WWICS Blog

Canada to accept 1,000 Applications of PhD Students under Federal Skilled Worker Category
Posted on:11 November 2011

Effective November 5th, 2011, international PhD students will be eligible to submit their applications under the Federal Skilled Worker program and get Fast Track Permanent Resident status.

The announcement was made by Minister of State of Science and Technology, Gary Goodyear which is sure to benefit many international PhD students, who have been looking for brighter avenues. In his words,'The Canadian immigration department is encouraging immigration of PhD students since the country needs more people with knowledge in the field of sciences, technology, engineering and math'.

As per the eligibility criteria, the students must have completed no less than two years of study towards a PhD and also have maintained a reputable position, academically, at a post-secondary educational institution in Canada, well-recognized at the provincial level. Even recent graduates from Canadian PhD programs will be eligible to apply for the same, however they need to apply within 12 months of their graduation.

The Department of Immigration intends to make it easier for PhD students, especially with two years complete PhD study, to become Permanent Residents of Canada. Unlike other categories of the 29 POL, wherein 500 applications are accepted, the applications intake of PhD students is 1,000.

In addition, with this initiative, the country is telling that it is ready to tell the innovators of tomorrow that Canada is all set to welcome such people as well their ideas.

Paul Davidson, President of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada also welcomed the announcement since according to him colleges in Canada will gain an edge over other in attracting as well as retaining the best international talent and offer them opportunity to pursue doctoral studies in the Maple Country.

Delighted with the announcement, Lt. Col. BS Sandhu (Retd.), CMD, WWICS Group said, 'Aspiring PhD students could not have received a better opportunity than this, since this will help them expand their horizon of showcasing their skills and contribute in the development of Science and Technology sector. The acceptance of applications under this Fast Track program is an encouraging initiative which will help in processing their visa within a short span of 6-10 months'.

Under the Federal Skilled Worker- 29 POL category, Canadian authorities select visa applicants based on their educational qualification, work experience, knowledge of English and French. Besides, other criteria counted to allow skilled immigrants are those likely to become economically active also find suitable job in Canada. In Canadian PhD programs, about one-quarter of the students enrolled are international students.