Can You Study Master's While on a Canadian PR?

When you are on a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) status, you will need to finish your Master's program first. Afterward, you may be eligible to apply for immigration under other requirements.

Approaches to Studying in Canada

There are two primary ways to study in Canada:

Immigrant PR: You can come to Canada as a permanent resident. Student Visa: Alternatively, you can come as a student.

Requirements for Immigration

To qualify for immigration to Canada, you must have at least 468 points. This includes your education, work experience, age, language proficiency, and more. Your current points determine your eligibility. To find out how many points you have, you can use the express entry point calculator.

How to Apply to Study in Canada

To study in Canada, you must meet the minimum requirements, which include:

Applying for a study permit to enter Canada as a student. Studying for a minimum of two years in a Canadian educational institution. Graduating from your program. After graduation, you may be eligible for a two-year Post-Graduate Work Permit, which allows you to work in Canada. A minimum of four years in Canada to qualify for Permanent Resident (PR) status.

Chances for Underqualified Candidates

If you are underqualified for a Master's program in Canada, there are still possibilities. While universities generally require applicants to have a Bachelor's degree, some institutions, particularly those known for their leniency, may make exceptions based on a student's exceptional knowledge, skills, and experience. However, these cases are rare.

For example, Concordia University in Montreal has historically accepted students who may not have a traditional Bachelor's degree but demonstrated equivalent knowledge and experience in their field. It is worth reaching out to universities to provide them with your portfolio and CV. While the probability is low, you can increase your chances by emphasizing your domain expertise and prior work experience.

Admission Requirements for Master's Programs

To apply for a Master's degree, you must meet the specific admission requirements of each university. As a PR, you must satisfy these requirements just like any other applicant. Although you are a permanent resident, you still need to prove that you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and background to undertake the Master's program.

Conclusion

In summary, while studying a Master's program in Canada with PR status is challenging, it remains possible. By preparing your application thoroughly and tailoring your approach to each university, you can increase your chances of admission, even if you are underqualified. Always consider institutions like Concordia University for their reputation in making exceptions for exceptional candidates.