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Hello Ms. Alcalde,
I’m an international student currently enrolled in a private career college here in Ontario. I just found out that my program isn’t eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit which means I need to go back to my country of origin after graduating from the program. Please advice on what I can do to stay in Canada after graduation. I took this immigration path believing the student advisor who recruited me. She was 100% certain I could stay in Canada after graduation. She told me not to worry because after the first year I can easily transfer to a college that offers PGWP-eligible program. But, I’m not sure if I can trust what she says after this fiasco. I’m very devastated because my family pawned our property to finance my studies here. They are in debt because of me. Please help me.
Sincerely,
D.S.
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Dear D.S.,
I’m so sorry to know about your situation.
It’s true that not all DLI’s offer programs eligible for PGWP.
In fact, a recent court decision in Nova Scotia penalized a private career college and ordered it to pay two international students a total of Cad $35,000 for suggesting that its diploma can give them PGWP. See the full court decision transcript here:
Clarke v. Nova Scotia College of Early Education, 2018, NSSM 26
Although this court decision favoring student Anna Kay Samantha Clarke and her sister Peta Gay Clarke is specifically directed to one school, it may have implications for international students like you who are in similar situations.
However, don’t lose hope because there is something you can do to climb out of the hole you’ve been shoved to.
First, you need to start the process of applying to a community college in Ontario that has a program eligible for PGWP. Once accepted in the community college you have to withdraw your enrollment from the private career college. You don’t want to waste a full year in a program knowing it will not be credited to a PGWP.
Be prepared with the following:
Academic documents and transcripts – Since you’re currently enrolled in a private college, you may already have these documents at hand. Community colleges need a Credential Assessment Report of your academic transcripts from any of these organizations: International Credential Assessment Service of Canada; or World Education Services.
English Language Proficiency – Some private colleges give their own language proficiency exams and do not need English language proficiency tests required by Ontario community colleges from any of the following services: TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB or CAEL. If you haven’t taken a language test then you must check with the community college to see how you can meet this requirement.
When you get accepted in the community college, you need to pay the student fees for 1 full year, equivalent to 2 semesters.
Student Permit
As long as your student permit is still valid, you don’t need to apply for a new one or to apply for a change of condition. However you must notify the IRCC that you have changed DLIs. Check this guide to changing your DLI.
Finances
I understand that your family is already in debt and transferring to another college will mean more money out of pocket. You may be entitled to a partial or full refund when you withdraw from a private career college.
The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development’s Statement of Students’ Rights and Responsibilities fully explains the refund policies of private career colleges. This document outlines the refund policies of private career colleges.
I hope this advice is helpful!
Best regards,
Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant