Canada Visa Application Online Resource

Work Permit Application Warning

2009-07-16T22:43:00.000-07:00

Let this be a warning for those planning to file their work permit application.

For this week, I have received four emails asking for my opinion and help for their refused work permit application. Their common problem is being unable to convince the Visa Officer that they will return to the Philippines after their contract (strong ties).

There is no appeal process for temporary resident visa application. However, applicants are allowed to reapply.

You don't need a representative or consultant to process your work permit application. Remember, however, it is more prudent and less costly to get help before filing your application than to get help after your work permit application is refused.

Don't wast your Labor Market Opinion (LMO). In work permit application, small mistakes may cause big problem.

Czech Republic reacts to Canada visa move

2009-07-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

Canada's decision to impose visa requirement on Czech Republic and Mexico was not welcomed by both countries.

Czech Republic is recalling its Ambassador to Canada as a sign of protest.

PRAGUE (Reuters) – The Czech Republic objected to the reintroduction of visas for its citizens by Canada on Tuesday, bringing home its ambassador to Canada and asking for support from fellow EU members to have the decision reversed.

Canada reinstated a visa requirement on Czech visitors on Tuesday after hundreds of Roma from the central European ex-communist state sought asylum there.

The Roma asylum seekers say they have been discriminated against by the majority ethnic Czech population, a view backed by human rights agencies.

"The government considers reimposing the visa duty a unilateral and unfriendly step," Prime Minister Jan Fischer told reporters after a special government meeting called to debate the Canada move.[Source]

Czech Republic used to be included in countries with Visitor Visa Exemption.

Question on Manitoba PNP

2009-07-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

Remember the MPNP Applicant I wrote about here: Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Processing Period? There is actually an interesting fact about the said application.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Nomination Certificate was issued to the spouse and not to the principal applicant indicated on their MPNP Application Form.

I'm still looking for reference on how the MPNP handles the evaluation of an application vis-a-vis decision to change principal applicant. But based on the Manitoba Immigration glossary, here's how principal applicant is defined:

Principal Applicant

The person (you or your spouse) who is most likely to be approved according to the information provided in the Assessment Streams section. The other person will be considered a dependent on the principal applicant's forms.

If MPNP decides who will be the principal applicant based on the information that the applicant provides on their application form, it is important to also present the spouse profile (education, job description, supporting documents, etc) in the same way the principal applicant's profile is being presented.

I have sent an email to MPNP, will update this post once I got additional information.

Canada Visa Office - Mexico

2009-07-15T15:29:00.000-07:00

After the news about Travel Visa Requirement for Mexicans, many are asking about information about Canada Visa Office in Mexico.

Canadian Visa Office in Mexico is a full service office. It process visas for immigrants, visitors, workers and students.

Canada Visa - Office Mailing Address:

The Canadian Embassy
Immigration Section
Schiller 529
Col. Polanco
11560, Mexico D.F.
Mexico

For more information about Canadian Visa Office in Mexico, visit http://mexico.gc.ca

Marriott Hotel Scam Again

2009-07-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

Here's another forwarded email from a blog reader. It's basically sismilar to that of Marriott Hotel Scam that I have written about few months ago.

She was advised to make the payment -

From: zonal consultant
Subject: ZONAL TOURIST CAPE VERDE.
To: ****@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 6:45 AM

BELLOW HERE IS HOW YOU WILL MAKE THE PAYMENT.
Name:.................. VEGINUS ONWEMENUSI

Bank Name:................. B C A BANCO COMERCIAL Do ATLANTICO

Acount Number:..... cv64000300007604266610176

Swify Code:.............. BCATCVCV

Address:... BCA Empresas Praia
Ageneia Avenida-fazenda Praia. Santiago

COUNTRY OF DESTINATION: Cape Verde Island ..

Unable to send the payment because the bank and place can't be located, she was then advised to send the payment via Western Union.

But before sending the payment, she contacted me for confirmation. The blog reader was actually helping a number of applicants to live and work in Canada.

The following are related articles about online scams.

Online campagin to prevent scams
Linxus Royal Hotels Canada Scam
Guaranteed Visas and Jobs in Canada!
Omni Hotel Scam

If you have a job offer from Canada and is in doubt if it's true, you may email me for assistance.

INTC Example

2009-07-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

Some 4 years ago, there's a couple of INTC (Intel Corporation) employees who told me they want to live and work in Canada. I showed them different programs how to immigrate to Canada.

INTC Image from http://thestockmasters.com

Upon learning that the process may take an average of 3-5 years, they decided not to apply. They still have a good job at INTC. That is the problem with most applicants - they want to leave as soon as they have submitted their resume.

A couple of months ago, the same INTC employees went to see me in my office again telling me that they are decided to file their application.

They are both Electronics and Communication Engineer and they occupation is not included in the list of Canada's high demand occupations. Thus, they are not eligible to apply under the new Federal Skilled Worker program.

Sad, isn't it?

If you are eligible now and you are seriously considering to live and work in Canada, the best time to apply is NOW! Immigration rules change and the longer you delay your decision to apply, the more you are risking your eligibility.

Send your resume to aaputar@go2canada.com for FREE assessment. Don't let the INTC example happen to you.

Canada imposes a visa on the Czech Republic and Mexico

2009-07-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

Effective July 14, 2009, Canada will now impose visa for Czech and Mexican nationals who wish to travel to Canada. They used to be inluded in the list of countries with Visitor Visa Exemption.

Canada imposes a visa on the Czech Republic

Ottawa, July 13, 2009 —Beginning 12:01 a.m. EDT on July 14, 2009, Czech nationals will require a visa to travel to Canada, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today. For the first 48 hours, Czech citizens may apply for entry on arrival in Canada. After 11:59 p.m. EDT July 15, 2009, a visa will be required.

Since the visa requirement was lifted on the Czech Republic in October 2007, nearly 3,000 claims have been filed by Czech nationals, compared with less than five in 2006. The Czech Republic is now the second top source country for refugee claims. The relatively higher acceptance rate of refugee claims originating in the Czech Republic masks the troubling fact that more than half of the claims are abandoned or withdrawn before a final decision is made by the Immigration and Refugee Board, indicating that many claimants may not be genuine refugees.[Source]

Canada imposes a visa on Mexico

Ottawa, July 13, 2009 — Beginning 12:01 a.m. EDT on July 14, 2009, Mexican nationals will require a visa to travel to Canada, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today. For the first 48 hours, Mexican citizens may apply for entry on arrival in Canada. After 11:59 p.m. EDT July 15, 2009, a visa will be required.

Refugee claims from Mexico have almost tripled since 2005, making it the number one source country for claims. In 2008, more than 9,400 claims filed in Canada came from Mexican nationals, representing 25 per cent of all claims received. Of the Mexican claims reviewed and finalized in 2008 by the Immigration and Refugee Board, an independent administrative tribunal, only 11 per cent were accepted.[Source]

For information about Canadian Tourist visa application for Czech national and Mexicans, visit http://cic.gc.ca. For Mexicans, here's Canada Visa Office in Mexico for more information.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Processing Period

2009-07-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

I have a client who filed under Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) - General Stream - last August 2007. The MPNP processing period was longer than what we have expected, but just the same, they finalilly received their MPNP Letter of Approval few days ago.

It took them almost two years to get the MPNP Letter of Approval. The next step is submission of updated application forms and supporting documents. Hopefully it will only take 3 months to get their approval from Canadian Visa Office in Manila. After that, they can then start to live and work in Canada!

On Canada's Government Health Care System

2009-07-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

When asked why they want to live and work in Canada, one of the common answers I receive from my clients is because of Canada's Government Health Care System. They think that they will be better of with Canada's health care system.

But is Canada's health care system really good?

Have you heard about Top 8 Reasons not to Immigrate to Canada? Top 6 reason is because of Canada's health care crisis.

Practicing physicians in Canada are in a shortage, 1 in 4 Canadians cannot get a family doctor. Canadian doctors are leaving to move permanently to the United States. Statistics Canada and the Canadian Medical Association both have identified that for every 1 American doctor that moves to Canada, 19 (nineteen) Canadian doctors move to the United States! Doctors in Canada are overworked and underpaid, and there is a cap on their salaries.

And then consider this story from CNN

KINGSTON, Ontario (CNN) -- For Shona Holmes, simple pleasures such as playing with her dog or walking in her plush garden are a gift.

After suffering from crushing headaches and vision problems, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor four years ago. She was told if it wasn't removed, she could go blind or even die.

"They said to me that you had a brain tumor and it was pressing on your optic chasm and that it needed to come out immediately," Holmes said.

Holmes is Canadian, but the "they" she refers to are doctors at the Mayo Clinic in the United States, where she turned after specialists in her own government-run health care system would not see her fast enough.

Now, do you still want to live and work in Canada? Undecided now? Let me help you decide.

If you think that you and your family will have a better health care system by staying at where you are, then don't immigrate to Canada!

But before you think ill of Canada's Health Care System, I suggest you watch Sicko, video a documentary made by Michael Moore:

Sicko is a 2007 documentary film by American film maker Michael Moore. The film investigates the American health care system, focusing on its health insurance and pharmaceutical industry. The film compares the for-profit, non-universal U.S. system with the non-profit universal health care systems of Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Cuba.[Source]

Canadian officials and doctors insist most life-threatening cases are treated quickly. That they are looking at what they have to do to prioritize patients -- critically ill versus purely elective surgeries.

Toronto's Doug Wright can attest to that. The 40-year-old father of three young boys found out last month he has cancer -- a tumor on his leg.

But he says he never had to wait more than five days to see a specialist or get a test. And from diagnosis to surgery, it will be just over a month.

"The community medical system thought this process could not have been any better. I have not had to wait to see some of the best specialists in the country, who are renowned internationally," Wright said.[Source]

Canada's health care system may not be perfect nor the best. But it's working.

Lupus Disease

2009-07-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

After that question about Hepatitis B and Canada Immigration, another reader sent me an email asking about Lupus Disease. The question was, is Lupus Disease a ground for medical inadmissibility?

What is a Lupus Disease?

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues ("auto" means "self") and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.[Source]

There are four types of lupus disease namely, Systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), subacute cutaneous lupus (SCLE), Neonatal lupus and Drug-induced lupus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE is the most common and serious form of lupus and here are some facts about SLE from Lupus Canada:

* Lupus can be a serious disease but it is quite clear that milder forms of the disease do exist and are being increasingly recognized.

* Lupus is treatable and much can be done to control it. In fact, with proper treatment it is the rule, not the exception, for physicians (and patients) to succeed in bringing lupus under control.

* Many patients undergo cycles in which the disease becomes quiet afterr it is brought under control. This symptom-free period is called remission and may last several years.

* Better methods of diagnosis, treatment and follow-up have improved the life expectancy of lupus patients so that nowadays lupus is seldom seen to be fatal.

We don't have a client with a lupus disease that I can speak of, but based on the information I've gathered about lupus disease, it looks like lupus disease, per se, is not a ground for medical inadmissibility.

By the way, Micheal Jackson's death was reported to have been caused by a lupus disease and in case you haven't seen it yet, here's Michael Jackson's Memorial Service Full Video.

Hepatitis B and Canada Immigration

2009-07-09T01:49:00.000-07:00

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. Lastly, read this discussion paper from Association of Chinese Canadian Professionals about Hepatitis B.

Medical Inadmissibility May Cause Refusal of Permanent Resident Visa Application

2009-07-09T00:53:00.000-07:00

Before a Permanent Resident Visa is issued, a medical examination is required. All family member, accompanying or non-accompanying, are required to undergo medical examinations. Any family member to be determined medically inadmissible may result to refusal of Permanent Resident Visa application.

What is the basis of Medical Inadmissibility?

The following medical conditions are considered inadmissible:

Medical conditions that may cause danger to public health and safety

Medical conditions that may reasonably require excessive demand on the Canadian health care system or on social services in Canada

Medical examination to determine medical inadmissibility is conducted by Designated Medical Practitioners around the world regardless of which Canadian Visa Office you filed your application. Here's the list of Designated Medical Practitioners by Visa Office in Manila.

July 2009 Seminar Schedule

2009-07-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

Interested to live and work in Canada? Send your resume to aapuntar@go2canada.com for assessment. And if you are really serious about it, find time to know more information about your opportunities in Canada.

Attend CIC Visa Party
We do monthly CIC Visa Party to celebrate our clients' success. Learn from our clients' experience and be guided with the process. There will be a one-on-one consultation to address your concenrs after the party.

Date: July 18, 2009, Saturday, 2pm
Venue: Max's Restaurant Baclaran
Reg Fee: P500 (single) | P700 (married)

Angeles City Seminar

July 19, 2009, Sunday, 2pm
Century Resort Hotel (At the back of Casino Filipino)
Baligabo, Angeles City
Reg Fee: P500 (single) | P700 (married)

For reservation, email me at aapuntar@go2canada.com or send a text message to 0928-5008826. Look for Mr. Apol Apuntar

MapQuest Canada: Driving Direction and Map of Canada

2009-07-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Driving directions in Canada is perhaps not the most important thing that you must know upon landing in Canada. But just the same, it is important for you to familiarize yourself with the map of Canada.

Image from http://www.map-of-canada.org
Start familiarizing your self with map of Canada through MapQuest Canada (www.mapquest.ca).

Canada is composed of 10 provinces and three territories. Start familiarizing the the map of the Province or territory where you plan to settle. If you are planning to settle in Vancouver BC, then start with MapQuest Vancouver Canada. If in Ontario, then start with MapQuest Ontario Canada.

Centralized Intake Office (CIO) Mailing Address

2009-07-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

This post is for those who are looking for the mailing address of Centralized Intake Office.

Image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/tyfn/

It should be in the application kit, particularly in the document checklist, but just the same, here it is:

CIO Mailing Address:

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Federal Skilled Worker
Centralized Intake Office
PO Box 7500
Sydney, NS B1P 0A9
Canada

CIO Courier Address:

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Federal Skilled Worker
Centralized Intake Office
196 George Street
Sydney, NS B1P 1J3
Canada

Aside from the available CIO Mailing address, you can also contact Centralized Intake Office via email. Read Centralized Intake Office E-Communication.

CIC Visa Party Pictures - June 2009

2009-07-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

Canadian Immigration Consultancy has been in business for more than 20 years now. We have already sent thousands of Filipino workers to Canada through Federal Skilled Worker program and the numbers are still growing. At Canadian Immigration Consultancy, we celebrate our clients' success through a CIC Visa Party.

Here are some pictures during June 19, 2009 Visa Party.

Most of these clients filed their application in 2004. Yes, back then the rules were tough and the processing period is long. But that didn't stop them from filing their application. That's because they know and understand the value of planning.

People never plan to fail. They just fail to plan.

Now, you have to ask yourself: What will be your situation five years from now? Do you see a bright future? How you plan to give your family a better quality of life?

Here's a suggestion. Send your resume to aapuntar@go2canada.com for FREE ASSESSMENT! Find out if you are eligible under the new Federal Skilled Worker Program. Unlike those clients who filed in 2004, you don't have to wait for five years to get your visa. Processing period is now faster for those included in the list of high demand occupations. You may immigrate to Canada within 6 to 12 months!

Dreaming for a better quality of life is one thing. Doing something to make it happen is another.

What is it gonna be?

Our next visa party will be on July 11, 2009, 2pm at Max's Restaurant Baclaran, Paranaque City. Registration fee is P500 for single and P700 for married.

Attend our visa party and learn your options!

Cover Letter: Below 67 points pass mark due to IELTS Score

2009-07-01T23:22:00.000-07:00

"I received a positive assessment from Centralized Intake Office but I did not meet the 67 points pass mark due to my IELTS Examination Score. What options do I have? Can you help me prepare a cover letter?"

That was an email message I received from one of my blog readers after reading my post regarding Substituted Evaluation.

First off, if you don't meet the 67 points pass mark, your application will be refused. Although the Visa Officer has the option to invoke substituted evaluation, there must be a strong justification before they can do that.

So to help you present your case with the end in view of getting a favorable evaluation, your cover letter must contain information that may help justify a substituted evaluation such as:

Your spouse profile (education, skills and work experience)

Support from relatives and friends in Canada

Work experience in Canada or Canadian company

Trade or professional registration/certification from Canadian regulatory body

Remember, however, that a cover letter will not change the fact that you did not meet the pass mark and technically you are not eligible. So before taking the IELTS Examination, prepare yourself by undergoing an IELTS Review and Test Simulation

eCan Immigration Software

2009-06-30T23:25:00.000-07:00

Canadian Immigration Consultancy will now be using eCan Immigration Software.

This would mean a better and improved services for all our clients. Let's see how it goes.

Happy Canada Day!

2009-06-30T15:36:00.000-07:00

Image Credit:www.sunsetharbour.ca

July 1st is Canada Day.

From Canada Visa Application Online Resource, Happy Canada Day to all Canadians out there!

For information about Canada Day 2009 celebration, click here

Multiculturalism Policy of Canada

2009-06-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

On June 26, 2009, he Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement celebrating Canadian Multiculturalism Day:

“Tomorrow marks Canadian Multiculturalism Day and I am proud to take this opportunity to reflect on how Canada’s cultural communities have contributed to our rich and diverse heritage, and to outline some of our accomplishments.

“This past year saw the 20th anniversary of the Multiculturalism Act. Since 1988, Canada has strived to make multiculturalism a success and recognize it as ‘a fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage and identity.’ Since Confederation, more than 15 million immigrants have arrived in Canada and our multicultural model of unity-in-diversity, which gives our country such strength, has taken shape.[read full statement here]

Here's an excerpt from Canadian Multiculturalism Act stipulating Multiculturalism Policy of Canada:

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Government of Canada to

(a) recognize and promote the understanding that multiculturalism reflects the cultural and racial diversity of Canadian society and acknowledges the freedom of all members of Canadian society to preserve, enhance and share their cultural heritage;

(b) recognize and promote the understanding that multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of the Canadian heritage and identity and that it provides an invaluable resource in the shaping of Canada's future;

(c) promote the full and equitable participation of individuals and communities of all origins in the continuing evolution and shaping of all aspects of Canadian society and assist them in the elimination of any barrier to that participation;

(d) recognize the existence of communities whose members share a common origin and their historic contribution to Canadian society, and enhance their development;

(e) ensure that all individuals receive equal treatment and equal protection under the law, while respecting and valuing their diversity;

(f) encourage and assist the social, cultural, economic and political institutions of Canada to be both respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character;

(g) promote the understanding and creativity that arise from the interaction between individuals and communities of different origins;

(h) foster the recognition and appreciation of the diverse cultures of Canadian society and promote the reflection and the evolving expressions of those cultures;

(i) preserve and enhance the use of languages other than English and French, while strengthening the status and use of the official languages of Canada; and

(j) advance multiculturalism throughout Canada in harmony with the national commitment to the official languages of Canada.

It is further declared to be the policy of the Government of Canada that all federal institutions shall

(a) ensure that Canadians of all origins have an equal opportunity to obtain employment and advancement in those institutions;

(b) promote policies, programs and practices that enhance the ability of individuals and communities of all origins to contribute to the continuing evolution of Canada;

(c) promote policies, programs and practices that enhance the understanding of and respect for the diversity of the members of Canadian society;

(d) collect statistical data in order to enable the development of policies, programs and practices that are sensitive and responsive to the multicultural reality of Canada;

(e) make use, as appropriate, of the language skills and cultural understanding of individuals of all origins; and

(f) generally, carry on their activities in a manner that is sensitive and responsive to the multicultural reality of Canada.

Source: http://www.solon.org/Statutes/Canada/English/C/CMA.html

It is because of this Multiculturalism Policy that makes Canada and ideal place for immigrants.

Cancelled Without Prejudice

2009-06-27T19:47:00.001-07:00

I've been always saying that a Labor Market Opinion (LMO) is not a guarantee that you will be issued a visa and work permit. Now, let me emphasize that having your visa and work permit approved does not guarantee that you will be able to legally work in Canada.

Your visa may be cancelled without prejudice.

Even if you have your visa and work permit approved, your employer may still request cancellation of your visa. I have seen this happen to a Live-in Caregiver program applicant and to lots of workers supposedly be working in Alberta.

The problem there is if you have dealt with a recruiter and you have already paid their fee. That will be really sad. Here's how to find jobs in Canada.

IF your occupation is included in the list of high demand occupations, you should be applying under the new Federal Skilled Worker program instead of a work permit. It is now easier and faster to apply. And your application will not be subjected to contigencies like that of an employer's decision.

Find out if you will qualify, send your resume to aapuntar@go2canada.com

Centralized Intake Office's E-Communication

2009-06-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

In sending your application to Centralized Intake Office (CIO) for assessment, make sure that the email address you will provide is working and you must check your email regularly.

Effective May 12, 2009, the Centralized Intake Office has implemented e-communications with applicants. If the email they sent you bounced or was returned to CIO as undelivered, that may be the only time time that they will send a hard copy of the letter to the postal address you have indicated.

IF you are using a free email email service such as yahoo, gmail or hotmail, there is a chance that email from CIO may be filtered as spam. To avoid that, it will help if you will add CIO's email address to your contact list.

The email address being used by CIO in sending the assessment result is FSW-Centralized-Intake-Office@cic.gc.ca. And in case you need it, here's CIO Mailing Address.

CIC Visa Party

2009-06-16T04:40:00.000-07:00

Immigrate to Canada in less than a year! It is happening. We have the proof!

Join us at our CIC Visa Party! It's day of celebration as we honor our visa grantees and an opportunity to learn your options!

Their dreams have come true... Yours will be Next!

Venue: Max's Restaurant (2nd Floor) Baclaran, Paranaque City
Date: June 19, 2009
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30pm
Reg Fee: P500 (inclusive of food and drinks

For reservation, email aapuntar@go2canada.com or call/text 0928-5008826.

2009 Philipine Independence Day Celebration in Canada

2009-06-13T06:02:00.000-07:00

Here's Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister's statement regarding Philippine Independence Day-

“This national day commemorates the Philippines’ declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule on June 12, 1898.

“Events in recognition of the day are staged by Filipino communities around the world. The festivities take many forms, from picnics and parades, to cultural festivals and flag-raising ceremonies.

“The annual event is an important celebration of Filipino heritage and a chance to rekindle Filipino roots.

“For all Canadians, Philippine Independence Day provides an excellent opportunity to learn about Filipino culture and traditions, and to reflect on the tremendous contributions that the Filipino community has made to this country’s rich and diverse heritage.

“As Prime Minister Harper has said, ‘Pluralism is the principle that binds our diverse peoples together.’

“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I join my voice with Canadians of Filipino origin in celebrating this national day and I wish them a very happy Philippine Independence Day.”

In relation to Philippine independence day celebration yesterday, did you notice Google Philippines logo yesterday? The logo yesterday represents the colors of the Philippine flag complete with the sun and three stars!

Coolest!

Visa Processing Fee Update - Canadian Embassy Manila

2009-06-10T23:16:00.000-07:00

Here's the new visa processing fee effective June 13, 2009. The peso equivalent is based of the fixed exchange rate of P43.

Immigration Cost Recovery Fees (in effect as of June 13, 2009)
	CAD$	PHP
I. Permanent Resident Visas
Skilled Worker and Provincial Nominee Applicants
Principal applicant	$550	23,650
A family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older, or is less than 22 years of age and is a spouse or common-law partner	$550	23,650
A family member of the principal applicant who is less than 22 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner	$150	6,450
Investor, Entrepreneur or Self-employed Persons Class applicants
Principal applicant	$1,050	42,300
A family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older, or is less than 22 years of age and is a spouse or common-law partner	$550	23,650
A family member of the principal applicant who is less than 22 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner	$150	6,450
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)	$490	21,000
Note that for Family Class applicants, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee must be paid by the sponsor from within Canada. The visa cannot be issued until this fee is paid. The RPRF fee is payable by principal applicants (with the following exceptions) and accompanying spouses and common-law partners. Exceptions: Dependent children of a principal applicant or sponsor, a child to be adopted, or an orphaned brother, sister, niece, nephew or grandchild; and protected persons, including Convention refugees
II. Temporary Resident Visas	CAD$	PHP
Visitors (including re-entry and seafarer applications)
Single entry to Canada	$75	3,225
Multiple entry	$150	6,450
Family rate for either single or multiple entry (all family members must apply at the same time and place, no limit to the total number of family members)	$400	17,200
Work Permits
Work permit	$150	6,450
Work permit - Group of 3 or more performing artists	$450	19,350
Study Permits	$125	5,400
III. Other	CAD$	PHP
Temporary Resident Permit	$200	8,600
Replacing a Visa	$30	1,300
Return to Canada (for Permanent Residents) - Travel Document	$50	2,150
Application processing fee, if inadmissible on the grounds of serious criminality	$1,000	43,000
Application processing fee, if inadmissible on the grounds of criminality	$200	8,600
Authorization to return to Canada after removal	$400	17,200
Repayment of removal expenses
To the U.S.A. and St. Pierre and Miquelon	$750	32,250
To any other country	$1,500	64,500