Finishing not-in-demand Master's program

[Economist9]

Hi all!

I am about to finish a Master's degree from a public university. I will have to apply for a PGWP soon.

But my Master's program is not in the priority sectors or priority study program list. Even though it's very highly quantitative, it still doesn't get classified as STEM.

I am less than 30 years of age, have done co-ops and lots of teaching and research assistant work so I am able to get work, have a perfect IELTS score, and will have 1 year Canadian work experience hopefully.

However, it's extremely stressful to think that spots in the Federal High Skilled stream (FSW and CEC spots) will now be earmarked for particular categories. I'm almost sure I won't be included in the categories since my degree is not in health sciences or tech.

What can I do to possibly increase the chances of getting an invite? Potential employers are happy to hire qualified people, but they are only giving a job offer that's valid until the expiry date of my PGWP. After Bill C19 is implemented, I expect the cut off score to get higher. Looking at how it's all changed over the last year, I wonder if the score I'll have would meet the high cut offs.

I'm all ears for any advice or suggestions. It is really extremely helpful to chat and discuss with people.

 

[Deleted member 1083629]

Hi all!

I am about to finish a Master's degree from a public university. I will have to apply for a PGWP soon.

But my Master's program is not in the priority sectors or priority study program list. Even though it's very highly quantitative, it still doesn't get classified as STEM.

I am less than 30 years for age, have done co-ops and lots of teaching and research assistant work so I am able to get work, have a perfect IELTS score, and will have 1 year Canadian work experience hopefully.

However, it's extremely stressful to think that spots in the Federal High Skilled category will now be earmarked for particular categories. I'm almost sure I won't be included in the categories since my degree is not in health sciences or tech.

What can I do to possibly increase the chances of getting an invite? Potential employers are happy to hire qualified people, but they are only giving a job offer that's valid until the expiry date of my PGWP. After Bill C19 is implemented, I expect the cut off score to get higher. Looking at how it's all changed over the last year, I wonder if the score I'll have would meet the high cut offs.

I'm all ears for any advice or suggestions. It is really extremely helpful to chat and discuss with people.

Have they already announced how those categories will work or what the categories will be?

If not, I would not stress too much yet. Canadian government does some very illogical steps when it comes down to anything public related.

 

[Deleted member 1083629]

Honestly, if they go with the actual skills-in-demand, then tech. guys won't be invited either. The biggest problem is health care and trades (at least in ON). However, again, Canadian government is not particularly predictable.

 

[Deleted member 1083629]

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/transparency/consultations/2022-consultations-express-entry-selection.html

According to Statistics Canada, the most acute shortages are found in construction (trades), administrative and support services, waste management and remediation services, healthcare and social assistance, and other services (except for public administration, which is considered a separate industry as per the North American Industry Classification System). Many of these vacancies are in skilled occupations that Express Entry could select for. This was echoed by participants during our recent consultations on immigration levels.

A potential category for selection in Express Entry focused on international student graduates could respond more directly to critical shortages that persist across various sectors and occupations. A possible category could, for example, include graduates with a degree or diploma in in-demand fields from a Designated Learning Institution.

As with international students, a category for selection in Express Entry focused on transitioning skilled temporary foreign workers could improve responsiveness to chronic economic needs. Temporary workers are good candidates for permanent residency as they have a opportunity to find work in their fields (i.e., better job-skills match). Requiring experience in an in-demand field could address the most acute identified shortages.

 

[Deleted member 1083629]

Based on what I read from the official website, it seems like they will be limiting outsiders and pushing people to come to Canada through student route. For those who are in Canada, there is a higher chance of getting PR than for those who are from outside.

In regards to what you should do... Honestly, start learning French. There is a special category for French speaking candidates. If you start now, you will pick up decent amount for B1/B2 and get your PR.

 

[Economist9]

Honestly, if they go with the actual skills-in-demand, then tech. guys won't be invited either. The biggest problem is health care and trades (at least in ON). However, again, Canadian government is not particularly predictable.

I see. Yes, it looks like tech is one occupation that's been represented a lot by immigrants in the recent past.

I agree 100%. IRCC is so unpredictable. We never know what they may do. Sometimes they implement changes so quickly and bring beneficial policies. Other times their systems are glitchy, there's no information about draws, compete silence and confusion as to what one should do.

I know they're not required to give any information about draws, but I wish they send out news articles or some kind of announcement that gives any indication of how the changes may impact people. It's very hard to do one's best when there's so much uncertainty and when we don't know what we should be working towards. For instance, I don't know if I'll now meet the points cut off and whether I should learn French now.

 

[Deleted member 1083629]

It's very hard to do one's best when there's so much uncertainty and when we don't know what we should be working towards

lol. I was in this situation for almost 2 years, when the process should have taken 6 months.

 

[Economist9]

lol. I was in this situation for almost 2 years, when the process should have taken 6 months.

I can understand very well. I hope things go well for all of us...

 

[SatNight]

I would start learning French. My wife did that last year, as a PhD graduate in a NOC that's not particularly in demand. We did it not because of category draws but because of lack of points due to age, but it will, it seems, help with category draws.

On the other hand, we just don't know how a category for CEC candidates will look, because they haaate announcung things in due time. There is a possibility that CEC category might not be NOC based. Or that graduate studies (masters and PhD) mught be valued more? There is also talk about giving more points for Canadian education and experience, which will help with overall points. Remember, there seem to be info that regular no-category draws will remain.