2009–2010 Mathieu Da Costa Challenge

Mathieu Da Costa Challenge is a national writing and artwork contest for youths that promotes a greater understanding of Canadian history and diversity. Through this contest, young people are asked to research and demonstrate how Canadians of different ethnic backgrounds have shaped our country’s history.

Who is Mathieu Da Costa?


Mathieu Da Costa is believed to be the first person of African descent to have set foot in Canada. A navigator and interpreter, Da Costa is documented to have travelled extensively throughout the Atlantic Region in the late 1500s and early 1600s. He often acted as an interpreter between the French and the Mi’kmaq.

If you are interested to know more about the 2009–2010 Mathieu Da Costa Challenge contest details, click here.

Image is an artist's impression of Mathieu Da Costa from the Roy States Collection, McLennan Library, McGill University. More info here.

If Mathieu Da Costa is the first African to have set foot in Canada, I wonder who's the Filipino counterpart. I've got to research for it.

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Happy Halloween!

UPDATE: Our Mall of Asia Office will be open on Nov. 1, 2009 from 12 noon to 10 pm. I won't be there though. :-) But let me know if you plan to go there to submit documents.



This is just to inform you all that our Coastal Mall office will be closed on Nov 1, 2009. However, our Mall of Asia office may be open from 10am to 10 pm. I'll update you later.

There will also be a seminar schedule this coming Saturday, October 31, 2009, 2pm at our Coastal Mall office. If you want to learn your options on how to live and work in Canada, make a reservation now! Simply leave a comment here if you want to attend.

By the way, here's how Halloween in Canada is celebrated.

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Angeles City Seminar - Nov 22, 2009

I'll be conducting another seminar in Angeles City this coming November for those who want to live and work in Canada. If you are interested to learn your options on how to live and work in Canada, make a reservation now!

Photo courtesy of Roland Gomez

Here's the seminar details:

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)
Reserve a Seat Now!

It is now easier and faster to apply! If you are eligible, all you need to do is decide to apply and make a commitment to that decision!

Some of those who attended my seminar few months ago now have positive assessment from Centralized Intake Office (CIO). They are now in the process of completing their documents for submission to Canadian Visa Office in Manila. Another one is now in the medical examination stage.

You, too, can be one of them. Find out how! Reserve a seat now!

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Canada hits out at EU over visa spat

Sometime in July, Canada imposed visa requirement on the Czech Republic and Mexico.

As expected both countries did not accept it lightly. Czech Republic reacted to Canada Visa move and seek the support of the European Union in protesting such decision by the Canadian Government.

EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot warned that "unless the measures we are proposing are established in a satisfactory manner by the by end of 2009, then we will recommend re-imposing requirements for certain categories of Canadian citizens."

Now, Canada is reacting to such statement from EU.

OTTAWA - Canada on Friday lamented threats made by the European Union in an ongoing visa dispute between Ottawa and the 27-member bloc, calling for "constructive dialogue" to end the dispute.

Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon hit out EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot, who has warned Canada must lift tough visa requirements for Czechs by the end of the year, or face retaliatory measures.

"I regret the fact that Mr. Barrot chose to speak of threats while the solution lies in a constructive dialogue," Cannon said.

Read full story here.

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Today is World Polio Day | Are those with polio inaddmissible to Canada?

Rotary International has declared October 24, 2009, "World Polio Day" as part of its its effort raise awareness and funds for the global push to end polio.



For more information about the campaign, click here.

Are those with polio inadmissible to Canada and can't be issued permanent resident visa?

Medical inadmissibility is to be decided by the visa officer based on the report from designated medical practitioners.

The following medical conditions are considered inadmissible:

1. Medical conditions that may cause danger to public health and safety

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

It will be evaluated on case to case basis. But based on our experience, we already have clients with polio who were granted PR Visa!

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On IELTS Exam Result expiration for PR Visa Application

If you have read my previous entry, Is IELTS Exam Results Subject to Expiration?, I stated there that for PR Visa application, the Visa Office requires that your IELTS Exam result should not be older than one year. That is true and it is in fact written in the Citizenship and Immigration Canada guidelines.

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.

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LMO Expiration | Limited Validity Period for Labor Market Opinions

This entry is to answer questions regarding Labor Market Opinion (LMO) expiration and the limited validity period for new LMO.

As of November 28, 2009, any LMOs issued before May 19, 2009 with an opinion expiry date of more than six months will be considered to have expired. Therefore, as of November 28, 2009, applications with an LMO containing an opinion expiry date of more than six months after the issuance will be returned as incomplete and the TFW may advise their employer to seek a new LMO.

This transition period is outlined in the Operational Bulletin 152 dated August 28, 2009 (Limited validity period for labour market opinions)

In the past, not all LMO have a date by which they must be used to apply for a work permit (WP). But as of May 19, 2009 HRSDC has established a maximum period of six months during which an LMO may be used to apply for a WP. This six month period is defined by the LMO expiry date.

If you filed an application for work permit with expired LMO, your application will be returned and marked incomplete.

If your LMO is issued before March 19, 2009, you have until NOv 29, 2009 to file your application. Otherwise, you will be needing a new LMO.

For more information about Limited Validity Period for Labor Market Opinions, click here.

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Hotel Job Opportunity: Welcome to Hotel De Chat Lodge, Quebec.

If you are looking for hotel job opportunity and you receive an email invitation from Hotel De Chat Lodge, Quebec saying that they are in need of 85 workers, you'll probably get excited.

I just received that kind of email today. Thing is, I'm not even looking for hotel job opportunity and the email wasn't really addressed to me. My email address is probably in the bcc list.

Joke Smith (jokesmith06@yahoo.com) Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 6:18 PM
To: zxxxxxxxxl@yahoo.com
Hello Friend,

Welcome to Hotel De Chat Lodge, Quebec.

I am Miss Smith the Asst. Human Res. Officer of Hotel De Chat Lodge.
Our Hotel is currently in need of Qualified Men and Women, who can work and live in our Hotel for a period of 3 years under contract basic.

Our Hotel will pay for Applicants Air ticket and the processing of his visa in his or her country. We are still in need of 85 more both men and women from any part of the country for immediate employments.

Candidates who are interested, should contact our coordinator on this email address below:
E- mail: hotels_coordinator@yahoo.ca

NOTE: Only candidates that contacted us via our E-mail address shall be answered.

Miss Smith
The Asst. Human Res. Officer
36 Porte Rue Quebec, QC G1R-1S3 Canada
Tel : + 1 32 3 8 56 1 142
Fax : +1 610 602 4723

"Only candidates that contacted us via our E-mail address shall be answered." This is obviously to entice you in hitting that reply button. That way, they will be able to identify your email address as active and tag it as such. Expect more emails from online scammers if you reply to that email.



The name of the hotel sounds like hotel of cats - Hotel De Chat. hehe! I'm not sure if there is such hotel but from the looks of it, this is just one of those online scams. I marked the email as spam. Please do the same if you received similar email.

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How to become a Canadian Citizen | Citizenship Week 2009

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.

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Language Training Vouchers for Newcomers

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.

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Rain or shine, see you this Sunday at Angeles City!

Rain or shine, the Live and Work in Canada information seminar will push through this coming Sunday, October 18, 2009, 2pm-5pm.

*image credit: www.balibago.org

Venue is at Century Resort Hotel in Balibago, Angles City.

If you are interested to learn your options, make a reservation now!

For existing clients who want to submit documents and or see us for consultation, please get in touch with your assigned consultant. Or simply contact me at mobile number 0928-5008826.

See you!

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Who May Apply Under Special Immigration Measures for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines?

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.

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Proposed improvements to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

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]

Hopefully, the proposed improvements to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program help in expediting the work permit applicatin.

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SSS Record for Permanent Resident Visa Applicant

Several months ago, I wrote about Social Security System (SSS) Static Information stating that it 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.

I assisted this client first in her tourist visa application. She was able to get an Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO) from that visit to Canada. She then returned to the Philippines and I assisted her on filing her Federal Skilled Worker program application. The process took longer than it should. We made a follow up and then we received this interview notice.

We will schedule an interview rehearsal this week. 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.

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Angeles City Seminar Moved to October 18, 2009

I was supposed to conduct a seminar (Live and Work in Canada) at Angeles City this coming Sunday (October 4, 2009) but because of typhoon Pepeng, I decided to move the schedule to October 18, 2009.

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)
Reserve a Seat Now!

I apologize for the inconvenience.

Take extra care everyone! Be safe.

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Special Immigration Measures for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines

Aside from the up to $5 million humanitarian assistance pledged for the victims of typhoon Ondoy, the Government of Canada announced special immigration measures for typhoon victims in the Philippines.

Government of Canada announces special immigration measures for typhoon victims in the Philippines

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.[Source]

Please note that this applied to Family Class Sponsorship, Temporary Resident Visa and Caregiver program only. It does not apply to Federal Skilled Worker Program.

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