Rumbidzai Bvunzawabaya

Rumbidzai Bvunzawabaya is a solicitor at RBM Solicitors, based in Coventry. She was admitted on the Roll of Solicitors for England and Wales in 2003 and admitted in Zimbabwe in 1998 as a Legal Practitioner

Studying in Canada

By Rumbidzai BvunzawabayaImmigration Last updated on: December 17, 2009
88 CommentsComment on this article

 

BEGINNING in the early 90’s, the UK has been the most popular destination for students from all over the world.
 
However, following a clampdown on informal colleges, it is becoming more and more difficult for foreign students to study in the UK. The rising costs of studying and the ever changing immigration laws have made the UK a less popular destination for foreign students.
 
Countries like Canada. Australia and even India are attracting foreign students whilst the UK is losing out.
 
In this post, I will just give a summary of the requirements for studying in Canada. In my work, I have come across many parents who have been given leave to remain in this country but are struggling to bring their children who are aged 18 and over to this country.
 
It is often worth considering sending children to countries like Canada which are still immigrant friendly. There are many routes to migrating to Canada. For young people, entering as a student is one of the easier and quicker options available.
 
Prospective students need to make an informed decision and consider the following criteria when deciding which country to pursue their studies:
 
·        Cost of tuition
 
·        Cost of living and maintenances
 
·        Standard of education
 
·        Prospects of obtaining a job upon qualification
 
·        Routes of settlement available on completion of studies
 
Canada has been ranked as one of the best places to live in the world, and this is partly recognition of its good education and health systems, cosmopolitan towns and cities and high quality of life, and the stunning natural beauty.
 
Tuition fees and Cost of living
 
Canadian tuition fees are among the lowest in English-speaking countries, and the cost of living is much lower in Canada than in the UK. This allows students to concentrate on their studies, and not to be pressurised into working so hard just to survive.
 
Standard of Education
 
Canada’s education system is recognised internationally and ranks among the best in the world. Although UK institutions such as Cambridge and Oxford University are renowned worldwide, the standard of education at other tertiary institutions is easily matched by Canadian Universities and Colleges.
 
Prospects of obtaining a job upon qualification
 
Canada is a multicultural country, and over the past century and a half, Canada welcomed 15 million immigrants. Unlike other western countries that are tightening their immigration policies, Canada is actively seeking foreign nationals to migrate to Canada.
 
Subsequently, it is more receptive to foreigners especially if they have acquired a Canadian qualification. There are, therefore, more opportunities for foreigners to capitalise on this and secure jobs in their professions after graduating.
 
Routes of settlement available on completion of studies
 
Students that have studied in the UK have the following options for settling in the country: First, there is the option of continuing one’s studies until they have accumulated the ten years required for applying for indefinite leave to remain. This can prove a very costly option.
 
The other option is via the work permit route or Tier 1 post-study and then Tier general. This is a long route with few guarantees. I have learnt that there is nothing certain with the UK Immigration System as the rules change very often due to both political and economic factors.
 
In Canada, international students who have graduated from a Canadian university or college have the opportunity to work in Canada for up to three years on an open work permit after they receive their degree or diploma.
 
Although there are certain conditions that must be met, this is an enormous advantage. If one is able to find employment within a skilled worker occupation, and work for at least a year, then this will make them eligible to apply for Permanent Residence in Canada.
 

With careful planning and skilled work experience under their belt, international students and foreign graduates can now successfully pursue a quicker route of settling in Canada as compared to the UK.

 

Rumbidzai Bvunzawabaya is a Solicitor at RBM Solicitors based in Coventry. She can be contacted on e-mail info@rbmsolicitors.co.uk or telephone +442476520999
 
Disclaimer: This article only provides general information and guidance on immigration law.. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. The writer will not accept any liability for any claims or inconvenience as a result of the use of this information
Print Print this article Share Share this article Email Mail this article
Tags: asylum, canada, immigration solicitors, migration, permanent residence, student visas
← Older Comments
← Older Comments