Hi! Here’s a bit about me: I’m a 30-year-old man with an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management and 3 years of work experience (including 1 year in the USA). I’m planning to pursue a PG Certificate in Hospitality Management in Canada. I was considering applying to a public college in Ontario for a 2-year Post Graduate Certificate. However, with recent changes in PGWP and immigration laws (PGWP only for graduates from programs tied to labor shortage occupations), I’m questioning if it’s still worthwhile.
Another option is a similar program at a private college (2-year Co-op program), which is cheaper. While it doesn’t provide a PGWP, it would offer 1 year of Co-op work experience in Canada, working full-time in my field.
I’d appreciate advice from people already in Canada or those in a similar situation.
Hey there! It sounds like you’re facing a tough decision about studying in Canada, especially with the recent changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide.
You’re 30, have an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management, and three years of work experience, including a year in the USA. You’re thinking about a Post-Graduate Certificate in hospitality management at a public college in Ontario. But the new PGWP changes are making you second-guess this plan.
Canada is updating its PGWP program to better match labor market needs. This means only graduates from programs tied to labor-shortage occupations will be eligible for PGWPs. This could complicate things if your chosen program doesn’t fit into these categories.
Traditionally, graduates from public colleges could get a PGWP for up to three years, which is great for gaining Canadian work experience and applying for permanent residency. But now, you need to ensure your program addresses labor shortages to qualify for a PGWP. On the other hand, private colleges typically don’t qualify you for a PGWP, but a two-year Co-op program could still give you valuable work experience. While it’s cheaper, it won’t provide the same immigration benefits as a PGWP but can still help you get a job in Canada.
Things to Consider:
Cost: Private colleges are cheaper, which is a big factor. However, without a PGWP, you might miss out on the work experience needed for permanent residency.
Immigration Goals: If you want to immigrate, studying at a public college in a program aligned with labor market needs might be worth the extra cost.
Work Experience: The Co-op program at a private college can still provide valuable Canadian work experience, which is highly valued by employers.
Given your background and goals, look for public colleges offering programs that match Canada’s labor shortages to keep your PGWP and immigration options open. But if the financial burden is too high, a Co-op program at a private college can still be a good step, offering immediate work experience.
Ultimately, weigh your long-term goals, financial situation, and the specific programs available. Both paths have benefits, but aligning your studies with labor market needs is likely the best for long-term success.I hope this helps! Good luck with your decision.