Intending to take a masters degree (2yr). Postgrad/dual intent?

[lizabethlin]

Hello. I'm from Singapore and I intend to do my masters degree in a college in Canada for 2 years, and I'm looking to apply for the postgraduate work visa afterwards.

My intention is to eventually obtain the permanent residence card after 12 months of full time work, can anyone tell me if I'm missing anything important? It seems all too easy to immigrate there if I took a masters course.

Secondly, I've researched and found a visa called the dual intent visa. Should I apply for the dual intent visa BEFORE I start my masters degree (i.e together with my study permit application)? I'm quite lost here.



**Note: The course I intend to take is a 2 year Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management with Langara College. I have read about the CEC, and feel that my application for PR might be dumped with thousands of others, and will not be approved by the time my 3 year postgraduate visa expires (a 2 yr program allows me to obtain a 3 year postgrad work visa).

Now, supposing I don't get my PR card after 3 years of Full Time work, will my employer be able to extend my work visa?
Many thanks, hope to hear from you soon.

 

[scylla]

There is no such thing as a separate dual intent visa. So there's nothing for you to apply for.

To be approved for a study permit, you will have to prove that you are a genuine student and have strong ties to your home country (have no plans to remain in Canada long term). Note that colleges do not granted Master's degrees. If you want to take a Master's you will need to attend university.

The reason why international students sometimes struggle to get PR through CEC is not because they are dumped with thousands of other CEC applicants - but instead because they have trouble finding a job after they graduate and getting the experience required to qualify to apply for CEC.

If your employer wants to extend your work permit at the end of your 3 year PGWP, they will need to obtain an LMIA (including advertising the job to prove no Canadian could be found for the role and paying a $1K fee). You will then need to apply for a closed work permit.

 

[lizabethlin]

Thank you for your reply, scylla.

I did not state clearly in my post, but I am taking a post graduate diploma, not a masters degree, which will last two years and this will allow me to obtain a PDWP for three years, right?

I understand. So long as I find a job after graduation and obtain relevant experiences, I should qualify for the CEC.

 

[scylla]

I understand. So long as I find a job after graduation and obtain relevant experiences, I should qualify for the CEC.

You'll qualify to apply for CEC - but whether you are actually selected is another matter. You should read up on the new Express Entry program (CEC now falls under Express Entry).