Dual Intent: Applying for a Canadian Student Visa and Express Entry Simultaneously

Many individuals with pending applications under the Canada Express Entry program wonder if they can also pursue a Canadian student visa. The good news is that it is absolutely possible to apply for a student visa concurrently with your Express Entry or Permanent Residency (PR) application without the need to halt one process for the other.

Simultaneous Applications: Flexibility in Immigration Processes

It is permissible to have both an Express Entry application and a student visa application in process at the same time. These two processes are independent of each other, allowing applicants to pursue multiple pathways without interruption.

Requirements for a Canadian Student Visa

To apply for a student visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. These include:

Being accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada Demonstrating sufficient funds to support their studies and living expenses Proving their intention to leave Canada after their studies if they do not obtain permanent residency

Impact on Express Entry Application

Applying for a student visa will not negatively impact an Express Entry application. In fact, studying in Canada can sometimes enhance an applicant's profile for permanent residency in the future. Canadian education and work experience can contribute to a higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Considerations and Strategic Planning

While it is possible to pursue both pathways, applicants should be prepared to explain their intentions clearly. Immigration officers may scrutinize the application to ensure the applicant genuinely intends to study. It is important to demonstrate that the student visa application is based on the intention to further education in Canada.

The concept of dual intent in Canadian immigration is well-established and legally accepted. This means that an individual can have both a permanent residency and a temporary visa application at the same time, provided the temporary visa (student visa) does not conflict with the permanent residency application.

Immigration officers understand that over 90% of study permit applications have dual intent. They expect applicants to clearly demonstrate their intention to abide by the terms of their student visa and leave Canada if their status changes. Therefore, there is no need to hide your intentions; instead, convey them honestly and comprehensively.

Applicants should prepare a clear statement of their academic and personal goals, emphasizing their plan to study in Canada, gain experience, and eventually transition to permanent residency if they qualify.

In conclusion, a person can pursue both the Express Entry process and a student visa simultaneously without needing to halt one process for the other. This flexibility allows for strategic planning and increasing the likelihood of achieving both long-term and short-term goals in Canada.