It pays to plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.

This message is for clients of Canadian Immigration Consultancy (PIA Corp Team).

A couple of weeks ago, we sent you an email advising you to get your documents ready for the Ministerial Instruction 5 (MI-5) this coming July 2012. This could be your chance to file your application and realize your dream to live and work in Canada.

That is if you will plan ahead.

We are writing you again to reiterate the importance of making a plan. Anybody who wants to have a bright future has to make plans. We also wish to remind you that there is a limit on the number of applications to be accepted and if you will not act now.

There is of course no guarantee that your occupation will be included in the new priority occupations. But one thing is certain, if will not act now there is a great chance that you will miss your chance.

Again, this is what you should do if you want to get your application ready.

1. Fill up the online application forms using CIC Client Portal (http://clients.go2canada.com). If you don’t have your online access or you forgot your password, please get in touch with your assigned Agent.

2. Submit required documents for checking.

3. Send your job description for review. You need to document your work experience within the last 10 years and your employment certificate must include a detailed job description. We need to review and enhance your job description before you have it signed by your employers.

4. Schedule your IELTS Examination. Take the General Training Module. It is highly recommended for you to undergo formal IELTS review before taking the exam.

5. Get your settlement funds ready.

6. Your target should be to get your application forms and documents ready for filing before the end of June 2012. Sooner, the better.

Do you need help in understanding the list of documents you need to submit? Click here to reserve seat for a group orientation.

Read more...

Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiner (NOC 1233), Nearing Its Cap

As of February 14, 2012 Centralized Intake Office (CIO) update, the cap for Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiner (NOC 1233) is almost reached. Total applications received for this job classification is already 357. This figure is just an estimate. In actual, it could be 400-450 already. Or worst, there is a chance that it's already reached.



For Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners planning to apply for permanent residence in Canada under the Federal Skilled Workers program, you may now only have a one week window of opportunity.

Get your application filed NOW!

Read more...

Cap For Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Reached - CIO Update As of Feb 14, 2012

The cap for Licensed Practical Nurse was already reached as per Centralized Intake Office update dated February 14, 2012. But in reality, the cap could have been reached several days or weeks before that.



If you're a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse planning to apply for permanent residence in Canada under the Federal Skilled Workers class and you do did not make it to the cap, here's what you may do.

1. Get your documents ready for July 2012. There is a great chance that your occupation may be included again in the 2012 Priority Occupations. You should be able to file your application immediately once Ministerial Instruction 5 (MI-5) is issued.

2. While waiting for the July 2012 Ministerial Instruction, consider having your credentials assessed. Check out Foreign Credentials Referral Office and Provincial and Territorial Regulatory Bodies for Nurses in Canada.

3. Read this Guide For Filipino Nurses Planning to Live and Work in Canada to get information on how to get a possible employer in Canada. You can find job vacancies for nurses using this Canada Jobs Portal.

Click Here for the latest report on total complete FSW applications received since July 1, 2011.

Read more...

CIO's Approximate Number of FSW Applications Received

I used to keep a monitor of MI-3 Total Number of Applications Received for FSW. However, I decided to stop doing it because I realized there's no use monitoring the dates of that report really. That's because the "as of date" indicated there doesn't really mean anything.

As an example, based on that online report, the cap for Registered Nurses was reached as of September 20, 2011. But in reality, the cap was reached as early as middle of July 2011. But as of their report dated July 21, 2011, only 26 applications were received. In fairness to CIC, there's this disclaimer which stated that the number of complete Federal Skilled Worker applications received is just an approximate. But who would have thought that the cap was already reached as early as July 15, considering their report dated July 21? There simply is no transparency.

The same thing is true in the case of Pharmacists and Physicians. There were cases already returned by the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) for the reason that the cap was already reached.

Now, if you will notice, the "AS OF DATE" part of their online report was already deleted.

As of this writing, the cap for Social Workers was already reached while there's already 485 applications received for the Architects. You will never know when was this updated unless you scroll down and look at lower left corner of that page as shown in the image below.

If the web page footer would be the basis, we may say that as of Feb 7, 2012, total applications received for Architects is already 485. Then again, the reality could be that the cap for Architects was already reached several days ago.

Read more...

Cupid Is Not Dead! | Happy Valentine's Day!

We at Gateway to Canada do not believe the rumor circulating in the Internet about Cupid's death.



This picture of Cupid has been circulating in Facebook for quite a time now but as of this writing, authorities can't confirm his death. According to some experts, this image was photoshopped just like in the case Charice and Jinkee Pacquiao.

If Cupid is not dead, this is good news for those planning to apply for permanent residence in Canada under the Federal Skilled Workers program.

The current selection criteria gives additional points for your spouse's education under the adaptabilty factor using the points system.

If you are looking for a spouse to get additional points, you still have a chance. Cupid is not dead!

Kidding. Of course, you should marry for the right reason. The following are few of the right reasons to get married:

- You are in love with one another.
- A desire to share your life with another.
- To have a lifetime companion.
- Willingness to help one another fulfill their own needs and dreams.

You see, we're not just immigration experts. We also deal with matters of the heart. And if you're thinking of a Valentine's day gift for your family, buying the right insurance for you and your family may be a good idea. :-)

Happy Valentine's day!

Read more...

National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2011 Version

If you are planning to apply for permanent residence in Canada under the Federal Skilled Workers (FSW) program, you must consider the changes in Canada's National Occupation Classification.

On January 31, 2012, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and Statistics Canada replaced the 2006 edition of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) with a 2011 version.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada will assess FSW applications received at the Centralized Intake Office after January 31, 2012 according to the new NOC system.

As of this writing, there still 20 occupations open (cap not reached yet) and some of these were affected by the changes in NOC. I will post a summary of these changes later.

Read more...

Provincial Nominee Program Evaluation Result

Is Provincial Nominee Program really effective in attracting immigrants and solving Canada's labor shortage problem? According to the the results of the Provincial Nominee Program evaluation, it is.

Here's an excerpt from the speach deliveres by The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism ay a news conference to announce the results of the Provincial Nominee Program evaluation:

So today, I am pleased to announce that the results of the evaluation confirm the continuing need for the Provincial Nominee Program. Overall, it’s working well and is addressing local and regional labour market needs in the provinces and territories, attracting investment and contributing to population growth. The evaluation found that the majority of immigrants nominated by provinces and territories are establishing well economically, particularly those with knowledge of an official language, although there were differences in outcomes by province and territory and by stream within the PNP. [Source]

More iformation about the program - Provincial Nominee Program

Read more...

A Gentle Reminder from Canadian Immigration Consultancy

This is for Canadian Immigration Consultancy clients. A gentle reminder to get their applications ready for July 2012.

We have sent you a letter few days ago to let you know of changes this coming July 2012. You must get your application ready as early as now if you want to position yourself for a successful immigrant visa application. Your occupation may be included in the new priority list but your window of opportunity may close in instant.

Get in touch with your assigned Agent.

If you did not received the previous email, please get in touch with your Assigned Agent to update your contact information. Please also check your email spam folder, it may just be there.

Group orientation

We have sent you the new list of documents you need to provide to get your application ready. If you have documents related questions and or concerns please contact your Assigned Agent. Or if you want, attend one of our orientation schedules. Click Here to reserve a seat.

Read more...