PR Confusion

[jagota_j]

Hi,

I am very confused and indecisive about what should I do, would really appreciate if someone can please guide me.

I graduated in Jan 2012 from a 1 year Post Graduate certificate program at Sheridan College, did a coop work term and now have a post graduate work permit till March 22, 2013. I have another 8.5 month left now, I spent the time to search for a job in Ontario (my mistake). What should I do now to get my PR - I have heard about two options: Manitoba PNP and Nova Scotia PNP.

What should I do.

Regards,
Amith

 

[seton]

Off the top of my head, there's also the Saskatchewan PNP program (there's a student stream there too - similar to the Manitoba one) and Alberta PNP program.

Well there are many factors. Since I live in Winnipeg, generally the job market is decent out here - you'll probably have better luck here than Toronto. What field are you in?

The hottest economies in Canada now are Saskatchewan (Regina and Saskatoon) and Alberta. That said, neither are either the hottest provinces/cities (literally), so it will be quite a weather adjustment for you. I like it out here, but I can't say the same for everyone else I've seen enjoy the prairie life. Another thing with the PNPs is that they assess your intention to settle in the province sponsoring you. If it's clear you're just doing it to get a PR, they may not sponsor your application. They usually ask for things like a settlement plan, and look for any ties you have to the province (family, etc).

Another (risky) option is to get a job and get your employee to get an LMO to extend your work permit. Since you have a PGWP, your employer won't have to recruit for the position so it's quite a painless process. Then, you can accumulate the year of experience and apply under the CEC class. Big risk is obviously whether your employer would still do the LMO.

 

[jagota_j]

I am in a combination of fields - did BSc Biotech from India and PG Certificate in Environmental Control (coop) in Canada.

Regarding Winnipeg - I was looking into their Manitoba PNP program but was turned off when I heard reports of students who moved from Toronto to Winnipeg, saying that its not to impossible to get a full-time permanent job there - stating that they just hire part-time.

LMO is indeed risky and even if I get it approved, I wont be able to apply under CEC as I would need a 2 years work experience because I graduated from a 1 year program.

The Saskachewan Student Stream requires that I work there for 12 consecutive months in order to be eligible but I just have a 8.5 months work permit left, am not sure how that would work out. Albera PNP is also tough as they want you to work for 6 months in your field and getting a field job would take a lot of time and time is something I currently dont have.

 

[seton]

I am in a combination of fields - did BSc Biotech from India and PG Certificate in Environmental Control (coop) in Canada.

Regarding Winnipeg - I was looking into their Manitoba PNP program but was turned off when I heard reports of students who moved from Toronto to Winnipeg, saying that its not to impossible to get a full-time permanent job there - stating that they just hire part-time.

Well I can't really speak for that field. I'll say generally Winnipeg is doing well. We have a large public sector, and a strong manufacturing and agricultural economic base.

I had a fairly painless job hunt experience here (hired before graduation), but I did my degree here so it wouldn't be a fair comparison (also in a different field). I wouldn't get completely turned off by other people's experience - no harm is using the internet to look for jobs and apply. Worst case, you're in the same spot you're in now.

 

[jagota_j]

Thank you for the reply.

I had looked mostly at Customer Service jobs there because I couldnt find many environmental or biotech jobs. But I wasnt considered because they mentioned that I had to be there to be considered. To get my PR I would need any full-time permanent job and need to work with the same employer for 6 months, then I can apply for Manitoba PNP program and It would take another 1 year for me to get the PR, all the while I would need to work with the same employer, I am not sure if I could change employers in the interim. Do you think its possible to get a full-time permanent job there that would fulfill my criteria for PR.

 

[seton]

Thank you for the reply.

I had looked mostly at Customer Service jobs there because I couldnt find many environmental or biotech jobs. But I wasnt considered because they mentioned that I had to be there to be considered. To get my PR I would need any full-time permanent job and need to work with the same employer for 6 months, then I can apply for Manitoba PNP program and It would take another 1 year for me to get the PR, all the while I would need to work with the same employer, I am not sure if I could change employers in the interim. Do you think its possible to get a full-time permanent job there that would fulfill my criteria for PR.

I believe you can change your employer during the application, but you just need to notify the PNP office.

I'm really not too familiar with what jobs meet the skilled worker definition - might want to check out the PNP forum for experiences there.

 

[jagota_j]

I did post a similar post over there at the PNP section of the site but havnt received any worthwhile replies as of now. Any ideas about the success rate of the program or any referrals to people who have successfully got their PR via this program.

 

[SenoritaBella]

You have 8.5 months on a pgwp which is plenty of time relatively if you really want to make it. Back in the day, students had 90 days to find skilled work and get a LMO.

Getting full-time skilled work first should be a priority and if it happens to be permanent, great. Otherwise, you have to proof yourself and hope the employer is open to making it permanent and will apply for a LMO. The alternative is wasting those months being unemployed.

You will succeed... you just have to face your fears and take a chance.

 

[jagota_j]

Hi SenoritaBella,

Thanks for the reply. Do you have any information about the job market there and any ideas if customer care jobs are considered for PNP there.

Also, in addition to Nova Scotia, are there any other options that you think we should consider for getting PR.

Regards,
Amith

 

[SenoritaBella]

If you mean customer service jobs, they fall under NOC 6551 and 6552 and are unskilled. So if PNP requires skilled jobs(NOC O, A or B), those jobs won't qualify unless you are a Supervisor or Manager. Here's how the skill level is determined from the NOC:

NOC 0111 = skill type O

NOC 1111 = skill level A
NOC 4011 = skill level A

NOC 2211 = skill level B
NOC 6311 = skill level B

Sorry, I'm not familiar with the job market for customer service jobs. If you live in Nova Scotia, you can look at the "community identified" stream of their PNP.

Hi SenoritaBella,

Thanks for the reply. Do you have any information about the job market there and any ideas if customer care jobs are considered for PNP there.

Also, in addition to Nova Scotia, are there any other options that you think we should consider for getting PR.

Regards,
Amith