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All my family members including me, applied for immigration to Canada. I can't just sit and wait for the immigration visa, it might never come. We applied for the express visa.

So I applied for a master's degree, fully funded by my university and a third party. My university is certified by ABET and works with some US universities. However I don't think they have any relationship with Canadian universities.

My master's should take a year and a half, perhaps longer, since I'm busy, I have a full- time job and freelance projects. Some people in my country are receiving immigration visas within a year.

What would happen if I receive the immigration visa while doing my master's? Can I ask for additional time or would I have to quit and lose the tuition funds? Would I harm my family or postpone their immigration?

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  • I don't know anything about the Canadian visa system, but I think that "I have to finish a Masters degree" is a good reason for them to extend a deadline. It would allow you to enter the country better-prepared to enter the workforce or Canadian academia. But by no means is that a definite answer, I just understand your motivations. Good luck and I hope someone who knows more about Canada can help you!
    – la femme cosmique
    Commented May 1, 2018 at 16:16
  • Masters in three semesters, next to a fulltime job and freelance projects? Wow.
    – Karl
    Commented May 1, 2018 at 16:58
  • @lafemmecosmique thats exactly why I applied for a masters, I don't need it in my country I'm already a senior, but wanted to get more points on the immigration system
    – Lynob
    Commented May 1, 2018 at 17:03
  • @Karl it might take longer as explained in my question than 3 semesters. But what can I do? If im lucky i'd be able to stop taking freelance for a while, but I have to be prepared for the worst case scenario. Plus I have to make extra money, you can't immigrate if you don't have extra money. Life is hard.
    – Lynob
    Commented May 1, 2018 at 17:06
  • In the US, at least, it's possible to "adjust" from a nonimmigrant status to that of a permanent resident if one becomes eligible for PR status while in the country. I suspect that Canada has a similar provision. If so, you should not need to quit your studies.
    – phoog
    Commented May 1, 2018 at 18:29

1 Answer 1

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In theory,You don't have to settle in Canada immediately after you immigrate. I believe that it's quite common that you can just enter Canada border once(Landing) using your immigrate visa before expiration for a short stay to get your PR legal status and paperwork done. After that , you can return to your school immediately to finish your study.

The only catch is you will need a PR card to enter Canada next time . You will need an address in Canada to receive it. (You could have a family member to get that for you or use another special document from CIC to enter)

You should google a little online or go CIC site directly

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  • 1
    In the US, the endorsed immigrant visa functions as a temporary green card for one year, so the newly-arrived permanent resident can leave immediately after arrival. Does Canada not have some analogous system?
    – phoog
    Commented Jun 7, 2018 at 15:18
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    Crossing-border from US by land via private vehicle could use "landing paper" with additional docs to enter Canada ref link . For entry via air or boat, it possible to apply for a PRTD to back to Canada
    – YChi Lu
    Commented Jun 7, 2018 at 16:43

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