Student visa whilst awaiting PR

[Panamai]

I sent in my application for PR on January 29th, so I have a little ways to go yet to receive my PR. I'm from the US, so I'll likely be processed in Ottawa. I've also applied to university for the fall term, hoping I'd have my PR by then. Now I'm starting to worry a bit. International tuition is super pricey, but also, would I be able to get a student visa whilst I have a PR application in progress? Has anyone else had to do this? How long does it take to get one? I know that Queen's University has a policy where dependents of citizens living in Canada can get domestic tuition, but only if married or living together for 3+ years. We've only lived together since December 2013. It's frustrating that different institutions all define common-law differently. It would be nice if they would all go by the one-year rule. I'm applying to the nursing program, so it only starts in the fall. If I can't get in this fall, I have to wait another year. I have no patience. lol

 

[Sheps]

It ideally shouldn't be a problem to get a student visa while your PR application is in process. My wife applied for a renewal on her's before we sent in our PR app but after we were married. She was approved no problem.

Honestly, if you are married, I believe the rule for Ontario is you are a dependent of the citizen(set by legislation) but, if you wait and start in January 2016, there is a good chance you will have PR then. I am assuming you are applying under common law though, which would mean you would be subject to the 3 year rule.

Also, you may want to look into what Queens defines as "full-time", you may not require the full 15 credit hour/semester and could instead get by with 9 credit hour/semester, saving you a little bit (then just make it up during the summer when you are a PR). It would make the tuition situation a little more manageable.

 

[birdboy008]

Are you "in status"? That is, are you here on a temporary visa of some sort? If not, applying for a study permit might be unlikely to work. If you are still here on a valid visitor visa or work permit, the study permit will be a cinch. Hope that helps.

 

[Panamai]

Are you "in status"? That is, are you here on a temporary visa of some sort? If not, applying for a study permit might be unlikely to work. If you are still here on a valid visitor visa or work permit, the study permit will be a cinch. Hope that helps.

Thanks! I have an outland application in and I'm here as a 'visitor.' Sounds like I'll be all right. Now, just have to find a way to pay that $14,000 a year international tuition.