Unofficial Blog of Canadian Immigration Consultancy (CIC)

COLLEGE INSTRUCTOR - MS. JOY DELFIN

2009-11-13T22:39:00.000-08:00

Before you think that only Registered Nurses are being processed faster, here's a case of a College Instructor who received her visa six months after submission of supporting documents to Canadian Visa Office in Manila.

People never plan to fail. They just fail to plan. But Ms. Joy Delfin, a College Instructor, is different.

Just like Mr. Bantugan, she decided to file an application for Permanent Resident Visa through Federal Skilled Worker program despite being told that the process may take about 3-5 years. She filed her application on August 20, 2008 under the Simplified Application Process.

Ms. Joy Delfin received a positive assessment from Centralized Intake Office (CIO) on Jan 17, 2009 and was able to submit the supporting documents on May 12, 2009. She received her visa on Nov 9, 2009.

A REGISTERED NURSE BERNIE BANTUGAN

2009-11-13T22:28:00.000-08:00

It was September 2008 when Mr. Bernie Bantugan decided to start his Federal Skilled Worker immigrant visa application by signing a consultancy agreement with Canadian Immigration Consultancy. He decided to file his application despite the fact that he was told that the process may take about 3-5 years. He bought the idea that if you want to have a better quality of life for your family 5 years from now, you have to start your plan NOW and not five years after. His application was filed under the Simplified Application Process on November 13, 2008.

A couple of weeks after filing his application, the Ministerial Instructions identifying the list of 38 High Demand Occupations was released. Mr. Bantugan is a Staff Nurse (Registered Nurse) and his occupation is included in the list. Imagine his surprise when he receive a letter from Canadian Visa Office - Manila, requiring him to submit updated application forms and supporting documents on January 2009. We told him that such notice is expected 3-5 years after filing his application.

It took him about four months to comply with the requirements including the IELTS Exam Results. We submitted his application forms and supporting documents May 2009.

The 6-12 months processing under the new regulations starts at the time of submission of supporting documents to Canadian Visa Office. In his case, it only took a couple of months to receive the result. On July 2009, he received another letter requiring him to pay the Right of Permanent Resident Fee and to undergo medical examination.

August 2009, he received the Visa Notice, a letter requiring him to submit the original passports of all his family members.

And just a couple of days ago, he was in the Canadian Immigration Consultancy office again to pick up his visa. His visa was sent to us by Canadian Visa Office Manila on Sept 5, 2009.

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

Saudi Police Clearance or Certificate

2009-11-13T21:31:00.000-08:00

Are you being required by the Canadian Visa Office to submit Saudi Police Clearance or Saudi Police Certificate?

Here's how to obtain a Saudi Police Certificate.

If you need a police certificate, your immigration processing office will give you a request letter. If you have any questions about this, please contact your immigration processing office.

If your application is being processed at the Canadian High Commission in London, you are not required to obtain a police certificate until the London visa office sends you a police certificate request letter with instructions on how to apply.

If you are applying at the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE, you should submit the police certificate with your application. You can contact the visa office at fax: (971 2) 694-0396 or e-mail: abu-dhabi-im-enquiry@international.gc.ca Please include your immigration file number if you have one.

For applications being processed at any other office, e-mail: riyadh.visa@international.gc.ca or fax: 966-1-488-9657. Please include the file number, the office where you applied and your mailing address.

The problem, however, is that Saudi Police Certificates are available only to current legal residents.

How to get a Saudi Police Clearance for non-residents?

For those in the US, check the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington DC website for the details on how to get a Saudi Police Clearance.

The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Manila, however, does not process police certificate.

If you are a Filipino applicant currently residing in the Philippines and is being required to submit a Saudi Police Clearance by the Canadian Visa Office in Manila, you may seek the help of Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant and Workers Affairs (OUMWA). Go to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila. OUMWA will help you get the Saudi Police Clearance. The process may take 30-60 days. To make it easy for you, I'll post the required documents once I received a reply from OUMWA.

Check refund from CIO

2009-11-13T21:27:00.000-08:00

Some of those who filed their application after Feb 27, 2008 who are not included in the list of 38 High Demand Occupations are now starting to get a notice from Centralized Intake Office (CIO) that their applications will not be processed and they will get a refund for the processing fee they paid.

If the check or bank draft you received is drawn from Bank of the Philippine Islands main branch and is in Philippine Peso currency, you have two options on how to get your money. You may either deposit the check to your bank account or go to the BPI main branch and cash the check. You should bring at least two valid IDs.

But if what you received is a bank draft drawn from a bank in Canada and is in Canadian dollar currency, that will be a concern. It wouldn't be a problem if you have an existing Canadian Dollar account as you may simply deposit the check to your account.

But what are the chances that a Filipino living in the Philippines would maintain a Canadian dollar bank account? Highly unlikely.

So if you are in this situation, you may either open a bank account and deposit your check. Or look for somebody who has a Canadian dollar account and endorse your check for deposit. Of course, you have to ask the bank first if that is possible. Or ask your bank if you can deposit the check to your peso savings account. If ever this is possible, it may take 2-3 months before it gets cleared.

If none of these are doable, then you have to inform the CIO about your problem. Request for a check in Philippine Peso currency.

I have sent an email to CIO informing them about this problem. I will update this post once I receive a reply from them. They shouldn't be sending checks in Canadian dollar currency for applicants from the Philippines.

Angeles City Seminar Nov 22

2009-11-09T17:53:00.000-08:00

Angeles City, Pampanga
Century Resort Hotel
Balibago, Angeles City
At the back of Casino Filipino)
Nov 22, 2009, 2pm to 5pm (Sunday)
Seminar Fee: P500 (single) P700 (married)

Please look for MARIBEL NARON
mnaron@go2canada.com
357-5493/0918-7396987

Update on Special Immigration Program for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines

2009-11-09T17:51:00.000-08:00

Do you have a pending immigrant visa application? Is your family affected by the typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng? Here’s good news for you.

One of our clients with pending Federal Skilled Worker PR Visa application filed in 2006 may actually receive the result earlier than expected through Special Immigration Measures for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines.

This particular client has a sister in Canada who seeks the help of a Member of Parliament, who then contacted the Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Her sister in Canada actually has a pending sponsorship application for her mother at the same time. The result is quite interesting.

Parents' file (Family Class):
The file was submitted to the CPC Mississauga on 18-Jul-2009. Based on your information, the file will be pulled from the queue and forwarded to an officer for priority processing under the situation caused by Tropical Storm Ketsana/Ondoy.

Please note that any approved requests for expedited processing would be subject to meeting all standard immigration requirements.

Sister's file (FSW):
The skilled worker application for your sister was received in December, 2006. The visa officers are currently processing applications that they received in September 2004.

Based on your information, they have been trying to contact your sister to request evidence and an explanation of how she has been directly and significantly affected by the situation caused by Tropical Storm Ketsana/Ondoy. Once they reach your sister and have obtained the required information, they will review it and advise her directly in due course of what steps, if any, may be made on her file.

It appears that applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker program may in fact benefit from the Special Immigration Measures for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines even if the guidelines do not included them on list of who may apply.

Do you have a pending FSW Application and was affected by Typhoon Ondoy? Ask your relatives to write their representative to the Parliament!

If you don't have relatives in Canada, you may try to submit evidence and an explanation of how you were directly and significantly affected by the situation caused by Typhoon Ondoy.

What documents to submit?
1. Sworn Affidavit stating how you were affected
2. Certification from your Baranggay and or Municipal Office or DSWD
3. Other proof such as pictures, news clippings, etc.

Please note however, that you still have to meet certain visa requirements. Furthermore, the guidelines specifically outlined who may apply under the program and that in order to be considered, you must be significantly affected. But just the same, it's worth trying.

Special Immigration for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines may include Federal Skilled Worker applicants?

2009-11-09T17:49:00.000-08:00

This particular client has a sister in Canada who seek the help of a Member of Parliament, who then contacted the Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Her sister in Canada actually has a pending sponsorship application for her mother at the same time. The result is quite interesting.

Parents' file (Family Class):
The file was submitted to the CPC Mississauga on 18-Jul-2009. Based on your information, the file will be pulled from the queue and forwarded to an officer for priority processing under the situation caused by Tropical Storm Ketsana/Ondoy.

Please note that any approved requests for expedited processing would be subject to meeting all standard immigration requirements.

Sister's file (FSW):
The skilled worker application for your sister was received in December, 2006. The visa officer are currently processing applications that they received in September 2004.

Based on your information, they have been trying to contact your sister to request evidence and an explanation of how she has been directly and significantly affected by the situation caused by Tropical Storm Ketsana/Ondoy. Once they reach your sister and have obtained the required information, they will review it and advise her directly in due course of what steps, if any, may be made on her file.

It appears that applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker program may in fact benefit from the Special Immigration Measures for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines even if the guidelines do not included them on list of who may apply.

Do you have a pending FSW Application and was affected by Typhoon Ondoy? Ask your relatives to write their representative to the Parliament!

If you don't have relatives in Canada, you may try to submit evidence and an explanation of how you were directly and significantly affected by the situation caused by Typhoon Ondoy.

What document to submit?
1. Sworn Affidavit stating how you were affected
2. Certification from your Baranggay and or Municipal Office
3. Other proof such as pictures, news clippings, etc.

Please note however, that you still have to meet certain visa requirements. Furthermore, the guideline specifically outlined who may apply under the program and that in order to be considered, you must be significantly affected. But just the same, it's worth trying.

Monday, November 02, 2009 2010 Immigration Plan: Canada to welcome between 240,000 and 265,000 new permanent residents in 2010

2009-11-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

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 approved 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

IELTS Exam Results Points System

2009-11-07T18:56:00.000-08:00

Level	Points (per ability)	Test results for each ability
Level	Points (per ability)	Speaking	Listening	Reading (General Training)	Writing (General Training)
High	First official language: 4	6.5 - 9.0	7.5 - 9.0	6.5 - 9.0	6.5 - 9.0
High	Second official language: 2	6.5 - 9.0	7.5 - 9.0	6.5 - 9.0	6.5 - 9.0
Moderate	Either official language: 2	5.5 - 6.0	5.5 - 7.0	5.0 - 6.0	5.5 - 6.0
Basic	Either official language: 1 (maximum of 2)	4.0 - 5.0	4.5 - 5.0	3.5 - 4.5	4.0 - 5.0
No	0	Less than 4.0	Less than 4.5	Less than 3.5	Less than 4.0

The following are considered majority English-speaking countries and may be allowed to submit alternative documentation to support English language proficiency:

Antigua & Barbuda
Australia
The Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
New zealand
St Kitts & Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent & the Grenadines
Trinidad & Tobago
The USA

Information Seminar - Angeles City

2009-10-01T23:13:00.001-07:00

Dear All,

Due to typhoon Peping, Please be informed that we moved the seminar schedule for Angeles city from Oct 4 to October 18. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Thank you.

How will these AINP Family Stream changes may affect your application?

2009-09-29T22:43:00.000-07:00

#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.

To avoid delay in processing of your AINP Family Stream application, please be guided with these changes effective September 14, 2009.

AINP Family Stream Changes Effective September 14, 2009

2009-09-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

If you are planning to apply or have just submitted an AINP Family Stream application, please be informed of the following AINP Family Stream changes effective September 14, 2009.

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 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.

Credit Card Payment Option for Applications for Permanent Residence in the Federal Skilled Worker Class (effective September 08, 2009)

2009-09-08T23:14:00.000-07:00

Effective September 8, 2009 (as quoted), "Citizenship and Immigration Canada will offer FSW applicants the option of paying by credit card. Those applying for permanent residence in the FSW class on or after September 8, 2009, will be required to submit a fee payment form [IMM 5620] for all forms of payment along with their application to the CIO. If the applicants choose to pay by credit card, they will be required to enter the credit card information at the bottom of the form. Please see attached IMM 5620 for your reference.

With the introduction of this new payment option, some visa offices will no longer accept FSW processing fees at the mission.

The FSW application guide and visa office-specific forms are being updated to this effect. Form IMM 5620 will be included in the FSW application guide and will be an added item on the document checklist, IMM 5612.

Note: The option to pay by credit card is only open to FSW applicants on or after September 08, 2009. Applications received prior to September 8, 2009, do not require the fee payment form (IMM 5620). "

Reference: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/skilled.asp

ONLINE ASSESSMENT

2009-09-05T23:28:00.000-07:00

6 - 12 months Processing for Federal Skileed Worker | Is it for real?

2009-08-28T00:44:00.000-07:00

Is the 6 - 12 months processing for Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) real? How come the cousin of my brother's neighbor took him about 4 years? :-)

It is of course understandable that there are those who will doubt the processing period is now that fast. The funny thing there is that we used to say the FSW processing period is about 3-5 years and many are being discouraged. And now that we're saying it is 6-12 months, there are those who doubt it.

We just convey the information available. We don't make the rules. So what is our reference for the 6-12 months processing? Here it is:

6 - 12 months Processing for FSW

The 6-12 months processing was mentioned in the 'Action Plan for Faster Immigration: Ministerial Instructions'. Click here to read the whole text from Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/backgrounders/2008/2008-11-28.asp

While you are still in doubt and trying to prove us wrong, some others are now waiting for their visa. It is happening and we have the proof!

Always remember that immigration regulations change and the longer you delay your decision, the more you are risking your eligibility.

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program | Immigrate to New Brunswick

2009-07-31T23:14:00.000-07:00

Here's another alternative if you are not yet eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Immigrate to New Brunswick through New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program!

To be considered for nomination by New Brunswick, applicants must have a guaranteed job offer in their intended occupation or an approved plan to do business in New Brunswick. Currently, family stream program like that of AINP Family Stream and Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.

Requirements for Job Offer applicants

# Guranteed Job Offer. To be considered for nomination as a skilled worker under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, you require a permanent, full-time job offer from an established New Brunswick company. The job must meet provincial employment standards and offer comparable industry rates of pay. In most cases, the skills offered by the potential immigrant are not readily available in New Brunswick and employers must demonstrate that they are having difficulty finding these skills in the local job market.

# Points System. To be considered for immigration under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, you must obtain a minimum of 50 points using the selection criteria here. Greater consideration will be given to applicants whose employment fills a skill shortage in New Brunswick. Please note that the selection criteria used here is different to that of Six Selection Criteria Points System under the FSW PRogram.

Business Plan Applicants
To be considered for nomination by New Brunswick, applicants must have a guaranteed job offer in their intended occupation or an approved plan to do business in New Brunswick .

To be considered as a business plan applicant:

# you must have previous management experience with proven success as a senior executive and/or business owner;

# your business skills must be relevant to the business you intend to pursue in New Brunswick;

# you must have sufficient funds to finance the first phase of the planned business venture without third party assistance and to support your family for a period of up to two years (the personal net worth requirement will vary based on business venture proposed);

# you are required to participate in the business in an active managerial role.

For more information on how to Immigrate to New Brunswick through New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, to visit New Brunswick Population Growth Secretariat official website.http://www.gnb.ca/immigration/index-e.asp

TWOV Program Goals | Who Can Apply?

2009-07-31T23:09:00.000-07:00

The details about Transit Without Visa program are now made available at Citizenship and Immigration Canada website, http://www.cic.gc.ca. The Government of Canada is making it easier for international travellers on their way to and from the United States to pass through Canadian airports.

The program allows certain foreign nationals to transit a participating Canadian international airport, on their way to and from the United States, without a Canadian transit visa if they meet these requirements:

# They are from certain countries;
# They hold a valid U.S. visa; and
# They travel on an approved airline.

Main goals of the TWOV program:

# To facilitate legitimate travellers who are transiting Canada on their way to and from the United States; and

# To support economic development by making Canadian international airports more attractive to airlines and to passengers travelling to and from the United States.

Transit Without Visa Program — Who may apply

Nationals from the following countries qualify for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program:

# Indonesia

# Thailand

# Taiwan

# Philippines

All nationals who qualify for the TWOV program must also meet these conditions:

# They hold a valid passport issued by an approved country (listed above);

# They hold a valid U.S. visa;

# They travel to Canada on an approved airline; and

# They transit through an approved Canadian airport.

for more information about TWOV Program.http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/twov-tsv/twov-tsv-eng.html

Canada Student Visa Application Cost

2009-07-31T22:37:00.000-07:00

The cost you will incur varies depending on what program/course you will, where in Canada, how long, etc.

To obtain your study permit, you must demonstrate that you will have enough money during your stay in Canada to pay for tuition fees, books, living expenses for yourself and any accompanying dependents, and return transportation for both yourself and your dependents.

According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada guidelines in addition to the cost of tuition fees, you will require approximately $10 000 per year to cover your living expenses. If your dependents are planning to accompany or join you, you will require an additional $4 000 for the first dependent, and $3 000 for each subsequent dependent.

Student Visa Application

2009-07-31T22:24:00.000-07:00

Here are useful online resource to guide you in your Student Visa Application.

Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials: maintains the only Canadian online and authoritative directory of universities, colleges and schools recognized and authorized by the Canadian provinces and territories. This site includes information on foreign credential evaluations and qualification recognition. CICIC is a unit of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC)
Canadian Education Centre: Study Canada is a comprehensive resource guide to schools in Canada. Find out about studying at universities, university colleges, community colleges, technical institutes, career colleges, secondary schools, summer camps, or language schools in Canada.
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada: represents 92 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities and university-degree level colleges.
Association of Canadian Community Colleges: represents colleges and institutes to government, business and industry, both in Canada and internationally.
Languages Canada: offer information on English and French language programs and schools.

For study permit is C$ 125.00.

Processing Time: Study Permit Application
Here's the information I got from Canadian Visa Office - Manila website.

A decision will normally be rendered within 3 working days. Please be aware that processing delays may occur if a medical examination, an interview or additional documents are required. It is recommended to submit the application 2 months before the intended departure date.

Transit Without Visa Program

2009-07-31T22:16:00.000-07:00

The Transit Without Visa Program will make it easier for foreign travelers on their way to and from the United States to pass through Canada.

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, joined by Regional Minister for British Columbia Stockwell Day, will make an announcement regarding the Transit Without Visa program today at The Spirit of Haida Gwaii sculpture, International Terminal Building, Departures Level, Vancouver International Airport.

Spouses of Foreign Workers in Canada are Entitled to ‘Open’ Work Permits

2009-07-26T23:12:00.000-07:00

( Source: Edmonton Pinoy )

Foreigners working in Canada should be aware that their years of employment here do not have to equal years spent apart from their spouses. Any foreign professionals or skilled tradesmen recruited into employment in Canada should consider the fact that, very often, their spouses are permitted to join them and hold gainful employment in Canada.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s policy currently provides work permits to spouses of foreigners who hold valid work permits for Canada. For example, it may be the case that a foreign technician enters Canada bearing a one-year work permit for an Alberta employer and may wish to have his spouse accompany him. In that case, the foreign technician’s spouse can apply for and will also receive a work permit that reflects the validity of her husband’s work permit. Unlike the technician’s work permit, however, which will generally limit the worker to one particular employer, the spouse’s work permit will be ‘open’, enabling her to work in essentially any occupation. Also, the work permits of the technician and his spouse may be issued at the same time, or, the spouse may apply later on to secure an open work permit, sometimes right at a Canadian port-of-entry. In all cases, no labour market opinion will be required and no recruitment efforts must be made for the spouse. Furthermore, the couple’s children may also join them in Canada upon securing study permits.

The benefits of this policy are multifold. From the foreign worker’s standpoint, the policy promotes family unity while enabling both spouses to benefit by earning a Canadian income and gaining Canadian experience. Also, the foreign workers’ children, where applicable, gain access to a Canadian education. From the employer’s standpoint, the policy’s family reunification objectives ensure happier workers and therefore greater long-term employee retention. Finally, from the point of view of other short-staffed Alberta businesses, the policy is a source of additional foreign workers without the related recruitment and immigration costs. In effect, going back to our foreign technician, while an Alberta company benefits by hiring him, another short-staffed Alberta company, be it a manufacturing plant, food cafeteria or office, will benefit by hiring the technician’s spouse and therefore saving the cost of otherwise recruiting and sponsoring the immigration process of another foreign worker. As more and more women choose to pursue higher education and careers in their countries of origin, Canada’s policy toward spousal work permits will surely benefit Canadian businesses and ensure economic competitiveness.

In order to secure a work permit for your spouse, you must hold a work permit in an occupation listed in Skill Level O, A or B of the National Occupation Code. Live-in Caregivers are listed in Skill Level C in the National Occupation Code.

Hepatitis B and Canada Immigration

2009-07-22T00:55:00.000-07:00

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)
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs204/en/

* 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
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/hepb-eng.php

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.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/dmp-handbook/appendix-02.asp

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.

http://www.accp.ca/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=32

Medical Inadmissibility May Cause Refusal of Permanent Resident Visa Application

2009-07-22T00:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Canadian Visa Office in Manila

2009-07-22T00:39:00.000-07:00

Canadian Visa Office in Manila is Regional Program Center responsible for processing immigrant and visitor visa application from Caroline Islands, Guam, Johnston Atoll, Kosrae, Marianas, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Midway Island, Northern Mariana Island, Pacific Islands, Palau (Belau), Philippines, Ponape, Truk Island, Wake Island, Yap Island.

Canadian Visa Office - Manila is located at Level 6, Tower 2, RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Canadian Visa Office - Manila's mailing address is:

Embassy of Canada
Immigration and Visa Section
P.O. Box 2168
Makati Central Post Office
Makati City 1200
Philippines

For more information about Canadian Embassy - Manila, visit http://www.manila.gc.ca

Illegal immigration

2009-07-22T00:35:00.000-07:00

Illegal immigration is one Citizenship and Immigration Canada's problems. Every year, hundreds and thousands of people attempt to enter Canada illegally from Hungary, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Panama, Central America, Eastern Europe, Ireland and other countries

If you legally enter Canada through a visitor visa and stayed longer than the authorized period, you are already considered illegal immigrants.

But why would somebody resort to illegal immigration?

Arguably, Canada offers more opportunities for migrant workers than other countries. Its health care system is one of the reasons why many people want to live and work in Canada.

There are a number of immigration programs where you may apply for such as Federal Skilled Worker Program, Provincial Nominee Program, Family Class Sponsorship, and Canadian Experience Class. Having a Labor Market Opinion (LMO) or Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO) will also help you legally work in Canada. But not everybody who wants to live and work to Canada are eligible to apply. The eligibility requirement varies depending on the programs you wish to apply for. If you did not meet the requirement, there is nothing you can do.

And this one thing that I don't understand. There are those who sends their resume for assessment telling me that that want to live and work in Canada to give their family a better quality of life. But once told that they are eligible to apply, they don't do anything about it.

Most would tell me that they have financial concerns being the reason why they can't apply. But think about this - when was the last time that you don't think of any financial concerns?

Sadly, financial concerns is always there. It's in every stage of our lives. What differentiate some from the others is that some make it a reason to push through with the application. Some others make it as an excuse not to apply.

If you are eligible to apply, consider yourself lucky. You don't need to undergo illegal immigration. You have the opportunity but don't think that it will wait for you. Don't let he INTC example happen to you.