Refugee Complication

[jscared]

Dear Advisors,

I have a question regarding my situation which may or may not be common.

I am a refugee claimant currently in Canada. I have gone through the required processes to try and acquire "refugee status" as I am a person in need of protection. I dont think i should mention details of my case here.

My refugee claim was recently rejected and i am SCARED of going back to my country as i fear the worst. In my time here in Canada, i have enrolled my self into a university and am currently studying. I have an excellent GPA and have done tons of volunteer work and worked several jobs on campus as well.

I understand that the government often rejects refugee claims because they feel that people abuse the system. I understand and respect that. Me saying i am not one of them doesnt mean much because those are just words. I do not want to go back to my country because, i WANT to LIVE. I really am scared. I have no where else i can go, and so my question is -

Is there any way i can become an international student and continue my education here without going back to my country. I feel that this way the government can see that i do not want the PR status just so that i can enjoy the benefits. My goal is to be able to STAY here and survive and get an education and make something of my life and if that means that i have to acquire a study permit and work and earn my PR through the correct legal channels i will do so as it is the ONLY way i see a future for my self.

Has it been done before? Has any one switched from a refugee claimant to an international student? Is this common or uncommon or is this something that has to be negotiated. PLEASE HELP!

And please i hope who ever reads this believes me when i say im sincere in me not wanting to stay here because i want the benefits of being a canadian. I want to live and earn a future for my self in canada.

-JS

 

[scylla]

I think your chances of being approved for a study visa are extremely low to non-existent. Sorry. Two of the key criteria for being approved for a study visa are being able to prove that you have strong ties to your home country and that you have no plans to remain long term in Canada. Study visas are routinely rejected when applicants cannot prove these two points.

I can't see how you can possibly prove either of these given your history in Canada. In fact, your history here proves the exact opposite.

You can certainly still applying. But I honestly don't see how you are going to be approved.

Sorry again...

 

[scylla]

In case it helps to have a link, here's the page with the requirement I think you're going to have a great deal of difficulty proving:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-who.asp

"You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay."

Again - I suppose you can still try.

As a foreign student, you would have to pay foreign student tuition fees which are substantially higher than domestic fees. Another requirement for being approved for the study visa is being able to show a bank balance with first year tuition + $10K for first year living expenses.

You should also be aware that you will only be allowed to work on campus jobs for the first six months of study. After you have completed six months of study on the study permit you will qualify to apply for an off campus work permit (I think the processing time for these visas is around 45 days).

Good luck. Hope something comes through for you.

 

[SenoritaBella]

Does not hurt to try, nothing to lose at this point. Over the years I have heard and seen people get through some sticky situations that I really believe it when they say each case is unique. Before you do anything consult a lawyer - it's really important that you get it right the first time if you decide to go with the student route.