevant for this fast paced industry - e.g. artificial intelligence, robotics, bioinformatics? Do you still think a second MS will raise eyebrows?

Not at all. A cause for concern is something more like going from IT to Early childhood education or cooking. You have a section (Client Information) where you can write your Statement of Intent and why you are pursuing the program you are pursuing.

 

[Impatient Dankaroo]

A slight deviation from the question you asked, you should look into the University of Toronto's AI/CS department. The 'Godfather of AI' Geoffrey Hinton maintains a strong connection to the university and is on multiple forefronts of AI technology

 

[wait150]

Wow! Thank you @tapperb for clarifying my doubts on it and the pointers you provided!

As a matter of fact, I was looking into UToronto's CS department in general. Will most definitely dig in further on Dr. Hinton and the various AI related programs/research labs in UToronto. Really appreciate your help on this!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Thank you @canuck_in_uk for your inputs.

One more question - during my first MS, my specialization was in Systems. What if I choose to do another MS in some other/more recent research area within Computer Science to remain relevant for this fast paced industry - e.g. artificial intelligence, robotics, bioinformatics? Do you still think a second MS will raise eyebrows?

Yes, a second Master's will likely still be seen as a non-logical progression.

 

[wait150]

@canuck_in_uk Thank you again. Indeed, that makes sense. I shall fine-tune my approach accordingly.

 

[Impatient Dankaroo]

Yes, a second Master's will likely still be seen as a non-logical progression.

I would disagree especially in the field OP is in. Sure, it's not a linear progression but definitely not illogical

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I would disagree especially in the field OP is in. Sure, it's not a linear progression but definitely not illogical

From a career/industry perspective, sure. From an immigration perspective, doing another degree of the same level is seen by IRCC more as a way to get into Canada to immigrate than to genuinely study.

 

[wait150]

Both @canuck_in_uk and @tapperb have valid inputs. However, @canuck_in_uk 's rationale makes more sense from the visa/study-permit perspective while, ideally, this should not matter from career/industry standpoint. However, in order to start the program, I need to get the study permit first and for that I need to provide a strong case to the immigration officer. Thank you both for helping me narrow down things. Much appreciated!

 

[Impatient Dankaroo]

True, I was not really focusing from a solely immigration point of view