The start of each new school term brings exciting opportunities for international students.

In addition to experiencing a new country and obtaining an international education, international students have numerous opportunities to work and live in Canada both during and after their studies. What can international students do to maximise their opportunities not only from an educational perspective but also for immigration purposes?

Students can also apply for permanent residence after completion of their studies through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) or the Skilled Worker Program for PhD Graduates.

 

Choose your school carefully

 

Not all schools are eligible for Off-Campus and Post-Graduate Work Permits. In order to obtain an Off-Campus or Post-Graduate Work Permit you need to attend a public college or university or a recognized private educational institution. Many private schools, particularly English as a Second Language (ESL) schools will not entitle you to obtain either a work permit or, ultimately, permanent resident status.

 

Attend class regularly and study hard

 

This may sound trite, but it’s key from an immigration perspective. As simplistic as this sounds it really is essential: attend class regularly and study hard. Even if you obtain failing grades, if you can demonstrate that you have been attending class regularly and making your best efforts to study hard, an immigration officer will generally renew your study permit. Your student permit is not a social pass – it comes with both privileges and responsibilities. Treat your study permit with respect, go to class and give your studies your best effort.

 

Your application is your responsibility

 

Many students either prepare their study permit application on their own or retain the services of an immigration lawyer or consultant and do not have a copy of their application. They have no documentation to show me what’s been done in the past. From Canada Immigration’s perspective, your application is your own responsibility and not the responsibility of your lawyer, your consultant or your parent. Be sure to keep a copy of your application. Furthermore, if you are working with an immigration professional whether lawyer or consultant, you need to be sure to go over all the application forms. It will not be a satisfactory explanation to say that any mistakes that are made in the application are the fault of your immigration representative.

Catherine Sas ([email protected]) is a practicing immigration lawyer based in Vancouver. For more information go to www.canadian-visa-lawyer.com.