GF of 5 years wants to study in BC, but...

[Kwz2]

My girlfriend of 5 years would like to study in British Columbia, pursuing a PhD program that could take anywhere from 5-7 years to complete. We have both been to the area and would love to live there, however, there is one issue. I have just finished my bachelors degree and would like to pursue a career in law enforcement. To do so in Canada, I would have to be a permanent resident. I am 22, from the US, in good financial standing and have a job-related bachelors degree.

I am not sure if I qualify under Express Entry, as I have 2.5 years of part time work experience in the financial field. Is there any way of going about this that could make living in Canada work out for the both of us?

 

[scylla]

If you are either common law or married, you can apply for an open work permit based on her study permit (common law means you have lived together continuously for at least one full year). This won't however allow you to work in a law enforcement job that required permanent residency or citizenship.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

My girlfriend of 5 years would like to study in British Columbia, pursuing a PhD program that could take anywhere from 5-7 years to complete. We have both been to the area and would love to live there, however, there is one issue. I have just finished my bachelors degree and would like to pursue a career in law enforcement. To do so in Canada, I would have to be a permanent resident. I am 22, from the US, in good financial standing and have a job-related bachelors degree.

I am not sure if I qualify under Express Entry, as I have 2.5 years of part time work experience in the financial field. Is there any way of going about this that could make living in Canada work out for the both of us?

You need to look at the different economic immigration streams to see if you qualify. From what you have said, it sounds like you don't qualify at this time.

 

[Kwz2]

If you are either common law or married, you can apply for an open work permit based on her study permit (common law means you have lived together continuously for at least one full year). This won't however allow you to work in a law enforcement job that required permanent residency or citizenship.

Is this the only option that would be available? Work permit but no permanent residency?

 

[Kwz2]

You need to look at the different economic immigration streams to see if you qualify. From what you have said, it sounds like you don't qualify at this time.

Would express entry be more possible if I had a few years of professional full-time work experience?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Would express entry be more possible if I had a few years of professional full-time work experience?

If you had at least a year of skilled work experience, you would be more likely to qualify.