Should I Drop my Current Management Program in Between to Study a Priority Program for PR in Canada?
1.1 Should You Drop Your Current Program of Study to Pursue a Priority Program in Canada?
In Canada, many students are currently enrolled in two-year Postgraduate (PG) diploma programs, particularly in fields like Business Management or Project Management. However, these programs are no longer considered a priority for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) or Permanent Residency (PR) applications. As a result, some students are contemplating dropping their current studies after completing 8 or 12 months of coursework to pursue a priority program instead. Priority programs, such as those in healthcare or skilled trades, are currently on the list for both work permits and PR.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the reasons why students are making this decision, whether you should consider it, and under what circumstances switching to a priority program might be the right choice for you.
1.2 Should You Drop Your Current Program for a Priority Program in Canada?
In today’s write up, I will be discussing whether you should drop your current studies and switch to a priority program in Canada.
Canada has recently announced a priority program list that includes various fields such as STEM, skilled trades, healthcare, construction, and transportation. These programs are now in high demand, as students believe they will help in securing a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and Permanent Residency (PR) more quickly.
Many students are currently enrolled in two-year PG diplomas, mostly at institutions like Algoma University and Conestoga College. The majority of these students are studying management programs, which are no longer in the priority list for PGWP. As a result, they are concerned about their PGWP and PR prospects.
The main question is: Should you switch to a priority program in the middle of your studies?
My Answer: No, Do Not Drop Your Current Study
If you are already enrolled in a two-year PG diploma or undergraduate diploma and your program is in management or another non-priority field, my advice is not to switch. Here’s why:
- If you have already completed 8 to 12 months of your program, there is no need to drop it. Completing your studies will not jeopardize your eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). You will definitely get your PGWP.
- Even though management programs are not in the priority list anymore, there are many other pathways to secure your PR. For example, you can apply for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), which allow you to gain experience in different provinces. You can go to Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or the Atlantic provinces to work, and eventually apply for PR.
- Even in Ontario, which hosts around 50% of international students, you don’t need to switch programs to get your PR. For those studying in Ontario, there is an International Student Stream for PR. If you secure a job and your employer supports you, you may qualify for this stream, which can lead to PR without needing to switch to a priority program like healthcare or skilled trades.
- If you’ve already completed a year (8 to 12 months) of study, switching programs would waste at least 8 to 12 months and cost you more money. It’s not a sensible decision. Switching programs after spending a year in your current one will only waste time, money, and effort. Changing programs after spending so much time and money (typically around $20,000) is a huge risk. I don’t recommend this at all.
- If you’ve only completed 1 semester (around 4 months) and paid your first semester’s fees (roughly $10,000), then you can consider switching programs. The cost of switching at this stage is lower, and you can still make up for lost time. However, after completing a full year of study, switching programs makes no sense. The time and financial loss will be substantial, and you’ll be essentially starting over with a new program. At this point, it’s better to finish what you’ve started.
1.2.1 Switching to a Master's Program – A Valid Reason
There is one scenario where it might make sense to change your program: if you are married and wish to switch from a PG diploma to a Master’s degree. Why?
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If you’re married, and you want to change your current program to a Master’s degree, the decision can be justified. Here’s why:
- In this case, your spouse will be able to get a spouse open work permit. This allows your spouse to come to Canada and work full-time while you continue your studies.
- Whatever time you’ve already spent (whether it’s 4 months or 8 months), your spouse’s full-time job can help compensate for the losses in terms of both time and money. Your spouse’s income can help cover the financial costs of the program you are switching from, making the change more feasible.
- If you are in a PG diploma program and cannot bring your spouse on a work permit, switching to a Master’s degree may be a better choice. This is especially true if you’re in a program where you cannot bring your spouse and would like to change your status so that your spouse can join you and work full-time.
So, in this scenario, switching to a Master’s degree program makes sense, because your spouse’s full-time job will compensate for the money and time you’ve already invested in your current program.
1.2.2 When Should You NOT Change Your Program?
However, if you are single and you don’t need a spouse to join you, the answer is a big NO when it comes to changing your program. If you are already enrolled in a PG diploma program and you don’t need to bring a spouse with you, completing your current study is the best option.
Many students from Algoma University, for example, approach me with similar concerns. Last year, I received inquiries from over 500 students who enrolled at Algoma University. Many of these students completed 4 to 8 months of study and then took a break in between. Now, they are considering changing their programs, but I advise against it. After investing a year of study, switching at this point would lead to unnecessary losses in both time and money.
Why Switching to a Priority Program in Canada Might Not Always Be the Best Choice?
First of all, getting admission into a priority program can be quite a challenge. It’s not an easy task. The second issue I see is that switching from a PG diploma to another PG diploma doesn’t make much sense. Even if you are moving from one Management program to another, you will still be eligible for a three-year PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit), and this shouldn’t be a problem for you.
At Globexa Immigration, we can guide you through your PR (Permanent Residency) process, and we assure you it’s entirely possible, even if you’re pursuing a PG diploma in a non-priority field. There are several ways to get your PR in Canada, including options in Ontario. For instance, I have previously mentioned the International Student Stream in Ontario, which allows international students to apply for PR if they meet certain criteria. If you don’t qualify for that stream, don’t worry—,you can still move to another province to explore additional PR options.
Don’t Rush into Healthcare Programs Just Because Everyone Else Is Doing It. There’s also a trend where everyone seems to want to switch to healthcare programs like Personal Support Worker (PSW), thinking this is the surefire way to get PR. But let’s stop and think—does it really make sense for everyone to rush into this field?
If everyone is doing the same thing, like opting for healthcare programs, do you think every single person will be able to get a job as a Personal Support Worker? Simply jumping into healthcare because it’s perceived as a guaranteed route to PR may not necessarily lead to success.
In fact, there are cases where, after everyone started rushing into Atlantic Canada to take advantage of the opportunities there, the draw system for PR in Atlantic Provinces has now slowed down significantly.
A similar situation happened in British Columbia, where there were numerous draws for healthcare programs. However, as more and more students flocked to these programs, the cut-off scores for PR have skyrocketed due to increased competition. This is a clear example of how opportunities can quickly become saturated when everyone jumps into the same field. This shows that opportunities can change, and just following the crowd might not always be the best strategy.
In conclusion, don’t fall into the trap of following the crowd just because it seems like everyone else is choosing healthcare programs. Complete your studies, earn your three-year PGWP. Consider moving to rural areas or Atlantic provinces or explore alternative pathways to PR in provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Atlantic provinces to improve your chances of securing PR. It’s essential to remember that switching to a priority program just because “everyone else is doing it” is not a smart move. Do not follow the crowd blindly.
Reason Why Are People Switching Programs?
- One of the main reasons students consider switching programs is fear of not receiving a PG work permit. However, as I have already explained, you will still receive your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), even if you’re pursuing a management program. The issue isn’t the PGWP, but rather the desire to increase PR possibilities and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
- Instead of switching programs, you should focus on saving time and starting your work experience early. The sooner you gain work experience, the sooner you can apply for your Permanent Residency (PR). Starting your career path earlier will help you apply for PR faster and increase your chances of success.
1.3 Potential Losses When Switching Programs
If you choose to change your program, several losses may occur that you should carefully consider:
- Time Lost
You’ve already spent 8 to 12 months of your time studying in Canada. If you decide to switch programs, this time will be lost, and you need to factor it into your decision-making process.
- Financial Loss
Switching programs could lead to a direct financial loss. For example, if you change programs after paying your first-year tuition fee (around $20,000), that money is essentially wasted. However, if you’re planning to switch to a Master’s program and intend to bring your spouse on a work permit, the financial loss may be offset, as your spouse will be able to contribute financially. Without this, though, it becomes a direct loss.
- Delay in PG Work Permit
Switching to a new program will require additional study time, typically two more years. This will delay the time it takes for you to receive your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). As a result, you will only be eligible for a three-year PGWP once you complete your studies, but with a delayed start.
- Delay in PR Application
Additionally, this change could delay your PR application. The longer you study, the longer it will take to gain the required work experience, which could postpone your Permanent Residency (PR) application.
In summary, switching programs can result in significant losses of time, money, and potential career advancement. It is important to weigh these losses carefully before making any decisions.
1.3.1 Should You Drop Your Current Management Program?
If you are currently enrolled in any management program, there is no need to drop it. Complete your studies and apply for your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). If you applied for your study permit before November 2024, you are still perfectly eligible for your PGWP. So, there is no reason to worry about it.
Instead of switching programs in the middle of your studies, it’s advisable to finish your current program and proceed towards your PGWP and eventual PR application. Dropping your studies and taking a priority program at this stage could lead to unnecessary delays and financial losses.
1.4 Apply through Globexa
If you would like to discuss your specific case related to Canada study visas, work permits, Permanent Residency (PR), or anything else, feel free to book a consultation with me https://globexaimmigration.com/book-appointment/
Additionally, if you’re interested in applying with my guidance, you can contact us directly. We at Globexa, would be happy to take care of your case and assist you through the entire process.
Thank you for reading this blog until the end. See you in the next blog!
