Greetings to all.

I found this web site extremely useful and I must say, you have packed tonns of useful information, for both - ppl already in Canada and for students contemplating canadian education as an option.

I am a graduate in Infomation Technology (3 yr) from India. Got First Class in Final Yr. With the 15 yr handicap, I applied to Canadian Colleges for Post grad diploma. Got admitted to Georgian College for Web Design and Production, Barrie Ontario. 1 yr program which includes a 4 month co-op. howz georgian in your view? I yet have to go for my visa stamping , so, georgian won't raise unnecessary eyebrows, will it? I have paid 1/2 the tuition fee already, will that be a plus at the VISA interview? I don't know too many ppl who have gone for canadian visa, so, I don't exactly know what to expect in the interview apart from standard stuff like

a. Whats ur fathers occupation?
b. What are plans after the course?
c. Why chose that particular course?

That sorta thing. ... if any one can add some more, kindly do.

Anyway ..after the course, IF i plan on continuing studies at a university for Masters degree in canada, is it possible? I mean with 3 yr degree + 1 yr post grad dip in canadian institution. I know the rule is 12+4, is there no way to circum navigate this problem? Will GRE help the cause? Is it strictly 12 + 4 OR is it 16 yrs (12+3+1)?

In any case, if MS doesn't materialize, how is job scenario for a web design prod graduate? What are the chances for a co-op organisation to absorb me full time? To end the questions wagon, what are the approx. co-op wages / month like?

By the way, since i am going to for the visa stamping, any advice, suggestions are welcome!

Thanks for bein patient and readin the entire post, 'preciate it.

Anand Kumar.

Hi,
some one pls reply to my earlier post. its kinda urgent.
Anand Kumar

Hi Anand,

I agree with you that this website is an absolute marvel for people like u and me.

You have got a lot of question so I will try to answer with the best of my knowledge.

See in canada, as I have seen, there are two levels of education. One is the university level and other the college level, any course at a university level is considered good, a college level course is kinda ok, but since u will do a masters after that (from a university) so it is not a problem. Another thing is that there is misconception amongst people in India regarding the 12+4 rule, well it depends on the program or the institution you are applying to. So you can always apply to a masters course and can also get your study permit extended. About the GRE thing, well it again depends on the program you are applying to, whether it is a requirement or not, but I would suggest you to appear for the same if you r planning to apply to reputed univeristies for your MS.

As far as the job scenario is concerned I have no idea as to how it is for your area of expertise, but generally jobs are available in IT sector. The chances of absorption by the Co-op company are also less because as an international student you only get a one year work permit and the companies don't want to go through all the hassle of doing the papers on your behalf, unless you are exceptionally important to them.

Now let me give you a few tips for the visa applying part. Well make sure that you organize you documents in order, as you will have to give a photocopy set to the visa guys. Believe me they study the paper before calling you for interview, so study the papers carefully. Another thing is that you have to convince them that you will come back after you complete the course so don't tell them that you will stay back, and if they ask as to how much time will you take to complete the course, just tell them the shortest possible time, which is one year in your case. See extension of study permit is not a problem, in my case only: I will take about 2 years to graduate but my study permit is valid till Jan 2004 only, but I will apply for a extension and will get it easily. And anyway the duration of stay will be given to u at the airport only when you arrive. In India you will only get a visa + travel document + work permit document.

Its good that you have paid half of your fees, take the reciepts with you and if they ask you as to why u didn't pay full fees, then just tell them that you were told to pay that much only by the university. I had paid only 500 dollar as security deposit, and i was asked the same question, but said the same thing.

I guess that is it, I can't think of anything more to list, if you have any specific questions u can ask me. And remeber the visa process takes a long time so better apply atleast 40-45 days prior to the starting date of your course.

Best of luck.

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Manny

"Experience is the name every one gives to their mistakes."

your post was very illuminating and encouraging. I asked at least 4 universities abt the 12+4 restriction for MS in canada, I was clearly told that i won't be eligible. which is why i resorted to this Post Grad Diploma thing hoping that after completing this course, MAYBE i'll land up a job or MAYBE get transferred to a university for MS. Its a chance I am ready to take.
Yeah, your pointers on VISA prep are noted. Thanks!
Lets just hope for the best , keep our fingers crossed and hope everything goes well. Which dept are you in at SFU?

Thanks, I will keep you informed.

Anand Kumar

Hi, I am happy that all that text was of help for you. I am in MBA dept at SFU.

Well actually yours is a technical line that is why maybe every uni wants a 4 year backgroud but don't worry, things materialize once u come here.
Best of luck for the visa interview, and just ask anything u want to, without hesitation.

take care.

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Manny

"Experience is the name every one gives to their mistakes."

Thanks
I will pose queries as they pop up in my head and will fire em at u no doubt.
I noticed SFU has a great mba program.
Thanks again,