Immigartion with student visa

[gritz]

Hello,
I have too filed for Canadian Immigration in year 2004. Now Iam interested in applying for student visa. Iam married and belong to business class family. My husband has a canadian tourist visa.
I would appreciate if you people could guide me for the same.

Thanks and awaiting suggestions.

 

[Libra]

Hi,

Are you asking whether you can have more than one but different visa applications with CIC? If that is your question, then the answer is: yes, you can have two applications at the same time as long as they are for different visa types.

With regard to a student visa, you should know this: "Before you can apply for a study permit, you must have been accepted at a recognized school, university or college in Canada."

"You can find information on how to choose a school, college or university" by clicking on this link from the CIC website: http://cic.gc.ca/english/study/schools.asp

Also, you can browse the CIC website for more information that is pertinent to you after clicking on this link: http://cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp

I hope this helps.

Warm regards,
Libra.

 

[gritz]

Dear Libra,
Thanks a lot for your valuable response. You understood me right.
Also could you tell me if there is a source where in I can check the general questions that can be asked for Interview.

Thanks and Regards
gritz

 

[Libra]

Hi Gritz,

You're welcome. What type of Interview questions are you interested in - is it interview questions for a student visa, or is it interview questions for Business Immigration, or let me just know what Visa type is it that you would like to have an idea as to the questions asked for its interview process - that would help.

Take care of you.

Warm regards,
Libra.

 

[gritz]

For student visa.....

 

[Libra]

Re: Immigration with student visa

Hi Gritz,

Good Luck to you in all of your endeavors; you'll be fine;-)

*** Go to Next Post for Question Types /Variety ***

It’s better to be well-informed than ill-informed or poorly-informed; so, let me start off by assuring you that currently, Canada’s policy in granting student study permits has been favorable since 2005 – click and read the article from this link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/statistics/monitor/issue15/05-overview.asp

You might not even have a grueling interview experience at all, BUT because Consular Officers are allowed to use their discretion, PLUS, visa granting is on a case by case basis, AND whether the applicant's country is in Canada's good book, my advise to you is to review the information I have put together for you as outlined below as well as in the other two posts.

Interview Recommendations (Ten Points to Remember)
Source: Capilano College, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V7J 3H5

If the student will have an interview before a Study Permit will be issued, here are ten recommendations to increasing the chances of successfully obtaining a Study Permit.

1. TIES TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY. All applicants for Study Permits are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in Canada. “Ties” to your home country are the things that bind you to your home town, homeland, or current place of residence, job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc. If you are a prospective undergraduate, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans and career prospects in your home country.

2. ENGLISH. Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English [Or French] and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview, but do NOT prepare speeches! If you are coming to Canada solely to study intensive English, be prepared to explain how English will be useful for you in your home country.

3. SPEAK FOR YOURSELF. Do not bring parents or family members with you to the interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf.

4. KNOW THE PROGRAM AND HOW IT FITS YOUR CAREER PLANS. If you are not able to articulate the reasons you will study in a particular program in Canada, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to study, rather than to immigrate. You should also be able to explain how studying in Canada relates to your future professional career when you return home.

5. BE BRIEF. Because of the volume of applications received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minutes of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer’s questions short and to the point.

6. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION. It should be immediately clear to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they signify. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you’re lucky.

7. NOT ALL COUNTRIES ARE EQUAL. Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have remained in Canada as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from those countries are more likely to be intending immigrants. They are also more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after their study in Canada.

8. EMPLOYMENT. Your main purpose in coming to Canada should be to study, not for the chance to work before or after graduation. You must be able to clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program.

9. DEPENDENTS REMAINING AT HOME. If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially tricky area if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the consular officer gains the impression that your family will need you to remit money from Canada in order to support themselves, your Study Permit application will almost certainly be denied. If your family does decide to join you at a later time, it is helpful to have them apply at the same post where you applied for your visa.

10. MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a Study Permit, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.

Above Canadian College’s Web Link: http://www.capcollege.bc.ca/services/international/visas-study-permits/study-permit/interview-recommendations.html

 

[Libra]

Student Work Permit Interview Sample Questions Pool

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

Q. For what purpose are you going?
Q. Why are you leaving your country?
Q. Why particularly this university?
Q. What are your future endeavors / plan?
Q. Why shall you return back to [your country]?

A student must read the [University's] Letter Of Admission / Acceptance or the I-20 very carefully as the following questions are asked based on it:
Q. What is the name of the university you are going to?
Q. Where is it located geographically?
Q. Which program are you enrolled for?
Q. What are your test score marks [for] GRE / GMAT / SAT / TOEFL / IELTS?
Q. When did you appear for them?
Q. What is the length of your program?
Q. What are the expenses involved for your trip?

The following questions are asked based on your financial documents:
Q. Show me the Bank Passbook / Statements / Bank Certificate / IT Returns?
Q. Who is going to bear all the expenses and How?
Q. Your father does service, how will he afford your education?

SOURCE: http://www.edwiseinternational.com/Sitehtm/stud_visa.htm

MORE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
These questions are fairly representative of a Pool of Questions that are often asked of applicants for not just for the U.S. Student Visa – but also for other western nations like Canada, the U.K., and Australia.

NOT ALL OF THESE QUESTIONS WILL BE ASKED – MAYBE A COUPLE OR FEW – SINCE YOU ONLY HAVE A POSSIBLE 3 – 5 MINS, OR UP TO 10 MINS INTERVIEW. BUT IT IS BETTER YOU KNOW THE VARIETY, SO,

– BE PREAPARED.

· How did you learn about the University?
· How many other universities did you apply to? Or, Which Universities did you apply to (both those that accepted or admitted you and rejected your application).
· Why did you choose this University? (Why not a bigger school? Or Why not a smaller school)
· Which school (High School) did you graduate from? Or, where did you do your Undergraduate?
· Tell me why you want to study in Canada?
· Why don't you study for this degree in your home country?
· Are you working now and if so, where?
· If you are working, how much do you earn now?
· What is your academic background and why do you want to pursue this degree?
· Why don't you want to do this course in your country?
· What is this program? Or tell us about this study program?
· How is it structured academically and financially (that is what are your tuition fees)?
· What are your resources to pay your university charges? Or, how will you finance your education in Canada?
· Do you want to work in Canada?
· Why didn't you apply for a graduate program directly after your bachelor’s degree? (If this applies to you).
· What arrangements have you made for your wife (and children) during your absence? (If this applies to you).
· What will you do after you go back to your home country? How do you plan on using your degree?
· Have you taken GRE, GMAT, TOEFL or ESL? If not, why not?
· Why the specified University? Why this university? Why did you not choose another University?
· Show me your GRE scorecard. (If this applies to you)
· Who is sponsoring you? Who is paying for your education in Canada?
· What does your father do?
· What is your father's Income?
· How many brothers and sisters do you have?
· Do you have any relatives, or friends in Canada?
· What will you do after completing your course?
· Will you change your course of study?
· Show your Experience Certificate.
· Why Study in Canada? Why not in another country?
· Did you get any Scholarships?
· Have you got any Loans? Did your parents or your Sponsors take out loans on your behalf?
· Show your Pass Books/Bank statements.
· What is your Undergraduate GPA/Percentage, or Scores?
· Are your Parents retired? If so, how will they pay or help finance your education?
· Tell about your university.
· Mention some professor names, or do you know who your professors will be?
· Tell me how can you prove that you will go come back to your country, or do you plan on going back or stay in Canada after your studies.
· Where did your brother/parents complete their studies?
· What's your Religion?
· If you are working, why are you leaving your current job to study?
· Have you ever been to Canada?
· What will you do after coming back to Home?
· You have so (many) brothers and sisters; so, your father’s or parents’ savings are all for your education? What about your brother(s) and sister(s) (siblings)?
· Where do your parents live (If they live in Canada), or Where are your parents right now, or Where do your parents live right now.
· Do you know anyone (in Canada) that also goes to this University?
· Do you have friends or relatives in this University? Or, do you have friends or relatives in Canada?
· Do you know anyone in Canada?
· What will you do if your Visa is rejected?
· Will you come back to home during summers or vacations?
· What do you think is the reason why the University accepted you.
· Why did another University reject you? (Depending whether you told them that a University rejected your applilcation)

SUGGESTION:
Have a friend or relative ask you these questions and provide responses.

SOURCES FOR THE ABOVE QUESTIONS:
http://visa.graduateshotline.com/visaques.html

http://www.mum.edu/international_students/interview.html

 

[Libra]

Quotes from students about their visa interview experience

Quotes from students about their visa interview experience found below:

“You should read all of these quotes because their advice is useful for student visa [or study permit] applicants [to most western nations], including Canada”

Student quote #1
Americans are very straightforward people. When you go to the embassy, be simple. Don't try to be too polite. When you greet the visa officer just say, "Hi," and it is good enough. Especially don't try to persuade them about any point (returning to your home country, etc.), because it causes suspicion. Be honest and realistic, as honesty has a great value for them.
There are also a lot of other delicate points. The first time I went for my visa interview, when the officer asked what my plans were for the future, I used the phrase "If I return to Iran, I will…” She finally told me that "if" was a big "IF" and she suspected I might never return, and she rejected my visa. On my second interview I used this phrase instead: "When I return to Iran, I will..." I think it made a whole lot of difference.

Student quote #2
First of all I was well prepared. I brought all the necessary documents and even had all other supporting documents that I thought would be helpful. The admissions office had specified for me most of these documents in the process of applying to the program.
When I first met the visa officer, his first question was, "Who will pay for the education?" I replied, "Some portion will be paid through internship and the rest by me." He continued by asking whether I have the money or not. I told him that I have money and he wanted me to show him my bank statement, and I did that.

Student quote #3
My visa interview was very brief; it only took about a minute. I think it's not only because the consul had a lot of people to interview that day, but also because I was ready with all the documents that he asked for ([Letter of Acceptance for Canada] /I-20, bank statements, employment certificate, etc.).
The supporting documents that the admissions office sent me in preparation for my visa interview helped me a lot. All those reminders, sample interview, and checklists contributed much to the success of my visa interview.
One important thing is that one should be honest in what he says; because it would always show in the way he speaks with the consul. Practicing an interview with a friend also helps.

Student quote #4
The thing is you should not care for the interview as your life. You should take it easy and don't be frightened on seeing the Visa Officer. Just talk to him confidently in such a way that you feel that whether or not you get the visa, it doesn't matter. It requires more than confidence. Sometimes the visa officer may put you in a tricky situation. Then you should be able to face it boldly by kicking off the ball.
My strong advice is for Indians to join in U.S. visa groups, which you can find in the Yahoo groups list. Once you join, everyone will be mailing you their interviews and you can go through hundreds of different interviews and can keep track of the situation at the embassy.

Student quote #5
These were the questions asked to me by the Visa Officer at the Consulate:
“How did you gain admission to the University?”
“What made you want to study again after taking a break of three years after your last degree?”
“What was your TOEFL score?”
“What are your plans after finishing the degree?”
“Who is your sponsor and what is his occupation?”
Before attending the visa interview I prepared myself in such a way that every answer of mine should be convincing and to the point. I convinced the officer that as soon as I finish my degree I’d return back to my home country. This is the most important point and before giving any reply we should remember this.

Student quote #6
I really don't know what exactly to explain about obtaining my visa, because it was so easy in Bulgaria. The written questions you sent me with all other documents about how to pass the interview were very useful. In Bulgaria I think it is not so difficult to obtain a visa because the people that can't pass the interview are a very small group.

To me, the most important things are:
1. Have good English, and don't talk too much. Just speak exactly on the question, and don't try to impress them that you are so smart. These officers are smart enough, and they really can see many things in the one or two sentences that you say.
2. Have very clear documents. If you can show everything on the documents it is half of the interview.
3. Be prepared. The officer asked me only two or three questions about what my job is, where I have been working, and how I heard about the University. I think what the officer really wanted to know was why I was going to the USA. Was it to improve my knowledge, or just to get inside the country without any specific reason?
4. Be confident. Just don't give any sense of doubt. Take it easy and listen to the questions.

Student quote #7
Getting my visa in Bulgaria was really easy. The interview itself was very easy and fast. The officer just asked me a couple of questions. "What are you planning to do after you graduate?" I said, "I will return to my country and will continue to work for my current employer." Then she changed the subject and started to ask me about my family and if I have any relatives in the USA. The whole process was about two or three minutes long.

Student quote #8
My experience was interesting, but I want to tell about it by giving some advice.
1) Take a full set of documents, especially documents from the University which describe your payment plan. Obviously, documents about payment require a bank statement.
2) Dress neatly and smile.
3) You should listen to the interviewer's words carefully, but do not make him feel that you are straining to understand. Usually this is difficult, because of the noisiness of the place where the interview is conducted.
4) Be prepared to answer any question about the University, about yourself, relatives, previous job, and education.
5) Be extremely prepared to speak about your future plans. This leads to thinking about what you will do after graduation.
6) Speak confidently and honestly, because the interviewer's job is to crack your psychic defense. If you are dishonest, they will easily recognize it. Remember a proverb: "The bitter truth is better than a sweet lie."
7) Of course, speak no unnecessary words. Just answer on what they ask. Every additional word will hamper the progress.

Student quote #9
We did not have any problem getting a visa from the U.S. embassy in Nepal. In my case, the visa officer did not even check the financial statement, which is normally checked by each visa officer. She just turned the pages quickly and asked whether I had enough money to spend for my education. That's all. I do not think there are any special points to be taken carefully. Only having a genuine attitude is enough. Providing you do not try to use the University's name as a medium to escape from your country, I think getting a visa will not be a difficult job.

Student quote #10
I handed all my documents to the visa officer including the job agreement I have with my boss. After reading it, he asked nothing but why I chose this school and why I chose a program with curricular practical training. I told him my personal plan, and explained that I've compared many universities but no other offered a program that matched both my own needs, and those of my company in China. I explained that this is why my boss has agreed to let me go to study and to re-hire me on my return.
I also told the interviewer about my younger brother who is enrolled in a doctoral program at the University of Florida in Computer Networking. The interview lasted about ten minutes. I felt from the beginning that he never planned on giving me the visa, but after he listened patiently to me, he finally relented and said, “Good luck.” So we can still get visas, even in Beijing, even being refused before.

SOURCE FOR THE ABOVE QUOTES: http://www.mum.edu/international_students/quotes.html

 

[gilipsie]

Libra, Thank you for such a detailed post. It is great that you are willing to help those of us that are trying to learn more about Canada's immigration process.

 

[Libra]

Gilipsie,

You are most welcome, thank you.

Take care of you.

Warm regards,
Libra.