Canada Visa Made Easy

Caregivers New Requirements

2011-07-18T23:03:00.000-07:00

TORONTO--Employers hiring caregivers from the Philippines are now strictly required to have their employment contracts verified with the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) before the documents are processed by the Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in Manila and the workers allowed to leave for Canada.

The new requirement was in response to reports of bogus employers, workers being released upon arrival, and distressed workers being terminated or abandoned by their employers.

To have the documents verified, the employment contract should include the condition that the employer, shall among others, be responsible for the cost of two-way transportation to and from the place of origin, and for health coverage of the worker, where applicable, from the time of arrival until the provincial health insurance applies.

Employers are also required to terminate employment only for just cause, and in case of work-related deaths, to be responsible for the repatriation of remains.

The standard employment contract submitted by employers to Service Canada for issuance of the Labour Market Opinion (LMO), usually does not contain those requirements. A positive LMO is required for the employer to recruit workers outside Canada.

The additional contract requirements have been part of the regulations by the Philippine government for workers being deployed overseas. In addition, beginning December, 2006, agencies and recruiters are prohibited from collecting placement fees from this household service workers.

This was disclosed by Frank Luna, consular officer in charge of the POLO in Toronto. Asked on the basis of the additional conditions after the LMO, Luna, a former practising lawyer in Toronto, explained that “the contract, while approved for LMO purposes, is still a private contract between the employer and the worker. That being the case, such contract is still subject to the laws and policies of the Philippines, which can prescribe additional conditions to protect the interests of its nationals going abroad.”

Luna added that terms and conditions in the contract that are submitted to Service Canada provide only the minimum labour standard requirements, and may not cover or address fully the foreign workers' special needs. In this regard, he said “contracting parties to a private agreement can stipulate on additional conditions, provided such terms and conditions are not contrary to law, morals, public policy, or customs and traditions of both Canada and the Philippines.”

“There is nothing contrary to law or policy of both countries in the additional provisions that we require, Luna clarified, adding that, “Canadian legal precedents, in fact, lean towards interpreting contracts in favour of enhancing workers' benefits and rights.”

At the same time, the labour official also said that laws and regulations in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba prohibit the collection of recruitment or placement fees from workers.

He asked that those violating the “no-placement fee” policy in those provinces and victimizing Filipino workers, be reported to the POLO and to the provincial officials concerned for appropriate action. Labour accords signed by the Philippines with Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Manitoba, and the forthcoming memorandum of understanding with Alberta, expressly provide against the collection of recruitment fees from the workers, with such costs to be charged to the employer.

“At this time that we are looking forward to more Filipino workers coming to Canada, those unscrupulous individuals should now be identified and prevented from taking advantage of the more vulnerable sectors of our society in order that the goals of ethical and orderly deployment of our workers as contemplated in our bilateral agreements are achieved,” Luna said.

The POLO has outlined the new procedure and requirements as follows:

1. The additional provisions in the contract that the employer has to conform by her/his signature (to be attached as an additional page to the contract):

“ ADDENDUM TO EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

The Employer undertakes to be responsible for:

1. cost of 2-way transportation to and from Canada;

2. health coverage for the employee before the provincial health insurance applies;

3. termination of employment shall only be for cause;

4. in case of work-related death, cost of repatriation of remains to the Philippines;

Employer Employee

Date ______________”

2. With the signed addendum, the Employer shall forward to the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) the signed employment contract and copy of the Labour Market Opinion for our verification by POLO and authentication by the Philippine Consulate, enclosing a pre-paid return envelope. The original signatures of the Employer on the documents (even if faxed or scanned) are required for verification.

The mailing address is: Philippine Overseas Labour Office, 801-161 Eglinton Ave. East, Toronto, ON, M4p 1J5.

3. Verification fee is US10.00, payable to the Philippines Overseas Labour Office and consular authentication fee of CAD$28.75 payable to the Philippine Consulate General, preferably in money order (which costs less than bank drafts or certified cheques). Official receipts will be issued.

4. We shall be sending back the verified and authenticated documents to the Employer in the return envelope provided, who shall in turn send the documents over to the worker for submission to POEA for his/her exit clearance.

5. In urgent cases, i.e. when flights have already been booked, the POLO may on request, and after having already verified the documents, advise the POEA to release the exit clearance ahead of the original verified documents.

PRESS RELEASE
Philippine Overseas Labor Office

Canada's 3rd Priority List - Ministerial Instruction 3

2011-07-04T00:29:00.000-07:00

CANADA is now OPEN again for IMMIGRANTS!

We now have an idea what the 3rd Ministerial Instruction (MI-3) would be like. The list of 29 in-demand occupations would be retained. However, details on new application requirements and procedures would be made available only on July 1, 2011.

So far, here's what's certain:

1. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will limit the intake of new applications to 10,000 between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012.

2. Only maximum of 500 applications per occupation would be considered.

Eligibility criteria for federal skilled worker applications as of July 1, 2011

Under changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, federal skilled worker applications are assessed for eligibility according to the criteria listed below. Note: This does not apply to applicants intending to live in the province of Quebec.

These criteria affect you only if you applied on or after July 1, 2011. If your application was received before July 1, 2011, it will be processed according to the rules that were in effect at that time.

Note: If you are applying under one of the 29 eligible occupations, as of July 1, 2011, a maximum of 10,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications will be considered for processing in the following 12 months. Within the 10,000 cap, a maximum of 500 federal skilled worker applications per eligible occupation will be considered for processing each year.

Is my application eligible for processing?

CURRENT PRIORITY LIST:

- 0631 Restaurant and Food Service Managers
- 0811 Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture)
- 1122 Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management
- 1233 Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners
- 2121 Biologists and Related Scientists
- 2151 Architects
- 3111 Specialist Physicians
- 3112 General Practitioners and Family Physicians
- 3113 Dentists
- 3131 Pharmacists
- 3142 Physiotherapists
- 3152 Registered Nurses
- 3215 Medical Radiation Technologists
- 3222 Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists
- 3233 Licensed Practical Nurses
- 4151 Psychologists
- 4152 Social Workers
- 6241 Chefs
- 6242 Cooks
- 7215 Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
- 7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades
- 7241 Electricians (Except Industrial & Power System)
- 7242 Industrial Electricians
- 7251 Plumbers
- 7265 Welders & Related Machine Operators
- 7312 Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
- 7371 Crane Operators
- 7372 Drillers & Blasters - Surface Mining, Quarrying & Construction
- 8222 Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service

July Canada Priority List

2011-06-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

Federal Skilled Worker –The list of 29 eligible occupations remains the same for the coming 12 months. However, between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012, CIC will only accept a maximum of 10,000 applications for processing under this category of immigration with a cap or limit of 500 applications considered in any one of the eligible occupations. Applicants who have a validated job offer from a Canadian employer will not be affected by the cap limit.

I would like to stress out that applicants must ready their applications as soon as possible. Many applicants had anticipated already of their occupation will be included in the list thus preparing as early as possible. Their documents are all ready and can be submitted this coming july 1.

Just like I said before getting ahead of everyone is your biggest asset in securing your immigrant visa for Canada.

Canada’s postal service is on strike. Find out how this affects you.

2011-06-10T01:08:00.000-07:00

The Canada Post Corporation and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers failed to reach a deal on negotiating a new collective agreement. As a result, the postal workers began a strike effective 11:59 PM EDT Thursday, June 2, 2011.

This will affect you if:

Submitting an application for temporary residence or extending your status

If you are already in Canada and wish to apply for a Study Permit, a Work Permit, an Off-Campus Work Permit or a Post-Graduation Work Permit, or you wish to Extend Your Stay as a Visitor, you are strongly encouraged to submit your application online. Find out how to complete an online application.

Submitting a new application (permanent residence or citizenship) or missing documents

All application forms and guides can be downloaded and most forms will need to be couriered to us.

If you choose to use a courier, please make sure to submit your completed application to the address provided in the application package, ensuring that you include the fee receipt and all the necessary documents.

Ensure you provide an e-mail address when you fill out your application form so that Citizenship and Immigration (CIC) may communicate with you by e-mail.

Your status is about to expire during the strike

If your temporary resident status (e.g., as a worker, student or visitor) is about to expire, you should ensure that your application to extend your status is received by CIC before your status expires as shown on your immigration document. If you do this, your period of authorized stay as a temporary resident will be extended by law until a decision is made and you are notified. In this case, you are considered to have implied status as a temporary resident during that time, as long as you stay in Canada.

Note: “Implied status” only applies if your conditions do not change. For example, if you apply to renew your study permit and the permit expires before you receive an answer, you can continue to study in Canada until you receive a decision. If you hold a work permit, you may continue working under the same conditions as your previous work permit while on implied status if you have applied to extend your stay in Canada as a worker.

As a temporary measure, if your status is about to expire during the postal strike and you cannot use online applications or courier services to extend your status as a temporary resident, CIC will grant you an implied status for the length of the strike. In that case, you will be given a one-month grace period after the strike to submit an application to extend your status without having to restore your status.

You have lost your status

You may apply to restore your status only if you have not been out of status for more than 90 days.

After you apply to restore your status, you may stay in Canada until a decision is made on your application, but you are not allowed to work or study until your status has been restored. There is no guarantee that your application will be approved.

Applications to restore status must be made from within Canada – restoration cannot be granted at ports of entry. If you leave Canada, you will be deemed to be seeking a new entry on your return and will not be eligible for status restoration.

You have already sent your application but it might not have arrived before the strike

If you have submitted an application and you are concerned that it might not be received because of the postal strike, you should keep all of your receipts, which will be an indication that your application is in process. If the application is urgent and it meets CIC’s criteria for urgent processing, you are advised to re-send your application via courier and request a refund on your original payment after the strike is over.

Processing times and application status

Please note that the estimated application processing times in Canada available on the website may be longer than expected given the interruption in mail services. You may be able to view your application status online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please be aware that our automated voice response system at the CIC National Call Centre may also be able to provide you with information about the status of your application.

Fee payment

For your application to be considered complete, you must include the correct fee payment. Due to the postal strike, you are encouraged to pay the fees online. This service is available for most immigration and citizenship applications.

You may also pay fees at a Canadian financial institution. If you cannot or do not want to pay online, you must get an original receipt of payment form IMM 5401 so that you can pay at a financial institution (such as a bank or Western Union). You must include a copy of this receipt when you apply. Normally, the HPM receipt (IMM 5401) is ordered online or through the CIC Call Centre and mailed to the applicant. However, due to the postal strike, if you want to pay the fees at a Canadian financial institution, you may go to your local CIC office and request the IMM 5401 in person. You may consult the CIC website for information on offices open to the public and their operating hours.

Please note that application fees will not be accepted at local offices.

Incorrect or missing fee payments or incomplete applications may result in additional delays in processing your application.

If you are applying from overseas and you have not already sent your application, you can send it by courier or wait until the end of the postal strike.

Biometric Scanning for Canada Visa Applicants

2011-06-07T00:10:00.000-07:00

Federal Immigration Minister Jason Kenney's office has confirmed Canada will soon roll out biometric scanning for travellers seeking visas to Canada, but it won't say which country will be first.

On Friday, the Toronto Star reported the federal government is planning to roll out the first phase of the $200-million electronic fingerprinting program in India because of ongoing concerns about widespread immigration fraud on applications from that country.

But spokeswoman Celyeste Power said the story isn't true and there has been no decision yet on which countries are going to get the biometrics.

"There hasn't actually been a decision yet on which countries are going to be involved in biometrics," she said. "There are countries in discussion right now ... No one's being leaned towards."

Power wouldn't say which countries are being considered for the program, but said the ministry expects to make a decision in early fall, or sometime in 2012.

The government announced in 2008 it was moving to biometrics, which is considered more reliable than the use of subjective photo identification by immigration agents, because it uses digital measurements that can be stored on computers and magnetic strips.

In the 2008 budget, the government said, “Border security remains a priority for Canadians. Criminals are increasingly more sophisticated and well funded, including those who engage in document fraud to illegally move people or goods across borders," according the immigration ministry's website.

"Further to biometric field trials in Canada that were successfully completed in 2007, the government will introduce the use of biometric data, such as fingerprints and live photographs, in its visa-issuing process to accurately verify identity and travel documents of foreign nationals who enter Canada," says the website.

*source yahoo.com

Construction Related Proffessions and the Canada New Priority Applications

2011-06-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

A new endeavor has been launched by Canada Construction Sector Council for recruiting foreign workers in Canada.

The new resource will prove to be of significant help for bringing the aspiring immigrants wanting to work in Canada construction sector and the employers in Canada construction industry.

New source to provide information about labor market in Canada--According to executive director of Canada’s Construction Sector Council (CSC), George Gritziotis, the new toll will provide vital information with regard to the current and future labor market conditions in Canada. It will help in growth of jobs in Canada. Gritziotis added.

Platform for immigrant workers and employers in Canada construction sector-- Aptly named the Construction Employer’s Roadmap, the new effort is aimed to assist Canada employers and all those in federal HR (human resources) programs check foreign credentials of immigrant workers for enabling them realize their full potential in Canada construction sector.

It will prove to be a good platform for potential job seekers and employers in Canada construction industry since it will help connect temporary foreign workers to fulfill the demand in the industry, Gritziotis added.

Demand in Canada construction industry to grow in future—Due to a slow but sustained growth in the Canada construction sector and 25 percent of construction workers set to retire in the next decade, the growth of workers in Canada construction is set to increase, pointed Gritziotis citing latest reports.

Hiring and retaining required number of workforce in construction sector of Canada could be a challenge despite the fact that Canada has an increasing number of skilled immigrants to replace those nearing the retirement age, he asserted.

New guide helpful for employers—The new guide, Construction Employer’s Roadmap, imparts crucial information regarding the significance of immigration advisors and employment agencies. In addition, it also provides knowledge about different immigration schemes of Canada available for foreigners wanting to work in Canada, temporary residents of Canada and Canada permanent residents.

It gives much needed knowledge regarding assessment of work-experience in other nations, making offers of jobs, development of orientation schemes and retaining workforce.

The new tool has been provided funding by Canada immigration department-CIC(Citizenship and Immigration Canada). Canada immigration minister Jason Kenney expressed pride of the government in supporting the efforts of Canada’s Construction Sector Council while admitting the importance of immigration in supporting the required workforce in Canada.

*source: www.canadaupdates.com

Economist Makes Case In Canada Immigration Application

2011-06-01T00:56:00.000-07:00

Some economists in Canada are saying that Canada should welcome another 100,000 immigrants a year.

York University's Tony Fang and the University of Toronto's Peter Dungan and Morley Gunderson say that raising immigration numbers in Canada will increase gross domestic product, lead to increased investment in the Canadian property market, and lead to increased spending which will boost Government tax revenues.

Canada already welcomes 250,000 immigrants a year, more immigrants per capita than any other Country in the world.

Canada's political climate is already largely pro-immigration. In contrast to European Countries, Canada's major political parties support more immigration.

Canada has a number of skilled immigration routes such as the Provincial Nominee Program and the Federal Skilled Worker program, and a number business immigration schemes. Canada also has a number of family based immigration schemes.

Let us all hope that the New Priority List this coming month will be in favor to us so you could start preparing for your Canada Visa Application Process.

Canada Visa Application One Month to Go!

2011-06-01T00:49:00.000-07:00

If you wish to emigrate to Canada under the Canada Skilled worker immigration category you only have about one month left before the new occupation list comes into place. If you have at least one year experience in one of the 24 occupations that are still on the list you should apply as soon as possible. There is no guarantee that your occupation will still be an eligible occupation for the Canada skilled worker category when the new list is announced.

The list below is relevant for skilled worker applications made on or after 26 June 2010. Over a twelve month period a maximum of 20,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications can be considered for processing. There is also a cap of one thousand applications per occupation.

If you have an offer of arranged employment you can also apply under the skilled worker category. However, you will need to have obtained a positive Arranged Employment Opinion from Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC). Generally, this means that you will need to show that there are insufficient people locally in Canada who can do the job. There is no limit on the number of skilled worker applications that can be made for those who have arranged employment.

If you do not have arranged employment you will need to come under one of the occupations below (excluding any occupations where the cap has been reached).

0631 Restaurant and Food Service Managers (Cap reached)
0811 Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture)
1122 Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management (Cap reached)
1233 Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners
2121 Biologists and Related Scientists
2151 Architects
3111 Specialist Physicians
3112 General Practitioners and Family Physicians
3113 Dentists (Cap reached)
3131 Pharmacists (Cap reached)
3142 Physiotherapists
3152 Registered Nurses (Cap reached)
3215 Medical Radiation Technologists
3222 Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists
3233 Licensed Practical Nurses
4151 Psychologists
4152 Social Workers
6241 Chefs
6242 Cooks
7215 Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades
7241 Electricians (Except Industrial & Power System)
7242 Industrial Electricians
7251 Plumbers
7265 Welders & Related Machine Operators
7312 Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
7371 Crane Operators
7372 Drillers & Blasters - Surface Mining, Quarrying & Construction
8222 Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service

If you think you are qualified in any of these priority occupations we at CIC will gladly assisst you in your Canada Immigration Visa application.

Follow this Canada Visa News and Blog to update you of the current trends in Canada Visa Applications.

List of Requirements Updated

2011-05-30T23:20:00.000-07:00

IDENTITY AND CIVIL STATUS DOCUMENTSShould be NSO Authenticated

Provide birth certificates or other official document confirming identity for you and each of your family members.
Marriage certificates

CHILDREN’S INFORMATION (IF APPLICABLE)

Children’s birth certificates
Adoption papers issued by recognized national authorities showing the legal, approved adoption of adopted dependent children.
Proof of custody for children under the age of 18 and proof that the children may be removed from the jurisdiction of the court
If the other parent of your children is not accompanying you to Canada, you must submit a signed copy of the "Declaration From Non-Accompanying Parent/Guardian For Minors Immigrating To Canada" form IMM5406 for each child consenting to their travel to Canada along with a copy of the non-accompanying parent's photo ID showing their signature.
If the children will not accompany you to Canada, proof that you have fulfilled any obligation stated in custody agreements
Proof of continuous full-time studies of all dependent children aged 22 or over, including:

complete school records/transcripts since before attaining age 22;
letters from the schools indicating the number of hours of classes attended per day, and the number of days attended per week;
proof of full financial support by parents since before attaining age 22.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND PASSPORTS

Copies of passports or travel documents for you, your spouse or common-law partner and your dependent children. Include only copies of pages showing:
the passport number,
date of issue and expiry,
your photo, name, date and place of birth.
If you live in a country different from your nationality, include a photocopy of your visa for the country where you currently live.
You must hold a valid regular passport; diplomatic, official, service or public affairs passports are not valid for immigration to Canada.

PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP IN CANADA (IF APPLICABLE)

Proof of relationship to your qualified first degree relative (see definition below) in Canada, including a family tree and birth, marriage or adoption certificates.
If your close relative is a permanent resident of Canada: One photocopy of either his or her Record of Landing (IMM 1000), or Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Permanent Resident Card.
If your close relative is a Canadian citizen: One document showing proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a photocopy of the bio-data of their Canadian passport or a copy of their Canadian citizenship card.

Evidence to show that your listed relative is currently residing in Canada (Submit a maximum of three (3) documents confirming residence.) This may include copies of:

lease agreements,
current Revenue Canada Notice of Assessments,
employer's letter confirming their employment, or
the first page only of monthly bills showing name and address, etc.

Definition of "qualified first degree relative": A "qualified first degree relative" is a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, child of a parent, sibling, child of a grandparent, aunt or uncle, or grandchild of a parent, niece or nephew of you or your accompanying spouse who is residing in Canada and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

EDUCATION/TRAINING/QUALIFICATIONSFor you and your spouse or common-law partner:

Post-secondary education documents: copies of vocational or technical certificates or diplomas;
College or university documents: copies of certification of completion and the graduation degree, diploma, or certificate issued by the college or university and the evaluation committee;
Transcripts: certified true copies of transcripts of all degrees.
If you are currently in a program of study, provide a letter from the Department Head advising the date of expected completion of your course work and expected graduation date;
Professional qualifications certificates: copies of professional qualifications certificates. (e.g., Engineer, Accountant, Registered Nurse, Physician, Teacher, Architect).

Note: Do not submit certificates from routine training courses, certificates of appreciation or attendance certificates.

WORK EXPERIENCE
For you and your spouse or common-law partner:

copies of employment contracts from your present and past employers, accompanied by an English or French translation
original and up-to-date employment certificates from your current and past employers for the ten (10) years preceding the date of your application. Letters must be written on company letterhead, be signed by the responsible officer/supervisor and show the company's full address, telephone, fax numbers, email address and website and be stamped with the company's official seal.

Letters must include all of the following information:

the specific period of your employment with the company
the positions you have held during the period of employment and the time spent in each position
your main responsibilities and duties in each position
your total annual salary plus benefits
the number of hours worked per week
the signature of your immediate supervisor or the personnel officer of the company
a business card of the signatory

Note: If you cannot provide an employment certificate from an employer, provide a written explanation and any other documentation that would support your claim to such employment and provide the information as set forth above.

PROOF OF LANGUAGE PROFICIENCYTest results from an approved language-testing organization: You must submit test results. You must provide the original. Photocopies are unacceptable. Language test results must not be older than one year upon submission.

Proof of language proficiency is required for your application to be considered complete, otherwise it will be returned to you.

ARRANGED EMPLOYMENT (IF APPLICABLE)
If you are currently working in Canada under a work permit, provide:

a photocopy of the permit, and
a letter from your employer indicating that you will be employed indetermi-nately upon receiving permanent resident status.

If you have a permanent job offer confirmed by Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC), provide:

a photocopy of the HRSDC/Service Canada confirmation letter (Arranged Employment Opinion) which was sent to your employer and
a letter from your prospective employer indicating that you will be employed indeterminately upon receiving permanent resident status.

The original version of the "letter from your employer" or "letter from your prospective employer" must be:

written on company letterhead,
signed by the responsible officer/supervisor,
show the company's full address, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail and website addresses and
stamped with the company's official seal (if applicable)

Letters must include all of the following information:

the specific period of your anticipated employment with the company
the position you will hold during employment
your main responsibilities and duties in anticipated position
your total annual salary plus benefits
the number of hours per week you are anticipated to work
a business card of the person signing

WORK OR STUDY IN CANADA (IF APPLICABLE)
If you or your spouse or common-law partner are/were an international student:

proof that you've legally resided in Canada for at least 12 months before submitting your application
a photocopy of your study permit
proof of your student status
proof of enrollment from your educational institution.a temporary foreign worker
proof that you've legally resided in Canada for at least 12 months be-fore submitting your application
a photocopy of your work permit
letter of employment (employment certification)
any other evidence of employment in Canada

NON-ACCOMPANYING FAMILY MEMBERS DECLARATION (IF APPLICABLE):Failure to have a family member examined with your application will result in their future exclusion from the Family Class for sponsorship for immigration to Canada.

SETTLEMENT FUNDS
Provide proof of unencumbered and readily transferable funds in a convertible currency available for settlement in Canada (for you and your family members whether accompanying or not):

current bank certification letter showing evidence of savings balance;
evidence of fixed or time deposit statements;
evidence of any other assets.

http://www.gatewaytocanada.com/2010/01/settlement-funds-requirement-january.html
If applicable, submit proof of ownership (by you and/or your spouse or common-law partner) and an official statement of valuation for all assets such as:

house, apartment,
automobile, or
land owned.

POLICE CERTIFICATES AND CLEARANCES
Please consult our Web site at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/index.asp for specific and up-to-date information on how to obtain police certificates from any country in which you have lived for over (6) six months since the age of 18 years.

PHOTO REQUIREMENTS
Supply six (6) photos taken within the past six (6) months for each member of your family and yourself. The photos must:

measure between 25 mm and 30 mm (1” and 1 1/5”) from chin to crown;
have a 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8” x 1 3/4”) finished size.

Note: On the back of each photograph, write the name and of birth of the person who appears in the photo as well as the date the photo was taken.

Free Canada Visa Scam

2011-05-30T23:03:00.000-07:00

So you filed an application, you were promised a 6-12 months processing by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. In the middle of the process, you were told that it may take up to years more to process your application.

And then suddenly, you received an e-mail message from noreply@cic.gc.ca advising you that you have been selected for a free Canadian visa. Should you be happy?

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has been advised of an Internet visa scam that involves a convincing copy of the CIC website. An e-mail message (noreply@cic.gc.ca) advises recipients that: “they have been selected for a free Canadian visa” and it includes a link to a fraudulent website: http://aslcpanthers.com/visa.html

E-mail recipients are asked up front to provide personal information and pay an initial fee.

Beware of Internet scams and false websites. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)’s official website home page is www.cic.gc.ca. Remember, if even one chahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifracter is different, that means it’s a different website. All Government of Canada websites end in “.gc.ca”

DON’T BE THE VICTIM OF A SCAM. If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Do not pay for offers of guaranteed entry into Canada or faster processing of your application. These claims are false. No one can guarantee you a job or a visa to Canada.

The Upcoming Ministerial Instruction 3 (New Priority Occupations) and Appilcation Backlogs

2011-05-30T23:01:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Visa Office in Manila is yet to finish applications filed in 2004. Yes, there are applicants who have been waiting for more than 6 years now. Imagine how many applications are pending between 2005 and 2007. There's a huge backlogs there.

Then recently, the visa office in Manila was explaining that there is a delay in processing for applications filed under Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1). The office said it may take about two years to process them all. The visa office also said they are prioritizing applications filed under MI-2 because they are the ones needed in Canada. But who are they kidding? Nurses, Electricians, Physicians filed under MI-1 should not be delayed following their own logic. In fact, because of suce explanation, some applicants (nurses and physicians for example) are thinking of withdrawing their application filed under MI-1 with the end in view of filing it under MI-2. Citizneship and Immigration Canada created this mess, the application should not be punished by letting them wait longer than promised.

And then a new Ministerila Instruction will be issued on or before July 1, 2011. What do you think will be the directives uner Ministerial Instruction 3 (MI-3) this time?

Considering the backlogs, there could be fewer list of occupations to be identified as priority list. Furthermore, the number of applications to be received (cap) could also be dramatically reduced. Currently, the cap is set at 1,000 per occupations. These are just speculations but highly possible. So you better be ready to file your application immediately once your occupation is included in the priority list.

The visa office needs to address its backlogs badly. But I'm concerned in the trend I'm seeing in the way the visa office in Manila is refusing an application due to insufficient documents to support employment and or relatives in Canada. Sometimes you will wonder how did they come up with such a conclusion because the documents were actually there. In some cases, their explanation as to whay an application was refused doesn't even match the actual points awarded. The applicants can of course appeal their case but it will take time. And it isn't fair. I just hope that this isn't the visa office's way of cleaning up the backlogs. Not good.

Reactions on Canada Visa Processing Delay

2011-05-30T22:59:00.000-07:00

After posting Canadian Visa Office Manila's explanation about delay in processing, I've got several reactions from my blog readers. Some were enlightened while some others were disappointed.

I can understand why many were disappointed. The visa office's explanation actually doesn't make sense. It's illogical.

Here's a part of the visa office's explanation:

CIC’s goal is to make the immigration system more responsive to labour market needs. By giving priority to FSW applications received on or after June 26, 2010, CIC is responding to the most urgent labour market needs first.

The thing is nurses, physicians, etc are included in both Ministerial Instructions. Now, are nurses filed under Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1) got different skills from nurses filed under Ministerial Instruction 2 (MI-2). Who is to tell that nurses under MI-2 would best respond to labor market needs than nurses MI-1? Oh, right, the Immigration Minister.

To come up with a decision is one thing. That is understandable considering the volume of applications the visa office is processing. Go ahead and prioritize those that are really needed in Canada. They don't have medical examination that may expire anyway.

But for Pete's sake, why delay those who have already done the medical exam and have submitted their passports for visa stamping? Why do they have to wait for more than 6 months while some applicants got theirs in less than 2 months after submission of passports?

It isn't just about volume, I guess. Something is really wrong.

Processing Delays of Canada Visa Applications

2011-05-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

Finally, the Canadian Visa Office in Manila spelled it out not just the usual reply that the application is in process and that applicants need to be patient.

On our follow up letter dated May 3, 2011 asking for specific explanation and status of several clients waiting longer than the promised processing period, this is their reply:

Changes to immigration law in 2008 allow Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(CIC) to set, through Ministerial Instructions (MI), the number and type of applications considered for processing each year, and the order in which these applications will be processed.

Under the first set of instructions (MI-1) CIC used this new authority under immigration law to control the type of applications received, but not the number. The number of applications received exceed the ability to process them in a timely way. CIC introduced caps on June 26, 2010 on the FSW program as part of the second MI. CIC has limited the intake of new FSW applications to better match the number CIC can actually process within the annual levels plan tabled in Parliament. FSW applications under the second MI are processed on a priority basis.

CIC has received enough FSW applications since February 27, 2008 to reach immigration levels for the next two years. Unfortunately, it will take longer to process those submitted under the first set of instructions (between February 27, 2008 and June 25, 2010) than originally projected.

This number represents more than twice the number of projected admissions under the program in 2011. Therefore, few applications received before February 27, 2008 (processed in the order they are received) are expected to be processed this year or next.

CIC’s goal is to make the immigration system more responsive to labour market needs. By giving priority to FSW applications received on or after June 26, 2010, CIC is responding to the most urgent labour market needs first. The length of time it takes to finalize an application under this program varies from one visa office to another since visa offices face different challenges. CIC continues to work towards global service standards and the use of departmental standard forms to minimize such regional
variations as much as possible.

Prior to this, similar notice but a more detailed one from Canadian Visa Office New Delhi, India was posted in other online forums for Canada Immigration. Here's the content:

We are in the process of working with HQ to update processing information globally in this program. For New Delhi, our revised standard replies will provide information along the lines below. Please note that the processing of cases who applied under Ministerial Instructions II before those who applied under Ministerial Instructions I, was a policy decision taken by the government of Canada.

If you applied as a Federal Skilled Worker on or after February 27, 2008 and before June 26, 2010 , your application will take two years or more to be processed. This is due to the fact that Canada received over 425,000 applications under this program during this period.

* Unfortunately, it will take longer to process federal skilled worker applications submitted under the first set of instructions (between February 27, 2008 and June 25, 2010) than originally projected.

* During this time, the department received applications for more than 425,000 people, and 144,000 of these have not yet received a decision.

* This number represents more than twice the number of projected admissions under the federal skilled worker program in 2011, so many of these applicants will have to wait two years or more to be processed.

Please advise your clients accordingly, thank you.

David Manicom
Minister and Immigration Program Manager
Area Director, South Asia
Canadian High Commis

So there. There is a backlog due to high volume of applications received under Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1).

I have said it before and I'm saying it again. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT the visa office via email or fax for status updatescas. You can check your application status online. But should there be an aspect of your application that is not routine and you are concerned that is what is delaying processing, then by all means contact the visa office. You need to understand that high volume of requests requires many hours of work on the part of the visa office to respond, and this is time that you would prefer they spend processing your applications thane responding to you status update requests.

Unfair for MI 1 applicatants? Yes. But it's not the worst. The Canadian Visa Office in Manila is yet to finish 2004 applications - those that filed prior to February 2008.

Patience is a virtue.

Live In Caregivers Canada

2011-05-30T00:59:00.000-07:00

By July 1 2011, We are all expecting the impending change of list of priority list of Canada. New Professions will be open and new opportunities will be taken. Lets halt first on talking about immigration program and lets discuss the chances of having a work visa in Canada.

Make a wild guess. Which country do you think sends the biggest temporary foreign worker in Canada? As we all know that there is North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which enable mexicans and americans to work in canada freely. But those countries are not the answer. The answer according to the recent survey is the Philippines. Yes you read it right we are the number one exporters of foreign workers in Canada. There are 51,325 Pinoy foreign workers in Canada as of 2009. Most of them are under the Live in Caregiver Program in Canada.

The Live-in Caregiver program is a quid pro quo proposition. The deal is they come, they toil at the jobs that Canadians don’t want and they eventually are granted permanent residency, which then leads to citizenship. The ‘they’ are for the most part women and by and large nationals of the Philippines.

A Live-in caregiver in Canada must first complete two years of work (within 36 months) before becoming eligible to submit an application for permanent residence. The applicant’s spouse and/or children may be included in the application. It’s a lengthy process that can easily add a couple of years to the time the family remains apart. Government statistics tell us that more than 90% of those who enter Canada as live-in-caregivers ultimately apply for permanent residence and 98% are successful.

If you have an employer in Canada or does not know how to process your live in caregiver application contact us we might able to help you.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Strategic Initiative (MPNP Strategic Initiative)

2011-05-12T00:07:00.000-07:00

If your occupation is not included in the list of priority occupations, you are unlikely eligible to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker program, unless you have an Arranged Employment. Finding an employer in Canada who is willing to sponsor you is not that easy.

One of the alternatives if you want to live and work in Canada is Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. There are many application streams available depending on your circumstances. If you have immediate relatives or two friends willing to sponsor you, you may be eligible!

What? You don't know anybody in Manitoba? No problem. There's MPNP Strategic Initiative available for you!

You could be eligible to apply under MPNP Strategic Initiative if you have been interviewed by a MPNP officer and received an invitation to apply as part of a targeted promotion and recruitment initiative or have been given an invitation to apply after participating in a pre-approved Exploratory Visit to Manitoba and had an interview with a MPNP officer.

You need to meet the following criteria for exploratory visits to Manitoba

1. You are between the ages of 21 to 49.

2. You have completed a minimum one-year post-secondary education or training program for which you received a diploma or certificate.

3. You have worked at least two years in the past five years in a full-time occupation and can demonstrate that you could be employable in Manitoba in that occupation within the first year of permanent residence in Canada.

4. You can demonstrate a minimum of six points in English or French based on the Manitoba PNP language grid and/or a minimum score of five on an IELTS.

5. The MPNP is satisfied that you do not have stronger ties to other provinces in Canada and have good potential to settle permanently in Manitoba.

6. You must contact the MPNP at least two months in advance to discuss the possibility of an exploratory visit.

7. The MPNP agrees before you arrive in Manitoba to have an interview with you during your exploratory visit.

For more information about MPNP Strategic Initiative, visit www.immigratemanitoba.com.

Exploratory Visit to Manitoba

2011-05-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

So you want to apply for MPNP Strategic Initiative? First, you need to plan for your exploratory visit to Manitoba.

An exploratory visit to Manitoba is an opportunity to discover Manitoba and to make a more informed decision about choosing Manitoba as an immigration destination in Canada.

Five steps to planning a successful exploratory visit from MPNP Website.

1. Research and learn as much as you can about Manitoba before you visit. The following websites will help you to find important information about employment opportunities, housing, education, cost of living and different Manitoba communities.

2. Review the criteria for exploratory visits to Manitoba described above and ensure that you are able to meet all the requirements.

3. Contact the MPNP office by e-mail at immigratemanitoba@gov.mb.ca at least two months before your visit to communicate your interest in undertaking an exploratory visit as well as your ability to meet all requirements. You should include a detailed resumé listing your education, training and work history as well as electronic copies of any additional documentation that could support your request.

4. The MPNP will provide you with a response by e-mail with one of the following responses:

We are unable to approve your request for an exploratory visit with an interview with MPNP at this time. OR

The MPNP is prepared to consider an interview with you, pending available resources. Please contact our office by e-mail at immigratemanitoba@gov.mb.ca and provide additional details of your visit.

5. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the proper travel documents required by the Government of Canada to visit this country. The MPNP will not provide you with a letter of invitation in order to obtain a visitor visa if required and cannot intervene on your behalf if your visa application is denied.

Canadian Visa Application Processing Delay Philippines

2011-04-08T02:56:00.001-07:00

So you are now in the final stage of your application. The Canadian Visa Office Manila requested your original passport for visa stamping and you were told that it will be issued within 90 days. But it's almost 6 months now and you're still waiting. Is there a reason to worry? What should you do?

For some reason, Canadian Embassy Manila is super delayed in processing the applications and appears to be disorganized. There are those who submitted original passports for visa stamping since October 2010 and are still waiting for visa. These are applicants who have done their medical examination, paid the right of permanent resident fee and were advised to submit original passports for visa stamping. You would think that it's because of the volume of the applications they process. But there are those who have just submitted their passports and received the visa within a couple of months. Clearly, it's not just about the volume. Something is not right.

But as an applicant, you can't do anything but wait. Yes, you can make a follow up after the prescribed processing period lapsed. Your representative can make a follow up for you, and we are doing that. But most often than not, you will simply recieve a generic email like this:

This is in reply to the fax we received regarding the current status of your application.

Please be informed that your application is currently queued for review. We will advise you in writing if there are important updates regarding your application or if additional information and/or documents will be required.

In the meantime, your patience is appreciated as we continue processing your application.

Sincerely,

Federal Skilled Worker Unit
Immigration Section, Manila

Now, the question is how often can you make a follow up? Can you do it weekly?

Of course, you can send them even a daily follow up letter via mail, fax and email. But will it help speed up the process? No.

In making a follow up, chose only one form of communication (mail, fax and email). Do not send multiple copies. Successive follow up of the same will not help either. If fact, it may just add up delay in the processing. There is a limited manpower at the embassy and if you make successive multiple follow ups, they may just end up opening your letters and stop processing the applications. Please be reasonable. But I'm with you. It is not right to make you wait unnecessarily.

What's the worst scenario?

Well, if your medical examination results lapsed (good only for one year) and you still haven't got your visa, you may then be required again to undergo another medical examination.

You don't want that, of course.

If you have relatives in Canada, you may also want to ask them to write their Member of Parliament and complain about this delay. Let their MP's write the Canadian Visa Office in Manila. Or better yet, send a letter to the Immigration Minister and complain about this delay. You were promised 6-12 months processing from the time your application is received. Not from the time your passports are received for visa stamping. That is simply unacceptable.

Here's how to contact the Hon. Jason Kenney, Citizenship and Immigration Canada Minister:

Constituency Office:

1168 137 Ave SE
Calgary, AB
T2J 6T6
P. 403-225-3480
F. 403-225-3504

Ottawa Office:

325 East Block
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
P. 613-992-2235
F. 613-992-1920

Email:
kennej@parl.gc.ca

So there. It's either you just wait and accept that you may undergo another medical examination or do something to get your application processed without delay.

How to Obtain Police Clearance for you Canada Visa Application

2011-04-08T02:51:00.000-07:00

To obtain police clearance for purposes of Canadian Visa Application is actually available at Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. But for some reason, I often receive an email asking for information on how to get a Police Clearance or Certicate from countries where they worked before. The common problem applicants face is that they seem to think it's impossible to get a police clearance since they are already in their home countries.

I have posted here before information on how to obtain police clearance from selected countries:

- How to get NBI Clearance from outside the Philippines

- How to get Saudi Police Clearance or Certificate

- How to get Canadian Police Clearance

- How to obtaine Vietnam Police Certificate

If you need information on how to obtain police clearance from other countries not listed above, you will find information from Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

If for some reason you can't get a police certificate from a certain country, make sure you tried all options possible before informing the Canadian Visa Office that you can't submit one.

Restaurant Managers And Canada Immigrant Visa

2011-03-18T00:21:00.000-07:00

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will." Vincent T. Lombardi

Let me share the story of one of our clients . His name is Mark Juanico. He is a Restaurant Manager here in the Philippines. A graduate of University of the Philippines. His work experience ranges from different restaurants and hotels here in the Philippines such as Sofitel and Resorts World to name a few.

We first met through one on one assessment that we usually offer to interested people who want to know their chances in Canada. Through this he was enlightened of the big Opportunity that awaits him once he apply for an Immigrant Visa. Through this he was informed that he is qualified and included in the priority list. Through this he acknowledge how CIC could help him in helping his dreams come true and through this he was inspired by the testimonies of successful CIC Clients.

Sir Mark has the same dreams as to those who visited our office before. They had the skills, the work experience and the qualifications all Canada could ask for. His big Difference is He has the will to make his dreams come true. After a month he started an Application. Knowing what he wants he pursue his dreams, and with the help of CIC that dreams came into reality. After 8 months he got his Immigrant Visa. He Immediately flew to Canada to start his New Life. The life he want to be and the life what he deserves. And After weeks of Landing in Toronto he landed his first job. He is now working as a Restaurant Manager in Toronto.

He is one of the success story(clients) that we Handle. His application is somewhat a bumpy ride. As we all know that financial concerns is one of our set backs. Sir mark has his own share of this setbacks and believe me he did not take it as downside and took the challenge of it.

Success has no secrets! Sir Mark Juanico Proves us that in order to be succesfull you must have the will and the determination for it.

We all have the qualifications and yes we all have Opportunity but how to use this in favor to us is the big question.

If you have the qualifications that is included in the PRIORITY LIST you should act now. Here is what you need to do.

1. Have an Assessment
2. or attend our Visa Party to register click: seminar reservation
3. or contact us and send us your resume mpramirez@go2canada.com / rgomez@go2canada.com

If you are not included in the Priority List you still have the option to qualify. Canada Visa Application has a Limit and usually change every year.

Opportunity knocks only once.

CIC Canada VIsa Party- Aristocrat Resto Manila

2011-03-17T23:08:00.000-07:00

We will be having again our monthly Visa Party. Here we showcase our successful visa applicants as well as we give information seminar to our prospective clients.

Immigrants’ Night & CIC Seminar (Visa Party) will be held on March 26, 2011 at Aristocrat Restaurant in Malate, Manila. Registration both for in-house pre-departure orientation seminar for visa grantees (principal applicant and spouse) and seminar attendees will start at 4:00 in the afternoon. Seminar proper will start at 4:30pm.

Temporary foreign workers certified in Alberta trades can apply for permanent residence

2011-03-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

Edmonton-- Effective immediately, skilled temporary foreign workers certified in Alberta’s optional trades can apply directly to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program for permanent residency instead of having to apply with their employers.

“We need skilled workers living in Alberta permanently,” said Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Employment and Immigration. “We have to make sure we are ready for the coming labour shortages as economies around the world are competing for the same skills and the same people. This change will allow Alberta to nominate the most qualified and experienced tradespeople working in occupations that are needed in Alberta.”

The federal government limits the number of people Alberta can nominate for permanent residence. In 2011, Alberta is allowed to nominate 5,000 people. With limited numbers, Alberta's focus will be on nominating people who currently work in permanent jobs, those who have job offers, and those with the skills and qualifications in occupations that are in demand in Alberta.

There are currently 50 designated trades in Alberta. Of these, 31 are in the optional trades (including occupations like roofer, tile setter, concrete finisher and cabinet maker). Nineteen occupations fall under compulsory trades (including occupations like welder, ironworker, gasfitter and plumber). For more information on designated trades and the certification process for each occupation visit www.tradesecrets.alberta.ca.

Before this change, workers in the optional trades applied for permanent residence with their employers. Workers in the compulsory trades had the option to apply either directly or with their employers. This change will simplify the application process for temporary foreign workers in both compulsory and optional trades applying to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program. For details on how to apply to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program’s Compulsory and Optional Trades Category, visit albertacanada.com/ainp.

The Alberta government is working to build a better Alberta by fostering economic growth, strengthening our health and education systems, investing in infrastructure, supporting safe and strong communities and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

Proposed Changes Canada Pointing System Outlook

2011-03-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) recently announced they are consulting with relevant stakeholders about changing various aspects of the Federal Skilled Worker Program. CIC is considering changing the number of points awarded in three of the six selection factors. CIC is also proposing changes to educational requirements and stricter rules for assessing the validity of Canadian job offers. According to CIC, these suggested changes are meant to reflect the current needs of the Canadian economy and enable immigrants to better integrate into the Canadian economy.

Points Changes in Selection Factors

Applicants will still be required to attain at least 67 points out of 100, in addition to meeting eligibility requirements, in order to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. CIC is proposing to change the maximum number of points applicants can receive in the following three selection factors: language, age, and work experience. Currently, applicants can receive a maximum of 24 points for their first and second official Canadian language, a maximum of 10 points for age if an applicant is between the ages of 21 and 49, and a maximum of 21 points for paid skilled work experience within the past 10 years.

i. Language

One proposed change would increase the number of points applicants can receive for a first official Canadian language (English or French) to 20 points, rather than the current 16. CIC is also considering establishing minimum language requirements for certain occupational skill levels. A higher minimum language requirement would be required for applicants with work experience in professional occupations, such as doctors, nurses, and engineers. Applicants with work experience in skilled trades would have a lower minimum language requirement.

ii. Age

CIC is proposing to increase the number of points in the age factor from 10 to a maximum of 12 points. Rather than maximum points being awarded until age 49, the suggested change will only allow applicants to gain maximum age points until the age of 35.

iii. Work Experience

CIC is proposing to lower the maximum points for work experience from 21 to 15 points and increase the years of experience required to obtain maximum points. CIC has noted that foreign work experience is not a strong indicator of success in the Canadian labour market and the additional points would be more beneficial in the language and age factor.

Other proposed changes

In order to make the Federal Skilled Worker Program more accessible to applicants with trade skills, CIC is proposing to reduce the number of years associated with education for those with a trade or non-university certificate. Currently, applicants who have a one year trade diploma must have also completed 13 years of full-time education in order to claim maximum points for that diploma under the education factor. Applicants who have a two year trade diploma must have completed 14 years and those with a three year trade diploma must have completed 15 years of education. If the proposed change is accepted, applicants with trade diplomas would be able to claim maximum points for their education with fewer years of full-time education.

CIC is also considering requiring applicants to prove their credentials are recognized by the appropriate Canadian authorities if their profession is regulated in Canada. For example, engineering is a regulated profession in Canada. Under the proposed change, any applicant who has work experience as an engineer would be required to have their credentials recognized by a Canadian professional licensing body before they submit their application for Canadian permanent residency.

Finally, CIC is proposing to establish clearer regulations for assessing employers and assessing whether a job offer is genuine. The Arranged Employment factor is an important aspect of the Federal Skilled Worker Program and CIC has noted that applicants who have Arranged Employment fare better upon arrival in Canada compared to those who do not have Arranged Employment. There have been numerous cases of fraudulent job offers from employers looking to exploit immigrants for money. With clearer guidelines for assessing job offers and employers, CIC is hoping to deter potential fraud.

Attorney David Cohen warns of a potential challenge with the proposed changes, “CIC will not be giving advanced warning of when these proposed changes will come into effect. If these changes are made to the program, applicants who are over the age of 35 and have lower language proficiency levels could have difficulties qualifying for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. If you qualify now for immigration under the current Federal Skilled Worker Program, you should submit your application as soon as possible as you may not qualify once the changes have been implemented.”

While CIC has not announced when they expect to change the Federal Skilled worker Program, Canadavisa.com and CICNews.com will report on any information as soon as it is revealed.

article from: CICnews. com

Canada Lays Charges in Largest Immigration Fraud

2011-03-02T18:05:00.001-08:00

OTTAWA—Canadian authorities on Wednesday charged an immigration consultant with helping foreigners obtain permanent residency or citizenship in Canada in a huge fraud scheme, police said.

Some 1,100 applicants mostly from the Middle East and their dependents were implicated in the fraud, including 76 who obtained citizenship.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said the consultant had allegedly "fraudulently helped individuals create the appearance they were residing in Canada in order to keep their permanent resident status, and ultimately attempt to acquire citizenship."

Hassan Al-Awaid, 57, faces 53 charges for counseling and assisting foreign nationals through fraudulent means to obtain permanent residence status and Canadian citizenship.

He is to appear in court on Friday and faces up to five years in prison and a fine of CAN$100,000 for each count, if convicted

-source inquirer.net

Proposed Changes of Canada Immigration Pointing System

2011-02-25T23:54:00.000-08:00

There is a proposal to make some changes in Canada's Federal Skilled Worker program points system. If approved, the selection criteria would pretty much be the same, but the points to be awarded for each criterion will be changed.

Consultation for the said prosal is now ongoing. There is a great chance that these changes would be implemented in time for the 3rd Ministerial Instruction.

This blog will update you as soon as the changes commence.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST and Canada Immigrant Visa Application

2011-02-10T22:42:00.000-08:00

Mrs Torres and her daughter

Vin Torres and Family watching a NBA Game

Vin Torres is a typical OFW. He works in the middle east as an Emergency Medical Technician. Good Thing is he have a Physical Therapy Degree and have a previous work experience in reference to his degree. From the time we first handle his Visa Application for Canada. He is currently working in the Middle East. To make it short we havent seen him before we just communicate through his email and yahoomessenger. But that did not stop him in pursuing his dream. He signed an application and commit in it.

In the middle of the application, we got an unexpected problem. He did not get enough scores in his IELTS exam. This is a crucial turn in his application. We even discourage him to discontinue but knowing he is really committed, we filed his application and since he got us as a Consultancy we did a letter justifying that his English is good and his IELTS exam does not reflect his Communication skills.

Crossing our fingers when we recieve the letter from the embassy, his persistence payed off. His application has been approved! Now he is in Toronto living his dream.

This shows that Filipino's working abroad can still process their Immigration Application and Commitment and Drive Pays of.

If your working abroad and you believe you have the qualifications to qualify for an Immigrant Visa here is what you need to do:

1. Take the Assessment

2. or send a resume at rgomez@go2canada.com
3. ym: rolandgomez21

Commit and we will do the rest!

Greetings from Saskatchewan

2011-02-10T22:02:00.000-08:00

The secret of success in applying for a Canadian Visa is "commitment." Here is a story of one of our clients Orfi Yturralde, a computer administrator and at the same time a college instructor from Pampanga.

Ms Orfi, was a client of ours for a long time. We keep on encouraging her to apply for an Immigrant Visa since she is qualified and included on the past 38 priority applications. Then time came that she committed in the application. Taking advantage of the priority applications. We filed his application and in 6-12 months time she got her Immigrant Visa to Canada.

Now they are living in Saskatchewan. Ma'am Orfi is now working at Tim Horton's (restaurant) and has a part time job as office administrator while waiting for her schedule of his examination to practice her teaching profession in Saskatchewan. Her husband is now working in A/W fastfood chain as a supervisor. Her husband also work as a part-time caregiver during his free hours.

Do you want this too? Dont pass on if your included in the present priority list. Commit and apply. Remember opportunity only knocks once.

If you are not included in the priority prepare your self. Every year Priority list changes so you have to be ready always. Plan Ahead! Noah built his ark even though its still not raining.

A Journey of Joy and Hope- Canada Immigrant Visa

2011-02-09T19:18:00.000-08:00

White Christmas anyone? This is what often I ask my clients once they inquire about the opportunity of living and working in Canada. Some of them just smile while others commit. People who commit is now smiling in Canada. One of our clients who is experiencing this joy is Helen Montojo. We ask her if we could publish her letter on this Blog and share his joy of having an Immigrant Visa.

Hello,

Musta na? We are now in Vancouver, B.C. We left the Phils on May 24 but am coming back in August.

Vancouver is a nice place-- maraming mapapasyalan at maraming Pinoy. There are a lot of jobs here in the health care sector. The weather is ideal-- the coldest is 10 degrees pero umabot ng 33 degrees one time. My husband is now coordinating with Skills Connect so he can upgrade his skills and avail of free tuition. Baka pag alis na namin ay magpa part-time job na siya sa Home Care. Meantime, panay ang pasyal namin. Enjoy muna kasi pag nakapag trabaho na ay hindi na makapag enjoy.

We had the opportunity to visit Calgary and Edmonton last week when we attended the Convention for Couples for Christ. Summer kasi ngayon kaya okay lang sa mga cities na ito. Mas maraming jobs sa Edmonton. Advantages in migrating there are: mas maganda ang social benefits compared to BC, more job opportunities, prices of commodities are lower; taxes are lower, prices of real estate is very much lower than in BC. Bad side are: weather is soooo cooled umaabot ng negative 20 degrees at konti ang mapapasyalan. Kung gusto mong mag-ipon at magkaroon ng desinteng bahay --- Edmonton is the place to go. My husband is considering moving there but on second thoughts, kaya ba ng health ko ang lamig doon? Our options are still open.

Kahit masaya at nag-eenjoy kami dito sa Vancouver ay inaalala pa rin namin ang eldest daughter na naiwan sa Pinas. We hope she could enjoy the places we visit here. May mga nagsa suggest na mag Student Visa siya para mapadali ang punta niya rito. Query: Does CIC process student visa? Marami rin ba kayong napapaalis? Ang consultancy fee ba ay gaya rin sa independent immigration? Kung mag-e enroll siya ng Licensed Practical Nursing dito sa Vancouver Community College ay eventually makakapag-apply siya ng Permanent Resident dito, para pagdating ko diyan ay ipapa process ko sa CIC.

Alam mo masuerte talaga ako kasi umabot pa ang profession ko sa 38 in demand profession of skilled worker. Effective June 2010, it was trimmed down to 25 at wala na ang mga Accountants, auditors and financial managers. Kaya mahihirapan na rin ang anak ko kasi Med Rep siya. Kaya nga we will try the Student visa route.

I have attached some pix taken at Lake Louise and Jasper in Alberta. Wala akong picture ng Niagara Falls kasi malayo iyon, I need to travel by plane. See you soon...

Best regards,

Helen

----------

Ma'am Helen is a CPA here in the Philippines which is included in the first Priority List for Canada. She know what she wants and she want her dreams to come true. She commit on the application and after 8 months she got her Canada Immigrant Visa. Although she was not able to bring her daughter because she is already dependent but that did not stop her in pushing her application.

She has now experienced the white christmas which I asked her before. If you want to feel it to here is what you have to do:

1. fill out the free online assessment form
2. submit your resume: rgomez@go2canada.com
3. get a schedule for a free assessment/evaluation or group seminar @09279856617/09228936460 3011070 loc7718

PHYSICAL THERAPIST Qualified for Canada Immigrant Visa

2011-02-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

What does this mean?

Physiotherapist or otherwise known as Physical Therapist or any other related title that goes with this are at present part of the 29 In Demand Occupations or the eligible Occupations for Canada Immigration.

With the current program, qualified applicants will get their Visa Results within 6 months to one year!

Which means that being in the 29 in demand list mean that your profession is currently needed in all of Canada.

The list of Eligible occupations will change yearly.

Relatively, next change will be on July 1, 2011.

If you are a qualified applicant, you must hurry and send in your application right away for reasons that when the occupations list changes and your profession is omitted, you will no longer be able to apply.

Moreover, there are only 1000 slots allocated per occupation, if it gets filled out Citizenship and Immigration Canada will stop processing applications for that particular occupation, which also means that you will lose the opportunity to get a Permanent Residents Visa for Canada.

At present there is still more than 800 plus slots available for Physiotherapists - Physical Therapist (as of January 17, 2011 report from Citizenship and Immigration Canada).

But it is closing in fast.

If you do not make a move now, it will be too late for you to take advantage of this opportunity.

What will make you Eligible for this program?

The ultimate basis of Citizenship and Immigration Canada in choosing who they will grant a Permanent Resident Visa are those clients who will pass the Citizenship and Immigration Canada's Selection Criteria

Although, in a Nut shell applicants who are Physiotherapists - Physical Therapist with a College Education, 4 years work experience as a Physiotherapists - Physical Therapist, and those who has enough points for their International English Testing System - IELTS - will have great chances of passing!

Points needed for the English Test as well as the number of work experience needed to be eligible varies depending on the clients circumstance.

If you are interested to find out if you are qualified, you can do either of the following:

1. Fill out the Online Assessment Form

2. Send in your resume for assessment torgomez@go2canada.com including answers to the following questions:

Are you married? If yes, tell us your spouses Education in College and innumerate spouses work experience.

Do you have first degree relatives(parents siblings - Aunt or Uncle, Nephew or Niece of legal Age, Grandparents) in Canada?

Include your answers to these questions in the resume that you will send.

3. Visit our office for either a one on one discussion or to attend the Canadian Immigration Orientation Seminar.

Offices:

* Canadian Immigration Consultancy, Ground Floor Uniwide Coastal Mall, Tambo Paranaque City

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Canadian Immigration Consultancy is the Philippine's largest immigration consulting firm for Canada. We are not a recruitment agency.

We provide assistance in Permanent Resident Visa application for those who want to legally live and work in Canada with their family.

This maybe your chance to finally Live and Work outside of the Philippines!

Act now!

For those of you who are not in the 29 in demand occupations list, you still have the chance to get a Visa, to find out how please click on the following link:

A closer look at the 29 in demand Occupations

Or you can give us a call and ask about the Privilege account.

If you are serious about your plan to Immigrate to Canada you must apply right away!

Otherwise loose this opportunity forever!

Dreaming of a Better Quality Life is one thing, doing something to make it happen is another thing.

Note: This post Physiotherapists - Physical Therapist Wanted in Canada, is intended to explain the Immigration opportunities for this profession.

Provincial Nominee Program

2011-02-09T01:01:00.001-08:00

Provincial Nominee Program is an alternative program if you are not eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Program if you want to live and work in Canada. Most provinces in Canada have an agreement with the Government of Canada that allows them to nominate immigrants who wish to settle in that province. If you choose to immigrate to Canada as a provincial nominee, you must first apply to the province where you wish to settle and complete its provincial nomination process. The province will consider your application based on its immigration needs and your genuine intention to settle there.

Different Provincial Nominee Programs:

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
(AINP) Family Stream
Manitoba Provincail Nominee Program
Newfoundland and Labrador
Ontario
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
British Columbia
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program
Nova Scotia
Northwest Territories Nominee Program - Newest Program!
Prince Edward Island
Yukon

I will update this post every time there's a new Provincial Nominee Program signed between a province or territories and Citizenship and Immigration Canada. On a side note, if you're intending to relocate your business to Canada and need to "hit the ground runner", know that you can meet all your office needs including labels, business cards, and banners by ordering online.

Canada's Live In Caregiver Program

2011-02-09T00:54:00.000-08:00

Canada’s Live-in Caregiver Program is a unique program under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. It allows someone to enter Canada on a temporary work permit, and then apply from within Canada to become a permanent resident.

To qualify under the live in caregiver program, you must meet the following:

A job confirmation letter from a Canadian employer.[A positive labor market opinion from Human Resource and Social Development Canada (HRSDC)]

A written contract with your future employer

Successful completion of the equivalent of Canadian secondary school. [For Filipino Applicants: You must have at least two year post high school education, in which you must have obtained at least 72 units of credit].

At least six months’ training, or at least one year of full-time experience (including six months with one employer) during the past three years. [For Filipino Applicants: In order for your training to be recognized, it must be taken at an institution accredited by the local education authority (TESDA).It should six months with a minimum of twenty-five hours per week in classroom lectures must have been completed as part of formal education.]

Good knowledge of English or French

A work permit before you enter Canada

A job offer and a positive Labor Market Opinion is not a guarantee that you will be issued visa and work permit. You must be able to satisfy the visa officer that you meet the requirements, especially the education, training and experience. This is where most of those who apply for the program fail.

If you don't have formal caregiver training, you must have at least one year related experience. This experience must be within the last three years from the time you filed your application.

FEDERAL SKILL WORKERS APPLICATION

2011-02-09T00:38:00.000-08:00

Based on the Immigration Minister's instrucitons, you are eligible to apply under Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) category if you have have: (1) an Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO), or (2) you are a foreign national who has been living legally in Canada for one year as a temporary foreign worker or an international student, or (3) you are a skilled worker who has at least one year of experience in one or more of the high demand occupations or what is now commonly called priority applications

If you have a pending permanent resident visa application under the Federal Skilled Worker category, here's how this will affect your application and what actions you may take in order to realize your dream of living and working in Canada.

For applications filed before February 27, 2008
All application filed before February 27, 2008 shall be processed in the manner existing at the time of their application. Most of those who filed in 2004 already got the result while some others are either asked to update their information or are just waiting for the result.

Just recently, those who filed in 2005 received a confirmation letter from the Visa Office, giving them the chance to withdraw their application if they are no longer interested. If you did not withdraw your application, it is expected that within a year, you will get a notice from the embassy to update your information.

If your occupation is on the list, you have the option to withdraw your application and then reapply. Considering that the Canadian Visa Office in Manila is processing those filed in 2004, you may consider this option if your application is filed in 2007.

While waiting for the next letter from the Visa Office, consider looking for a job offer from Canada. This may result to an expedited process through provincial nominee program or arranged employment opinion. Or enter Canada through a work permit while waiting for your immigrant visa. Here's how to find jobs in Canada.

For application filed after February 27, 2008 that are included in the list
Expect a notice from the Visa Office within 6 to 12 months from now. While waiting for this notice, here's what you may do:

1. Get your documents ready
2. Prepare your settlement funds
3. Prepare yourself for IELTS Examination. Although IELTS is mandatory (General Training Only) it is to your advantage if you will prepare yourself. The best way to establish your english language proficiency is though your IELTS Score. Get a comprehensive IELTS REVIEW.

Application filed after February 27, 2008 but is not included in the list

There are two possible scenario here.

A. Your application may still be processed depening on the Immigration Minister's Instruction.

In this case, you just have to wait until your application get processed. While waiting for the next letter from the embassy, consider looking for a job offer from Canada. This may result to expedited process through PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM or arranged employment opinion. Or enter Canada through a work permit while waiting for your immigrant visa. Here's how to find jobs in Canada.

B. Your application will be returned returned and your processing fee will be refunded.

If your application is returned, it doesn't mean that you will no longer have the chance to live and work in Canada. Here's an excerpt from the Ministerial Instructions-

The list of eligibility criteria outlined in the Action Plan for Faster Immigration's instructions for processing federal skilled worker applications are meant to reflect Canada's labour market needs. The instructions can be adjusted over time as the labour market changes, in consultation with provinces, territories and stakeholders.

If your application is returned, you just have to wait until the list of eligible occupation changes. While at that, get your documents ready. Try to maximime your network in Canada and the Internet to find a job offer.

How to file an application under Federal Skilled Worker Category

Simplified application process will no longer be used. Application forms to be used may be downloaded here. All Federal Skilled Worker class application without an AEO will now be processed at Centralized Intake Office in Sydney Nova Scotia.

The same points system (six selection criteria) will be used in evaluating your application. You may send your resume to aapuntar@go2canada.com for FREE ASSESSMENT if you are interested to apply under Federal Skilled Worker Categor

Canada Immigration Changes This Year

2011-02-08T18:55:00.000-08:00

The rules of the game have changed. If you are serious about your dream to live and work in Canada, there should be no room for hesitation. It is important that you make a decision NOW. Otherwise, your opportunity will soon be gone and you'll never know when it will be back again.

A bit of Canada's immigration history is in order.

In the past, almost all professional and skilled workers are eligible to apply for Federal Skilled Worker program. No quota, not cap, no limit. Anybody can apply at his preferred and convenient time. The processing period back then was about 5 to 6 years. There were about 350 occupations eligible.

A new law had passed on June 2008 giving the Immigration Minister the power to identify occupations that are eligible for priority processing through a Ministerial applications.

November 2008. The 1st Ministerial Instruction was issued identifying 38 high demand occupations eligible for priority processing with a commitment to process each application within 6-12 months. There was no limit on the number of application to be processed.

June 2010. The 2nd Ministerial Instruction was issued identifying 29 in-demand occupations and there's still a commitment to process each application within 6-12 months. This time, however, there's a limit on the number of applications they will receive for processing. A quota and a cap for each occupation was imposed. Only a maximum of 1,000 applications will be accepted until June 30, 2011. As of this writing, the cap for two occupations have already been reached.

June 2011. The chance to file the application of those included in the 29 in-demand occupations would be over. A new list of in-demand occupations would be released through another Ministerial Instruction.

What's in it for you?

If your occupation is included in the current priority list, you should file your application ASAP! The cap for your occupation may be filled sooner than you expect.

What about me? My occupation is not in the current list. Since there will be a cap for the next list of in-demand occupations, I want to make sure my documents are ready. What are my options?

Good thinking! There is a great chance that the cap will be reached within a month or two once the list is made public - just like in the case of US Work Visa Applications. You should really get your documents as early as NOW.

Take the FREE Online Assessment to learn your options.

I will be conducting Live and Work in Canada information seminar in Canadian Immigration Consultancy Main Office at 21st Floor Washington Tower Paranaque City. Seminar details would be posted soon.

Filipino Social Workers In Demand In Canada

2011-02-07T23:22:00.000-08:00

What Does this mean?

Pinoy Social Workers is a rich workforce here in the Philippines. Do you know that Social Workers is included in the indemand-priority list on Canada? Which means that if you are a Social Worker you can be processed for a Canadian Immigrant Visa for only 6-12 months. Imagine that!

So what's in it for you?

If you are considering to apply for an Immigrant in Canada here is what you have to do.

1. Take the Free Online Assessment. Or if you are a Social Worker kindly send your resume to me at: rgomez@go2canada.com
2. Visit our Office Canadian Immigratrion Consultancy Main Office 21st floor Washington Tower Paranaque City. To avail free assessment and evaluation you can contact me at 09279856617.
3. Sign up an agreement with us.

It wasn't Raining when Noah Build his Ark!

Changes of Priority Applications this 2011

2011-01-27T23:18:00.001-08:00

As Canada's Economy continue to strengthen. A lot of Jobs are added everyday, as we all know that service industry continue to dominates, but new sectors will be adding more job this year.

The first sector that is expecting growth in 2011 is the health care sector. This past November, Statistics Canada announced that the health care industry had gained approximately 120,000 new positions, giving the health care sector the highest growing rates of any employment sector in Canada. The health care industry will be adding positions such as Registered Nurses , Physiotherapist, home health care, and more in order to aid the aging population in Canada.

The next sector expecting increasing positions will be in the technology sector. In particular, developers of mobile applications and games and web designers will be in high demand. As more businesses begin to use social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, to advertise their business, experts in that realm will be highly sought after.

In the financial sector, insurance sales agents, business systems analysts, and other financial experts will be needed so that companies can continue to function properly.

Finally, both the natural resource sector and the building trade sector will be looking to hire new personnel. The construction industry has gained over 89,000 jobs in 2010 and the province of Alberta has seen a 100% increase in the number of posted jobs in the natural resource sector compared to 2009. This is great news for engineers,Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics, Electricians, Carpenters and other experts in these fields, as it means more job opportunities available in Canada.

If you are included on this demand jobs I suggest you apply for an application. I believe this year is for the IT people, which is not included on the previous list. You must get ready to prepare so you could have an advantage.

Take advantage of the 6-12 months processing! Apply now!

Canada Immigration Processing Seminar- SM Mall of Asia Branch

2011-01-25T22:43:00.002-08:00

I am thinking of giving out FREE GROUP SEMINARS for Canada Immigration Visa every saturday of each Month. If you wish to attend one of our seminars you can fill up the form below:

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Pinoy Medical Technologist Could Be Next NOC 3211

2011-01-25T22:16:00.001-08:00

Medical Technologist was not included in two previous Canadian Priority Occupations. Before the end of June 2011 a new priority list will be open. As the number of qouta per occupation is needed, I dont know yet. But is it possible that Medical Technologist will be included in the next priority list?

A colleague told me that he has an inside information that it will be. Do I believe him? at first there is doubt but when I read this report from: www.workingcanada.gc.ca

Over the 2009-2018 period, an occupation will be in excess demand (a shortage of workers) if the projected job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are greater than the projected job seekers (arising from school leavers, immigration and mobility), while an occupation will be in excess supply (a surplus of workers) if the projected job seekers are greater than the projected job openings. For Medical Technologists And Technicians (Except Dental Health), over the period of 2009-2018, job openings are expected to total 35,142. It is expected that 33,926 job seekers will be available to fill these job openings.

From the projected 33,926 job seekers (Medical Laboratory Technologists), 5,514 or 16% is expected to be coming from Immigration. They can't get the 5,000 Medical Laboratory Technologists if it will not be included in the priority list.

So what's in it for you?

If you are considering to apply for an Immigrant in Canada here is what you have to do.

1. Take the Free Online Assessment. Or if you are a Medtech kindly send your resume to me at: rgomez@go2canada.com
2. Visit our Office CIC Mall of Asia Office North Parking Bldg. To avail free assessment and evaluation you can contact me at 09279856617.
3. Sign up an agreement with us.

It wasn't Raining when Noah Build his Ark!

Are You Ready for the Next Wave?

2011-01-24T22:43:00.000-08:00

Getting ahead is one of your advantage on your Canada Visa Application. Are you prepared for it? Why wait if you could have a chance to get ahead, way ahead of everybody. Now Answer this question:

"If your occupation opens up which makes you eligible to apply, how soon can you file your application?" If you can't file your application in a month or two, it may be too late for you.

Remember: It wasnt raining when Noah Build his Ark. As we had experienced Application for Canada requires time and effort thus commitment and serious mind is one of the requirements.

Here is what you have to do:

1. Take the online Assessment

2. Visit us @MOA office (free assessment/evaluation, Career Planning, Financial Planning)

3. Decide and Commit! Sign up wit us

4. Start Preparing Application forms and Documents

5. File it as soon as we meet our eligibility

And while waiting for your eligibility, seek emplyment abroad if you want because we could still process your application even if your abroad.

Financial concerns are not an excuse!

Hello Canada!

Accepted IELTS at CIO Nova Scotia

2011-01-24T22:40:00.001-08:00

Here's to answer all those questions about IELTS Exam requirement. If you visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada's website particularly the immigration section, you will see this announcement:

It's a clear-cut policy. 2 years. Why insist a one year rule?

It's because of this important notice from Appendix A Checklist for Federal Skilled Work applications.

It says if there is conflict between the guide (Appendix A) and other publications, the Appendix A is to be followed.

Now, this is what is written in the said guide:

It says language test results must not be older than one year upon submission.

So which do you follow?

It may have been that the Appendix A is not yet updated. But based on how Centralized Intake Office (CIO) handles applications it received, I wouldn't take that risk. Please note however, that the Visa Office in Manila accepts language test results that are older than one year even prior to the announcement that 2 year language test result is now acceptable.

Based on the guidelines, IELTS requirement is General Training and not Academic. But the Visa Office in Manila accepts Academic option just the same. It actually makes sense. Academic is relatively more difficult than the General Training option. But if you submit IELTS Academic option to CIO, it will not be accepted.

Be guided. Small mistakes cause BIG problem.

Afraid of Cap Limit

2011-01-24T22:36:00.000-08:00

Let me share to you a question of a client with regard to her concern on the CAP limit for Immigration Application for Nurses.

stella cabana wrote:

Since my application package has been submitted last December and the effectivity of the cap being reached was early January (if I remember it right), and if this is what cap means, then my application might have been included if no notice was received by your agency that my application is not considered, right?

Ma'am,

Yes the application had been reach. Actually, what your implying might be true. As of now the letter we recieve consist of the following:

1. Positive assessment- which means they will proceed to 2nd part of the application. Time table is 4 months upon submission to Nova Scotia.
2. IELTS Updates- Last week of december we recieve another instructions that "ONLY" General Training IELTS will be accepted, those with Academic Training IELTS had recieve letters for IELTS update, giving them 120 days to take GT IELTS inorder to finally assess their applications. I have 2 clients filed august and sept last year that recieve IELTS update letter this week(figure the time frame). If you did submit an academic IELTS you better be prepare taking up GT IELTS now. Addition to it the coverage of IELTS eligibility now is 2 year unlike the 1 year only.
3. Returned Cases- This are the people who did not meet the eligibility, problem with docs, and people who did not make the CAP.

I know your main concern is not meeting the CAP, to tell you honestly, yes that is a possibility. But, remember as of now we are still sending nurses application to CIO Nova Scotia, those application who made it to the CAP doesnt mean 100% will get positive assessment, they will still be processed remember? So there is slight chance that other applicants recieve by the CIO may be considered for processing.

What if I dont realy did not made it in the CAP?
Let me qoute the last line from the websites instructions about the CAP

" Within the 20,000 cap, a maximum of 1,000 federal skilled worker applications per occupation will be considered for processing each year."

Even if you dont make it to Cap limit of 1000 this year there is still a chance, because after processing the first 1000 applicants they will open it again to process the next 1000 applicants. If your application now is get returned that would be ready for the next CAP opening possible this year.

Another thing. As we all know Nurses is a big part of indemand occupation in Canada there had been 2 changes of priority list and yet Nurses is still on the list. That Cap does not mean that Canada is limiting Immigrants they just preventing backlog of applications, they want to commit on the 6-12 months processing time, that is what the cap really means.

Tell your Nurse Friends that Canada is now on a first come first serve basis, Your biggest assest is being ahead of everybody. By the way we have new program for nurses that is called Privilage plan/Start up Plan. Under this we will start processing your papers for an initial dp and the full payment would be upon the time the occupation will be open again.

I hope I clear your mind Ma'am.

Arrival Day Essentials

2010-11-08T04:23:00.001-08:00

Time come that you already have your visa and on your way to canada. Here is some excerpt email to me by a client on what happened to him upon landing in canada. I hope this could ease some tension from you.

"On board, one is handed a landing card. As a prospective settler, fill in the card as if one is a tourist. There are separate categories for Canadians and tourists but none for new settlers.

At the immigration desk, submit the landing card together with passport and landing form IMM 5292 'Confirmation of Permanent Residence'.

Collect all your luggage first and proceed to the immigration office beside the luggage area. There are two sections - one for returning residents and one marked 'new arrivals'. Go to the latter.

One must leave all luggage outside the door to the office. Take all your valuables and documents with you.

Queue at the first counter to get your queue number and have your landing card checked. Bring additional copies of passport photos for each member of the family as sometimes the photos on the form are considered 'unacceptable' for any number of reasons. In the absence of your own photos, they do have an area where they can take additional passport photos for you in the office.

Wait for your number to be called. At the processing desk, submit your IMM 5292, passport and inventory of belongings B4(E) and B4 (A). One is just a continuation of the other so if you have more than one page, use the continuation form. Alternatively, use a spreadsheet print it out and attach a header B4 filled and signed.

It would be easier to batch them to a) luggage that you have with you on the flight b) any items you are shipping as unaccompanied luggage c) the rest which are being shipped by sea and which will arrive much later. Also submit form E667 which documents any money you bring into Canada either in cash, bank cheques etc. (Telegraphic Transfers appear not to be in this category).

Budget a good hour for this step especially if there happens to be a lot of new arrivals on that day. You will receive a copy of the IMM5292 stamped and processed clipped to your passport, This serves as your legal document in Canada pending the arrival of your PR card which will be posted to you in 4-6 weeks.

If you have unaccompanied luggage it may have to be picked up and declared at customs as a separate procedure. Get details from your shipping agent/airline where and how to do this. For Australians, I can recommend Jetta Express. It is half the price of excess luggage. Be prepared to pay for storage if your luggage arrives more than 2 days prior to your arrival."

New: Assessment For Eligible Occupations

2010-10-27T01:58:00.000-07:00

Do you think your Qualified?

Check our Assessment Page for your Eligibility

>>>FREE ONLINE ASSESSMENT<<<

Actor Dennis Quaid Seek Refuge Status in Canada

2010-10-26T23:44:00.000-07:00

VANCOUVER – Actor Randy Quaid and his wife told Canada’s immigration board Friday they are seeking refuge in Canada because they are being persecuted in the United States, after they were arrested on U.S. warrants related to vandalism charges.

The pair were arrested on Thursday afternoon in a shopping area of an affluent Vancouver neighborhood.

The Quaids are wanted in Santa Barbara, where they missed a court hearing Monday on felony vandalism charges.

Santa Barbara County Senior Deputy District Attorney Lee Carter said Friday that Quaid and his wife Evi’s bail increased to $500,000 apiece.

Their attorney, Robert Sanger, said he hoped the situation could be resolved but declined comment citing the pending case.

Evi Quaid begged a Canadian immigration adjudicator not to force them to return, saying on Friday that eight friends, such as actors David Carradine and Heath Ledger, have been “murdered” under mysterious circumstances and she’s worried something will happen to her husband next.

“We feel our lives are in danger,” she said.

Evi Quaid said she’s been told by a jail nurse that her blood pressure is dangerously high due to stress and that Randy Quaid’s mother has been hospitalized in the U.S. as a result of the stress from their legal troubles.

Friday’s hearing was a mandatory detention review and authorities have asked that they be kept in jail until their next hearing date Tuesday.

On Friday, the Quaids promised they would appear for their next hearing. Evi Quaid said she’d be willing to wear an ankle bracelet while staying at a posh Vancouver hotel.

Randy Quaid said they came to Canada because he was being given an award by a film critics group. He said the couple was considering moving to Vancouver where Randy planned to jump-start his career.

He said the pair believed the warrants were issued by mistake and had been withdrawn and the couple didn’t travel north in an effort to skip out on them.

“I love Canada,” Randy Quaid told the adjudicator.

“It’s been a very welcoming nation to me. I would not do anything to besmirch my reputation.”

They face no charges in Canada.

A U.S. judge issued arrest warrants Monday for the couple after they failed to show up at a California court hearing stemming from their arrests last month on suspicion of illegally squatting at a home.

Quaid and his wife face felony vandalism charges after more than $5,000 in damage was found in a guest house of a Montecito, California home they had previously owned.

The Quaids frequently missed court appearances in an earlier U.S. case involving charges they defrauded an innkeeper. That case was resolved in April with Evi Quaid pleading no contest to a misdemeanor. The charges against her husband were dropped.

Randy Quaid, 60, is best-known for supporting roles in films such as “Independence Day” and “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” He is the older brother of Dennis Quaid. - AP

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from GMA News TV

My Monthly Visa Gazette

2010-10-12T22:34:00.001-07:00

Visit at www.go2canada.tumblr.com

I just want a unique approach on discussing visa application. I want it to be funkier and more lively way of discussion. I want it to be interactive and more broader than before. I want that it will also serve as a newsletter for you. Thats why I created another blog that would cater my needs.

Visit Canada Visa gazette @ go2canada.tumblr.com

My Newsletter Blog for Canada

2010-10-12T22:22:00.001-07:00

I you want a fresh approach with regards to your Immigration Application for Canada. I created a new Blog that also tackles this topic. This will serve as a Newsletter for you. Immigration Topic discussed in a light manner.

visit: go2canada

Thanks. I would still update this from time to time :)

Canada Immigrant Visa New Processing System

2010-07-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

Like what I have always been saying, Immigration Regulations are subject to changes and that the longer you delay your decision to apply, the more you are risking your eligibility. There is a new Ministerial Instruction affecting Federal Skilled Worker program applications

Effective June 26, 2010, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will process applications under Federal Skilled Worker program only for applicants with:

a valid offer of arranged employment, OR

one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience in at least one of the 29 in-demand occupations

Temporary foreign workers and international students will no longer be part of the Federal Skilled Worker program. They may now apply under Canadian Experienced Class

The new Ministerial Instruction also covered changes in the application procedures. Simplified Application Process is now totally wiped out.

In sending your application to Centralized Intake Office (CIO), you now need to submit results of an independent language test (IELTS or TEF: Test d’évaluation de français) even if your first language is English or French. You also need to submit copies of documents required specifically by the Canadian Visa Office responsible in processing your application.

What's in it for you?

1. Filed to CIO before June 26, 2010, Waiting for Assessment Notice

If your application was received by Centralized Intake Office (CIO) before June 26, 2010 even if and your occupation is no longer included in the new in-demand list, the changes will not affect your application at all.

The Ministerial Instruction stated that if your application was received before June 26, 2010, it will be processed according to the rules that were in effect at that time. However, some say it wasn't clear if the basis is the receipt by Centralized Intake Office or Canadian Visa Office.

To clarify, here's what was stated in Canada Gazette.

All Federal Skilled Worker applications received by the Centralized Intake Office in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on a date prior to the Canada Gazette publication date shall continue to be considered for processing having regard to the first set of Ministerial Instructions. [Source]

It was published June 26, 2010. It is clear that if your application was received by CIO before that date and that your occupation is no longer included in the new in-demand occupations, your application would still be processed.

2. Interested to immigrate to Canada, Occupation not included in the new in-demand list

If you are interested to live and work in Canada but your occupation is not included in the new list of priority occupations, you still have the chance to immigrate to Canada if:

You have an arranged employment in Canada, or

You have somebody to sponsor you under Provincial Nominee Program

This could be of help: How to find jobs in Canada.

While at that, you should start preparing yourself for the IELTS Examination. You should also start preparing your documents. The objective is to be able to file your application immediately when the list changed and included your occupation.

If you will prepare your documents only when your occupation is included, then it may be too late for you. Remember that Citizenship and Immigration Canada will be imposing a cap on the number of applications it will process per occupation each year.

Be ready!

3. Filed before February 27, 2008, Occupation included in the new priority list

If you have a pending PR Visa application, whether it's under FSW or PNP, and that your occupation is included in the new priority list, you may want to submit a new application to CIO in order to expedite the process. The Visa Office in Manila is yet to finish applications filed in 2004. It may take a while before applications filed in 2007 and 2006 will be processed.

If you submit a new application, you will get the result within 6-12 months. The only disadvantage of doing this is that you may not be able to refund the processing fee you paid to the Visa Office before. You will need to pay another visa processing fee.

4. Included in the list, Not yet filed to CIO

If your occupation is included in the new list of in-demand occupations and that you are seriously considering the opportunity to live and work in Canada, YOU MUST FILE YOUR APPLICATION NOW!

For the next twelve months, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will only consider a maximum of 20,000 complete applications under the occupation list. Within the 20,000 cap, a maximum of 1,000 federal skilled worker applications per occupation will be considered for processing each year.

The New 29 Indemand Occupations

2010-07-06T23:19:00.000-07:00

st a quick post to let you know of the new Ministerial Instruction identifying the new high demand list of occupations eligible for processing under Federal Skilled Worker program.

Here's the 29 in-demand occupations:

0631 Restaurant and Food Service Managers

0811 Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture)

1122 Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management

1233 Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners

2121 Biologists and Related Scientists

2151 Architects

3111 Specialist Physicians

3112 General Practitioners and Family Physicians

3113 Dentists

3131 Pharmacists

3142 Physiotherapists

3152 Registered Nurses

3215 Medical Radiation Technologists

3222 Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists

3233 Licensed Practical Nurses

4151 Psychologists

4152 Social Workers

6241 Chefs

6242 Cooks

7215 Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades

7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades

7241 Electricians (Except Industrial & Power System)

7242 Industrial Electricians

7251 Plumbers

7265 Welders & Related Machine Operators

7312 Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics

7371 Crane Operators

7372 Drillers & Blasters - Surface Mining, Quarrying & Construction

8222 Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service

These new Ministerial Instruction will affect you only if you applied on or after June 26, 2010. If your application was received before June 26, 2010, it will be processed according to the rules that were in effect at that time.

Cracking Down On Fake Immigration Consultants

2010-06-08T23:19:00.000-07:00

Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney introduced today in the House of Commons a legislation to crack down on crooked immigration consultants who exploit prospective immigrants. It's called Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act.

The Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act would strengthen the rules governing those who charge a fee for immigration advice, close immigration system loopholes currently exploited by crooked consultants, and improve the way in which immigration consultants are regulated.

“While most immigration consultants working in Canada are legitimate and ethical, it is clear that immigration fraud remains a widespread threat to the integrity of Canada’s immigration system,” said Minister Kenney. “The Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act will better protect prospective immigrants from crooked consultants and help safeguard our immigration system against fraud and abuse.” [Source]

If passed, the law will give the Minister the authority to designate a body to govern immigration consultants and establish measures to enhance the government’s oversight of this body. Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants is the body currently governing immigration consultants. Since the Minister himself recognizes the lack of public confidence in the regulation of immigration consultants, it is expected that a change in the governing body may be implemented.

In the Philippines, there are only few immigration consulting firms prior to the Ministerial Instructions introduced on November 2008. That is because immigration process takes about 5 years and thus, applying for immigration to Canada is not that popular. But after the changes, wherein the processing was only about 6-12 months, several immigration consulting firms suddenly sprouted like mushrooms. Most of which are crooked consultants described in the Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act.

Beware of these crooked immigration consulting firms. Deal only with legitimate consulting firms like Canadian Immigration Consultancy. We have been in the industry for 2 decades now and have already sent thousands of Filipino workers to Canada.

A Single's Journey, The Canadian Visa Application

2010-06-07T23:47:00.000-07:00

Consider the case of my one client for example.

It is not by any accident that she finished her Bachelors Degree in Accountancy, became a Certified Public Accountant, became certified by CIAT - Canada as a Certified Accounting Technician, was able to find employment in companies like Unilever Philippines, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Group, and get a Permanent Residents Visa for Canada at age 26.

How this client got her Permanent Residents Visa, is due to the following:

- Wanting to Immigrate in Canada, she went to us to find out about her options
- Knowing that her Education and Work Experience made her eligible to apply for the Federal Skilled Workers program, she made a decision to apply.

- Acknowledging the challenges that she had to overcome she set out a concrete plan - to start with her Permanent Residents Visa application while the Immigration Regulation was still in her favor; determine the obstacles that lay ahead of her goal and find ways to overcome them.

That is why on...

April 6, 2009 we filed the application to the Centralized Intake Office in Sydney, Nova Scotia Canada

As a result we received the Positive Assessment - May 15, 2009 which also prompted us to ready the necessary documentations for the Full application Package that we will eventually submit at the Canadian Embassy within the 120 days allowance that was given to us.

The plan was simple, since single, we had to make good use of the 120 days allowance that was given to us, because we have to be certain that it gets the 67 points passmark to get the PR Visa for Canada, under Citizenship and Immigration Canada's Selection Grid.

The key to most single applicants who does not have double degrees in college and first degree relatives in Canada, is to get the full 16 points for the English Proficiency in the Language Criteria of the points system.

Which meant that if the client could get the full points, he will get his PR Visa for Canada.

To achieve this, she would have to get the following scores, per area, for her International English Language Testing System (IELTS):

Reading - 6.5
Writting - 6.5
Listening - 7.5
Speaking - 6.5

That is why right after filing the clients application to the CIO, we encouraged her to take the English examination (IELTS) to prove her Language Proficiency right away.

So that she would still have the time to retake it, if ever she would not get the prescribed results to make her application successful.

As it turns out, our plan proved to be effective, because she did not get the points she needed the first time she took the exam.

So she re-took the examination, but was unsuccessful yet again.

Sad and confused, she called me up and asked what she had to do, she already wanted to give up at this point of her application.

That was why I encouraged her to retake the IELTS exam for the third time, you see I knew Jacqueline could get the points she needed.

I did not believe that she did not have what it took to get the full 16 points for the English Proficiency criteria, for the following reasons:

1. She was able to finish her College degree
2. Was able to pass her CPA exam
3. Worked in Companies who used English as the medium of communication, regularly.
4. Had clients, colleagues and superiors who has no choice but to use English to communicate their needs and requirements.

I knew for certain, that with enough practice, the right conditions and correct mindset she, will get the scores that she needs.

With a little push, she agreed to retake the IELTS for the third time.

While waiting for her English Examination results we submitted her Full Visa Package - August 15, 2009 to the Canadian Embassy in Manila.

On December 8, 2009, we submitted, the clients IELTS Results:

Listening - 7.5
Reading - 6.5
Writing - 6.5
Speaking - 7.5

As it turns out, my faith in my clients abilities were right, after all...

On January 26, 2010 she got her Medical Notice

On April 6, 2010, at CIC office we gave her, her Permanent Residents Visa for Canada.

Her application experience may not have been easy, but with a good plan, determination and persistence she got what she wanted.

At present, my client, now belongs to a minority, an Elite group of people who knows a simple yet important truth.

Only you can make your dreams come true.

And because she worked hard for her Permanent Residents Visa for Canada, getting it may have been a hundred times more fulfilling for her.

She had a choice, to give up at the first sign of difficulty, but if you know her like I do, you too would say that she is meant to get the Visa.

That considering her credentials, education and work experience, she not only deserves getting a Permanent Residents Visa, it is part of her inherent rights.

If you want to be like that client, you too should already start preparing your plans to achieve your goals.

If you want to be successful in your application you have to act TODAY!

Looking for A Job In Canada?

2010-06-07T23:20:00.000-07:00

After recieving your Immigrant Visa for Canada. The expiry of that visa is actually 6 months, meaning you need to be in Canada before the 6 month term expires. One common dilemma of clients having their visa's granted, is how to find job in Canada. Actually there are many options for you to find a job in Canada even you are still here in the Philippines. I found this very interesting website that caters different jobs with respect to provinces and cities in Canada.

As the website says "Jobrapido enables you to search through over 200.000 jobs posted on job boards, recruitment agencies, career and company websites." If you are looking, securing or finding a job in Canada, this website could help you.

www.job-rapido.ca

So start job hunting now! Maybe your Canadian Dream will start here!

Canadian Embassy Manila Processing Time Delay?

2010-06-03T03:46:00.000-07:00

Recently, a number of our clients has been wondering why they do not receive notice from the Canadian Visa Office-Manila even after the 45 days processing time indicated on their acknowledgment letter. This of course makes most of them worried about their application.

Are you in similar situation?

You shouldn't worry if there's a delay, it has nothing to do with your documents. Give it 2 weeks alloweance before you make a follow up. There seems to be delay in processing due to volume of applications the visa office is reviewing.

The new acknowledgement letter we received recently indicates a different processing time.

Processing Time:

Applications for permanent residence in Canada in the category in which you have applied are finalized in an average of 6 to 12 months in our office. If you have not received any instructions from this office within 90 days from the date of this letter, please contact us directly and inform us of this.

That used to be 45 days.

The same thing is true with those who have submitted their original passports, waiting for their visa. It used to be returned with 2-3 weeks. But now, it takes longer.

“We will make our best efforts to have your passport(s) returned to you with your visa(s) within 90 days from their receipt at the Embassy. You should not make any plans to travel to Canada until you are in possession of your passports and the required visas.”

Processing period remains to be 6-12 months from the time the Visa Office received your application with supporting documents, after assessment from Centralized Intake Office .

So there. That explains why there is a delay. Avoid unncessary stress. It's not you, it's the embassy. ;-)

Immigrant's Visa Party April 17 Aristocrat Malate Manila

2010-04-07T00:19:00.000-07:00

Did you miss last Saturday's Immigrants Visa Party? We will have another immigrants visa party this coming April 17, 2010 at Aristocrat Restaurant in Manila. During the visa party, we'll be conducting our in-house pre-departure orientation seminar to prepare our clients on their settlement in Canada.

Simultaneously, we will be conducting an information seminar for those who are interested to live and work in Canada! If you want to learn how to immigrate to Canada in just 6-12 months, you may attend this immigrants visa party.

Interested? email me @ rgomez@go2canada.com

Venue will be at Aristocrat Restaurant in Malate Manila. Registration Fee is P500/head inclusive of dinner. Mark your calendar - it's April 17, 2010, Saturday, 4pm.

Registration starts at 3:30pm.

See you there!

New High Demand Occupation for Canadian Immigration

2010-04-07T00:13:00.000-07:00

As consultations are currently on its way to review the present process for the Immigration programs in Canada. It is possible that the list of High Demand occupations - Jobs, eligible for processing in the Federal Skilled Workers program will change.

Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister has announced in the Media Released portion of the Canadian Government Website, that due to the emerging changes in the Economy in Canada, it is high time for the process to also change.

These changes may mean a lot of things. It may mean that we will soon see a new set of High Demand Jobs in Canada. It may also mean that the current list may be retained with new occupations to be included.

What occupations will be included in the New list of high demand occupations we do not know, but speculating on it, you have check the current list of Occupations under pressure in the Human Resource and Skills Development Canada Website - http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca.

what you should do is to look for common occupations needed in all regions, the may be a good basis for the occupations that we should expect in the new list of high demand occupations.

When the new list will be published, again we do not know, but if we base it on the last time the regulation changed, we have a maximum of about 6 months to date, before it changes. This is the same timeframe, that they used up when they changed the old process last February 2008.

What you should do?

If your occupation is currently in the high demand list, it is to your advantage to start your application right now.

If your occupation is not yet in the high demand list, you should ready all your documents so that when the occupation list changes you will be ready to apply.

The safest way to take advantage of the current program is to start your application right now, before the new high demand occupation in Canada changes.

Its A Love Story

2010-04-07T00:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a transcript of one of CIC's Consultant's testimony that was shared during our Immigrants Party last month

Never once did I expect, that I will be writing a love story when I started narrating the Canadian Immigrants Visa - application experience of my clients.

But when I became the Immigration adviser of Mr. Ray Anthony Sator, his love story and that of his girl friend Rowena Faustino (Ms. Weng), begone to take shape.

What makes their story special, and why it is worth telling, is simple.

It a true to life, its for real.

I am not passing this down to you, based on what I heard, rather, as an observer, the events I am going to tell you unfolded before my very eyes.

Let me tell it to you by following the lead of the great story tellers before me, by starting Ray's story with these famous lines:

"A long long time ago (January 15, 2008 -two years is a long time), in the land Makati City"...

I met a man, named Ray Anthony Sator, who's last name was spelled with an "o" not with a "u", he came to me to help him pursue his plans to move to a far away country, Canada.

It was at our first meeting that I have noticed Ray's inherent good qualities, he was quite reserved, a man of few words. Maybe, there is something to the saying, "Silent Water runs deep".

As I discussed his options, he asked very good questions such as, what made him qualified, what will make his application stronger, how long will the application be processed, etc...

Since during that time the processing period was still tagged at 6 years, and the mere fact that he signed the contract with our company to help him with his application at the same day, I would say that he is also very decisive.

He knows what he wants, the long wait did not put him off, as the Immigration rules constantly changes, he knew that he had to act while the conditions was still in his favor, he wanted to be filed while he was still qualified.

From that day onwards, I saw how he struggled to juggle his time, working as a Senior Telecommunications Engineer at a young age, in a very prestigious Telecommunications company in the Philippines, and completing what was needed to file his application for Permanent Residents application was not an easy task.

Still, on April 10, 2008 Ray's application was filed under the then, Simplified Immigration Process of the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

It was not until October 2008 that I learned that his girlfriend, had an application for Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program (MPNP), this was when Ray asked me to help her comply with the second stage requirements of the MPNP program.

Extending my services to Ray's Girl friend at no additional cost, I helped them by giving them needed advice to finish Ms. Weng's requirements to get her Visa.

The problem with this scenario was that, if Ray's application will not be approved, he will not be able to go to Canada, whereas if Ms. Weng's application is approved she will move to Canada without Ray.

At this point I told them that they have the option to get married at that time, so that they can move to Canada together, I even went as far as talking to the parents of Ms. Weng and attempted to convince them that this is a good option for the couple to take, but due to the parents own apprehensions, they did not agree to the plan.

Left with no choice, Ray and Ms. Weng, processed their respective applications.

Nevertheless, I witnessed how Ray continued to help Ms. Weng process her application to the best of his abilities.

It was a day of filled with mixed emotions, when Ms. Weng's Visa came out last March of 2008, and when she finally flew to Canada May 2008.

At this time, Ray's hope of reuniting with Ms. Weng was dependent on the results of his own Resident Visa application for Canada, before the current change of visa processing procedure, we expected this to happen after 6 years from the date he filed his application to the Canadian Embassy...
------------

Despite all odds, Ray continued to process his application, and with a stroke of luck, the changes in the Ministerial Instructions was published November 2008, favoring the application he has filled.

Even though his current occupation as a Telco Engineer is not on the 38 high demand occupations, his previous work experience as a College Instructor in Don Bosco Mandaluyong, is part of the eligible applications for processing.

With a happy heart and renewed energy, Ray religiously completed all the requirements that was required of him, which included taking the IELTS, securing all work related documentations from his past and present employers, getting his graduate and post graduate studies documentations, etc...

Call me a hopeless romantic, but I truly believe that Ray Sator and Weng Faustino are meant to be together.

Fate has smiled upon this couple; on March 25, 2010 Ray Anthony Sator's Visa was finally issued to him.

We can all learn from Ray's story.

If you want something, you have to work hard to get it.

If you want a better life for yourself and for your loved ones, do what is necessary to make that dream into a reality.

Act while the conditions are in your favor.

Do not live to regret the day, that you will wonder "what might it have been" if you acted on an opportunity of a lifetime, knowing that you are one of the few - of the lucky ones who qualify for said opportunity.

Do not be put off, by the thought that you may not qualify if you apply rather, act on an opportunity and hope that you will get what you want.

All applicants risk being disapproved when they apply for the Federal Skilled Workers application for Permanent Residents Visa application.

But.

There are always two sides of a coin, while it is true that you risk being disapproved when you apply, it is also true that your application may also be approved.

On the other hand, if you do not submit any application, it is for certain, that you will not get a Permanent Residents Visa for Canada.

In life, there are no assurances but people still risks their hard earned money for certain investments.

Most of the time, people will be willing to put their money at risk, depending on the value of the promised reward.

- Some individuals, continue to buy lottery tickets despite the impossible odds.

- Parents, spend millions to send their kids to college even if they are not assured that their children will have a better quality of life when they graduate.

At the Canadian Immigration Consultancy we continue to motivate everybody who qualify for the program, because we know from past experiences that getting a Permanent Residents Visa will give your family and your loved ones a better quality of life.

The basic benefits of a Permanent Resident alone, will give your family - better Financial Stability (please read - Canada Benefits for your family)

Considering the returns we know that this is probably the most worthwhile investment that you will make for yourself and your your family.

Ray Anthony Sator, signed for the program because he also wants to have a better quality of life...

But most especially, because he wants to be with the person who owns his heart, priceless...

If you have been told that you are qualified for the program, act now before its too late.

Give us a call and tell us your concerns, we may have a solution to your problems.

Avail of special promotional programs on our consultancy fees!

For any questions and clarifications, email them to rgomez@go2canada.com

Canada Child Tax Benefit

2010-03-04T22:54:00.001-08:00

As a new Immigrant it would be to your interest to know that if you have children under 18, the Government of Canada may help you with the cost of raising them. This monthly, tax-free payment is called the Canada Child Tax Benefit, or CCTB.

The amount of this benefit is based on several factors, such as your family income, the number of children you have and their ages, and the province or territory you live in. When you apply, you must provide proof of your Canadian immigration status and proof of birth for any of your children born outside of Canada.

Requirements in Applying

1. file an Income Tax and Benefit Return each year.

2. For new Immigrants with stay not long enough to file a return; complete a separate form to declare your world income

You can get these forms and more information on the Canada Child Tax Benefit by calling the Canada Revenue Agency’s toll-free enquiry service at 1-800-387-1193 or by visiting the agency’s website.

The Canada Child tax Benifit or CCTB is just one of the many ways the government of Canada tries to help its subjects to have a better quality of life.

Canada's World Renown Health Program

2010-03-04T22:52:00.001-08:00

One of the most impressive benefits of becoming a Permanent Resident is receiving Health Insurance in Canada. All Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for health insurance in Canada. Canada’s public health care system is funded through taxes that you pay and administered by the provinces and territories that you will decide to live in.

Public health insurance

Each province or Territory has a different coverage for your Health insurance. The medical care your province or territory offers might not be covered in other provinces and territories. That is why, When you travel, you should check the coverage of the Health insurance in your possession as well as the requirements of the place you are destined to go; you may require private health insurance.

As a Newly landed Permanent Resident in Canada you should apply for public health insurance as soon as possible

The application for Public health insurance card should be coursed through the provincial or territorial government of the place you decided to immigrate to.

You can get your application forms at a doctor’s office, a hospital, a pharmacy or an immigrant-serving organization. You can also get forms online from your province or territory’s ministry responsible for health.

What are your required documents to apply for Health Insurance?

When you apply for your health insurance card you will need to show some identification,like your birth certificate or passport, or your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR - IMM 5292). You can also show your Permanent Resident Card.

What you will be receiving after you apply

In most provinces and territories, each individual or family member receives their very own Health card with a personal health identification number. In Manitoba, however, only adults receive health insurance cards. The adult card lists each family member’s name and personal identification number.

Your health insurance card will show your name, address, gender and birth date. It is very important that you must carry the card with you and present it at a hospital or clinic when you or someone in your family needs health services.

Health Card application processing Time

Depending on which province or territory you decided to make as your new home, it may be necessary for you to get a temporary Private Health Insurance, since the processing of your Public Health Insurance make take some time.

Private insurance companies are listed in the yellow pages of a telephone Directory, usually under Insurance. You must buy this private insurance within five days of arriving in your province or territory or insurance companies may not provide coverage for you.

Note: Refugee claimants who cannot afford private health insurance and refugee claimants living in provinces that have a three-month waiting period can receive emergency and essential health services at no cost. The cost for these services is covered by the Interim Federal Health Program.

Private health insurance

It is also important to know that private health insurance may have additional service coverage that may not be present under your province or territory’s health insurance plan. Such as dental costs, private hospital rooms, the cost of prescription drugs, dental care, ambulance services and prescription eyeglasses. Some employers may offer you the option to pay for extra health insurance from your pay cheque.

That is why you should make it a point to find a list of private health insurance companies.

Warning: Do not lose or share your card

Please do not share your health insurance card with anyone else. Your card is for your use only, if you do not heed this warning, you could lose the benefits it provides by letting other people use it. You could also face criminal charges and be removed from Canada. If you lose the card, you might have to pay a fee to replace it.

You may Visit a the website of your provincial or Territorial ministries of health care, to learn more about Health Care in Canada.

British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador
Yukon
Northwest Territories
Nunavut

Foreign Credential Referral Office

2010-03-04T22:46:00.000-08:00

The Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) is part of Citizenship and Immigration Canada which was created to help foreign-trained workers succeed in Canada.

For the purpose of helping foreign-trained workers succeed in Canada, the FCRO provides information, path-finding and referral services so the the integration of this workers will not be difficult.

Remember that the approval of your permanent resident visa application and eventual entry in Canada does not guarantee you employment in your preferred profession or any other profession.

If you are planning to live and work in Canada, gathering information about living and working in Canada will help you prepare for employment in your chosen profession. The Foreign Credential Referral Office created a workbook specifically for this purpose.

Planning to work in Canada? An essential workbook for newcomers was created by FCRO for internationally trained individuals who are considering moving to Canada. It will help you learn how to put your skills, education and experience to work. The workbook is composed of 5 sections:

1. Living in Canada

The more you learn about Canada, the faster you will be able to adapt to the Canadian work environment. Taking the time to ask questions, to read and research, to watch videos on the Web or elsewhere, can all greatly help your transition from new immigrant to an established and comfortable member of Canadian society. This section is designed to help you learn more about life in Canada, and to guide you in taking a few essential steps as an immigrant.

2. Canada's Official Languages

Language skills are extremely important to your professional future in Canada. This section will help you learn more about Canada’s two official languages – English and French – as well as assess your language skills and identify opportunities for language training.

3. Finding a job in Canada

This section is designed to help you understand all you need to do to obtain work in Canada. It provides you with a series of essential steps that will help you learn how to find and get a job in your preferred profession. This process will take time, but completing each task below as thoroughly as possible will give you and your family members the best possible chance to succeed professionally in Canada.

4. Work Related Documents

This section of the workbook is designed to help you identify and locate documents that may be of importance to you in Canada before you come to Canada. It will also help you to assess the value, in Canada, of documents in your chosen field.

5. Education Academic Credentials

Education is an asset when searching for work in Canada, but your education may not automatically be recognized in Canada. Demonstrating your education and academic credentials is, therefore, important. Understanding educational equivalencies between your country of origin and Canada will also help you to understand the kinds of jobs you will be likely to obtain in Canada.

For more information about Foreign Credentials Referral Office, visit the official website at http://www.credentials.gc.ca.

For individuals who are working in regulated professions(Occupations that needs a license to be able to practice). You can have your credentials assessed even before you leave Canada, so that you may determine if your credentials is already sufficient to allow you to take the licensure examination in Canada.

The assessment may cost you money.

To find out which Canadian Government Agency is responsible in assessing your credentials you may visit the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada.

Alliance Members:

Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
http://www.employment.alberta.ca/cps/rde/xchg/hre/hs.xsl/4512.html

British Columbia
International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
http://www.bcit.ca/ices/

Manitoba
Academic Credentials Assessment Service (ACAS)
http://www2.immigratemanitoba.com/browse/work_in_manitoba/work-recognition-acas.html

Ontario
World Education Services-Canada (WES)
http://www.wes.org/ca/

Quebec
Centre d'expertise sur les formations acquises hors du Québec (CEFAHQ)
http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/education/comparative-evaluation/

Other provinces and territories
For credential evaluation services in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut or Yukon, you can contact any of the services listed above.

What Is Show Money

2010-03-04T22:45:00.000-08:00

The Show Money or the Proof of funds or the Settlement Funds is usually the biggest problem of an interested applicant for FSW Class.

Although the Show Money is not part of the applicants cost for his or her application for Permanent Residents Visa for Canada.

It is just that since the Government of Canada does not provide financial support to new skilled worker immigrants it is necessary for an applicant to provide proof th he has enough money to support himself and his dependents after he arrives in Canada.

An applicant must provide proof of his funds during the second stage of his application, or the time that he will need to send the full application package to the Visa office of his home country or currently legally residing. As proof the Canadian Embassy will require him that he provides a Bank Certificate showing the amount that was required of him.

Settlement funds is not just a show money. You must be able to satisfy the Visa Officer that the funds you will declare is unencumbered and that it is available for use on your initial settlement in Canada.

The amount of money you need to support your family is determined by the size of your family. These amounts are updated every year.

Settlement Fund Requirement Table

Number of Family Members	Funds Required (in Canadian dollars)
1	$10,833
2	$13,486
3	$16,580
4	$20,130
5	$22,831
6	$25,749
7 or more	$28,668

To establish that you have enough settlement funds, you need to provide the original bank certificate illustrating your deposit which shows the amount you need based on your family size. Since the objective is to convince the Visa Officer that the funds you declare is available for use, unencumbered and not just borrowed, it will help if will also submit bank statements, copy of bank passbooks and or Certificate of Time Deposits if these are available.

Although if you do not do not have a long banking transaction history showing the accumulation of your funds, this is not a cause for worry. What is important is that you be able to explain, if asked, where did your money came from.

Question: What if, for example, you sold one of your properties to come up with the required funds, then deposited the proceeds in a new bank account you have opened. Since it will appear that the account was just newly opened and you have made a one-time deposit of, say, P500,000.00. will this be a problem?

No. That is because you can simply explain where the money came from supported by the deed of sale of the property you sold.

Now, if you have real properties under your name, it is best that you also declare them in your Personal Net Worth Statement as well but for as long as you have enough funds, it is not necessary for you to have real properties.

So there's no need to ask your parents to transfer those land titles under your name.

Settlement fund requirement or show money is no longer required if you have an Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO). It is not easy to find an employer who is willing to process an AEO for but not impossible, I have clients who were able to get AEO's.

But you would have to exert a lot of effort to do this, the more applications you send, the better are the chances that you will find that 1 employer who will be willing to help you process your Arranged Employment.

A lot of applicants, think that they can not apply for the FSW Program because they think that they do not have this amount but, they are usually wrong, they come to us and with proper explanation, they would realize that they have this requirement after all.

So, how much money should you bring in Canada?

Find out how much it costs to live where you are planning to settle in Canada.

Bring as much money as possible to make moving and finding a home in Canada easier.

Important Note: Disclosure of funds

If you are carrying more than C$10,000, you must tell the Canadian official you will talk to when you arrive in Canada that you have this amount. If you do not tell an official, you may be fined or put in prison.

These funds could be in the form of:

* cash
* securities in bearer form (for example, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills) or
* negotiable instruments in bearer form (for example, bankers’ drafts, cheques, travellers’ cheques or money orders).

If you have more questions about the show money, please give us a call.

Show Money Or Settlement Funds for Canada

2010-03-04T22:43:00.000-08:00

What is commonly known as Show Money for Canada is technically called Canada Settlement Fund.

I am writing another entry about this subject because I get a lot of inquiry about it from my last post Show Money in Canada.

As the regulation dictates, an applicant must be able to show proof that he or she will be able to provide for his personal needs (Food, Clothing, Shelter) for the first 6 months of his stay in Canada.

The proof of his Show Money of Settlement Fund should be in an amount of "Unencumbered Transferable and Available Funds".

Merrian Webster's online Dictionary defines Unencumbered as:

Main Entry: un·en·cum·bered

- free of encumbrance

Main Entry: en·cum·brance

1 : something that encumbers : impediment, burden
2 : a claim (as a mortgage) against property

Which means that Real properties is not included in the proof of Funds; Show Money or Settlement funds. You can present Real Properties as part of your Personal Net Worth Statement but the Visa officer assessing your application will not include it as part of your documentary proof.

The following are samples of documents that you can use for this requirement (you can use either one of or a combination of:

1. Cash - a Bank Certificate showing your required proof based on the Settlement Fund Requirement Table.

2. Cash - Bank Statement showing the amount you have in your account; the transaction details or a combination of several Bank Accounts

3. Termination Value of your current Insurance - If you have acquired Insurance like (Pension, Life, Flexi - Insurance and others), you should check the policy. In it you will find that, normally, after three years of continuous payments the Insurance company will pay back a portion of the money you have been paying them, if ever you decide to return the policy to them and no longer continue with the Insurance program. This is called your Insurance Termination Value. You can ask your Insurance agent for a Certification of the amount that you will get if ever you will return your plan. You can use this Certificate as part of your proof of Funds.

4. Retirement Plan - If you work in a Company that offers its employees a retirement Plan, and you are already eligible to receive the benefits of the program (early retirement plan for example)you can ask your Human Resource Department to issue a Certification, in your companies security papers (Official Letter head) that you are already eligible to receive the amount allotted to you (net of obligations-loans, cash advances and the like), at any time that you choose to retire. But since the Visa office of Canada is aware that not all companies offers this program to its employees, I would say it is safe to use this if your Company belongs to the Top 5000 corporation of your country.

5. Stocks and Bonds - You may also use Stocks and Bonds as part of your Show Money requirement, the amount that you can use for the value should be based on the published current Market Value of your Investment.

6. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)Contributions - As a Gov't Employee, you are entitled to Retirement Plan, you can use a Certificate coming from your HR on the allotted retirement benefit and use this as part of your Show Money.

7. Pag - Ibig Fund - If you regularly contribute to the Gov't Pag - Ibig Fund. You can go to the Pag - Ibig Fund office and ask for the Certification of Total contributions made. This too can be used as your Illustration.

There are other ways to prove this, to learn more about the Show Money of Settlement Fund for Canada requirement you can also read my previous blog post - Show Money or you can visit the website of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada - cic.gc.ca.

Registered Nurse=VIsa for Canada

2010-02-01T00:54:00.000-08:00

We first met Mr. George Hansen Reyes, when he came to the office to inquire about getting a work permit for Canada as a Nurse. Since our Company is an Immigration Consultancy Firm for Canada, his inquiry was directed to our Sister Company International Jobs Recruitment Company (I-Jobs).

At that time I-Jobs still had an Employer who was asking for a database of Filipino Nurses bound for Alberta.

Due to his busy schedule, he was not able to attend the Orientation seminar for Alberta, until the time came when the Work Visa applications become scarce due to the current recession in North America.

On the early part of 2008 Mr. Reyes learned about the revised Permanent Visa application for Canada that processed 38 High Demand Occupations. Where if qualified an applicant may get his Canadian Permanent Residents Visa within 6 months to a year.

We filed his application for Permanent Residents Visa for Canada last March 31, 2009 to the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) in Canada.

A month and a half after, May 15, 2009 we received his CIO positive Assessment for Canada, making him Eligible to proceed with the final assessment of his application, the submission of original documentation to the Canadian Embassy.

We filed his original documents to the Canadian Embassy last July 28, 2009.

Got his File Number August 18, 2009

Received Medical Notice Oct. 19, 2009

At this stage the Embassy asked Mr. George Reyes to submit additional documentations to fix a problem with his Personal History as well as asked to undergo additional Medical Procedures.

After the problems were finally solved, we got his Visa Notice December 8, 2009 where he was requested to submit his passport, the Passport of his wife and that of their Dependent child.

Last December 24, 2009 the Canadian Embassy sent us his Permanent Resident Visa.
_________________

If you ask Mr. George if he found his application for Permanent Residents Visa Easy, the answer may be a definite, "No".

But despite the problems that he encountered in his application, he still persisted, went on with his application and now bear fruits to his Efforts by receiving the best Christmas Gift for his Family, a Permanent Residents Visa.

They plan to go to Canada on February 2010. His first order of business, taking the Licensure Examination to allow him to practice his profession as a Nurse, you see Mr. Reyes on top of getting his Permanent Residents Visa was already positively assessed by the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC). To know how to practice your profession right away, you may read Foreign Credential Referal Office
__________________

This can be your story too, if you have the Education, 4 years Work Experience in the list of 38 High Demand Occupations within the last ten years, then you have a strong Case.

But you have to act Fast the list of Occupations currently in process may change soon. If it does and your occupation was omitted in the list then you can no longer apply. If you are interested, you should take advantage of this great opportunity or else this gift for yourself and your Family will disappear.

Pampanga Seminar Again

2010-02-01T00:47:00.000-08:00

Please be informed that the Angeles City seminar schedule (originally scheduled on jan 17, 2010) will be postponed to Feb 21, 2010. We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused you.

Canada Dream- PLAN AHEAD!

2010-02-01T00:45:00.000-08:00

It was early December last year when Mr. Benjamin Jamorabo ~~brought us S & R New York Style Pizza~~ received the Canadian Permanent Residence Visa for his whole family. If that isn't a wonderful Christmas gift for his family, I don't know what is.

The Jamorabo family with one of our Senior Consultant at CIC Mall of Asia Office

Mr. Jamorabo is a retired bank examiner and will be moving to Canada together with his family early this year. His elder daughter is a graduating nursing student while the younger daughter will be finishing college, too, few years from now. Do you know what that means?

Since great income opportunities await for his daughters, specially his elder daughter, who most likely will be working as a nurse, it only means Mr. Jamorabo will no longer need to work once they landed in Canada!

Kidding.

It means better quality of life for Mr. Jamorabo and his family. It means a better future for his kids.

It was December 2006 when I first Mr. Jamorabo. He was already 50 years old at that time but still met the pass mark using the points system. Considering his age and the 3-5 years processing during that time, it takes a lot of courage and determination to come up with such a decision.

Using the Simplified Application Process, his application was filed February 2007.

When AINP Family Stream was introduced June 2008, we immediately prepared his application for the program with the end in view of a faster processing.

Imagine their delight when the Ministerial Instruction was issued on November 2008 which identified the 38 High Demand Occupations that eligible for a faster visa processing - 6-12 months only!

After withdrawing his application filed at the Canadian Visa Office in Manila, a new application was filed to Centralized Intake Office (CIO) on Feb 2009 and received the positive assessment a month after. He was classified under Financial Auditors and Accountants.

It was May 2009 when he was able to complete the required documents and submit the same to the Canadian Visa Office in Manila. June 2009, he was required to pay the Right of Permanent Resident Fee (RPRF) and all family members where instructed to undergo medical examination.

After some delays due to some medical concerns in one the family members, their visas were finally issued December 2009!

That's Mr. Jamorabo's plan. A dream come true.

But what about you? Do you also have the courage and determination to make a big decision?

A Treat From A Succesfull CLient

2010-02-01T00:40:00.001-08:00

It's not required, but how could you say NO if a client sent you a round trip ticket to Bohol and requested you to personally deliver their visa instead of them going to Manila? And that the client insists saying that he will be celebrating his birthday and he wants you to be there?

Ms. Pinky Cardillo, one of my colleagues, have just arrived. She was treated by the client to a Bohol country side tour. She went to Panglao Island, to the famous Chocolate Hills and other tourist destinations in Bohol!

Engr. Ene Viba applied as a University Professor. His wife is also an engineer by profession. They will be moving to Canada this April 2010.

Company Trainors are Eligible Too!

2010-02-01T00:38:00.001-08:00

You may not know it but if you are working as a Company Trainer for at least one year within the last 10 years, you may be eligible too under the new Federal Skilled Worker program. Your occupation is actually included in the list of 38 High Demand Occupations classified under College and Other Vocational Instructor. And it does not matter if this is your present job!

Here's a proof.

Ms. Febe Bayona is currenly working as a Sales Officer, which is not included in the list of high demand occupations. But because of her previous experience as a Company Tariner, she was able to get a positive assessment and after submission of supporting documents to the Canadian Visa Office in Manila on Sept 2009, their PR Visas were issued 3 months after!

Important News on Canadian Representatives

2010-01-21T22:32:00.000-08:00

Here's an important announcement from Citizenship and Immigration Canada concerning Canada Immigration Lawyers and Immigration Consultants related to the Special immigration measures in response to the earthquake in Haiti.

Important information for Haitian-Canadians about using immigration consultants

The Government of Canada is concerned that members of the Haitian-Canadian community are being misled that a paid immigration consultant can speed up the arrival of their loved ones from Haiti.

CIC is expediting immigration applications for Haitians with close family members in this country. No immigration consultant can speed up this process.

If you choose to hire a consultant, your application will not be given special attention or processed faster.[Source]

The only representatives who may charge a fee to represent or advise you on immigration and refugee matters with the Government of Canada are:

lawyers who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society

Immigration consultants who are members in good standing of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC), and

notaries who are members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec

4 months Canada Visa Processing

2009-11-18T02:29:00.000-08:00

If you're still in doubt about the 6-12 months visa processing this may change your mind.

Last Saturday, the Cabahug Family visited our office to pick up their Permanent Resident (PR) Visas.

We filed their application to Centralized Intake Office (CIO) on March 13, 2009. A positive assessment result was received on April 24, 2009.

It took them a while to complete the requirements for submission to embassy. The 6-12 months processing period starts at the time the Visa Office received the complete application package - application forms and supporting documents.

Their application was filed at the Canadian Visa Office in Manila on June 29, 2009 and their visas were sent to our office on November 04, 2009. That's right, it took them only 4 months!

It is now easier and faster to apply. It is happening and we have the proof!

If you are interested to live and work in Canada, too, find out if you are eligible.

One of CIC's High Profile Immigration Clients

2009-11-18T02:20:00.000-08:00

One of my blog readers asked me this question - If journalists are not included in the list of 38 High Demand Occupations, how come Ms. Marieton Pacheco, former ABS-CBN senior reporter, was able to immigrate to Canada just recently?

Though Ms. Marieton Pacheco bid farewell to her ABS-CBN family sometime in July 2009, she still reports for ABS-CBN News, Canada. Aside from that, she is now a freelance writer for The Philippine Asian News Today and Filipino-Canadian magazine Living Today.

Her Permanent Resident Visa application was filed on March 13, 2004. That was years before the Ministerial Instruction limiting the Federal Skilled Worker program to 38 high demand occupations. Canadian Visa Office in Manila approved her visa application on December 8, 2008 and her visa, together with her family members, were released June 3, 2009.

'How did I know about her application details?', you might ask.

Simple. Ms. Marieton Pacheco is actually one of the thousands of Canadian Immigration Consultancy clients who are now living in working in Canada. You can be one of them, too. Find out how!

Visit

Canadian Immigartion Consultancy
SM MOA Office
10am-10pm everyday

look for roland gomez :)

Guaranteed Visas and Jobs in Canada!

2009-11-03T04:17:00.000-08:00

if you are seeking immigration advice or trying your luck in getting a job offer from Canada and you get this kind of offer, think twice before giving them your personal information and much more giving them your hard earned money. It is probably a scam!

Like in the case of Marriot Hotel Scam, the following are typically their too-good-to-be-true offers:

Guaranteed work permits!

Free scholarships!

High-paying jobs in Canada with minimal or no experience needed!

Free air tickets and accommodation!

Guaranteed employment!

SPECIAL programs!

Earn $4,000 a month as a hotel cleaner!

Don't be a victim of a scam. Here's a fraud warning notice from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

The things you need to know:

Only visa officers at Canadian embassies can decide whether or not to issue a visa.

Immigration representatives cannot guarantee you will be issued a visa. No representative has special connections with government officials.

All forms and guides needed for you to apply for any type of visa are available for free on this website.

The Government of Canada will never ask you to deposit money into an individual’s personal bank accounts or to transfer money through a specific private money transfer company.

Processing fees are the same at all Canadian visa offices around the world.

The Government of Canada does not use commercial e-mail addresses. All e-mail addresses of the Canadian government end with “.gc.ca”.

You can obtain accurate and reliable information at this website. If you have questions, contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada or the visa office responsible for your area.

If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Marriot Hotel Scam

2009-11-03T04:14:00.000-08:00

Actually this Is a long online scan from the internet but I was amazed that some people really do believe in it.

There's a reader who sent me an email asking about his job offer from Marriot Hotel. He's asking if the offer is real or just a scam.

Here's a forwarded email from "Canada Immigration Lawyer"

From: Canadaimmigrationlawyer Consultant
Subject: CANADA AIRPORT IMMIGRATION LAWYERS OTTAWA.
To: ********@yahoo.com
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2009, 10:33 PM

DEAR APPLICANT,

THIS IS TO INFORM YOU THAT YOUR MAIL HAS BEEN RECEIVED, NOW YOU SHOULD CONTACT OUR ZONAL TOURIST DEPARTMENT ON HOW YOU WILL REACH THEM WITH THE PAYMENT OF $218 U.S DOLLARS, FOR YOUR AUTHORIZATION LETTER, SO THAT WE CAN BE ABLE TO SEND YOUR AUTHORIZATION LETTER TO THE CANADIAN IMMIGRATION BUREAU OTTAWA FOR YOUR VISA ISSUANCE.

HERE IS THE MAIL ADDRESS ON HOW YOU WILL CONTACT OUR ZONAL TOURIST DEPARTMENT FOR YOUR LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION.

zonaltouristdeptcv@yahoo.ca

NOTE: YOU SHOULD CONTACT THEM WITH YOUR INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT SCAN AND YOUR DOCUMENT CODE..CA-AF01225 TO ENABLE THEM IDENTIFY YOUR ENTIRE DOCUMENTS.

BARR. DAVID COHEN.
CANADIAN IMMIGRATION LAWYERS

This is obviously similar to that of Omni Hotel Scam. But to better guide you, read about my entry, Guaranteed Visas and Jobs in Canada .

By the way, David Cohen is a real immigration lawyer and I'm sure he has nothing to do with that email.

So if you receive similar job offer from Marriot Hotel, think again before sending that money.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s 2009 Annual Report

2009-11-03T03:57:00.000-08:00

Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s 2009 Annual Report is now tabled in the Parliament. This is pursuant to Section 94 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act requiring the Immigration Minister to make such report on or before November 1 of each year or, if a House of Parliament is not then sitting, within the next 30 days on which that House is sitting after that date.

"We have maintained the highest relative level of immigration of any major western country, attracting nearly a quarter of a million permanent residents in 2008. In 2010, we intend to welcome between 240,000 and 265,000 permanent residents", said Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

While it is true that the process for those that meet specified criteria under the new Federal Skilled Worker program is faster - some are in less than six months - the fact remains that the process for those who filed before Feb 27, 2008 is still slow.

“We’ve also brought the backlog of federal skilled worker applicants down from over 630,000 to 425,000—a reduction of more than 30%.” - CIC

Part of the reason, if not the major factor, of the dramatic reduction in backlogs may be attributable to a couple of things:

1. Some, if not most, of those who filed before Feb 27, 2008 that are included in the list of 38 High Demand Occupations actually withdrew their applications and filed their applications to Centralized Intake Office (CIO).

2. Some of those who received Confirmation Letter from the Canadian Visa Office in Manila have withdrawn their application. These are the applicants who are not included in the list of High Demand Occupations and were discourage by the long processing period and the unfair treatment of their applications. Here's an excerpt from the letter:

This letter is in reference to your application for permanent residence in Canada, received in 2005. Citizenship and Immigration Canada requests that you confirm whether or not you are still interested in immigrating to Canada.

If you are no longer interested in immigrating to Canada and you wish to withdraw your application, please contact the Canadian Embassy in Manila within 90 days to confirm your mailing information, and we will return your full application fee.

To date, the Visa Office in Manila is yet to finish processing of applications filed in 2004.

The backlog was reduced, alright. But it would have been better if the backlog was reduced because of faster visa processing not only for those who meet specific criteria but also for those who have been waiting for five years now.

The 2010 Immigration Plan, just the same, looks promising. If your occupation is in the High Demand List, file your application now. The list reflects Canada’s labour market needs and were developed in consultation with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, provinces, territories and other economic experts. There is no official indication yet on when exactly the list will change.

Where to Hunt Jobs for Canada

2009-10-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

These are the list of sites that caters all of jobhunters in for Canada. If the status of your application is on medical stage or for visa releasing I suggest to you should start looking for a job in Canada. You will never know. I know some clients that get lucky finding jobs while they are still here in the Philippines. Other employers that desperately needs you will offer you free plane tickets and even will find you an apartment.

So here is the list where you first begin your Job Hunt:

HRDC Job Bank - Canada - lots of listings here by small companies, if you don't mind some of the pay that borders on exploitation.

Workopolis - lots of good listings, many by big companies. You can also post your resume.

Monster - features almost same as Workopolis.

Job Shark

Canada Wide Employment Finder

Canadian Career Page

Canadian Federal Government Jobs

Having Immigrant visa is a big thing in finding jobs. Thats a big advantage from other applicants who only looks for working visa. So if you are qualified apply now for an Immigrant Visa.

Saskatchewan PNP Update

2009-10-29T22:27:00.000-07:00

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business ranking of top business-friendly cities, Saskatchewan is home to the most business-friendly cities in Canada. The province is currently experiencing a business boom and its highest population growth since 1952. As the economy grows, the creation of jobs and investment opportunities are increasing.

For this reason, the province has amended its immigration strategy to welcome a greater number of qualified immigrants.

“This new process will make Saskatchewan more competitive in Canada. It will bring talented managers and entrepreneurs to the province, it will spread opportunities for investment to more communities and create jobs,” said Saskatchewan’s Minister Responsible for Immigration Rob Norris.

Under the new process, nominations for the SINP Entrepreneur category are expected to be finalized within six months from the date of application.

In addition, three new streams have been added to this category:

The Large Scale Investor Stream, for applicants who wish to invest $10-million or more in Saskatchewan;
The Science and Technology Stream, for applicants who have an innovative idea or plan to partner with an existing Saskatchewan science and technology body; and
The Young Farmers Stream, for applicants under the age of 40 who have farming experience.

Norris also announced plans to add two new streams to the SINP Entrepreneur category in the future: one for entrepreneurs to partner with First Nations and Métis businesses or communities, and one that will facilitate business succession in the province.

article from: http://www.cicnews.com

CIC Mall Of Asia Will be Open @ Nov 1 2009

2009-10-29T00:03:00.000-07:00

Yes! you heard it right! CIC MOA office will be open this coming Nov 1, 12pm-10pm. If you want to know your options in Canada you can Visit our office remember CIC MOA offers free consultations. If you have spare time please do visit us!

Provincial Seminar @ Pampanga Part 2 :)

2009-10-28T23:54:00.000-07:00

We will be conducting again A seminar at Pampanga coming Nov 22, 2009. Our venue will be at century resort hotel can be found at the back of Casino Filipino. If you missed the seminar last time this would be your another chance to attend. This could be our last provincial seminar for this year. Hope you people could attend.

time: 2:00pm

IELTS Exams Validity and Your Canadian Visa Application

2009-10-28T23:46:00.000-07:00

IELTS exam as the guidlines of embassy said that it should be atleast not be older than one year.
But what if your IELTS Exam result is one year and 2 months old, do you really need to write the examination again?

Consider two things:

1. IF you write the exam again, you will need to pay another P8,640. Whether you have enough or limited funds, the amount is still material.

2. What is the worst scenario if you submit IELTS Exam result that is older than one year? Do you think it will cause refusal? Probably not. The worst could be a delay in processing as the visa office may write you a letter requiring you to write the exam again.

I guess you already know where I'm leading.

Based on our experience, it is ok to submit IELTS Exam results older that than one year but less than two years. But if you don't want to take the risk of delaying the process, go ahead and write the exam again.

How To Become a Citizen of Canada

2009-10-22T04:19:00.000-07:00

As part Citizenship Week 2009 celebration, Canada will welcome hundreds of new Canadian citizens during the citizenship ceremonies across the country. Hundreds of Canadians are also expected to reaffirm their commitment to Canada during Citizenship Week 2009.

Here's the basic requirements to become a Canadian Citizen-

To be eligible to become a Canadian citizen, you must meet the requirements in all of the following areas:

Age
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for Canadian citizenship

Permanent resident status
You must have permanent resident status in Canada, and that status must not be in doubt.

Time lived in Canada
To become Canadian citizens, adults must have lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) in the past four years before applying. Children do not need to meet this requirement.

Language abilities
You must know enough English or French to understand other people and for them to understand you.

Criminal history (prohibitions)
You cannot become a citizen if you:

have been convicted of an indictable (criminal) offence or an offence under the Citizenship Act in the three years before you apply

are currently charged with an indictable offence or an offence under the Citizenship Act

are in prison, on parole or on probation

are under a removal order (have been ordered by Canadian officials to leave Canada)

are under investigation for, are charged with, or have been convicted of a war crime or a crime against humanity or

have had your Canadian citizenship taken away in the past five years.

Knowledge of Canada
To become a citizen, you must know the rights and responsibilities of citizens, such as the right and responsibility to vote. You must also know some things about Canada’s history and geography, and about its political system.

For more information on how to apply for Canadian Citizenship, click here.

*photos from kianahayeri.wordpress.com/

38 Occupations Looking Beyond Further

2009-10-22T04:05:00.000-07:00

Free Education for your children
Free Health Care for the entire family
Disability Income
more than substantial Retirement Income
Unemployment Income

Are some the reasons why a lot of Filipino's long to have a Canada Visa (Canadian Permanent Residents Visa).

Even though the application process is not easy.

That even though it is a lot of hard work to start a new life in Canada and it is a lot of hard work to relocate in Canada; a lot of Single and Married individuals still apply for this Visa.

And why wouldn't they?

Education, health care, Disability, Unemployment and no real retirement income are some of the major Financial set backs that they experience or fear that they might experience which will keep them from achieving Financial Security for themselves and for their loved ones.

Last November 28, 2008, the Immigration Minister of Canada published changes in the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Immigration application Program.

Among the highlighted changes was a Fast and Easier way to Immigrate in Canada.

Applicants with Work experience in 38 High Demand Occupations will be processed within 6 months to a year.

Since then our Consultancy Company Canadian, Immigration Consultancy, has processed numerous applications.

This blog post aims to share with you some of the profiles of our successful applicants who received their Canada Visa's (Canadian Permanent Residents Visa) last September 2009 which are as follows:

General Practitioners and Family Physicians
University Professors
Financial Auditors and Accountants
College and Other Vocational Instructors
Specialist Physicians
Registered Nurses
Restaurant and Food Service Managers

These applicants were very surprised at the processing speed, before they knew it, they were already granted their Visa's.

The speed of an application will also depend on the applicants speed in sending in requirements when it is required in different stages of the application.

Amongst the applicants who got their Visa's last Month, the longest time it took before the Visa was given was 10 months the fastest was 7 months. On the average, it takes around 8 months.

Which means that the faster you start your application, the faster you will get the results in your application.

A lot of applicants often ask me whether or not they are eligible to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, because their job titles might differ from those listed in the announced 38 qualifying occupations.

And I tell them that from our experience the Visa officer will grant an applicant the Canada Visa even if their titles are different for as long as they have the duties that matches the occupations in the 38 high demand list.

This is due to the fact that Job titles for a particular occupation can vary across different countries, different industries and even different employers, the duties performed in the occupation are more important than the job title when it comes to determining eligibility.

I would like to give you an example:

College and other Vocational Instructors— The National Occupation Classification of Canada defines College and Other Vocational Instructors as instructors who teach academic, vocational, technical and applied art subjects both in colleges and at the college level. Their everyday duties include teaching students using a systematic plan of lectures, demonstrations, discussion groups, laboratory work, shop sessions, seminars, case studies, field assignments and independent or group projects. In addition, College and other Vocational Instructors develop curricula and courses, prepare, administer and mark student tests and papers, advise students on program curricula and career decisions, and provide individualized tutorial/remedial instructions, among other duties.

Although it may seem that this occupation seems to describe a limited group of instructors at non-university post-secondary institutions, other occupations may also fit the profile.

For example, an instructor that teaches English as a second language to adults may qualify under this occupation. In addition, an instructor who teaches students how to drive commercial vehicles may also qualify. Other potential applicants that may be considered under this occupation are company trainers and community-based trainers.

It is very important for all potential immigrants to compare their job descriptions and duties to those of the 38 qualifying occupations—they might discover they qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker program even if their job titles is different from the actual Job Titles that the Citizenship and Immigration Canada used.

So if you are interested to apply, check the 38 Occupations then first thing that you have to do is review the list and read the individual duties and responsibilities, who knows you may get a Canada Visa (Canadian Permanent Residents Visa).

Language Training Vouchers for Newcomers

2009-10-21T02:45:00.000-07:00

Language Training Vouchers is the latest program by the Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada. It will benefit newcomers who are permanent residents and need official language training currently access free training via local settlement service providers. Initially the program will be available to some 2,000 newcomers, chosen randomly in Ontario, Nova Scotia and Alberta.

“Language Training Vouchers” to help newcomers succeed

Ottawa, October 16, 2009 — Starting this fall, new immigrants will receive “Language Training Vouchers” as part of a pilot project to encourage newcomers to participate in settlement programs, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.

“Speaking English or French is key to finding meaningful employment and successfully integrating into Canadian society,” said Minister Kenney. “Whatever we can do to help newcomers take language training is a step in the right direction.”

More information here.

image from: www.tesl.ca

Propose Changes for Temporary Foreign Workers Program Applications

2009-10-21T02:41:00.000-07:00

Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today proposed regulatory amendments to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program which include:

a more rigorous assessment of the genuineness of the job offer;

limits to the length of a worker’s stay in Canada before returning home; and

a two-year prohibition from hiring a temporary foreign worker for employers found to have provided significantly different wages, working conditions or occupations than promised.

Expect changes in the work permit application program in the coming months.

“The regulatory changes being proposed today are the result of extensive consultations and address the most significant concerns identified through that process,” said Minister Kenney.

“These changes are an important step by our government,” said Human Resources and Skills Development Minister Diane Finley. “They reiterate that our government is committed to improving the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, while ensuring that temporary foreign workers filling a need in sectors where there are still labour shortages are afforded the necessary protections.” [Source]

With this propose improvements. I hope that It could help expedite work permit visa applications.

Who May Apply Under Special Immigration Measures for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines?

2009-10-20T00:24:00.000-07:00

I've been receiving tons of questions about this Special Immigration Measures for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines. Some say that FSW applicants may also avail of this program according to what they hear from the brother of their neighbor's cousin from the Zimbabwe.

Here's what is written in the Canadian Visa Office Manila website:

Effective immediately, priority processing will be available to those who identify themselves as being directly and significantly affected by Typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines in the following categories:

New and existing sponsorship applications at the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga from Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have close family members directly affected by this disaster in the Philippines (specifically, spouses, common-law and conjugal partners, dependent children, parents, grandparents and orphaned family members within the meaning of the Family Class);

New and existing applications at the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville from protected persons including close family members directly affected by this disaster in the Philippines in their application (specifically, spouses, common-law and conjugal partners, dependent children);

New and existing applications for permanent residence in Canada in the Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class and the Permit Holder Class from persons who are including close family members* directly affected by this disaster in their application

Family members* of persons in the Live-in Caregivers Class (LC2), who are living in the affected area, where the primary applicant has submitted an application for permanent residence to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville;

Family Class and LC2 applications from persons directly affected already in process at Manila; and

Temporary resident applications from persons directly affected in the Philippines.

* Family members as defined in part 1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

More information here.

Hepa-B and Your Canadian Immigration Application

2009-10-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

It's not the first time that I was asked whether Hepatitis B will cause a problem for their Permanent Resident Visa Application. So I though of writing about it, hoping this will help those with similar situation.

First, what is Hepatitis B?

From World Health Organization (WHO)

* Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease.
* The virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person - not through casual contact.
* About 2 billion people worldwide have been infected with the virus and about 350 million live with chronic infection. An estimated 600 000 persons die each year due to the acute or chronic consequences of hepatitis B.
* About 25% of adults who become chronically infected during childhood later die from liver cancer or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) caused by the chronic infection.
* The hepatitis B virus is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV.
* Hepatitis B virus is an important occupational hazard for health workers.
* Hepatitis B is preventable with a safe and effective vaccine.

From Health Canada

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus is carried in blood and body fluids. It can lead to serious liver damage, life-long infection, liver cancer, liver failure and even death. Fortunately, there is a vaccine that can protect you against hepatitis B.

Now, with reference to medical inadmissibility rule, there are two concerns here. First, possible transmission to others and second, "excessive" demand in health services.

Then consider what is being done during the medical examination. The medical examination includes:

* complete physical examination for all family members;
* chest X-ray and a radiologist’s report for everyone aged 11 years and over;
* blood test for everyone aged 15 years or over;
* urinalysis for everyone aged 5 years or over;
* HIV testing for everyone aged 15 years or over, as well as for children who have received blood or blood products, or have a known HIV mother.

You and each of your family members will have to complete your own copy of the Medical Report, where you will have to write your answers to the questions on the form IMM 5419.

Question No. 8 is about Hepatitis.

When there is a history of hepatitis in those older than 15 years of age, the details from the applicant should include the date and type of hepatitis, if known.

Note: If the applicant is not excessive demand exempt, then the results of serum AST and ALT should be provided. If these are abnormal (greater than 1.5 X normal value), then a specialist’s report including hepatitis C antibodies and hepatitis B surface antigen should be provided.[Source]

Now, to answer the question whether those with Hepatitis B will cause refusal of Permanent Resident Visa application, I think it will be treated on a case to case basis. We have clients with Hepatitis but were issued visa.

SSS and your Visa Application

2009-10-08T04:17:00.000-07:00

Do you know that your Social Security System (SSS) Static Information is normally being required by the Canadian Visa Office in Manila for Temporary Foreign Worker and Caregiver program applicants.

Now I would like to add that Social Security System (SSS) Static Information may also be required for Permanent Resident Visa applicants.

Here's an excerpt from the letter received by our of our clients

Dear Applicant,

This refers to your application for permanent residence in Canada.

We have now completed an initial review of your application. A visa officer has determined that a personal interview will be required to further assess your ability to meet Canada's immigration requirements.

We have scheduled an interview for you and your spouse on October XX, 2009 at XX:XX p.m. at the Visa Section of the Canadian Embassy which is located at RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

Please bring the following with you on your interview:

o all your SSS records
o your passport used to travel to Canada
o all/all old and valid passports for yourself and for your spouse, for identification

- extra ID to surrender to lobby guard

This is the only correspondence you will receive from us prior to the interview.

She was able to get her SSS records without visiting any SSS Office! You can also get your SSS records here: Social Security System (SSS) Static Information.

Tourist, Student or Temporary Worker Visa Application to Canada

2009-10-07T04:37:00.000-07:00

If you want to go to Canada as a Tourist, Student or a Temporary Worker,

You will have to submit an application for a Temporary Residents Visa at the Canadian Embassy.

Embassy address:

Levels 6-8, Tower 2
RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Avenue
Makati City 1200
PO Box 2098

Telephone : (02) 857-9000
Fax : (02) 843-1082 (02) 8579173

Hours of Operation
Monday to Thursday
8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday
8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Consular Hours
Monday to Thursday
9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Immigration and Visa
Open to the public
Monday to Thursday
8:00 to 11:30 a.m.

You may apply direct to the Embassy, there are three types of Temporary residents Visa.

* Single-entry visa allows one entry only to Canada within the validity of the visa

* Multiple-entry visa allows unlimited entries to Canada within the validity of the visa.

* Transit visa allows for a short stop-over (maximum 48 hours) entry to Canada en route to another country. It can be granted for a single or multiple entries, depending on the applicant’s travel requirements. Example: If your return travel is also through Canada, you should request a transit visa valid for two entries.

The validity of a visa is determined by a visa officer. Single-entry visas are normally valid for six months, and multiple-entry visas may be valid for longer periods. The validity date is the period by which you may enter Canada. The decision to admit the foreign national, however, is made by the officer at the port of entry to Canada (airport or border crossing). The officer also determines the length of stay allowed.

Note that the Embassy cannot issue visas with a validity that exceeds the passport validity. If your passport will expire soon, you may wish to renew it before you apply for your visa.

You may want to visit the Citizenship and Immigration website to find out the forms and procedures that you should take in applying.

Based on our experience in processing tourist visa's, you should meet the following factors to get a higher percentage on getting your application approved.

* the applicant’s travel and identity documents;
* the reason for travel to Canada and the applicant’s contacts there;
* the applicant’s financial means for the trip;
* the applicant’s ties to his or her country of residence, including immigration status, employment and family ties;
* whether the applicant would be likely to leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay;
* the applicant’s health condition.

Should you have more questions or need help on your tourist visa application, you may email me at rgomez@go2canada.com

Credit Card Payment for Visa Processing Fee Is Now Accepted

2009-10-06T03:07:00.000-07:00

Last September 8, 2009, Federal Skilled Worker program applicants sent a publication allowing applicants to pay Visa Processing fees with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express).

Payment Fee Form (IMM 5620)
Credit Card Payment portion of Payment Fee Form (IMM 5620)

In addition to the sets of application forms required by Centralized Intake Office (CIO), all applicants need to complete the Fee Payment Form – Application for Permanent Residence – Federal Skilled Worker (IMM 5620), regardless of the chosen method of payment.

All these efforts to make your application more convenient. With said options, applications will increase in volume, so you have to start your application right away, otherwise you will get left behind.

In this relation Canadian Immigration Consultancy, the consultancy I am associated in, also accepts online payment option using your credit card.

Pampanga Seminar Moved

2009-10-05T03:22:00.000-07:00

Our planned seminar last October 4, 2009 is moved to October 18, 2009. Pag-asa foretold that Peping will visit Philippines luckily it change its path. We apologize for such inconvinience. same place and same time.

Here's the seminar details.

Angeles City, Pampanga
Century Resort Hotel
Balibago, Angeles City
At the back of Casino Filipino)
October 18, 2009, 2pm to 5pm (Sunday)
Seminar Fee: P500 (single) P700 (married)

Canadian Immigration Consultancy

2009-10-05T01:36:00.000-07:00

Having problem with you Canada Visa Applications?

Visit us at:
Located along Sunset Ave Beside North Parking entrance of SM Mall of Asia
3010170 loc 8526
free assessment and evaluation just look for roland and angel
09279856617

Age Limit

2009-10-03T05:46:00.000-07:00

It is a misconception that the age limit for Canadian Immigration is from 18 to 49, years old.

There are instances where a person who is more than 49 may still qualify!

To explain how, let me explain once again the Six Selection Factors of Canadian Immigration application for Skilled Workers and Professionals Category.

The passmark to allow you to apply for this program is still 67pts.

Where you will get your points from will be based on your credentials.

Six Selection Criteria's

1. Points - Education
15 - Vocational 2 years
20 - College
22 - Double Degree
25 - Materal/Doctorate

2. Ability in
16 - English
or
18 - French

3. Points - Work Experience
15 - (1 year)
17 - (2 years)
19 - (3 years)
21 - (4 years)

4. Points - Age
0 - 16 or under
2 - 17
4 - 18
6 - 19
8 - 20
10 - 21 to 49
8 - 50
6 - 51
4 - 52
2 - 53
0 - 54

5. Adaptability
Spouses Education
3 - Vocational 2 years
4 - College
5 - Masteral
5 - Doctorate

5 - one year work experience
in Canada

5 - one year study in Canada

5 - First degree Relative
in Canada

6. Arranged Employment

5 - Certified Job Offer

5 - Provincial Nomination
Program Certificate

In a nutshell, a person with a college Education, 4 years work experience in an occupation that is part of the National Classification Occupation qualified list will have 67 points.

So for those people who are already 50 but still has a spouse that also has a post secondary education or relatives in Canada or a Job offer, they will still have a chance to qualify. Forget about the preconceived notion about the age limit in Canadian Immigration.

Although if you are already with in the age bracket, I suggest that you should file right away. The condition of qualifying for the program is always dependent on the existing selection criteria.

If it changes, then there goes your only chance to still apply for Canada despite of the favorably age limit for Canadian Immigration.

The catch here is apply as soon as you get enough points get it?

Canada Announces Special Immigration measures for Ondoy(Ketsana) Victims in the Philippines

2009-10-02T01:17:00.000-07:00

Official Statement:

Ottawa, October 1, 2009 — Residents in the Philippines who are significantly affected by Typhoon Ketsana are being offered special measures to facilitate immigration to Canada, announced Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.

“I would like to express my deepest sympathy and support for the people of the Philippines affected by this terrible disaster,” said Minister Kenney. “This government is moving quickly to reunite Canadians and permanent residents with their families by extending a welcome to those who wish to come to Canada.”

Effective immediately, Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) visa office in the Philippines is responding on a priority basis for those directly affected by the disaster.

This will be applied to new and existing applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who have close family members in the Philippines. They must, however, identify themselves as being directly and significantly affected by the current situation and notify CIC.

New sponsorship applications should have “Philippines” prominently written on the mailing envelope. Sponsors and applicants presently in Canada who have applications in process should notify the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 (in Canada only) to identify their existing applications, if they or the family they have sponsored have been adversely affected.

Temporary residence applicants will be given priority processing by the visa office in Manila once they demonstrate that they have been significantly affected by the typhoon.

These special measures are in addition to the up to $5 million for humanitarian assistance and early recovery to respond to the needs of the populations affected by Typhoon Ketsana announced by International Cooperation Minister Beverley J. Oda earlier this week.

For further information, please visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website.

-------

Opportunity rises on occasions we dont expect it. So here it is :)

Canada offers to take in Filipino victims of Ondoy

2009-10-02T01:03:00.000-07:00

Just read the news from the inquirer. Good news to all Victims's of Ondoy (ketsana) who dreams of migrating or working to Canada!

OTTAWA—Canada will fasttrack the immigration of Filipinos "directly and significantly" affected by tropical storm Ondoy (international codename: Ketsana) seeking to relocate here, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced Thursday.

"Effective immediately immigration officials will begin expediting applications from individuals directly and significantly affected by the typhoon," Kenney said.

The measures include "priority processing" of claims to reunite individuals with their families already living in Canada as well as temporary resident applications, he said.

Ondoy has brought devastation across Southeast Asia since killing 277 people in the Philippines last weekend.

Some 330,000 Canadians trace their roots to the Philippines, representing Canada's third largest ethnic minority, according to a 2001 census.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20091002-228032/Canada-offers-to-take-in-Filipino-victims-of-Ondoy

This is a big hope and moral uplift to the victims of Ondoy. A big opportunity right in front of you.

If you dont know how and where to start? CLICK ME FOR A FREE IMMIGRATION ASSESSMENT

IELTS Exam and FSW Visa Application

2009-09-30T00:36:00.000-07:00

Based on the feedback we receive from the second stage of the application of FSW visa. IELTS plays an important role on the application. We really insist on our clients to at least make good score so that their application for a Canadian Visa will not be delay.

In our comittment to provide you a good service if you are a Client of CIC, we will be providing you a free simulation IELTS exam to know your strenghts and weaknesses in the english language. With this, we will know early where to focus on your IELTS. Remember that IELTS plays a critical role on you Canada Visa Application.

If you want to know more about IELTS we have a sister company that would gladly assist you.

www.canu.com.ph

Does not know where to start you Canada Visa Dream?

Visit our Free Assessment Tab to know if you could qualify for a Canadian Immigration Visa.

Donation Drop off Points For Ondoy Victims

2009-09-30T00:20:00.000-07:00

Lets pause for a while on the discussion about Canada Visa Applications. If somehow you visit this site. I would like to give you this Donation Drop Off Points for Typhoon Ondoy Victims. CIC on the other hand is not affected by the typhoon. We are still in business and still processing our client's visa's. We will still push thru our Pampanga seminar this saturday.

Again this is a tragic event that happen to us. Lucky are those who take advantage of the opppurtunities presented to them. Lets hope and pray for our fellow pinoys. There are many ways to help. You can volunteer or donate.

If you want to know other opportunities visit our assessment page to know if you are qualified to apply an FSW visa to Canada.

Six Easy Steps Quebec Work VIsa Tips

2009-09-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

If you are a skilled worker, looking at working temporarily in Quebec.

Hers are Six easy (6-steps)explaining how you will become a Temporary worker in Quebec

1. Finding out about Québec and various aspects of temporary work
Are you interested in residing in Québec to work? Get the facts about subjects specifically related to temporary workers in Québec, and do not forget all the other aspects of life in Québec society. You will appreciate your stay all the more for it!

2. Obtaining the authorizations to work temporarily in Québec
An employer in Québec has offered you a job. Your plans to immigrate are taking shape and you would like to obtain the authorizations to reside in Québec. Take note of the steps your employer must follow and those that you have to take on your own.

3. Preparing for your stay in Québec
Soon you will be discovering new horizons. You will be leaving for Québec where you have decided to reside in order to work. In the meantime, make the best of this interval by preparing yourself. Your temporary stay in Québec will be that much easier.

4. Arriving in Québec and settling in
This section provides all the information you need to help you settle in.

5. Obtaining new authorizations for temporary work once in Québec
Your employer wants to extend your employment contract? You wish to change employer ? You must obtain new authorizations in order to continue working temporarily in Québec. Take note of the steps you need to follow.

6. Becoming a permanent resident
You are presently residing in Québec as a temporary worker and have decided that you would like to stay here permanently. Find out about the steps you have to follow to submit an immigration application as well as those involved in ensuring your successful integration into Québec.

Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (AINP) Visa Updates

2009-09-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

The AINP application is one the best type of application to migrate to Canada. If you are planning to apply for the AINP Family Stream please be informed that changes in the application is effective Sept. 16, 2009. If you have relatives in Alberta ask them if they want to sponsor your visa to Canada.

Changes that apply to the Alberta Relative

Former Criteria

New Criteria

Alberta Relative must complete the Family – Sponsorship Affidavit of Support.

Alberta Relative must complete the AINP Family Stream – Affidavit of Support (AINP 006A).

No Settlement Plan required.

Settlement Plan now required with the application as part of the AINP 006A. A Settlement Plan would describe how the Alberta Relative will help the Candidate and any accompanying family members with shelter, food, clothing, finding work in their field and integrating into the community.

On the Family – Sponsorship Affidavit of Support, you must affirm that neither you, nor your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), have defaulted or are otherwise obligated to meet the conditions of any other sponsorship agreement entered into with a Government of a Province or Territory of Canada, including the Government of Alberta, or the Government of Canada for another sponsored family member who has obtained their permanent residence in Canada.

On the AINP Family Stream - Affidavit of Support, you must identify whether or not you or your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), have submitted previous applications to the AINP Family Stream only and what the status is of those previous applications.

Please note that if the Alberta Relative or anyone in the Alberta Relative’s household has already submitted an application under the AINP Family Stream where a decision has not yet been made or where a commitment of support is still in effect, a second application should not be submitted.

Alberta Relative can demonstrate funds ($10,000 CAD for the Candidate and $2,000 for each accompanying dependent) on behalf of the Candidate.

Alberta Relative can no longer demonstrate these funds on behalf of the Candidate. The Candidate or the Candidate’s spouse/common-law partner must demonstrate these funds.

Changes that apply to the Candidate

Former Criteria

New Criteria

Candidate must complete the Family – Application for Nomination (AINP 006).

Candidate must complete the AINP Family Stream – Application for Nomination (AINP 006B).

The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate completion of a post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate program of at least one (1) year in duration.

The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program of at least two (2) years in duration.

The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate one of the following:

a minimum of three years of full-time work experience within the past four years
a minimum of three years of full-time post-secondary school within the past four years
a combination of three years of full-time work experience and full-time post-secondary school within the past four years.

The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate one of the following:

a minimum of three years of full-time work experience that is related to individual’s post-secondary credential within the past four years
a minimum of three years of full-time post-secondary school within the past four years
a combination of three years of full-time work experience and full-time post-secondary school within the past four years. The education and work experience must be related (i.e. an Engineering degree and working as an Engineer).

Proof of accessible funds ($10,000 CAD for the Candidate and $2,000 for each accompanying dependent) had to be in a recognised Canadian financial institution.

If you could not demonstrate these funds in a recognised Canadian financial institution, your Alberta Relative could submit this proof of funds.

Proof of accessible funds ($10,000 CAD for the Candidate and $2,000 for each accompanying dependent) can now be demonstrated from a financial institution in your home country.

The Alberta Relative can no longer demonstrate these funds on behalf of the Candidate.

How will these AINP Family Stream changes may affect your application?

If your application was submitted before September 14, 2009, your application will be assessed based on the previous criteria. If you have submitted a complete application, you are not required to complete the new version of the forms or include additional required supporting documentation.

If your application was submitted before September 14, 2009, but your application was returned to you as incomplete on or after September 14, 2009, you will be required to submit a new application and it will be assessed based on the new criteria. When you re-submit your application, you will need to complete the most current version of the application forms and include all required supporting documents. If you do not submit the new forms, your application will be returned to you.

If your application was postmarked on or after September 14, 2009 but before September 26, 2009, your application will be assessed based on the new criteria. You must complete the most current version of the application forms and include all required supporting documents. If you submit a complete application with the previous forms during this two week time period, you will receive a letter instructing you to complete and send in the new forms within 30 days. Wait until you receive the letter to send in any new documents.

If your application was postmarked on or after September 26, 2009, your application will be assessed based on the new criteria. You must complete the most current version of the application forms and include all required supporting documents. If you do not submit the new forms, your application will be returned to you.

Make sure that you are guided with this changes to avoid further delay of your application. Visa application is so dynamic. So be updated.

Start your application now!

Ondoy Drop Off Points

2009-09-29T06:01:00.000-07:00

Got this info from Abby's blog although posted so many time even in facebook. I wanna share this to you. With my work related in helping Filipino's find a better life in Canada I need to help Pinoy's too that felt the wrath of Ondoy. So here are the Drop of Points Incase you want to give donations:

Globe Telecom accepts relief goods at the following Globe Stores:

1. SGMA: Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall, Robinsons Malate, SM Southmall,
Mall of Asia and SM Bicutan
2. NGMA: SM Fairview, Trinoma and SM North
3. CGMA: Greenbelt 4, Park Square and SM M…akati
4. Central Luzon: Plaridel (Walter Mart, Maharlika Highway), Tarlac (Metrotown Mall on McArthur Highway), Cabanatuan (NE Pacific Mall, Maharlika Highway), SM Clark and Marquee Mall (Angeles, Pampanga)
Relief Operations Drop-Off Center has been set-up at La Salle Greenhills beginning today 9:00 AM, Sunday, September 27. Please bring donations to Gate 2 of La Salle Greenhills, along Ortigas Ave., Mandaluyong
Relief Goods can be sent to Caritas ManilaOffice at Jesus St., Pandacan Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (tel.no.5639298/5639308) or Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Corner EDSA (tel no. 9257931-40)
Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas Disaster Relief:Drop off for relief donations at Balay Expo across Farmers Marketcontact:a. Jana Vicente: +63 928 520 5499. Clare Amador: +63 928 520 5508
Ateneo Resident Students Association now accepting relief goods for Typhoon Ondoy at Cervini Hall lobby at 12nn. For details, please contact 0917 631 2423 AND 0917 703 5357

PAOLC - We are requesting for donations (Clothes, blankets, towels, canned goods, Bottled water etc) to be distributed to typhoon victims. You can drop them off at the Philippine Army Gym inside Fort Bonifacio or GHQ Gym in Camp Aguinaldo

DLSU-Manila WILL ACCEPT RELIEF GOODS TOMORROW (Sept 28) by 8:30 am. For volunteers please be there by 8am in southgate benches (gate nearest to McDonalds), let us help OPERATION: SAGIP METRO

La Salle Greenhills students have set up a donation stand inside Unimart, in front of the alcohol/liquor area. They will receive all cash and in-kind donations to be transferred to LSGH Gate 2.

7-11 in cooperation with NDCC and DSWD now turning all branches into drop off points for relief supplies

CBN Asia / Operation Blessing - Operation Blessing is starting to mobilize disaster relief efforts for typhoon Ondoy victims in Metro Manila. YOU CAN HELP by rallying finances, resources and volunteers. Call us at the following numbers: The 700 Club Counseling Center at (632) 810-7176 / 810-7717 or toll-free at 1-800-1-888-8700 Operation Blessing at (632) 812-0581 in Manila or (082) 297-3080 in Davao It is critical that you help TODAY

All Jollibee Stores Now accepting relief goods.

Petron - All stations are DSWD drop off points

All Shell Stations

ABS-CBN: Donations can be brought to Sagip Kapamilya warehouse at 13 Examiner St., West Triangle QC/ABS-CBN Center/ Road along Mother Ignacia QC/Scout Bayoran corner Tomas Morato, beside Alex III, QC.

Ondoy and an Update to our Pampanga Seminar

2009-09-29T05:20:00.000-07:00

As part of CIC's mission of delivering good service to pinoys. Our seminar in Pampanga will continue as plan. That is a complete Canada visa application orientation seminar to be delivered by one of our senior consultant's Mr. Apol Apuntar. All queries about Canada visa, visa application, and your qualification will be discuss there.

Well Ondoys wrath does not hamper our spirit. We will still give you the seminar as originally planned before. This is to bring you an easy application to Canada.

Century Resort Hotel
Balibago, Angeles City
At the back of Casino Filipino)
October 4, 2009, 2pm to 5pm (Sunday)
Seminar Fee: P500 (single) P700 (married)

Sign up now!

Bayan Canada Helps Ondoy Victims

2009-09-29T04:36:00.000-07:00

BAYAN Canada and all its allied organizations appeals to the Filipino-Canadian community to join “Bayanihan para sa Sambayanan” (Peoples Cooperation for People) relief efforts for tropical storm “Ondoy” victims, which battered Metro Manila and nearby provinces on September 26 and left over 140 people dead and thousands of submerged houses and damages properties.

Member organizations of BAYAN Canada have begun with its BALSA or “Bayanihan para sa Sambayanan” efforts by collecting financial support for the relief efforts in the Philippines. BALSA is a BAYAN-initiated network put up more than 10 years ago to concentrate on relief for victims of natural and man-made disasters in the Philippines.

Filipino-Canadian elected officials from Winnipeg to Vancouver have already solicited the support of their provincial governments and are now preparing to mobilize broader Canadian support for the victims of Ondoy. Meanwhile, Filipino-Canadian church people have also called on their communities to donate what they can.

Migrante International on the other hand, calls for the “bayanihan” (cooperation and unity) spirit of all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Administered by the Migrante Sectoral Partylist (MSP), operation “Sagip-Migrante” (migrant rescue) is helping to facilitate the smooth remittance of the relief funds and goods to the right people. OFWs are called modern-day heroes for the billions of dollars they remit to their homeland in support of their families. The ability of OFW’s to collect donations for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy will go a long way in combating the disease, hunger and displacement due to the aftermath of the floods.

Unlike the Philippine government’s slow response to the disaster, Filipinos in Canada are getting organized while material support for the flood victims have begun to flow as fast as the flood waters rose.

Receding flood waters expose more than the dead

Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) brought rains of 341 millimetres (mm) in the first six hours that it struck Metropolitan Manila on Saturday, breaking the highest 24-hour rainfall of 334 mm in Metropolitan Manila in June 1967, according to the Philippines’ weather forecasting bureau. In comparison, Hurricane Katina dumped 250 mm or ran on New Orleans in 2007.

North American reports say that at least 140 persons were killed and nearly 450,000 families were displaced by massive flooding, but these numbers are rising while the storm flood itself begins to recede. The receding waters are also exposing the inadequacy of the Philippine government in its capacity to respond to these natural and man-made disasters.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has only thirteen rubber boats to respond to the thousands of cries for help from people who were stuck on rooftops for over twelve hours under the cold and rain, without food. The Philippine government doesn’t even have radar for the weather bureau to accurately indicate the amount of rainfall of the said typhoon.

The tens of thousands of US dollars spent on Arroyo’s dinner forays with her entourage in Washington DC and New York earlier this summer could have been more wisely spent on much needed rescue equipment.

Where to give help

You can connect your local church effort with the churches in the Philippines, particularly through the National Council of Churches of the Philippines (http://www.nccphilippines.org/) who have been consistent in ensuring that help gets to those who need it the most.

The Philippine Solidarity Network in Canada has been a long-time partner of the NCCP and other Philippine organizations, especially in its work around Human Rights in the Philippines. The PSNC national coordinator, Malcolm Guy, can be reached in Montreal at (514) 574-9906 or email him at capcpc@web.ca.

People can get in touch with the following BAYAN Canada and Migrante organizations through the following contacts:

BAYAN Canada at bayan.canada.noc@gmail.com

Migarante International Canadian chapter at migrantecanada@gmail.com

Migrante Sectoral Party coordinator in Canada, Jonathan Canchela at (647) 833-1023 or email at migrantepartylist.toronto@gmail.com

BAYAN Canada contacts in major Canadian cities:

Montreal – Joey Calugay, cell (514) 947-3662

Ottawa – Yasmeen Maryam, cell (613) 558-1625

Toronto – Diwa Marcelino, cell (416) 809-3492

Winnipeg – Jomay Amora-Mercado, cell (204) 509-2491

Vancouver – Beth Dollaga, (604) 320-0285

Alternative Application Process

2009-09-25T03:28:00.000-07:00

I want to live and work in Canada but I am not eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Class application, are there other options for me?

That is a common question I receive from my readers who send their resume for assessment. For easy reference, I decided to post here my reply to these kind of questions.

Depending on your circumstances and how much you are willing to help yourself, there are ways more than one that you may do to get a Permanent Resident Visa and or legally work in Canada.

1. Contact your friends or relatives who are now in Canada. Ask them to help you find a job offer by referring you to their respective employers and other contacts. They are in the best position to help you. Or if applicable, they may help you get a PR Visa through Provincial Nominee Program .

2. Maximize the use of internet and email. Look for job vacancies in Canada that match your profile. Send your resume with a good cover letter. There are many job posting sites where you can find job vacancies in Canada. But to avoid scammers like that in the case of OMNI Hotel Scam, I suggest you look for job vacancies from Canada Job Bank, which is a government owned website. You may also want to check these Canada Jobs Online Portals that I highly recommend.

3. Once you find an employer who is willing to hire you, that employer needs to apply for Labor Market Opinion (LMO) from Human Resource Social Development Canada. Your employer will then send you the LMO. There is also a chance that an employer may be willing to sponsor you through Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or process an Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO) for you. (LMO is for workp permit application. AEO supports a permanent resident visa application)

4. If you already have the LMO/AEO, you may now file your application for Temporary Resident Visa - Work Permit or Permanent Resident Visa at the the Visa Office near you. To check which Visa Office may handle your application, click here

Filipino workers who already have a Labor Market Opinion (LMO) and need assistance on filing an application for Temporary Resident Visa - Work Permit, may email me at rgomez@go2canada.com. We will guide you throughout the process and will help you get a higher chance of approval.

If you want to go to Canada as a Tourist, Student or a Temporary Worker,

You will have to submit an application for a Temporary Residents Visa at the Canadian Embassy.

Embassy address:

Levels 6-8, Tower 2
RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Avenue
Makati City 1200
PO Box 2098

Telephone : (02) 857-9000
Fax : (02) 843-1082 (02) 8579173

Hours of Operation
Monday to Thursday
8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday
8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Consular Hours
Monday to Thursday
9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Immigration and Visa
Open to the public
Monday to Thursday
8:00 to 11:30 a.m.

You may apply direct to the Embassy, there are three types of Temporary residents Visa.

* Single-entry visa allows one entry only to Canada within the validity of the visa

* Multiple-entry visa allows unlimited entries to Canada within the validity of the visa.

* Transit visa allows for a short stop-over (maximum 48 hours) entry to Canada en route to another country. It can be granted for a single or multiple entries, depending on the applicant’s travel requirements. Example: If your return travel is also through Canada, you should request a transit visa valid for two entries.

The validity of a visa is determined by a visa officer. Single-entry visas are normally valid for six months, and multiple-entry visas may be valid for longer periods. The validity date is the period by which you may enter Canada. The decision to admit the foreign national, however, is made by the officer at the port of entry to Canada (airport or border crossing). The officer also determines the length of stay allowed.

Note that the Embassy cannot issue visas with a validity that exceeds the passport validity. If your passport will expire soon, you may wish to renew it before you apply for your visa.

You may want to visit the Citizenship and Immigration website to find out the forms and procedures that you should take in applying.

Based on our experience in processing tourist visa's, you should meet the following factors to get a higher percentage on getting your application approved.

* the applicant’s travel and identity documents;
* the reason for travel to Canada and the applicant’s contacts there;
* the applicant’s financial means for the trip;
* the applicant’s ties to his or her country of residence, including immigration status, employment and family ties;
* whether the applicant would be likely to leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay;
* the applicant’s health condition.

Should you have more questions or need help on your tourist visa application, you may email me at rgomez@go2canada.com

ANGELES CITY SEMINAR

2009-09-24T05:09:00.000-07:00

ANGELES CITY PAMPANGA SEMINAR
SPEAKER: Mr. Apol Apuntar Senior Consultant CIC

Century Resort Hotel
Balibago, Angeles City
At the back of Casino Filipino)
October 4, 2009, 2pm to 5pm (Sunday)
Seminar Fee: P500 (single) P700 (married)

For Your Online Reservation: CLICK ME

What to Do When the Right Time Comes

2009-09-22T02:28:00.000-07:00

Since more and more are receiving their permanent residents visa fast, the next concern that these applicants will have is how to prepare themselves for their landing in Canada. Here are some tips from a former colleague at Canadian Immigration Consultancy, Ms. Marivic Solis.

She landed in Canada on December 2008. You will learn a thing or two from her experience.

So, this is it! The minute I landed at the Vancouver International Airport, I get to experience the things that I used to tell our clients. Now, putting those tips in reality is another thing. I realized that most of the tips we shared to our clients were the same tips that I applied in my own situation. There are a bit of some deviations but it only boils down to one thing ---- the feeling of landing as an immigrant to Canada is an extraordinary one.

Euphoric first days
The first few days upon landing in Canada is revealing for a first-time immigrant. One good thing about the Canadian government is that they have a well-funded immigrant settlement program. Thanks to the immigrant organizations. I have the opportunity of dealing with the Centre for Newcomers and the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association. Both of them have Filipino counselors. (It is a lot different dealing with “kababayans” since they will give you 150% support.) These organization offer more than just providing you with information. CIWA for instance, offers free legal clinic that allows you to talk to an immigration lawyer or to a family lawyer (for free). Also, at CIWA, I had the chance to do volunteer work which counts as a Canadian experience – something that you can put into your resume when looking for a job. I volunteered to work for the Women’s Day and to assist the computer instructor in his classes.

It also pays to be resourceful and find out what programs and services you can benefit out of being a new immigrant. There are more good things than bad --- you get a free bed (the only setback is that you need to wait for a few months). If you go to Scotia Bank and tell them that you are new immigrant, they welcome you by letting you open without putting up a deposit (incidentally, I had already set up my account with another bank until I learned that this bank has a better program for new immigrants.) Scotia Bank will even throw you in with an unsecured credit card!

(By the way, if you chose Alberta, you do not have to pay for your health insurance premium, which is a good thing --- that is around $60 dollars or more off your pocket.)

Job hunting: quite an experience
It was on my first week in Canada that I got a job offer. However, I did not start working on that job since I was asked to report after the holidays. I arrived in Canada shortly before Christmas and everyone was in a holiday mood. I took that opportunity of going through the internet, searching for more job opportunities. It was very tough considering that the recession fever has just set in Calgary and I couldn’t get a job interview not until after Christmas. After turning in so many resumes online, finally, I got another job interview with one of the biggest hospitals in Calgary. Unfortunately, though the HR Manager wanted to hire, he said that he has to follow the hiring policy – which is – that one should be hired if he has the proper qualification. It turned out that I need to get a Medical Assistant Certification. However, it did not discourage me. I still have a few more interviews after this.

Barely after a month of searching, had I finally landed a job that I really wanted. My tip to a new immigrant: keep looking for the job that you wanted to work in. It does not matter if it may take longer but the minute you landed on a job that is not in line, you may have difficulty jumping to another job.

Settling down
With a job in hand, the next thing to do to is to get settled in a community that you want to live. I had to move to 2 different places before I finally decided what area to live in. Factors that I considered is the location of the school, the church, the stores (malls, of course --- knowing how much we Filipinos love to go to the mall), among other things. I am blessed to find a place where it is just walking distance to Wal-Mart and to a Filipino store, of course.

Now, I am settled with a job that I love (and a boss that I love working with!) --- I can’t believe that I will be working in Sales Department. My son goes to school on 3rd Grade. (Going to school is not really free: there are fees to pay but they are minimal as compared to the fees in the Philippines. However, you need to pay for the lunchroom supervision, which is a new thing for us. (It costs $26/monthly). The idea is to have the kids eat their lunch supervised (and make sure that no kid bullies another kid). The only thing that concerns me now is babysitting. I realized how expensive it is to have a nanny here in Canada. (You cannot leave your kids alone if they are below 13.)

One final word…
For those who wanted to immigrate to Canada – be brave enough. It is not easy leaving your comfort zone --- friends, family, officemates -- the environment that you have accustomed to since the day you were born. I have learned to love Canada and its people. Although, most of the times, I still long for Filipino shows (and the Filipino “chismis”). If asked if I have to live my life again, I would still do the same thing, which is, to go to Canada!

The testimony is from Canadian Dream a blog from one of our senior consultants. I hope that this testimony could help you in building your own dream of living in Canada.

Dont know where to start? CLICK ME

SEMINAR

2009-09-18T03:49:00.000-07:00

Finally a confirmed seminar in Pampanga.

San Fernando Pampangga
Venue: TBA (to be announced)
Seminar Fee 500/700 single/married
September 26, 2009
1pm-5pm

If you want to attend please do make the online registration

Provincial Seminar Schedule (PAMPANGA)

2009-09-17T02:34:00.000-07:00

With the number of Clients ranging from the North Luzon. We are planning to Provide a Canadian Immigration Information Seminar in Pampanga. We are still looking for a Venue but we already confirmed a group of people that will attend. Actually we used to regularly hold a seminar in Subic but in the middle of the year we decided not to push thru. Our original plan is that the seminar will be held at San Fernando Pampangga. I hope this could push thru. I am Providing you the Online Reservation Form. If you want to attend please do answer the few questions on this form. We will be finalizing this next week. Our target date is September 26, 2009. This could be a morning ang afternoon affair. I hope we could find a good venue.

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to pre-qualify; CLICK ME: Free Online Assessment

if you have questions and suggestion dont hesitate to contact me.