MasterCard Foundation Financial Aid

There is great news for students from sub-saharan Africa.

MasterCard foundation is offering scholarship opportunities to students with great academic potential who are facing difficulties due to lack of financial assistance.

If successful, you will receive;

• A scholarship equivalent to the cost of a Bachelor's degree
• travel, tuition [school fees], textbooks, housing [accommodation], food and living expenses.
• All the necessary support needed for you to achieve your dream.

The deadline for this academic year is December 10th, 2016 but not to worry because applications for next academic year [2017 - 2018] is open now.


To determine your eligibility to begin your application, follow the link below.

http://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/cie/mastercard-scholars

Source: https://www.studentsconnect.ca/

A career in Trades

Have you ever considered pursuing a career in Trades.? List of trades

Many international students are constantly seeking the popular route; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Job opportunities in these fields are not easy as they used to be a few years ago. It is getting tougher to land job after years in the University as the number of applicants could out-number the of jobs available.

This could also spell trouble for those students who wish to remain and work in Canada after graduation as they may not be able to secure the necessary work experience to land a P.R status.

On the other hand, Trades has quite a bit to offer. Your duration of study is limited compared to University degree programs. Your chances of landing a job or apprenticeship after graduation is quite higher than your University counterparts. Plus you could earn quite a bit of good wages compared to your fellow recent graduates from University.

You save time and money. In addition, there is an easier path way to P.R for people in trades as the requirement is not as stiff for degree holders.

When you consider the hassle of paying for 4-5 year undergraduate degree with no guarantees of work in your field, this route is less resource and time consuming.

The only thing that could stand as a major road block may be "work experience in the field of skilled trades".

You will need at least 2 years of work experience in this field. This is not so hard to get if you strive to get it before you pack up your bags for Canada.

Say you are interested in a welding program. Why not start an apprenticeship program and gain the work experience needed back home. The requirement for apprenticeship in most cases is a high school or secondary school certificate.

With your work experience you are ready to take on Canada.

Before you complete your program in Canada, make sure you secure a job offer from at least two employers. You can also attain this by networking with other students and talking to instructors about potential employers. Instructors know a lot so bug them for information.

These two and other requirements should help you set up your Express Entry profile.

Click for the rest of the requirement

Also keep an eye on www.cic.gc.ca for new updates in the skilled trade application process.

A link to trades schools in Canada

PGWP and Certificate Programs

Based on the number of daily inquiries I get about 1- 3 year certificate program and Post Graduate Work Permits (PGWP), I hope this write up answers some of the questions that you may have about both.

Before applying to any certificate programs make sure you check to be sure your school is a designated learning institution.
The last thing you want is to gain admission into these short term programs only to find out that they are not allowed to host international students. Your student visa can easily be denied.

Everyone gets a 3 year PGWP after a 1 year certificate program? 

The PGWP is offered up to the duration of your study for up to a maximum of 3 years.

If you studied a 1 or 2 year program, there are no guarantees that you will be given a 3 year PGWP. 

 

They will most likely give you something equal to the length of your study program or just under.

 

Read more: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/students/post-grad.asp

 

I can easily get P.R with a 1 year PGWP? 

 

It generally follows this pattern; Job search -- Work experience -- P.R

There may not be enough time to get all that is required for P.R within a 1 year time frame. Its do-able but the preparation has to already have been in place. e.g availability of a job, work experience, documents, etc.
 

The only way it can be done is to secure a job immediately after you complete your program. That way at the end of first year, you are ready to send in your documents for processing. However, job search after school does take time unless you have good work experience. If job search takes up to 6 months then you might have already spent 50% of the duration on your PGWP.

 

The downside to a 1 year PGWP is that the little time involved can leave you out of status (expired visa) if you are not able to get a job a soon as you are done with your program. 

You also will need at least 6 months - 1 year of related work experience in your field to qualify. Again time is of essence. If you spent the first 6 months looking for work you could be out of luck once you are settled..

It is better to aim for at least 3 year programs that may earn you a PGWP that is more than a year. More time means you have a lot of time before you visa expires.

 

**Some employers don't like to deal with any thing immigration because they don't want to reveal every single detail about their organization. On the other hand, if you are an excellent employee then they don't mind going the extra mile for you in some cases. 

When it comes down to choosing immigration programs, take the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) over Canadian Experience Class (CEC). In some PNPs you only need 6 months related work experience as opposed to CEC which requires 1 year of work experience.

Can I renew my PGWP anytime?

The PGWP is only issued once and never renewed. The only time it can be renewed is if you have already applied for permanent residence and have received acknowledgement of receipt.

 

Source: www.studentsconnect.ca

Home-ties (visa applications)

Tips for home-ties

Responsibilities - are you a parent, married, have kids? are you the next heir of your family? are you a leader in some institution, do people depend on you for some type of help that will require your presence?

Relationships - is every single member of your family back home? do you have a fiance/spouse? are you engaged? are they customs and traditions that require you to come back home after your studies?

Property/business ownership - do you have a property or a business?, is there a highly valued investment that requires your full attention?

Employment - do you have a secured job after your study? do you have a leave letter? is your employer back home sponsoring your studies abroad? Do you plan to come back after your studies and establish your own business?

Show a documented proof that any of the above applies to you and also describe what you it means to you and why you should return to take care of it.

If none of the above really applies to you carefully describe in your letter of intent (or statement of purpose) what you intend to do with your degree once you return from your studies. There are lots of things you can apply your degree to when you return, so focus on the best points. Let everything you describe point to your home country not abroad.

source: http://www.studentsconnect.ca/

Income disparity and Job search in Canada

I found two previously written articles about job search for new immigrants and general wealth discussion in Canada.

Some of you hoping to come into Canada might just find this article interesting.

Follow the link below:

Job Search: http://www.macleans.ca/economy/business/land-of-misfortune/

Income and Wealth distribution: http://www.macleans.ca/economy/money-economy/are-you-in-the-middle-class/

Top three reasons for student visa refusal

Canada has been getting a lot of attention recently from foreign students around the world. It has become a major destination not just for foreign students but economic migrants and investors as well.

Canada can only admit a limited number of people so they have to do their best to make sure they weed out applicants with undefined intentions for Canada.

In this regard they have been some unfortunate cases of visa refusal for prospective international students who intend to study in Canada.

In the past one year I have compiled cases a few refusal cases and also came up with three major reasons for visa refusal.
I wouldn't depend on other people's stories to define my destination so take these tips seriously and avoid the rumors.

***This topic have received quite a bit of attention. I will be updating it as I get more information.

1 Financial Grounds 

Before you present your bank statement consider the following;

• make sure to show proof that your sponsor has been taking care of you in the past and plans to do so while you study in Canada. This could be a problem especially in the case where a distant relative has to sponsor your education abroad. What is the proof that they won't leave you stranded? Parents do take care of their kids by the way.
• consider the specified time frame of your intended program because a lot of things can influence the length of your program. For example, failed courses, sickness, hike in living expenses, tuition fees and study materials, etc. These are quite common unforeseen circumstances.
• consider return airfare
• you will not be relying on a job in Canada because that is not a guarantee. So consider what you have in the bank quite seriously to sustain yourself.
• have you considered the cost of living expenses?

Your bank statement should prove that you can take care yourself during your studies as well as any unplanned event that may arise.

2 Unsatisfied Intent

You are not trying to get a visa but you need a visa to study in Canada so make sure to provide proper documentation that declares your intent.

Your visa officer will be looking for answers to "why are you going to Canada?" in your application.

Do you have your; first year tuition receipt? admission letter? proof of accommodation? academic transcripts? language test scores (if applicable)? ,etc.

Your letter of intent should reflect the following;

Describe your academic background briefly.
Why you choose Canada, the school, and the program of choice.
What you intend to achieve at the end of the program and how it might benefit you in the future.
Everything should point to 'studying in Canada' not working or visiting friends and family in Canada.

If you are going for a second diploma, undergraduate, masters or PhD program make sure you have concrete reasons for it. Your visa officer might get the wrong impression for a second program especially if the course is the same.

3 Home-ties

Are your sponsors from your home-country or abroad?
They might get the impression that you will follow the foot steps of your sponsors not to return if they live abroad.

You are not going to live and work but to study and return upon the completion of your studies.

Focus more on your intended program of study. For example, If you are going for an undergraduate program and have intentions for a masters in the future, you should really leave the masters program out of your current application until when you are ready for a masters program.

Show solid proof that you will be returning home upon graduation. Perhaps your family business solely rest on you as the next heir or you have a secured job offer. What you can present on paper will go a long way.


Other Reasons**:

You may have not satisfied your visa officer that you:

• have submitted written documentation from your school saying that you have been accepted to study at their institution.
• don't intend to work in Canada and pay your tuition for the duration of your program.
• don't intend to work in Canada and take care of your personal expenses as well as that of your family for the duration of your program. 
• don't intend to work in Canada and raise money for transportation to and from Canada. 

Your visa officer is not convinced that you will leave Canada (after your studies) after evaluating the following:

• Travel history
• Immigration status in country of residence
• Family ties in Canada and in country of residence
• Length of proposed stay in Canada
• Purpose of visit
• Employment prospects in country of residence
• Current employment situation
• Personal assets and financial status
• History of having violated the conditions of admission on a previous stay in Canada
• Insufficient evidence provided to show relationship between you and your sponsor. 

Hopefully, I can come back and explain each point as I get more information

...to be continued...

Student visa requirement

I have been getting lots of emails lately about medicals, the amount required for bank statements and documents needed to obtain student visa. I have managed to summarize a few points below.

By the way, the current study permit processing time is sitting at 10 weeks for Nigeria as of February 20th 2016. See the link below to get the up to date visa processing time for your country -
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/

If you have already applied online, check your application status here

If your program runs for 6 months or less, you do not need a study permit.

If you are under the age of 17 years old and you are coming to Canada to study without a parent or guardian you will need a signed document from your parents/ guardians in your home country and another signed document from your custodian in Canada. In some cases your school can step in as a custodian.
Minors (children) attending kindergarten do not need a study permit.

If you are already working or studying in Canada with children under the age of 17, they do not need a study permit. However on turning 18 or 19 they should obtain one to continue studying.

Documents Needed

Admission Letter from your school in Canada

Academic Transcripts from your home country (University or Secondary school)

Bank Statement - When it comes down to how much is expected in your bank account, you need the tuition amount (school fees) + $10,000 CAD in your bank account for a single student. For more than one student follow this link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how-documents.asp#doc4
Although I like to state that the more money you show the more financially grounded you look.

In my opinion I would say pay the first year tuition first and then show them a school fees amount + $10,000 CAD in your bank account. If possible show them that you have enough money to cover your tuition and accommodation for the duration of your study.

 For example, if your tuition is $10,000 per year for a 4 year program. After paying $10,000 if  it is possible to show them that you have $30,000 (3 years tuition) + accommodation fees for 3 years, that would be excellent. Just my opinion.

 If you also have any documents stating your assets please indicate them too.

You will need to show proof of accommodation
This is very important. Your application may look weak if you don't indicate where you intend to reside while you study. They may get the indication that you are not going to study at all. If you have proof of on campus or off campus accommodation document please indicate it.

Police Clearance Certificate
You will need a background check in your home country. Please see the link below to follow the instructions on how to obtain one in your home country. Make sure you hand it in with your application.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/infORmation/security/police-cert/index.asp

Medicals
There are two ways you can do your medical exam. Either you wait for a request from the Canadian consulate or you do an upfront medical examination before handing in your application. I think doing an up front one is beneficial considering how much time it takes.

Language Test
Some countries are required to submit a language test score like TOEFL, IELTS and CELPIP by the school. Check with your school to determine if you need to take a language test.

Follow the procedure below:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/medical/medexams-temp.asp - see medical exam instructions.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx - See approved medical centers by country here.
************************************************************************

Where to kick start your application

 

Paper Application
Use the link below, indicate your home country at the bottom and click on "get documents" to access the documents you will need to print.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp

Online Application
Follow this link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how.asp
Click on " determine your eligibility and apply".
It will bring you to a page where you will be asked a series of questions. Answer those questions to be directed to the online application. You will need a major credit card - MasterCard, Visa, etc. You can also talk to your local bank about payment options if you don't have a credit card.

You will need access to a computer, a printer and an update to adobe reader.
Be careful to only hand in what is requested. Giving too much details than is required can delay your application.

I have attached a series of screen shots to show what the final page looks like i.e after you answered all the questions. Keep track of your personal reference code or print out that entire page.

See this document checklist - http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5483e.pdf .

Print out your instruction guide: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5269ETOC.asp

Visit  your country Canada Visa Application Center website; http://www.vfsglobal.ca/canada

Source: www.studentsconnect.ca