CEBU-based visa consultancy firm PinoyCare Visa Center will be pushing for Canada’s study and work program as another pathway to help Filipinos immigrate to Canada.
According to Prisca Niña Mabatid, president and chief executive officer of PinoyCare, Canada’s study and work program is currently the “easiest and fastest way” to enter Canada, which is known for its strict immigration policies and high standards.
“Canada is making the student and work program as a new pathway for foreign nationals to become immigrants to promote their schools and universities and more importantly, make sure that these foreign students who wants to be immigrants can produce economic benefits to Canada,” said Mabatid in an interview with Sun.Star Cebu.
Under the program, a one-year study in any university in Canada entitles a foreign national to a one year work permit issued by the Canadian government, while a two-year study is offered a three-year work permit, after which they can apply for a permanent residency.
Mabatid clarified applicants need not to worry about Canada’s expensive educational fees because they are not required to pay in full the one-year tuition.
“You only need to pay half or the semester’s rate while the remaining amount you can pay it from the salary you earn there while studying,” said Mabatid who is this year’s Small Business Entrepreneur for Services Sector awardee by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).
She also added anyone can apply for the student visa and may choose courses covered by the top 2,000 job categories that are in demand in Canada. But it would be better though if Filipinos would pick courses in Canada that are in line with the bachelor’s degree they earned in the Philippines.
Mabatid also clarified that applicants need not to be a four-year degree holder to study in Canada because the minimum requirement is at least a two year college study to pursue higher studies or obtain specializations there.
Mabatid visited at least 30 schools and universities in Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg during the recent trade mission organized by the Canadian Chamber for the accreditation of PinoyCare to ensure that Filipino students will be properly accommodated.
“Filipinos studying there won’t have difficulty landing jobs because their universities have strong linkage with the industries there,” she said. “PinoyCare, on the other hand, will also help Filipinos identify which courses to take in Canada that are covered in the top 2,000 job categories shortlisted by the Canadian government for them to easily land jobs.”
To encourage more Filipinos to take advantage of this new opportunity, Mabatid said she plans to hold a free symposium for parents of college graduating students to present Canada’s opportunities via the student and work program.
PinoyCare plans to tie up with colleges and universities for the planned activity this coming September, with expected 1,500 to 2,000 participants.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (CanCham) president Julian Payne said the low reproduction rate in Canada explains the country’s steady requirement for immigrants and overseas workers to boost its economy.
Last year, the Philippines surpassed China and India as Canada’s top source country for new immigrants. According to the latest data from the government, approximately 30,000 Filipinos became permanent residents last year, while 47,000 visitor visas were issued to Filipinos.
Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder said over 800,000 Filipinos are now staying and working in Canada. At least 200,000 more will be given opportunity to live in his country this year.