In recent years, a significant number of Indian students, particularly from Punjab, have been gravitating towards short-term courses in Canada, typically lasting five to six months. This trend has gained momentum due to multiple factors, including enhanced career prospects, opportunities for Permanent Residency (PR), and recent shifts in immigration policies.
The appeal of short-term courses
Short-term courses in Canada are designed to provide skill enhancement in High-demand sectors such as healthcare, early childcare, and technical fields, Gurdeep Singh, a Punjab-based study abroad consultant, explained, “Many students who have completed their studies and are on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) are enrolling in these programs to improve their employability and quality for the Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP). “The PNP, an initiative targeting skilled workers, awards additional points to PR applicants, significantly increasing their chances of success.
Singh shared the story of one of his students in British Columbia who completed healthcare-focused short-term courses while on a PGWP. The student secured a stable job in the sector and later leveraged her enhanced profile to qualify for PR through the PNP, which contributes up to 600 points in the PR application process.
Policy shifts and student challenges
The rising interest in short-term courses is also linked to recent changes in Canadian Immigration policies. Previously, students could switch Designated Learning institutions (DLIs) without significant hurdles. However, in November, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mandated that students must apply for a new study permit when changing DLIs.
This policy change has caused delays, as obtaining a new study permit can take up to four months. Many students, facing uncertainty and fearing prolonged gaps in their academic journeys, are turning to short-term courses. These programs do not require a new study permit and allow students to maintain their legal status while continuing their education.
Additionally, students who have failed their main courses often opt for short-term programs as a means of demonstrating academic improvement to their institutions. This approach helps them gain additional time to clear pending exams.
The risk of misuse
While short-term courses offer genuine benefits, experts warn against their misuse. When a large number of students enroll in these courses primarily to study or bypass regulatory hurdles, it can undermine the integrity of the system. There is a looming risk that IRCC might impose stricter regulations, or even disallow such practices entirely if trends indicate widespread misuse.
Alternative and recommendations
Experts suggest that students facing delays in their study permit approvals could consider applying for a visitor record. While this allows students to legally stay in Canada, it does not guarantee re-entry into the country if they leave. Furthermore, maintaining academic momentum becomes challenging under this arrangement.
To avoid complications, education consultants advise students to carefully plan their academic pathways, stick to their original DLIs, and stay updated on immigration policies. Consulting experienced advisory and focusing on academic performance are key to avoiding unnecessary hurdles.
Altogether short-term courses in Canada offer a valuable opportunity for kill development, career advancement, and an enhanced pathway to permanent residency. However, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Students must approach them strategically, ensure compliance with immigration regulations, and prioritize their long-term academic and professional goals.
As Canada continues to remain a top designation for Indian students, informed decisions are responsible practices that will be essential in sustaining the benefits offered by short-term educational programs