A 35-year-old engineer (13 years' IT experience, CRS 359, IELTS 7.5 general, married) wanted a one-year Ontario program to save cost. Group consensus leaned two-year:
- A two-year program buys time for PR. No one can predict what PNP/Express Entry streams will look like when you graduate; a longer post-graduation runway gives more chances. This was the main argument against the one-year option.
- A master's improves visa odds with a long study gap. Members warned many colleges reject candidates with a 13-year gap; applying strategically for a master's (rather than a college diploma) was the repeated suggestion.
- Second-year fees are more manageable once you're in Canada - members felt a sincere student can fund year two locally, so don't let year-two cost alone force a one-year choice.
- Shortlist institutions by their study-gap policy before applying; not all accept large gaps.