Postdoctoral researcher doing another Masters in Canada for settlement?

[heronbank]

Hello, I'm new to the forum.

I earned my PhD from a UK university, after which I worked for a Swedish university as a postdoctoral research fellow for 2 years.

Recently I find out that it is possible to get provincial nomination upon completion of a Masters in Ontario, and apply for settlement afterwards. This is what I want to do. I want to do another Masters in a marketable subject, find a job, and become a Canadian.

However, isn't it very unusual to apply for a Masters for someone who already has a PhD as well as working experience in the university? Would the consular officer suspect that I'm an intending immigrant, based on my career history? What shall I do to convince that consular officer that my genuine intention is to study in Canada? (of course the ultimate goal is immigration, but studying really is the genuine intention at this stage).


Please advise. Thank you in advance.

 

[jes_ON]

1 ) Have you determined whether you are eligible to apply now? It sounds like you would qualify under the FSW program. Whether you would have enough points to earn an invitation is another matter. The last draw had a score threshold of 484 points. It varies a bit every draw (on average, there are 2 draws a month).
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp

2) It would be unusual but likely not impossible to get accepted to a Master's program. You would have to make a convincing case about why you need this education to achieve your career objectives.

3) RE Ontario PNP program for Master's degree graduates - there is a relatively small quota every year, and it fills very quickly. So it is no guarantee.

Another path via Ontario PNP is through express entry (the Federal Skilled Workers Program). This past year they launched the Ontario express entry program, where if you are selected, you get an extra 600 points which guarantees an invitation to apply under the FSW program. Candidates in the pool with scores over 400 were invited to apply to the program; this program is currently closed because the quota for that filled quickly as well, but it is expected to re-open soon (and annually).

4) It is difficult to divine what programs will still be in place by the time you complete a masters degree, and what new ones may have been instituted. IRCC programs can and do change...

 

[heronbank]

1 ) Have you determined whether you are eligible to apply now? It sounds like you would qualify under the FSW program. Whether you would have enough points to earn an invitation is another matter. The last draw had a score threshold of 484 points. It varies a bit every draw (on average, there are 2 draws a month).

2) It would be unusual but likely not impossible to get accepted to a Master's program. You would have to make a convincing case about why you need this education to achieve your career objectives.

3) RE Ontario PNP program for Master's degree graduates - there is a relatively small quota every year, and it fills very quickly. So it is no guarantee.

Another path via Ontario PNP is through express entry (the Federal Skilled Workers Program). This past year they launched the Ontario express entry program, where if you are selected, you get an extra 600 points which guarantees an invitation to apply under the FSW program. Candidates in the pool with scores over 400 were invited to apply to the program; this program is currently closed because the quota for that filled quickly as well, but it is expected to re-open soon (and annually).

4) It is difficult to divine what programs will still be in place by the time you complete a masters degree, and what new ones may have been instituted. IRCC programs can and do change...

Thank you very much for the advice jes_ON!

Currently my points under EE is 400ish (depending upon at what age I submit the application). So if I want to give a boost to my score I'll have to get a provincial nomination in one way or another.

As to applying for a Masters, getting accepted into a program shouldn't be too much of a hassle as I worked in the system before, The most tricky bit, I imagine, is how to convince the consular officer (as apposed to the university) that my intention has nothing to do with immigration, so that I will be granted a student visa.

Any suggestions?

 

[jes_ON]

As to applying for a Masters, getting accepted into a program shouldn't be too much of a hassle as I worked in the system before, The most tricky bit, I imagine, is how to convince the consular officer (as apposed to the university) that my intention has nothing to do with immigration, so that I will be granted a student visa.

As long as an eligible university accepts you, I don't see the problem. As for "dual intent" it is officially permitted - you do not have to prove that you do not intend to immigrate (unless your education is paid by a goverment program that requires you to return to your country). Generally, the only thing you need to be able to do is convince the VO that you WILL leave Canada by the end of your authorized status (if you are for whatever reason unable to renew). And in the current system, you will be pretty much kicked out if you fail to actually attend your study program.

Depending on where you are from, there could be specific sensitivities, but I don't think you need to worry about your "intentions."

 

[jes_ON]

Currently my points under EE is 400ish (depending upon at what age I submit the application). So if I want to give a boost to my score I'll have to get a provincial nomination in one way or another.

As long as your score is over 400 and you indicate Ontario (Or "all provinces) as your choice, you will get an invitation to apply to the Ontario PNP program. It is neither fast nor cheap, but it is a LOT faster and cheaper than getting accepted to a masters program and paying international tuition etc...

And of course, you can pursue both angles simultaneously.

Ontario PNP is expected to re-open soon (or with the new year), so I would suggest getting your ECA and IELTS done and get your profile up as soon as possible...

 

[heronbank]

As long as your score is over 400 and you indicate Ontario (Or "all provinces) as your choice, you will get an invitation to apply to the Ontario PNP program. It is neither fast nor cheap, but it is a LOT faster and cheaper than getting accepted to a masters program and paying international tuition etc...

And of course, you can pursue both angles simultaneously.

Ontario PNP is expected to re-open soon (or with the new year), so I would suggest getting your ECA and IELTS done and get your profile up as soon as possible...

Thanks very much!