Taking classes at a University while waiting for PR

[BrookeTravels]

Hey everyone!

I am intending to study in Canada once my PR application is finally approved. However, I was wondering if I could enroll without getting a student visa as long as I don't take a course for longer than 6 months? I'm trying to figure out how that works. Of course, I plan to get a 4 year degree, but can I take a few courses now to keep myself busy while waiting for my PR application to finalize? Or should I just get a student visa to make it simple?

Anyone have any sort of experience with this? The rules I have found sound really vague.

Many thanks!

 

[ImABule]

Hey everyone!

I am intending to study in Canada once my PR application is finally approved. However, I was wondering if I could enroll without getting a student visa as long as I don't take a course for longer than 6 months? I'm trying to figure out how that works. Of course, I plan to get a 4 year degree, but can I take a few courses now to keep myself busy while waiting for my PR application to finalize? Or should I just get a student visa to make it simple?

Anyone have any sort of experience with this? The rules I have found sound really vague.

Many thanks!

What is your VO? What is your timeline?

IMO you should wait for your PR as international tuition prices are atrocious.

 

[scylla]

Hey everyone!

I am intending to study in Canada once my PR application is finally approved. However, I was wondering if I could enroll without getting a student visa as long as I don't take a course for longer than 6 months? I'm trying to figure out how that works. Of course, I plan to get a 4 year degree, but can I take a few courses now to keep myself busy while waiting for my PR application to finalize? Or should I just get a student visa to make it simple?

Anyone have any sort of experience with this? The rules I have found sound really vague.

No - you can't study without a study permit. It's not the duration of the course that matters - it's the duration of your entire program. Your entire program will be well over six months so a study permit is required to study legally in Canada while you wait for PR.

 

[ImABule]

No - you can't study without a study permit. It's not the duration of the course that matters - it's the duration of your entire program. Your entire program will be well over six months so a study permit is required to study legally in Canada while you wait for PR.

I believe that is false information.

She can take individual courses at a university without being enrolled in an entire degree program as an independent student. Credits earned from those courses can then be applied to a maximum of 30 credits towards a degree once enrolled in a degree program.

See Concordia for an example, https://www.concordia.ca/admissions/independent-students.html

 

[BrookeTravels]

I believe that is false information.

She can take individual courses at a university without being enrolled in an entire degree program as an independent student. Credits earned from those courses can then be applied to a maximum of 30 credits towards a degree once enrolled in a degree program.

See Concordia for an example, https://www.concordia.ca/admissions/independent-students.html

Thank you very much for your help! I want to educate myself as much as possible before talking to the admissions department at the university I want to attend, just in case they are not aware of what to do.

I am hopeful that I can get a jump start on my education this fall instead of having to wait an entire year to begin courses, by taking 2-3 classes this September and January.

Many thanks!

 

[BrookeTravels]

What is your VO? What is your timeline?

IMO you should wait for your PR as international tuition prices are atrocious.

We are currently waiting for my appointment to do my medical exam, then will submit my Outbound application. I also have to wait 3-4 weeks for the FBI background check to come, so I'll have to forward that to them as well... not sure how long the entire process could take. I am here for another 10 months on a visitor's visa extension, so I am hopeful its completed in that time frame. I'm American, so hopefully it goes smoothly.

 

[ImABule]

We are currently waiting for my appointment to do my medical exam, then will submit my Outbound application. I also have to wait 3-4 weeks for the FBI background check to come, so I'll have to forward that to them as well... not sure how long the entire process could take. I am here for another 10 months on a visitor's visa extension, so I am hopeful its completed in that time frame. I'm American, so hopefully it goes smoothly.

Americans are currently being processed in 2-6 months mostly. I still think you should wait for PR to save on tuition.

 

[Decoy24601]

Americans are currently being processed in 2-6 months mostly. I still think you should wait for PR to save on tuition.

I agree. Universities in my area are $25,000 in tuition at least for a full year's worth of courses for international students. For a PR tuition usually isn't more than around $5-6k.

 

[BrookeTravels]

Americans are currently being processed in 2-6 months mostly. I still think you should wait for PR to save on tuition.

Fantastic! I'll hang on and wait then... I could always apply for full enrollment as a PR for January/Spring intake. Thanks so much for your help. I'm excited to take advantage of the incredible educational opportunities available in Canada.

 

[ImABule]

Fantastic! I'll hang on and wait then... I could always apply for full enrollment as a PR for January/Spring intake. Thanks so much for your help. I'm excited to take advantage of the incredible educational opportunities available in Canada.

You're welcome. That's what this forum is for after all