PR instead of Student Visa, how will it affect my admit status

[RMJi]

Dear forum members

I am undergoing process for PR(from outside Canada) and at the same time, I am also applying to Canadian University for MS(as an international student because I don't have PR yet). If I wait until I get PR in my hand, I might miss university application deadlines. My questions are

1)I I get selected by a Canadian university as an international student, and if I get PR approved soon after, will they reduce my fees and change status from International to domestic? What would be the process like? Is there any precedence that anybody knows of?

2)Will there be any refunds, in case I make payment as an international student but actually enter Canada and the University as a PR?

3)Will they cancel my admit based on change in my status from international student to Permanent residence?

4)In case I don't get PR card in time, is it difficult to convince Universities to defer my admission until probably next semester and enter Canada only as PR and not on student visa

I understand that it could be university specific policy. But if anybody here knows of any general procedures or rules regarding such incidences, please guide.

Waiting eagerly for your replies.

Thanks a lot
Rohan

 

[Philophilo]

Hi Rohan,

When did you apply for PR? When are you planning on applying to grad school? Its definitely beneficial to wait until you have PR then apply in my opinion. I am sure switching from the International student stream to PR is a doable process but might be paperwork heavy.

 

[RMJi]

To be honest, I am just starting on both the process. I am not at all inclined to go via the Student visa route. But, since I also want to study for MS, waiting for MS application would mean missing the Fall deadline, I am inclined to apply, go with the flow and hope to get PR before Fall term (provided everything goes as planned).

That's why I also asked if deferring admission is a possibility. So eg. If I get admit for Fall term but not PR by June/July (and If my PR application is under process) then can I request them to defer admission and by when should I make request?

Can you please explain what kind of paper work?

 

[canuck78]

It may be hard to defer admission to a master's program especially smaller programs. It will be dependent on the school and program. I don't think you will also be able to change from international student to domestic student at least for that year or semester. It will also depend on the school. Most people wait to get their PR before applying so this is an uncommon situation.

 

[Philophilo]

I don't know what specific paperwork may be required, this will certainly vary from university to university. Student visas are definitely easier to get so it might be easier to do that.I would say go for it if you are certain of program you want to study, university choice etc etc, and if you are in a position to start then go for it. Just note that universities might not allow you to defer and might request that you reapply instead.

On the other hand, If you are certain that you have all that is required for PR , go ahead and start that process,if PR is the end goal, don't let the PR decision dictate whether you can defer or not.

In short, Apply for PR ASAP if this is the end goal. Student Visas are much easier to apply for and can be done at anytime.

 

[RMJi]

For Student visa, the intent is non-immigrant. For PR, the intent is immigration. The 2 are conflicting. My end goal is both PR as well as getting into an MS program at the earliest (which will be Fall 2018 right now). Somehow I wished to to achieve both without wasting time. Anyway, Thanks for the advice

 

[BC4life]

What is your stage in the PR application process. Did you already receive an ITA? If so and if I was in your shoes I will just forget about the student visa application and concentrate on the PR.

 

[RMJi]

I am still waiting for ECA from WES, based on current score range I guess I can get through.

 

[RMJi]

I agree, even I will concentrate on PR. Only question is can Universities (offering me admit) consider me as domestic and not international student, If i tell them about PR, before joining. Has anyone go through the process of updating their status(international to domestic) and reduction in fees after receiving admit?

 

[BC4life]

I am still waiting for ECA from WES, based on current score range I guess I can get through.

When do you plan to start your Masters? In the summer 2018?

 

[RMJi]

I would like to apply for Fall 2018 courses