3 questions to help you decide

“Should I apply for a work permit or a student permit? Is there a better option for me? Which path should I follow?”. We receive this type of question all the time and, to be honest, there is not a straight answer as a number of factors go into this decision. However, you can use these three questions to help you decide.

 

By having realistic expectations, you can work efficiently towards your immigration goals. So let’s dive right into it!

Q1: What is my English proficiency? Is it important to work or study in Canada?

 

This is key to determining the program you can apply to. On one hand, if you have a beginning level of English, perhaps the best and only option is to start a study program before thinking about working. On the other hand, if your proficiency is higher (certified by a standardized test such as IELTS) you can consider other immigration options, like the Provincial Nominee Program.

 

Q2: How much money can I invest? Studying and working are compatible?

Immigrating always involves a considerable cost. However, determining how much you’re willing to invest can make or break your immigration options.
For example, you must consider the annual cost of living in the city or province you wish to live in, the average salary for your desired job, and how long it will take for you to recoup your investment.

In addition, there are other factors to look at such as working while studying, the number of hours you are allowed to work, the industry you are planning to work in, etc.

Check out the cost of living of the most popular cities ranked from lower to higher cost of living.

Rank	City	Cost of Living Index	Rent Index	Cost of Living Plus Rent Index	Groceries Index	Restaurant Price Index	Local Purchasing Power Index
1	Windsor	61.71	29.05	45.84	54.62	61.26	107.73
2	Regina	62.37	21.46	42.49	59.86	58.53	145.23
3	Quebec City	62.46	18.50	41.10	60.01	61.72	126.63
4	Brampton	64.28	34.39	49.76	60.23	55.82	116.12
5	Kingston	64.61	34.56	50.01	61.13	60.73	102.92
6	Kelowna	64.77	36.32	50.95	65.21	56.87	101.52
7	Kitchener	65.31	33.41	49.81	64.48	64.00	91.11
8	Winnipeg	65.63	24.42	45.61	64.40	59.77	80.56
9	Mississauga	65.63	42.16	54.23	57.14	55.31	104.35
10	Montreal	66.19	28.79	48.02	64.68	65.65	96.91
11	Saskatoon	66.31	24.10	45.80	63.17	61.57	118.07
12	London	66.38	37.01	52.11	59.66	74.54	109.00
13	Surrey	66.92	36.37	52.08	64.51	59.57	120.83
14	Guelph	67.93	36.05	52.44	70.11	64.66	107.00
15	Ottawa	67.97	33.68	51.31	62.33	69.62	107.98
16	Halifax	68.78	31.78	50.80	69.53	64.73	99.16
17	Hamilton	69.38	34.12	52.25	69.80	61.35	89.37
18	Kamloops	69.71	31.64	51.21	71.98	55.86	91.98
19	Edmonton	69.85	24.90	48.01	65.81	71.45	117.45
20	Fredericton	70.15	22.56	47.02	72.52	67.48	114.33
21	Markham	70.26	42.39	56.72	61.82	79.70	93.15
22	Calgary	70.83	31.04	51.50	66.29	69.85	121.58
23	Victoria	71.49	41.27	56.81	72.32	73.01	102.91
24	Toronto	72.83	46.38	59.98	67.74	76.87	86.48
25	St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador	73.00	18.90	46.72	70.63	58.98	95.34
26	Vancouver	73.43	51.20	62.63	71.84	77.08	93.56
27	Nanaimo, BC	73.43	34.43	54.48	75.29	65.05	82.71

Cost of Living in Canada (2)

Q3: How realistic is my plan?

Maybe you initially planned on working in Canada, but you do not qualify for any program. Don’t let that discourage you! After all, there are several pathways to immigrating to Canada; each step counts toward achieving your ultimate goal.

So keep positive, don’t give up, and be flexible!

 In any case, depending on your specific needs, our advisors will put together a plan tailored to suit you. Feel free to contact us! Talk to an adviser today.

 

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