Dear Mr Brown:

I am interested in studying project management in Canada. I received the acceptance letter for Centennial College from you via e-mail last week. I would like to know whether this is the best programme for me to do. I would also like to know whether the immigration laws are likely to change with regards to international students under the new Canadian government. Can I study on a part-time basis?

— SSE

Dear SSE:

In response to your question, I will state that I expect positive changes. With regards to international students, the platform of the Liberal Party includes the declaration that “We will make it easier for international students and other temporary residents to become Canadian citizens by restoring the residency time credit. We will also make changes to the Canadian Experience Class, to reduce the barriers to immigration imposed on international students.”

Full-time studies

The definition of full-time or part-time varies depending on the educational institution. Classes are normally 20 hours per week. Although a study permit may be issued whether or not the student’s studies are on a full-time or part-time basis, as long as they are enrolled at a designated learning institution, I would like to highlight that a student must have a full-time status in order to work on or off campus during studies.

It should also be noted that in order to obtain a post-graduate work permit, inter alia, a student must have continuously studied full time in Canada and have completed a program of study that is at least eight months in duration.

Project management

The project management programme at Centennial may include internship, which is a good opportunity. The qualification deals with managing different projects so that tasks are completed on time and within the budget. This particular programme places focus on how to manage business projects to meet budgetary and time constraints, with matters ranging from procurement, human resources, costing, budgets, processes and implementation. This is a good general qualification to possess for someone who possesses a degree. I encourage you to pursue it. However, you must pursue studies based on your level of interest.

Centennial College seminar

I would like to invite you to the Centennial College seminar I will be hosting at Knutsford Court Hotel, Kingston, on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 7:00 pm.

The seminar will include general information and on-the-spot applications for the general public The seminar is free. You may ask the representative from the school about your programme. I will also discuss general matters pertaining to study permits, work permits and permanent residence, as it relates to attending Centennial College.

Please visit jamaica2canada.com for additional information on Canadian Permanent Residence Programmes, including Express Entry, the Study and Work progamme, visitor’s visas or appeals, etc.

Antonn Brown, BA, (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC, is an immigration counsel, education agent and managing director of jamaica2canada.com — a Canadian immigration and education firm in Kingston. Send questions/comments to jamaica2canada@gmail.com.