A candidate with an MBA, roughly 3 years of combined corporate and business experience, and a CRS score of about 406 asked whether to pursue direct PR or go back to Canada for another master's degree, despite already holding an MBA.
What the thread offered, with some disagreement:- If speed matters and finances allow, the study route can move faster than waiting for CRS to rise enough for a direct PR draw, since a study permit doesn't depend on an uncertain draw cutoff.
- One member suggested completing a Canadian equivalent of the MBA locally, on the reasoning that Canadian credentials and Canadian work experience carry weight for PR later — though this wasn't universally agreed upon in the thread.
- A CRS score of 406 was flagged by a member as lower than expected given the applicant's profile, prompting a question about whether IELTS/English test scores had been factored in — a reminder that a low CRS score is often fixable by improving language test results before assuming a new degree is required.
The practical takeaway: before committing to another Canadian degree, check whether your CRS score can be raised through language test improvements — a study route is one option to speed things up, but it's not the only lever, and repeating a similar-level degree isn't universally recommended.