PhD Dropout Finding Job in Canada

[Kaputthfx]

Dear all,

Could you hear me about my situation and kindly give me any advice?

I'm an international student who got a master's degree last year here in Canada. I was successful in academia and decided to continue as a PhD student at another more prestigious school. However, it turn out that this life makes me really suffer. I lost my passion bit by bit under this stressful environment, while I'm not compatible with my supervisor's working style. What's more, there are some family and financial issues that put more weight to this hardship. Now I trust my gut that I don't want to do a PhD - have decided to quit this program.

Nevertheless, despite this bad experience, I've been here a few years and I would honestly say I like Canada in many ways. I'm now thinking of finding a job here (which I should've done after my master's). The problem here is that I didn't apply for the post-graduate work permit. So how do you view the possibility that the employer is willing to go through Temporary Foreign Worker Program (LMO) for me? (PS: I major in Electrical Engineering)

At last, due to the new changes in study permit policies, do I have to leave Canada very SOON after I quit (not full-time registered)? or I need a visitor visa in order to stay?

 

[stopDA]

You need a visitors visa in order to stay if you're not studying full-time. Also, many employers would be willing to get you a an LMO. Having a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering is way better than having a bachelor's. Just get a visitor's visa and apply for jobs if you've already quit school. If you're still in school, use your remaining time as a student to job-hunt.

 

[stopDA]

But it would be a hell of a lot more convenient to just stick with the PhD and wait until after you're finished to get your post graduate open work permit. It will be sort of an uphill struggle finding employers willing to do the LMO with the new upcoming rule changes. If you can afford to continue with your PhD, then I'd advise you to stay in school. It will be worth it in the end.

 

[Kaputthfx]

But it would be a hell of a lot more convenient to just stick with the PhD and wait until after you're finished to get your post graduate open work permit. It will be sort of an uphill struggle finding employers willing to do the LMO with the new upcoming rule changes. If you can afford to continue with your PhD, then I'd advise you to stay in school. It will be worth it in the end.

Thank you. In fact I've just been into this program for 10 months - it takes more than three years to finish. Could you tell me anything about the new rules?

 

[stopDA]

Thank you. In fact I've just been into this program for 10 months - it takes more than three years to finish. Could you tell me anything about the new rules?

Well, the new rules haven't yet been introduced. Jason Kenney is set to announce some new rules for the foreign worker program next month. For example, he plans to force employers to pay over $2000 for LMOs and force them to pay foreign workers more than Canadians in order to discourage the hiring of TFWs. I'm afraid that the laws will only get even tougher in the coming years due to all this controversy surrounding foreign workers.

 

[thisisauser]

Thank you. In fact I've just been into this program for 10 months - it takes more than three years to finish. Could you tell me anything about the new rules?

Upcoming rule changes while likely to happen are completely unconfirmed in terms of details. No one knows what the specifics would be and when they come into effect.

Lower skilled jobs are likely going to take the brunt of it since that's where the recent complaints have been. I don't foresee those with a degree like yours would see much of a difference.

 

[stopDA]

Upcoming rule changes while likely to happen are completely unconfirmed in terms of details. No one knows what the specifics would be and when they come into effect.

Lower skilled jobs are likely going to take the brunt of it since that's where the recent complaints have been. I don't foresee those with a degree like yours would see much of a difference.

Actually, people are making fusses about high-skilled jobs too. They just haven't received total national attention yet. We're talking about changes 3 years down the line though. Well, I guess that a better question is; which province does the OP live in? There are ways of getting around using the TFWP if you're highly skilled, provided that you live in the right province.

 

[Kaputthfx]

Actually, people are making fusses about high-skilled jobs too. They just haven't received total national attention yet. We're talking about changes 3 years down the line though. Well, I guess that a better question is; which province does the OP live in? There are ways of getting around using the TFWP if you're highly skilled, provided that you live in the right province.

Thank you stopDA. I'm now in Ontario but wouldn't mind to go somewhere else (loser without life lol), so on which province (or provinces) should my job-hunt focus?

BTW, in fact just realized that I have another option - get another Master's degree in one semester but it will cost $19K. Does it worth if I do this and get a PGWP for a job later?

 

[Kaputthfx]

Upcoming rule changes while likely to happen are completely unconfirmed in terms of details. No one knows what the specifics would be and when they come into effect.

Lower skilled jobs are likely going to take the brunt of it since that's where the recent complaints have been. I don't foresee those with a degree like yours would see much of a difference.

Will the change happen soon or not? Just searched on web it says new rules will be applied on August 1st, right?

 

[stopDA]

Will the change happen soon or not? Just searched on web it says new rules will be applied on August 1st, right?

August 1st is 2 months away.

 

[stopDA]

Thank you stopDA. I'm now in Ontario but wouldn't mind to go somewhere else (loser without life lol), so on which province (or provinces) should my job-hunt focus?

BTW, in fact just realized that I have another option - get another Master's degree in one semester but it will cost $19K. Does it worth if I do this and get a PGWP for a job later?

In Ontario, you can get an employer to apply for your provincial nomination (without having any Canadian work experience) right away. But it's best to be working for your employer while you're being nominated. I suppose you can get that other quick masters degree, get your PGWP, find a job under the A or B skilled matrix and have your employer apply for your provincial nomination as soon as possible. You'll become a permanent resident in no time. Skilled workers already working in Ontario are given preference in the provincial nomination process, so I wouldn't worry. It's best to avoid using LMOs (as much as you possibly can), given the new rules that complicate everything. The ESDC minister can now freeze LMOs at will and put temporary foreign workers in a great deal of turmoil. Not only that, but there's a 4-year limit on being a TFW.

 

[stopDA]

Thank you stopDA. I'm now in Ontario but wouldn't mind to go somewhere else (loser without life lol), so on which province (or provinces) should my job-hunt focus?

BTW, in fact just realized that I have another option - get another Master's degree in one semester but it will cost $19K. Does it worth if I do this and get a PGWP for a job later?

Also, how long will your PGWP last if you only study for one semester?

 

[Kaputthfx]

Also, how long will your PGWP last if you only study for one semester?

1 year and 4 months in total if I do one more semester in order to get the credits required for another master's degree. So I can get a PGWP for a duration of 1 year and 4 months, correct?

 

[stopDA]

1 year and 4 months in total if I do one more semester in order to get the credits required for another master's degree. So I can get a PGWP for a duration of 1 year and 4 months, correct?

I don't really know much about how long PGWPs are supposed to last. But 1 year and 4 months is enough time for you to find a job and get nominated at the provincial level. However, your PGWP might run out before the federal government finishes processing your PR application. In that case, you'd need to get an LMO for the remaining months. Once you're working, just have your boss apply in advance for when the PGWP runs out of time.

Seeing that LMOs are taking around 3 months to get (about the same amount of time as a semester), you may as well just stick on for one extra semester if it means getting a PGWP for that long. Open work permits are more reliable than TFWPs especially now that the government has the power to suspend and revoke them for any reason they see fit.

 

[stopDA]

1 year and 4 months in total if I do one more semester in order to get the credits required for another master's degree. So I can get a PGWP for a duration of 1 year and 4 months, correct?

Also, depending on your job, you might be able to use the Canadian experience class. The Canadian experience class however, would require you to work in a job that's related to your field of study.