Now more than ever International students will have a chance to become permanent Ontario residents as a result of changes to the province’s Pilot Provincial Nominee Program. On February 12thm 2008, the Ontario government announced The International Student stream of the Employer Category in order to attract and retain the best and brightest Canadian trained international students and keeping them in Ontario.
Q: I am an international students living in Toronto, what should be my status to prove that I am an eligible for the new International Student stream of the Ontario Pilot PNP ?
A: You must have a valid study permit. Or if you applying within two years of the time of graduation, proof of a previous study permit and/or current post-graduation work permit.
Q: Why should I go for the Ontario Pilot PNP ?
A:Under the Ontario PNP program,
• students do not require one year of work experience
• English or French proficiency is not a prerequisite of the Ontario Pilot PNP. Only require applicants who possess sufficient language skills to be able to work in the pre-approved position.
• priority processing at Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Q: I have a one year diploma, would I be eligible for the International Student stream of the Pilot PNP?
A: International students must have graduated from:
- A public funded Canadian college or university
- Minimum of a two-year diploma or degree program, obtained while studying on a full-time basis
- One-year post-graduate degree programs and certificate programs, which require a previous degree or diploma, are also eligible.
- Part-time studies do not qualify.
- Preliminary or preparatory college certificate programs will not qualify.
Q: If my field of study is not related to the job offer, does that mean I cannot qualify for the program as an international student?
A: The job offer has to be in a managerial, professional or skilled trades occupation. If your field of study is not related to the job offer, then you still may qualify as an international student if your employer can clearly show how your education is related to the pre-approved job offer.
Q: I received a two year diploma from out side of Ontario, would I be eligible for the International Student stream of the Pilot PNP?
A: Previously, only graduates of Ontario post-secondary institutions could be considered. Now the program is open to international students Canada-wide. You need to be a graduate of a publicly funded Canadian college or university and you must have a job offer in Ontario.
Q: I am in Canada, and I already made refugee claim, can I still apply through this category ?
A: Refugee claimants with pending applications to remain in Canada are not eligible to apply. Refugee claimants who have a failed refugee claim or have withdrawn their claim are able to apply to the Pilot PNP only after they have left Canada.
Ms. Susan Gong, a former Member of the Immigration and Refugee Board, is the President and Principal Consultant of Altec Global Inc. She is a Certified Member of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants and a Member of Canadian Chartered Accountants, which puts her in the unique position of having both of these qualifications .She dealt with a wide range of immigration issues and knows the strategies that must be employed to win a successful case. Fluent in English and Mandarin, she is able to communicate with many of her clients in their native tongue, which offers a huge degree of comfort—a key factor when dealing with sensitive and often personal issues. Ms. Gong has been honoured with several awards, including the Chinese Woman Pioneer Award.
You may reach Ms. Gong at 416-979-3322 or via email at : info@cicvisa.com
