LIttle Confusion.

[rajbir]

I edited my old post and replaced it with a whole new topic instead of adding another page to the thread. Hope i'll get some solution to my problem

[leigh]

I can't offer much advice with regards to schools and such, but I wanted to comment on one thing: considering that US companies have to sponsor the H1B visas that workers need, they're unlikely to do so for junior artists. As it is, there are currently a lot of CG artists who have experience who are currently out of work in the US due to economic problems. In fact, a lot of them have been coming over to the UK in the last year, because they can't find work in the US. You have to realise that you'll be competing for jobs with a lot of people who already have a fair amount of professional experience, and bearing that in mind, you can see how difficult it'll be for you, as a junior with no experience, to convince a studio to invest in the expense and effort of filing a visa petition through an immigration attorney.

In short, my recommendation, apart from your education plans, whatever they may be, would be to get a few years of experience in another country before trying in the US.

[rajbir]

I can't offer much advice with regards to schools and such, but I wanted to comment on one thing: considering that US companies have to sponsor the H1B visas that workers need, they're unlikely to do so for junior artists. As it is, there are currently a lot of CG artists who have experience who are currently out of work in the US due to economic problems. In fact, a lot of them have been coming over to the UK in the last year, because they can't find work in the US. You have to realise that you'll be competing for jobs with a lot of people who already have a fair amount of professional experience, and bearing that in mind, you can see how difficult it'll be for you, as a junior with no experience, to convince a studio to invest in the expense and effort of filing a visa petition through an immigration attorney.

In short, my recommendation, apart from your education plans, whatever they may be, would be to get a few years of experience in another country before trying in the US.


Thank you very much for your reply. i totally agree with you. Its not that US is the only option for me. Not even that i want to go to the US badly, I would love if i get to work in canada or even UK. What i heard now is the economy in UK is going down . Even the UK citizens have hard time getting jobs.

For now my plan is to go canada, finish my studies and work there. then i can think of going to the US.

[kelvincai]

You have got a decent reel for start, and should be able to get an internship. But, I do agree that you should do your BFA before Gnomon. Most countries Immigration Dept. requires an accredited undergraduate degree for working visa. Some (ie. NZ) even needs production experience, and some (ie. Japan) requires min. language skill for long-term working visa.

In addition, the schools such as USC, Gnomon, VFS, etc are valuable in both their teaching, as well as their career services and relationships with the studios. The alumni and professors with industrial connections will be your invaluable resources to land your first job. So, I would suggest to do the BFA at one of the schools suggested by those studios at their websites. While you are a graduate of Gnomon, their career services and advices about which schools for your BFA will be valuable too.

Being said the extra above, your reel will be the most important item to land your job.

[workaholicmind]

well i have on suggestion for u... after reading all about u...if u plan to go to canada go to any university or college over there n stay there for 3 years ..including ur study year like if u go to vfs for one year course extend ur visa for 2 years and keep apply to company over there if u get selected then the company will look after ur work visa even if not after 3 years u can apply for pr ( permanent residency ) over there which is easy to get after that u ur canadian u don't need work permit or anything else... i hope it might help u

[humza8b]

rajbirdhalla i am from your neighbor country Pakistan and i want to be a 3d generalist/artist as well.I had this big question on my mind as i am going to start my applications...i was thinking about Vfs(vfx and animation)/gnomon's (3 year entertainment design & digital production) v.s 3/4 years BFA degree from
SVA or Academy of arts...and i am worried that you still did not get a work permit,you have a pretty neat reel & on top of you're a Gnomon grad.

so i guess i shall be narrowing my mind to degrees then =\
i am afraid that if my visa application would be rejected,what ill be doing then? Learning by myself? i already am learning from past year(after completing my school).
P.S: I GOT SCARED :d

[workaholicmind]

rajbirdhalla i am from your neighbor country Pakistan and i want to be a 3d generalist/artist as well.I had this big question on my mind as i am going to start my applications...i was thinking about Vfs(vfx and animation)/gnomon's (3 year entertainment design & digital production) v.s 3/4 years BFA degree from
SVA or Academy of arts...and i am worried that you still did not get a work permit,you have a pretty neat reel & on top of you're a Gnomon grad.

so i guess i shall be narrowing my mind to degrees then =\
i am afraid that if my visa application would be rejected,what ill be doing then? Learning by myself? i already am learning from past year(after completing my school).
P.S: I GOT SCARED :d
firstly rajbir prob was there coz he was not graduate ..if ur a graduate that prob won't b there and if even ur not a graduate and plan to go to canada .. my advice which i gave to rajbir might even come handy to u and by d way i was curious to answer ur question coz even i m planning for same but my first choice is gnomon then vfs though... even aau was in my choices first but i droped it listening to comments abt it in others forums..

[humza8b]

yes i am aware of the Canadian residency thing,i had a plan for that ill take 1 year foundation course at vfs,then 1 year vfx & animation program followed by 6 months of character animation that makes 2.5 years..almost 3 years and the tuition would be same as GNOMON's 3 years entertainment design & digital production.i would certainly get a citizen ship...but then i dropped it as it would be again a risk and waste of money?
now i am thinking that degree is a degree =| ,ill have more time on my reel,it won't be fast paced,on campus job thing...i did not see any good rate uni in Canada for 3d animation & vfx..there are just non accredited schools,but U.S has some issues with the Pakistani people...and i fear that i won't get a visa as well..

^off the topic^^
i am looking at this motion control rig >> http://www.cameracontrol.com/reels.html
it would cost me almost x2 times my education..i am thinking to quit education & get this rig and start making some music videos lol :drool: t'wud be something new in my country HAHA..India's far ahead in cg,i love your ads;each one waters my mouth! 3d isn't introduced in tv commercials or ads in Pakistan yet..i guess i am the first one trolling around in the forums :(

[kelvincai]

I have some friends who are international students here. From what I heard, international students can't apply permanent residency with student visas, as some of them are in colleges for over 6 years and can't apply PR. And, you cannot take jobs (even part time or freelance) with a student visa. You can only apply permanent residency with certain types of working visas. In order to apply working visas, you need a company sponsor and an accredited degree (BFA, BA, BS, etc from an accredited university). Both VFS, Gnomon, and most community colleges (VanArt?) are not accredited university. I am only certain UBC and SFU in Vancouver are accredited universities. To apply citizenship, you have to work/stay in Canada continually for over 4 years (not counted the school years?).

I am not an expert of Canadian immigration laws. These are only what I heard from friends, as I grew up here. I would suggest you counsel your local Canadian/US embassy to get the exact infos.

[workaholicmind]

I have some friends who are international students here. From what I heard, international students can't apply permanent residency with student visas, as some of them are in colleges for over 6 years and can't apply PR. And, you cannot take jobs (even part time or freelance) with a student visa. You can only apply permanent residency with certain types of working visas. In order to apply working visas, you need a company sponsor and an accredited degree (BFA, BA, BS, etc from an accredited university). Both VFS, Gnomon, and most community colleges (VanArt?) are not accredited university. I am only certain UBC and SFU in Vancouver are accredited universities. To apply citizenship, you have to work/stay in Canada continually for over 4 years (not counted the school years?).

I am not an expert of Canadian immigration laws. These are only what I heard from friends, as I grew up here. I would suggest you counsel your local Canadian/US embassy to get the exact infos.

thanks for sharing ur knowledge but few things i would like to add here first gnomon is situated in usa.according to usa visa laws over there u get work visa with study visa n u can even extend ur work visa for a year after completion of ur studies guess thats wat i m looking for .. and if any command hires they will look after ur work visa that for both the places even usa and Canada both. some of my known ppl r working in canada as their company is taking care of their work visa their commany talk to Canada embassy directly n they hav just gone to study in Canada for vfs only ... n and i was not saying to extend student visa but ur tourist visa after ur completion with studies.. then i was saying u can apply for pr.but still thanks for sharing ur knowledge kelvincai i would surely get more info on the student visa thing now.n one more thing i wanted to ask r u sure about 4 years coz as per my knowledge its 3 years

[humza8b]

to get a PR in Canada you need to be there for 3 years at least,that's what i have heard and for the U.S you are just allowed to job only on campus if you're on student visa.To get a work permit you must get a H1b visa,for that you have to have a accredited degree or a solid sponsorship,who will convince the embassy that you're the only person who can do that stuff etc...

[kelvincai]

I am not sure it is 3 or 4 years, as the infos are just what I heard from friends. As immigration is an important matter, what I suggest is that you should counsel a professional of the subject matter, ie. your local embassy, an immigration agent, or your perspective school's international students service. Some of my friends are still applying PR after getting a fulltime job after graduation, but some of them are still stuck in a community college without an accredited degree. Make sure the schools you apply to could provide what you want or advice you a clear career path.

Just a quick search on Citizenship and Immigration Canada website, I guess what suite your perspective would be the Canadian Experience Class.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/index.asp

Welcome to Canada, if you decide to come =)

[rajbir]

i see. well the proper rule is
if u do 1 years study you can stay for another year
if you do 2 years of study you can stay for two year
if you study for 3 yrs you can stay for 4 years
if you study for 4 years you can stay for 4 years

The main thing is to complete the points. Which is 67 . you need to complete your 67 points. and you need to have 4 years of work experience if u are studying BA and only then u are eligible to apply for work permit.

If u are doing MA then u need to have 67 points and 2 years of work experience.

OK apart from that.

I have applied to North island University and University of Manitoba.
Do you guys know if they are accredited?

[workaholicmind]

i see. well the proper rule is
if u do 1 years study you can stay for another year
if you do 2 years of study you can stay for two year
if you study for 3 yrs you can stay for 4 years
if you study for 4 years you can stay for 4 years

The main thing is to complete the points. Which is 67 . you need to complete your 67 points. and you need to have 4 years of work experience if u are studying BA and only then u are eligible to apply for work permit.

If u are doing MA then u need to have 67 points and 2 years of work experience.

OK apart from that.

I have applied to North island University and University of Manitoba.
Do you guys know if they are accredited?

no idea about those colleges though i guess kelvin can answer taht betetr but i was curious to ask wats r 67 points ?.. i did'nt understood that

[kelvincai]

You can get loads of info about university in Canada thru Macleans

http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/

Every highschoolers in Canada get a copy when they apply university.

[workaholicmind]

to get a PR in Canada you need to be there for 3 years at least,that's what i have heard and for the U.S you are just allowed to job only on campus if you're on student visa.To get a work permit you must get a H1b visa,for that you have to have a accredited degree or a solid sponsorship,who will convince the embassy that you're the only person who can do that stuff etc...
did'nt knew about that h1b visa would search on that but i would like to add about f1b visa that basically student visa which allows 28 months work permit after completion of studies by the time u can look for employee for h1b visa . if any one u can put light on fib visa more it would b great otherwise even f1b visa is good enough

[workaholicmind]

do u know about 67 points which rajbir was talking about or abt h1b or f1b visa ?

[rajbir]

Additionally, Canada Federal Skilled Worker (Professional) applicants must attain at least 67 points based on Citizenship and Immigration Canada's (CIC) immigration selection factors.
The selection factors are summarized as follows:

Education: Applicants are awarded up to 25 points.
Language Skills: Applicants are awarded up to 24 points.
Work Experience: Applicants are awarded up to 21 points.
Age: Applicants are awarded up to 10 points.
Arranged Employment: Applicants are awarded up to 10 points.
Adaptability: Applicants are awarded up to 10 points.


If u want in details here is the link

http://www.canadavisa.com/canadian-skilled-worker-immigration.html

[workaholicmind]

Additionally, Canada Federal Skilled Worker (Professional) applicants must attain at least 67 points based on Citizenship and Immigration Canada's (CIC) immigration selection factors.
The selection factors are summarized as follows:

Education: Applicants are awarded up to 25 points.
Language Skills: Applicants are awarded up to 24 points.
Work Experience: Applicants are awarded up to 21 points.
Age: Applicants are awarded up to 10 points.
Arranged Employment: Applicants are awarded up to 10 points.
Adaptability: Applicants are awarded up to 10 points.


If u want in details here is the link

http://www.canadavisa.com/canadian-skilled-worker-immigration.html

thanks rajbir for that information didn't knew about that though...by d way which visa were you under i m sure u would have f1b visa i guess so u they allow u to work coz u were not graduate or what coz i guess f1b visa allows 28 months of work visa extension...n would b glad if u could put some light on f1b and h1b, i m sure u might have some knowledge of them. n sorry i know ur in a lil trouble though so i was not asking u in start but can u provide a lil review about gnomon college i was looking forward for it ... n more of its housing i know gnomon does not provide it though..so how do i manage housing at early stages ...i would appreciate if u tell me that also

[colesslaw]

I have several points of interest you may want to consider:
1) If you are looking for a 3d/modeling accredited degree program, there are few (if not none) in canada. There are animation-specific degrees, but since you are looking at modeling that may not be what you want. If you want a 3d modeling degree specifically, look in the US.
2) If your goal is to work in the US, the big US studios have a much better relationship with US schools than out of country schools.
3) If you do your degree in the states you will have a US (F-1)student visa. Which means, as far as I know, you can apply for a certain permit that goes with the F-1 visa for internship purposes and for up to 1 year after your graduation. And internships open up doors that you may not otherwise be able to open.

[workaholicmind]

I have several points of interest you may want to consider:
1) If you are looking for a 3d/modeling accredited degree program, there are few (if not none) in canada. There are animation-specific degrees, but since you are looking at modeling that may not be what you want. If you want a 3d modeling degree specifically, look in the US.
2) If your goal is to work in the US, the big US studios have a much better relationship with US schools than out of country schools.
3) If you do your degree in the states you will have a US (F-1)student visa. Which means, as far as I know, you can apply for a certain permit that goes with the F-1 visa for internship purposes and for up to 1 year after your graduation. And internships open up doors that you may not otherwise be able to open.
thanks colesslaw going through ur profile u seems a student of VFS...can u put any light on how international student get work permit over there after completion of courses. the only thing i know so far is permanent residency though

[colesslaw]

thanks colesslaw going through ur profile u seems a student of VFS...can u put any light on how international student get work permit over there after completion of courses. the only thing i know so far is permanent residency though

Sorry Mohit, but I don't have an answer to your question. I am from Canada so I never bothered with the immigration conversations the school has for international students. Perhaps you should make a post in the VFS thread and someone there might be able to answer your question.

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