A graduate of a one-year Ontario program, newly relocated to Nova Scotia with 5+ years of Indian work experience, asked whether to study another year, pursue an LMIA, or make the most of a one-year work permit. The thread split into two camps:
- Use Atlantic/PNP routes with the year you have. Being in Nova Scotia opens the Atlantic immigration program; members said one year of Canadian work can be enough there or via a provincial nomination.
- The 'study one more year' option. One member suggested a second year of study to unlock a three-year post-graduation work permit — more runway, but more cost and delay.
- The majority lean: don't wait, start working. Several members warned that rules were changing and getting tougher, so another year of study is a gamble — "one year down the line you never know what will happen." Their advice: take a job now, complete one year of skilled Canadian experience, and apply — you get income and eligibility at the same time. One member noted that a skilled-occupation job (e.g., in HR) could open a direct PR pathway with that experience. (Historical note: comments about tightening rules and job scarcity reflect conditions at the time of the thread.)