Expiring US Student Status & transferring to Canada & Work experience

[vodaosu88]

Hi,
I just have a quick question. I got a pharmacy degree in the US but have to continue studying to maintain my F1 student status. However, my F1 will expire mid-May, is it safe for me to stay in the US in the meantime apply to transfer to Canada? Another question is that I had been working for a company as a pharmacy student (2 years) then got promoted to be a pharmacist (1 year), do my work experience as a student intern count? Should I file 3 years experience in total for my application?

Thank you so much

 

[scylla]

Hi,
I just have a quick question. I got a pharmacy degree in the US but have to continue studying to maintain my F1 student status. However, my F1 will expire mid-May, is it safe for me to stay in the US in the meantime apply to transfer to Canada? Another question is that I had been working for a company as a pharmacy student (2 years) then got promoted to be a pharmacist (1 year), do my work experience as a student intern count? Should I file 3 years experience in total for my application?

Thank you so much

It's a bad idea to remain in the US without status.

I'm not sure what you mean by "apply to transfer to Canada".

As long as the 3 years of work experience was paid and full time, yes, you can count it as 3 years of work experience.

 

[vodaosu88]

It's a bad idea to remain in the US without status.

I'm not sure what you mean by "apply to transfer to Canada".

As long as the 3 years of work experience was paid and full time, yes, you can count it as 3 years of work experience.

Hi Scylla,
Thank you for replying. I meant I plan to apply for FSW and wait in the pool when it resumes in July. It's just there are some paperwork I need to do such as criminal background check and get a letterhead from my previous employer, so that's why I plan to stay. I know it's risky but I really don't know what's best to do this time since going back to my country can get more complicated. Please share your advice. Thank you

 

[scylla]

Hi Scylla,
Thank you for replying. I meant I plan to apply for FSW and wait in the pool when it resumes in July. It's just there are some paperwork I need to do such as criminal background check and get a letterhead from my previous employer, so that's why I plan to stay. I know it's risky but I really don't know what's best to do this time since going back to my country can get more complicated. Please share your advice. Thank you

How many points do you have under FSW?

 

[vodaosu88]

How many points do you have under FSW?

The number is 471, but that assumes I got a good band for IELTS. I will take it soon in mid-May.

 

[scylla]

The number is 471, but that assumes I got a good band for IELTS. I will take it soon in mid-May.

So 471 is on the lower side and doesn't guarantee you'll be invited. FSW draws are expected to re-start in July and score are expected to be very high (500+) because there have been no draws since December 2020. Scores will certainly drop over time but there's no guarantee they will get as long as 471. If you can increase your score to 480+, you should try to do that.

It's really not a good idea to remain in the US without status. Most likely you'll end up with a ban from the US if you do that. You may also be waiting a very long time (years) before you are selected by Canada and your application is processed. Your choice obviously. But I would personally not recommend staying in the US beyond your allowed visit.

 

[vodaosu88]

So 471 is on the lower side and doesn't guarantee you'll be invited. FSW draws are expected to re-start in July and score are expected to be very high (500+) because there have been no draws since December 2020. Scores will certainly drop over time but there's no guarantee they will get as long as 471. If you can increase your score to 480+, you should try to do that.

It's really not a good idea to remain in the US without status. Most likely you'll end up with a ban from the US if you do that. You may also be waiting a very long time (years) before you are selected by Canada and your application is processed. Your choice obviously. But I would personally not recommend staying in the US beyond your allowed visit.

Thank you for you input Scylla. Truly appreciate you!