Securing a Canadian PR with a Graduate Certificate

[billy_the_kid]

Hi all,

i am hoping to secure a Canadian PR as soon as possible. I have a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering as well as a Master's degree in Information Systems. I, however, do not have work experience.

I did some research on how to secure a PR in Canada, but I would like to gather different opinions on this matter. I've been thinking of pursuing a Graduate Certificate in a Canadian school and then working with a work permit. I have the following questions:
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1. With a Master's degree from the US, a graduate certificate from Canada, and about 1 year work experience in Canada, do I have a good chance of entering into the Express Entry pool and getting a PR?

2. Does the likelihood of getting a PR increase with a Provincial Nomination Certificate?

3. Can you list the provinces that provide a certificate fast?

Also, if y'all could provide any other information that would be helpful, I would really appreciate it.

Thank you so much

 

[scylla]

A 1 year graduate certificate is a bad plan if you want to get a year of Canadian work experience and use this to qualify for PR. A 1 year certificate will only get you a 1 year PGWP - and it's generally extremely difficult to get a full year of work experience with just a 1 year PGWP.

Additionally, it doesn't make sense to take a certificate after a Masters. So you'll need to have a very good explanation of why this is your course progression - or you can expect your study permit to be refused.

 

[mgnlky]

If you have a Masters degree but no work experience, I assume you're a new graduate? If so, I would suspect you could have enough points to get an ITA soon, provided you scored well on the IELTS.

 

[billy_the_kid]

A 1 year graduate certificate is a bad plan if you want to get a year of Canadian work experience and use this to qualify for PR. A 1 year certificate will only get you a 1 year PGWP - and it's generally extremely difficult to get a full year of work experience with just a 1 year PGWP.

Additionally, it doesn't make sense to take a certificate after a Masters. So you'll need to have a very good explanation of why this is your course progression - or you can expect your study permit to be refused.

Hi scylla,

Thanks for getting back to me. With regard to pursuing a graduate certificate at this time, If I'm not wrong, most people (including me) do it to add a specialization to their degree and to also increase the appeal to the resume.

Also, I understand that it can be hard to get a PR, but I came across the Provincial Nominee Program offered by Alberta. They have a post-graduation worker category where the candidate needs to have studied in Alberta and have a work permit in Alberta. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this way I could get an offer letter after graduation and apply for this PNP immediately.

For more info on this category, please use this link: http://www.albertacanada.com/opportunity/programs-and-forms/srs-post-graduate-worker.aspx

 

[devnill]

If you have a Masters degree but no work experience, I assume you're a new graduate? If so, I would suspect you could have enough points to get an ITA soon, provided you scored well on the IELTS.

He would not qualify for any Express Entry stream with no work experience.

 

[billy_the_kid]

If you have a Masters degree but no work experience, I assume you're a new graduate? If so, I would suspect you could have enough points to get an ITA soon, provided you scored well on the IELTS.

Hi mgnlky,

Thanks for the response. Yes, I did graduate this May. Could you elaborate on this? I have not completed the IELTS yet, but I'm looking to do it as soon as possible.

Best

 

[scylla]

Hi scylla,

Thanks for getting back to me. With regard to pursuing a graduate certificate at this time, If I'm not wrong, most people (including me) do it to add a specialization to their degree and to also increase the appeal to the resume.

Have you spent any time reviewing the discussions in the International Students of the forum? If not - I would suggest that you do. Specifically the refusal threads. We do see refusals quite often when the planned studies in Canada are a mismatch to previous education/experience. Your situation carries a risk of that happening. Do your research before you apply so that you can understand how to best position your application for approval. Good luck.