A few weeks ago, during one of my group coaching sessions, a prospective student seeking information about student loans for international students in Canada made a remark that I couldn't ignore. While explaining her goal for studying in Canada, she said,
"because we know that studying in Canada is the golden ticket."
I let her finish her point, then quickly asked if I could address that thought.
Let me give you the examples of Family X and Family Y, just two of the seven examples I could list. In fact, eight examples since I got through by the skin of my teeth, having "gone to school in Canada."
Family X
The woman in Family X studied in Canada for two years and was granted a three-year work permit, giving them a total of five years in Canada. However, they packed their bags and went home in March-April of 2024 because they did not have enough Express Entry points and did not pursue other immigration options in time to secure permanent residency in Canada.
Family Y
The man in Family Y studied in Canada for one year and received a one-year work permit, while his spouse worked for a total of two years. Their permits expired last week, with not enough Express Entry points. One of them was not working in an eligible NOC for Express Entry, and they did not pursue an immigration program that would help them convert to PR in time before their status expired.
These are just a couple of examples. There are many more stories, including families and individuals without spouses or children, who face similar challenges. This will be the fate for many in 2024-2025.
I recently watched a video of international students (past and present) in Brampton, Ontario, and I counted about 127 of them shouting, "We want justice," carrying posters requesting an extension of their work permits. They were sold on the narrative that going to school in Canada is the golden ticket! Unfortunately, there is no "golden ticket" for any of these examples.
Where this myth came from is a whole other post... we can explore this later.
Understanding the Realities of Studying in Canada
Studying in Canada can provide an advantage in qualifying for permanent residency (PR), but it is not a guaranteed pathway. Prospective students should approach this journey with realistic expectations and a comprehensive understanding of the immigration process.
During the coaching call, after addressing the "golden ticket" myth, I shared valuable information about Passage, a company that provides student loans for international students.
Here’s what I told the prospective student about how to study in Canada with the support of Passage:
Passage Student Loans
Passage doesn’t just provide loans for any program in Canada or any school. They align their investment in you with a pathway where you are most likely to succeed. They focus on programs that are in line with in-demand occupations or labor shortages in Canada, which are typically aligned with immigration programs built around these labor shortages.
The strategy that Passage employs is the strategy everyone interested in studying in Canada and staying in Canada should employ: study programs that are in line with in-demand occupations or labor shortages in Canada and immigration pathways.
Immigration in Canada is not out of mere generosity. It isn’t to fulfill your life goals directly. It is about meeting the needs of Canada and what Canada needs. You need to be on the right side of that.
Want to Learn More?
To learn more about loans and full funding for programs in Canada in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), healthcare, and skilled trades, click the link below and join me for a lunchtime Zoom every Thursday at 1 PM if you have any questions.
By dispelling the myth that "studying in Canada is a golden ticket to PR," I hope to encourage a more realistic and strategic approach for those considering this path.
Remember, aligning your goals with the needs of Canada is key to your success. But ultimately, your success, no matter where you are in the world, depends on you, and it might be achievable right where you are.
Study Smart,
Kristina
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