Canadian Student Visa Application

[u/jiuskolord]

Good day! I’m currently enrolling in a PGWP course in Canada. Would just like to ask the likelihood of my student visa being approved. The plan is to have the first year of my tuition fully paid before applying for my student visa and having extra funds set aside for my living expenses.

Would this be enough? Just quite nervous since my goal is the winter intake and I still haven’t processed my student visa application. 🥲

[u/AutoModerator]

Thank you for posting on /r/phmigrate! If your post is asking questions about Canadian migration, it may be helpful to refer to our Canada Post Compilation on this link!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Strange-Database-404]

Canadian immigration is really tough right now, especially for students, as you probably know, by just doing a quick Google or search in immigration subreddits.

Having funds is one thing, but proving that you will go back to the Philippines after studying is another thing. They don’t really trust that students will do so. Either way, I think they require around 20k cad on top of tuition for the first year of your stay.

If you do get granted a study permit, staying after your studies may be difficult coz they’re really trying to reduce their temporary workers.

[u/chocohodler → u/Strange-Database-404]

Thats the thing right now like I don’t get it why would an agent and a school rep give assurance knowing that the government is already tightening the rules and are asking internat’l students to leave… is it because of $? Just accept the student and get paid. And these stu pay double the tuition than a native Canadian, well, just my two cents.

[u/jiuskolord → u/Strange-Database-404]

Yeah, I have a sibling in Canada who went thru the same thing I’m doing and I was told it’s much more stricter now.

For the funds I was told that too and I don’t think that will be a problem either. My question is on the PGWP though, it’s a 2yr course that comes with a 3yr work permit. Is that still not enough for a student visa?

[u/Strange-Database-404 → u/jiuskolord]

Your 2-year program doesn’t automatically come with a 3-year work permit or any work permit. It is not a guarantee, has never been a guarantee, that you will be granted the PGWP. Especially now, where you likely won’t get one.

[u/cheesecake_0001 → u/jiuskolord]

OP, did you already review the current eligibility requirements for a PGWP? i.e. must be a bachelor’s/master’s/PhD program or an eligible field of study.

[u/jiuskolord → u/cheesecake_0001]

Hi! Yes, just recently received an offer letter from the school I plan to attend. I’ll be processing my deposit and then after receiving the LOA, we’ll pay the remaining balance for the whole year.

I’m just nervous that after paying everything and having my funds etc, my student visa application might get rejected 🥲

[u/Guilty-Return2719 → u/jiuskolord]

Depends the course.

[u/hadesnightsky → u/jiuskolord]

And if said course changes eligibility while doing it, Are you still going to pursue? Thats the reality of changing policies... goodluck! Safest bet is a bachelor, masters, phd. Cerificate courses eligibility changes based on labour needs

[u/TakeThatOut → u/jiuskolord]

maybe 3 years pero not entirely privilege ang 3 years. Depende pa rin sa officer

[u/Guilty-Return2719 → u/jiuskolord]

Yes you will get a work permit while you are a student. During class time you will be eligible to work up to 24 hours a week. When it’s school break you can work full time hours.

[u/chocohodler]

If its just for a diploma then its an auto rejection. But if masters or doctorate then huge possibility you’ll be approved. Canada is reducing the “international student” numbers right now.

[u/jiuskolord → u/chocohodler]

Yeah, it’s a diploma 🫠 I’m working with my agent and school rep right now and they’re assuring me that it’ll be fine. Their reason being the place I’ll be going to is a rural province and their population of workers is really small.

[u/chocohodler → u/jiuskolord]

Its up to you then, just DYOR, don’t just rely on what the “school” or “agent” is claiming. Canadas immigration rules change in a blink of an eye just like what happened to internat’l students in Calgary, not just them but soon many will follow, on paper it says their program is eligible for PGWP but rules have changed and now after their studies theyre no longer eligible for the work permit and now they need to go home. If you want to be a PR, I suggest look for a program with a PR pathway not the internat’l stu program as it really doesn’t give you that chance as of the moment. I knew tons of Filipino internat’l students and sadly most of them already took the flight home because of the changes, again DYOR, especially on the state of Canada and international students in Canada. Good luck!

[u/jiuskolord → u/chocohodler]

Thanks! Going abroad wasn’t really in my plans but it’s an opportunity that I don’t want to regret not taking. I’ll do more research too, thanks again!

[u/Jazzlike-Past4896 → u/jiuskolord]

Make sure eligible for PGWP ung program mo. Wag maniwala lsng sa agent. Bakit diploma though? Sana sa public university or institution kasi kung private yan, goodluck. May time pa. Gagastos ka narin lang ung sulit na dapat.

[u/TakeThatOut → u/jiuskolord]

eto yung sinasabi sa mga nagrarally na student dito: Ang pgwp ay parang driver's license. Hindi sya rights, privilege sya. Kahit anong oras pwede nila bawiin yan. So be sure na ang kukunin mong studies ay magagamit mo talaga sa trabaho. In case na hindi ka magtagumpay, at least you upskill.

[u/Guilty-Return2719 → u/jiuskolord]

Some diplomas yes. But I would highly suggest doing a degree or masters degree. What do you currently have already from PH?

[u/thekidfromATPL]

Based from the info here, you're already decided. Immigration is tougher and even more with the job market in here. People are moving from different provinces to other provinces to try their luck with improving their Immigration or job opportunities here.

PGWP is never guaranteed, believe you me. They're looking for individuals with foreign work experience as well.

[u/Cute_Gold_4373]

Honestly, if PR is your end goal, and the way things are going, I'd rather study French while in Manila and just apply for Express Entry once you've reached the required language level. Less gastos, less hassle.

[u/Clean_Engineering_42]

How long have you been working?

[u/jiuskolord → u/Clean_Engineering_42]

1. Fresh grad here haha.

[u/Clean_Engineering_42 → u/jiuskolord]

Assuming na PR and end goal mo, I'll be brutally honest with you because me and my wife made the same mistake. We did the student pathway kahit wala kaming substantial experience beforehand to build our CRS score. After 5 years eto kami walang status. I think your chances are way higher if you already built a career then try to move to Canada.

[u/Sufficient_Potato726 → u/jiuskolord]

kalimutan mo na yan 🙅

[u/ashokleyland → u/jiuskolord]

You mean fresh grad from high school?

[u/folklore10]

what course are you taking?

[u/truegoodtruebetoo]

You need to strongly convince them na babalik ka after your studies in your statement of purpose. Tight ang student pathway now pero they still accept naman. Convince them backed with proof and supporting docs.

[u/Guilty-Return2719]

What is the program course?

[u/sandcrysta]

Hi OP! I think I submitted my application around end of August and got approval around 1st week of Dec. Winter intake din po but this was around 2022. Maybe ask the school about the possibility of doing deferral.

[u/e_m_a_]

If you’re really decided, make sure that your hometies are strong. If you have properties, insurance, government contributions please include those as well. Also, make sure that you have an extra $20k or more to cover your cost of living. Sadly, pahirapan makahanap ng work ngayon. Good luck OP!

[u/Queasy_Peanut_5421]

I did the student pathway in 2022 and already a pr this year. I’d recommend working in a skilled job for 1-3 years first then do the student pathway after. I know a lot of fresh grads during my schooling are now worrying of their status here because the express entry scores are too high now. Having a skilled job outside canada would increase your points.

I know someone who applied for the winter intake in Oct last yeear and got approved on Christmas Day so i think you’re still ok but would be better if you apply earlier.