Study Visa: Please help

[Anasol]

Background: I am in the US on a student visa but currently using my work authorization(OPT) to work which will expire in November 2015. I have a US Masters degree and so far I have over 1yr 6 months experience working with a biotech firm. Since my work authorization will be expiring in November, I am considering migrating to Canada by applying for a graduate certificate program(to be completed within a year) in order to secure an employment after the certificate program and also apply for a residency.

My questions
1) Given my work experience and my degree from the USA, what is the possibility of securing a job in Canada and obtaining a work permit instead of applying for a certificate program
2) If its better to apply for the certificate program, what is the job prospect and how likely is it to obtain a residency in Canada
3) Which of the provinces will you recommend given my background
4) What Colleges or Universities would you recommend
5) Is it difficult securing a visa(student or work visa) from the US to Canada and what should I be aware of when making the application

 

[scylla]

1) It tends to be quite difficult to find an employer in Canada to qualify for a work permit since the process the employer has to go through to hire you is expensive and long.
2) I think a certificate program is a poor choice since it's only a year in length which will only give you a one year work permit and will make it more difficult to qualify for PR. Also, you may have difficulty convincing CIC you are a genuine student if you are taking a one year graduate certificate after a Masters. They may very well suspect you're just using the certificate as a means of trying to immigrate to Canada.

 

[Anasol]

Thanks for your reply Scylla. So apart from the certificate program which I mentioned, is there any other options that are available because I will like to begin working within a short time frame and be on track for the residency too.