Transfer Of Course & College after reaching canada

[bhutadasanket07]

I am a mechanical engineer and have a 2.5 years of work experience.
I arrived canada on 6th may for a P.G Course (GBM) at Humber College.
But as I didn't liked the course,so I withdrawn my admission & fees.
Now I am looking for some good 2 year Post Graduation / Masters / M.S / MBA course which will be the best for me.
I am looking for September Intake or Jan Intake any.
My IELTS Score = 7.0

Q.1) Pls suggest me a good post graduate/ Masters course from a university or a community college.

Q.2) Will I be in a trouble if I take admission for a different course in January? How will I show the 8 months gap?

Pls help me out.

 

[tiger007]

I am a mechanical engineer and have a 2.5 years of work experience.
I arrived canada on 6th may for a P.G Course (GBM) at Humber College.
But as I didn't liked the course,so I withdrawn my admission & fees.
Now I am looking for some good 2 year Post Graduation / Masters / M.S / MBA course which will be the best for me.
I am looking for September Intake or Jan Intake any.
My IELTS Score = 7.0

Q.1) Pls suggest me a good post graduate/ Masters course from a university or a community college.

Q.2) Will I be in a trouble if I take admission for a different course in January? How will I show the 8 months gap?

Pls help me out.

Hi,

First of all congratulations on realizing what kind of Course this GBM at Humber is! Most of these PG certificate/diploma courses at Canadian colleges... are hardly applicable in the real world, and are solely intended towards international students, where colleges earn a lot by charging exorbitant tuition fees in return for an education whose quality is far below one's personal expectation. . But, sadly they are promoted like world class courses by study abroad agents in countries like India. Fact is... courses like GBM give nothing, except for a 3 years PGWP... and most students just do it..hoping to run to provinces like Saskatchewan..which accepts unskilled/semi skilled jobs, for getting provincial nomination. The day easier rules like those in Sask. close down... only having a 3 years PGWP will take them nowhere.

Read this previous post by a forum member "PISSED" on his experiences on joining the GBM course at Humber.
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/global-business-management-may-2012-t91567.0.html;msg1180178#msg1180178

Canadian colleges are a really good place to pursue Trade qualifications (certificates or diplomas), or job oriented practical diplomas such as say paramedic, practical Nursing, technical diplomas in engineering with co-op etc. Or another option is to directly study Master's at Canadian public universities. Remember, unlike in countries of South Asia... diploma has equal value in Canada. In fact, many Canadians only pursue a certificate/diploma for quick entry to a chosen profession, where they are skillfully trained with hands on approach to learning.

Secondly... Yes. You can easily change college/course. Because... as per current official CIC rules:

As a post-secondary student
You may change your school, program and/or field of study without applying for a new study permit. You do not need to apply for a change to the condition of your study permit, either. You may continue to use your study permit as long as it is valid.
If you are changing your level of study (e.g., bachelor's to master's), you do not need to apply for a change to the condition of your study permit, either.
(http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=487&t=15)
So, provided you get entry to the new course... yes... you can change over to any course in any province (outside Quebec, where you need CAQ). No problem whatsoever. You need to show offer letter from a new college/university...and officially withdraw from GBM course at Humber. Later when this current study permit is about to expire... you must apply for extension of the study permit, 90 days before the expiry date. It's very important and you shouldn't forget it.

Now, most Canadian universities need atleast B grade or minimum 60%-65% (depending on the university) in final 2 years of a 4 years Bachelor's degree for students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria etc. and an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with no bands less than 6)(some top grade universities may require IELTS score of overall 7)/ equivalent score of TOEFL also accepted in most universities for being eligible to apply to Master degree programs. Add to that GMAT for entry to MBA programs.
You can pursue a course based Engineering master degree (M.Eng) OR a thesis based/ applied research degree MaSc. degree in Mech. or closely related field of your study/work ex. The research based degrees are usually much more competitive, where one generally needs to show some knack for research (like published papers) and selected students usually get partial or full funding.
But, unfortunately... the application submission date for Fall 2013 (Sept) start to Master degree programs in most universities is already long over, and applying for 2014 Fall intake, for which usually the last date can be anywhere between Nov 1 2013 (for research based programs) to Feb 1 2014 (for course based programs)... will be too late for you.

At this moment... your best option will be to change over to some 2 years Practical job oriented diplomas in some Canadian college... starting this Sept. 2013 intake. Even though, most of high demand diplomas may have no seats left... and so you should hurry up, start searching, email the colleges about availability of seats... and apply for 3-5 technical diplomas with co-op (across different provinces), so that you can be assured of getting atleast 1 LOA, and have more options at your hand.

Here's the list of ALL recognized Canadian educational institutes eligible for OCWP+PGWP, listed according to province:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/institutions/participants.asp

If you want to remain in Ontario... check the official Ontario colleges website, to check for availability of diploma in engineering/other field programs for this Sept. 2013 intake.
http://www.ontariocolleges.ca/FindProgram

You may also choose to go to other provinces such as Alberta (Booming, high economic growth, availability of more jobs) or Saskatchewan (very favorable PR opportunities for international students).. or even Manitoba (also has favorable PR laws for students... which has started just recently a point based immigration for students studying in Manitoba, where getting nomination is very easy as no job offer is required, and one needs to get only 60 points..which is not at all difficult for people with prior work ex and decent IELTS score). Personally, I will suggest you to immediately apply to any of the 2 years practical technical engineering/IT diploma with co-op at Red River college, Manitoba or to go to some booming province like Alberta (NAIT/SAIT) or to province like Sask. (SIAST).

You should go through all the major college websites, and look for appropriate programs as per your area of interest, location (city/province), job and immigration opportunities etc. Try to find some technical 2 years diploma with co-op. You may pursue something related to Mechanical engineering or other branches... say unique diplomas such as in Business-IT (like those offered in Red river college, Manitoba, SIAST,BCIT etc.)or you may also choose to pursue some skilled trade diploma like Welding, CNC machinist, Sheet metal worker, Automotive mechanic, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Steamfitter/Pipefitter etc. which are in high demand across Canada. Point is stick to high demand technical/trade professions and not shift to generic Business courses.

While most Canadian colleges offer same quality and training ..when it comes to certificate/diploma level... yet, some of the well known colleges offering technical diplomas are:

NAIT, Edmonton, Alberta -- Arguably, one of best colleges in Canada. (http://www.nait.ca/)
http://www.nait.ca/program_home_77552.htm
http://www.nait.ca/program_home_77636.htm
http://www.nait.ca/program_home_77300.htm
http://www.nait.ca/program_home_76529.htm
http://www.nait.ca/program_home_77216.htm
http://www.nait.ca/program_home_76895.htm


Red River College, Winnipeg, Manitoba (http://www.rrc.mb.ca/)
(http://me.rrc.mb.ca/Catalogue/ProgramInfo.aspx?RegionCode=WPG&ProgCode=BUSGF-DP)
(http://me.rrc.mb.ca/Catalogue/ProgramInfo.aspx?RegionCode=WPG&ProgCode=MECEF-DP)


BCIT, Vancouver, B.C (http://www.bcit.ca/)
http://www.bcit.ca/path/engineering/programs/fulltime.shtml
http://www.bcit.ca/path/computing/programs/fulltime.shtml


SAIT, Calgary, Alberta -- Renowned for their Energy related diplomas. (http://www.sait.ca/)
http://www.sait.ca/about-sait/schools/macphail-school-of-energy/programs-and-courses-offered.php
http://www.sait.ca/programs-and-courses/full-time-studies/diplomas/welding-engineering-technology-course-overview.php
http://www.sait.ca/programs-and-courses/full-time-studies/diplomas/automotive-service-technology-course-overview.php
http://www.sait.ca/programs-and-courses/full-time-studies/diplomas/engineering-design-and-drafting-technology-course-overview.php

SIAST, various locations, Saskatchewan (http://gosiast.com/)
http://www1.gosiast.com/engineeringtechnology/programs.shtml
http://gosiast.com/programs-and-courses/programs/Business-Information-Systems.aspx
http://gosiast.com/programs-and-courses/programs/Power-Engineering-Technology.aspx
http://gosiast.com/programs-and-courses/programs/Water-Resources-Engineering-Technology.aspx

etc. etc.

Also, if your first priority is very affordable/low tuition fees for international students... then there are colleges offering technical diplomas such as:

College of North Atlantic, various locations, Newfoundland & Labrador
http://www.cna.nl.ca/international-students/fees.asp
http://www.cna.nl.ca/programs-courses/School-Engineering-Technology.asp
http://www.cna.nl.ca/programs-courses/School-information-technology.asp
http://www.cna.nl.ca/programs-courses/School-Natural-Resources.asp

NBCC, various locations, New Brunswick
http://www.nbcc.ca/en/home/admissions/tuitionandfees/default.aspx
http://www.nbcc.ca/en/home/programs_and_courses/fulltimestudy/engineeringtechnology.aspx
http://www.nbcc.ca/en/home/programs_and_courses/fulltimestudy/informationtechnology/default.aspx
http://www.nbcc.ca/en/home/programs_and_courses/fulltimestudy/tradesandtechnologymetalsandmanufacturing.aspx


You should immediately search for appropriate courses.... and apply asap for Sept. 2013 intake.


Best of Luck.


***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.

 

[bhutadasanket07]

Thanks a lot for detailed information.
v v v thankful to u tiger
any more suggestions are welcomed

 

[tiger007]

any more suggestions are welcomed

Hi,

1. As I said.. at this moment..do not waste any more time and you should immediately apply for a 2 years trade/technical diploma qualification starting Sept. 2013. Most good courses start during Sept. intake. In Jan, you will find fewer courses and not to mention, it's not advisable to sit idle do nothing for 8 months... (it's a long time..4 months is OK..it's justifiable.. you cancelled and took admission to your course of choice, immediately the next available intake).

2. Definitely, opt for a 2 years trade/technical diploma course with co-op.

3. The more reputed the course/college is, (especially in a province which is economically booming/plenty of jobs...) coupled with your individual skills, academic performance, networking abilities... the more chances you have of getting a skilled job in your field. And if you have a skilled job... at the end of the day..you have career...and you don't need to worry about immigration/PR.It will automatically happen. From that point... technical diplomas with co-op at NAIT is the best option.. although for energy diplomas SAIT is best and for Business IT diplomas... Red River College is the best option. If you are solely looking for lots of part time jobs, earning opportunities..then again NAIT/SAIT in Alberta are the best options. From PR point of view, studying at Red River college (because of their recent new changes to point based General MPNP nomination system where job is not required -- but finding part time jobs can be a bit of struggle in Winnipeg, Manitoba) and SIAST (Sask PNP favorable for students) will be the best options. It's up to you..and also depends, if there are any vacant seats or not for the particular programs you are targeting. You will never find a PG certificate/diploma courses like GBM fill up... but courses like say Energy field related diplomas at SAIT... start filling up up-to 1 year before the start date! So you get the point... pursue... what Canadians actually do... courses which has got REAL value and job opportunities in Canadian market. Even if in the above mentioned colleges, all seats are filled for all the 2 year technical diplomas/trade diplomas of your choice...(chances are low..you should get LOA to atleast 1 of the course)...the least you can do is pursue a 2 years technical diplomas in some other colleges of Ontario/other provinces.

4. Another good college, you may consider is Lethbridge college, Lethbridge, Alberta. The city is smaller compared to mega-cities of Edmonton and Calgary in Alberta... but they offer some good 2 year technical diploma programs such as:
http://www.lethbridgecollege.ca/program/engineering-design-drafting
http://www.lethbridgecollege.ca/program/geomatics-engineering
http://www.lethbridgecollege.ca/program/civil-engineering-technology
http://www.lethbridgecollege.ca/program/computer-information-technology


***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.

 

[cute_guy]

Hi Tiger,

Is it possible to change college/university before evening landing in Canada. I mean apply visa with one college LOA and then join another college in another province directly ???
Thing is , I have LOA from two MBA collleges , one in BC and another Quebec. For the Quebec one, I 'm waiting for Indian Govt grant, which will make my tution fee equivalent to Quebec Resident Fee , but that will come to know at June end, which will be very late for Visa !!!!!

So, can I apply visa with LOA of BC college and then if get grant for Quebec, simply use this visa to pursue course in Quebec . I have applied to CAQ also from Quebec .........

Any suggestions/thoughts on how can I go about ......I would like to apply for Visa asap!!!!

 

[bhutadasanket07]

I am going ahead by applying to all the above mentioned colleges for sept intake.
In case if I don't get Admission for sept intake in any of these colleges, then what should I do?
I am curious about my future. I don't have transcripts also, and most of these colleges require transcripts.
Can I get my Transcripts directly from my college where I completed my B-Tech?
I don't think so...

 

[tiger007]

Hi Tiger,

Is it possible to change college/university before evening landing in Canada. I mean apply visa with one college LOA and then join another college in another province directly ???
Thing is , I have LOA from two MBA collleges , one in BC and another Quebec. For the Quebec one, I 'm waiting for Indian Govt grant, which will make my tution fee equivalent to Quebec Resident Fee , but that will come to know at June end, which will be very late for Visa !!!!!

So, can I apply visa with LOA of BC college and then if get grant for Quebec, simply use this visa to pursue course in Quebec . I have applied to CAQ also from Quebec .........

Any suggestions/thoughts on how can I go about ......I would like to apply for Visa asap!!!!

Hi,

No. You must go to the B.C based university on which you got the visa, cancel the admission and withdraw formally from the university, by providing a new offer letter of the Quebec based university. The tuition fees (less the canceling charges) in most cases, will directly be transferred to the new educational institute.

It seems that if you are moving to a Quebec based educational institute, while on study permit within Canada, apart from the CAQ... you MAY have to make changes to study permit too (make changes to the name of the institute on study permit, by submitting the CAQ and Quebec based univ. LOA)... which is nothing complicated..but will take some time.
They have not mentioned so on CIC website (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=487&t=15), but still... I've inquired and seems one MAY NOT move to Quebec based educational institute directly, like you can to other provinces.
However, I'm NOT sure on this part... and it is best to inquire with your university and the CIC to know about the actual rules and procedures regarding changing over to a Quebec based educational institute, while being on a study permit issued for an educational institute based in another province.

Also, remember.. if any kind of terms and regulations associated with the Indian Govt. scholarship requires you to come back to India, after your studies...then you MAY not be eligible to apply for a PGWP in Canada.

If getting PR is one of your motive... and you study in Quebec, then, it's highly reccomended to learn till French level 3 - DELF B1 intermediate level French proficiency, so as to be directly eligible for CSQ (and PR) [No job offer required] under PEQ Quebec Graduate stream.

Hope it helps.



***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.

 

[cute_guy]

Hi,

No. You must go to the B.C based university on which you got the visa, cancel the admission and withdraw formally from the university, by providing a new offer letter of the Quebec based university. The tuition fees (less the canceling charges) in most cases, will directly be transferred to the new educational institute.

It seems that if you are moving to a Quebec based educational institute, while on study permit within Canada, apart from the CAQ... you MAY have to make changes to study permit too (make changes to the name of the institute on study permit, by submitting the CAQ and Quebec based univ. LOA)... which is nothing complicated..but will take some time.
They have not mentioned so on CIC website (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=487&t=15), but still... I've inquired and seems one MAY NOT move to Quebec based educational institute directly, like you can to other provinces.
However, I'm NOT sure on this part... and it is best to inquire with your university and the CIC to know about the actual rules and procedures regarding changing over to a Quebec based educational institute, while being on a study permit issued for an educational institute based in another province.

Also, remember.. if any kind of terms and regulations associated with the Indian Govt. scholarship requires you to come back to India, after your studies...then you MAY not be eligible to apply for a PGWP in Canada.

If getting PR is one of your motive... and you study in Quebec, then, it's highly reccomended to learn till French level 3 - DELF B1 intermediate level French proficiency, so as to be directly eligible for CSQ (and PR) [No job offer required] under PEQ Quebec Graduate stream.

Hope it helps.



***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.

Thanks for the reply Tiger !!!

Would it be advisable to go other way around, ie apply visa with Quebec College LOA and then later use the same to study at BC college ? As I would pefer BC college incase I don't get Govt grant for Quebec one ......Any problems with this thought process ?

 

[tiger007]

I am going ahead by applying to all the above mentioned colleges for sept intake.
In case if I don't get Admission for sept intake in any of these colleges, then what should I do?
I am curious about my future. I don't have transcripts also, and most of these colleges require transcripts.
Can I get my Transcripts directly from my college where I completed my B-Tech?
I don't think so...

Hi,

Inquire with the colleges like NAIT, RRC, SIAST, SAIT, BCIT etc. and ask them, which 2 year technical/ trade diploma programs (preferably with co-op) have still seats left for the Sept. 2013 intake. Or go through their site,email them the list of all the programs you are interested to join in of that particular college. I'm sure.. atleast one of these colleges/courses have surely some seats vacant for the Sept. 2013 intake. I'm sure you will get an admission provided you don't delay anymore and hurry!

Tell them, you are already in Canada (on a valid study permit), and you can provide only the photocopies (if required notarized by a Canadian lawyer/ notary agent), and on gaining admission, you can submit the originals for verification. Remember, for admissions to diploma programs, your marks in 12th is of more importance/ compulsory, and you are usually required to submit the transcripts of other post secondary programs (such as B.Tech) too. Explaining your situation... tell them, since you are already in Canada, if required... you can personally come and show the original certificates, if required. Tell them, you are ready to come and personally submit the application form and show all originals for verification. Try to sort out this issue with the colleges.

If they still insist on transcripts, then you will have no choice but to send some one in India (your family members/friends ) to go to your 12th standard junior college/high school as well as B.Tech college to give 3 or 4 copies of sealed transcripts (depending on number of colleges you are applying to), and then they can directly courier you to Canada via DHL or Fedex. And then, you can submit those sealed transcripts with the application form. If the colleges ask the transcripts to be sent directly to them from your previous educational institutes (12th, B.Tech)... then you will have no choice but to follow those instructions. If not these colleges, then contact other colleges, ask around other colleges in Ontario or the colleges with low tuition fees such as those in Newfoundland and New Brunswick. I'm sure.... atleast 1 of all these colleges, will agree to grant you admission, provided you can physically go and show them the originals. Research research.. shoot emails to all the colleges... do some running around..you will succeed in getting admission! You may ask Humber college to get you admission to a 2 years technical /trade diploma program too.

All these ..little hard work you will have to do.. for the sake of you career/ future in Canada... because... remember getting admission to another not so valuable PG course like GBM... you can get directly... but getting admission to really valuable technical /trade diplomas/Master's at universities you will have to follow all the protocols and standards, as set by the Canadian educational institutes.

Best of Luck.


***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.

 

[tiger007]

Thanks for the reply Tiger !!!

Would it be advisable to go other way around, ie apply visa with Quebec College LOA and then later use the same to study at BC college ? As I would pefer BC college incase I don't get Govt grant for Quebec one ......Any problems with this thought process ?

Hi,

If there are any changes required to shift to a Quebec based educational institute, then I'm most probably sure..you will require to make changes to your study permit, for shifting to other provinces out of Quebec. It's applicable both ways. These shouldn't worry you (simple procedures)... as long as you get visa and make sure, you are not required to go back to India..after going to Canada on an Indian govt. scholarship... unless you do want to come back to India after studies.


***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.

 

[cute_guy]

Hi,

If there are any changes required to shift to a Quebec based educational institute, then I'm most probably sure..you will require to make changes to your study permit, for shifting to other provinces out of Quebec. It's applicable both ways. These shouldn't worry you (simple procedures)... as long as you get visa and make sure, you are not required to go back to India..after going to Canada on an Indian govt. scholarship... unless you do want to come back to India after studies.


***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.

Any idea as to what these procedures are, I mean any official link where they are explained, as I'm little skeptical. Also , do you know of any members or posts where people have actually done this and shared their expriences ....Would love to know first hand exp of people as that will give me more confidence in making a decision!!!
The Govt grant is Shastri Indo Canadian Quebec exemption Fee grant ....Which does not have any clause to come back to India nor it hampers the PGWP part as far as I know !!!!!

Appreciate your help and replies !!!!!

 

[tiger007]

Any idea as to what these procedures are, I mean any official link where they are explained, as I'm little skeptical. Also , do you know of any members or posts where people have actually done this and shared their expriences ....Would love to know first hand exp of people as that will give me more confidence in making a decision!!!
The Govt grant is Shastri Indo Canadian Quebec exemption Fee grant ....Which does not have any clause to come back to India nor it hampers the PGWP part as far as I know !!!!!

Appreciate your help and replies !!!!!

Hi,

1st inquire with the Quebec based university... they will be the best to tell, if any changes to the study permit is required or not (along with the CAQ) to move to a Quebec based university, while being on study permit, for an international student already enrolled in an university outside Quebec. The International student's office, at the Quebec based univ. should be able to guide you.

If yes... then you will need to apply (with CAQ, new Quebec univ LOA, existing study permit, application for making change etc.) to the CPC- Ottawa (Case Processing Pilot: Ottawa, Ontario), CIC office to make changes to your Temporary Resident Visa application from within Canada.
To know more see:
(http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/canada/ottawa.asp)


***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.

 

[bhutadasanket07]

I am getting January intake for VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY for their dual MS/MBA Program.
Shall I go for it???
Coz, now there is no use of applying to SIASK due to new Immigration Policy there.

 

[bhutadasanket07]

Dear Tiger..... Pls Suggest!!!!!

 

[kubee]

Hi Tiger, my first time here, l originally wanted to do medical diagnostics but was discouraged by agents cos of d class of my BSc(3rd class) to do a grad cert in human resources or Project mgt, lm going alone for now but hope to move with my kids n hubby later pls wat r my chances, can l do either of those course n transfer in d 2nd semester? cos l really want to do Med diagnostics and my first degree is Anatomy. lm from nigeria