2010 Winter Olympics Packages

This post is for those asking for 2010 Winter Olympics Packages.

As the start of 2010 Winter Olympics is fast approaching, more and more readers are asking information about Canadian Tourist Visa Application to visit Canada to watch 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. There are also those who are asking for 2010 Winter Olympics Packages.

2010 Winter Olympics Packages
Here's once of the 2010 Winter Olympics Packages that I found from the net. I can't vouch for their services but it looks reasonable. It's from http://www.roadtrips.com.

Their Winter Games Standard Vancouver Packages include:

Accommodations in Vancouver (Hotel Category as selected)

Breakfast Daily

Professionally Guided Group Vancouver City Tour including Stanley Park, Gastown, and Granville Island

Winter Games Commemorative Gift Package

Daily Group Shuttle To Whistler Town Center (departs from Vancouver once daily in early morning, returns from Whistler Town Center once daily late afternoon)

Vancouver Welcome Kit

Roadtrips On-Site Host Team

Access to the Roadtrips Vancouver Daily On-Site Hospitality Center including Complimentary Beverages, Snacks, and Event Viewing Lounge (open between 9am and 5pm daily)

Access to the Roadtrips Whistler Daily Hospitality Center at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler with Beverages, Snacks, and Event Viewing Lounge (open between 9am and 5pm daily)

Expert Travel & Concierge Services of the Roadtrips At-Your-Service Desk™

For more information about Roadtrip's 2010 Winter Olympics Packages, simply visit their website or contact them at 1-800-465-1765.

Please note that having a confirmed 2010 Winter Olympics Package does not guarantee visa issuance. So if you are planning to visit Canada using 2010 Winter Olympics as front but with the real intention of working there or staying longer than allowed, think twice before paying for 2010 Winter Olympics Packages.

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Long-Haul Truck Drivers Get Tax Relief

For the year 2010, the Government of Canada will be providing Tax Relief to Long-Haul Truck Drivers.

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today highlighted for Canadians the increase from 70 per cent to 75 per cent in the deductible portion of meal expenses for long-haul truck drivers, which will be applicable to eligible expenses incurred in 2010.

"Long-haul truck drivers are some of our country's hardest-working people," said Minister Flaherty. "They play a pivotal role in our economy as they transport goods across the country and across our borders. Our Government is pleased to support their important work by providing tax relief to these hard-working individuals."[Source]

Long-haul truck drivers are not included in the Canada's 38 High Demand Occupations. To find job vacancies for long-haul truck drivers, check out Canada Jobs Portal.

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New Year, New Life in Canada

Another client is starting a new life in Canada come 2010. New year, new life in Canada!

That's Mr. George Hansen Reyes, a Registered Nurse, with Mr. Jay Araneta of Canadian Immigration Consultancy.

Click here to read Mr. Reyes' Canada Visa application time line.

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Boxing Day in Canada

Nope, Boxing Day has nothing to do with Manny Pacquiao. :-)

December 26 is the feast day of St. Stephen. St. Stephen Day is a way for the upper class to give gifts - cash or other goods - to those of the lower classes. It is now more known as Boxing Day in Canada.

Boxing Day is listed in the Canada Labor Code as a holiday. Boxing Day is also a great time for shopping, as more establishments are selling items at a lower price. Boxing Day sales, deals and promos are everywhere during Boxing Day in Canada!

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Vancouver: A local's perspective

I stumbled upon this blog, Vancouver: A local's perspective, while blog hopping. If you are planning to visit or live and work in Vancouver, you will get useful information there.



After all, there is no better way to get information about Vancouver than from a local.

Robyn Hanson, the blog author, was born and raised in Vancouver. She worked in the local tourism industry and studied Geography and Art History at University of British Columbia.

Her tag clouds will give you an idea what she's blogging about:

2010 Olympics, accommodation, activities for a rainy day, afternoon outings, art, autumn, beaches, books, charity, Chinatown, Christmas, dance, Davie Street, dining, downtown, English Bay, False Creek, filmed in Vancouver, fog, food, free activities, gardens, Gastown, geography, history, holidays, kid friendly activities,money, monuments mountains, museums, music, nature, neighborhoods New Year's Eve, nightlife, parks, photos, rain, restaurants, Richmond, Robson Street, seawall, shopping, shopping districts, snow, special events, sports, spring, Stanley Park, summer, transportation, UBC, vegetarian, restaurants, Victoria, videos, weather, whale watching, Whistler, wildlife, winter activities, winter, climate, Yaletown

Visit Vancouver: A Local's Perspective at http://bcrobyn.blogspot.com

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Happy New Year!

New Years Clipart from www.clipartguide.com

Just a quick post to greet you all a Happy New Year!

May the year 2010 bring much happiness,good health and light into our lives. May we all realized our common dreams to have financial security, a better quality for all our families.

Happy new year everyone!

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Online Work Permit and Visa Extension Application

Temporary residents in Canada who wish to extend their stay or apply for work permit while in Canada may now process their applications online!

“Extending our online services to more temporary residents will significantly facilitate the application process by providing faster, more accessible and efficient services,” said Minister Kenney.

Forms submitted by mail often need to be returned because they are incomplete, adding additional time to the process. Applications online can only be submitted if they are complete, thereby contributing to faster processing. The service is open to all temporary residents except for co-op program work permit applicants.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) intends to make all types of applications available online in the future.[Source]

How to apply for work permit online

First, you will need to obtain a Government of Canada ePass, and then register with MyCIC.

Once registered with MyCIC, you can apply for work permit online.

You must of course meet the eligibility requirement to legally work in Canada.

The online process to apply for an extension as a visitor is pretty much the same, you will need to log-in to your MyCIC account.

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Welcome Centers for Newcomers in Canada

A prospective client asked me an interesting question yesterday. She is a Registered Nurse without known relatives or friends in Canada. 'Who will guide me once I landed in Canada?', she asked.

Image from http://www.autonorth.ca

I told her that there are Welcome Centers for Newcomers in Canada managed by various organizations in Canada whose main objective is to provide support for newly-landed immigrants. These organizations are in fact receiving financial support from the Canadian Government. Support is everywhere.

Here are some of the organizations which would be of great help:

Thurder Bay Multicultural Association - a non-profit organization whose objective is to encourage and facilitate co-operation among ethnic organizations in promoting the concept of multiculturalism.

Central Alberta Refugee Effort Committee (C.A.R.E.) and Catholic Social Services (CSS) - organizations providing support for newcomers in Red Deer

And just recently, it was announced by Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown that the Government of Canada is investing in four New York Region Welcome Centers to help immigrants settle and integrate into Canada. The Welcome Centers will be managed by the following local community organizations:

Markham North: Job Skills Employment and Business Programs and Supports

Markham South: Centre for Information and Community Services

Newmarket: Social Enterprise for Canada

Richmond Hill: Catholic Community Services of York Region

I will update this post later to include other Welcome Centers in Canada.

It is indeed easier if you have relatives and friends in Canada, but it will never be a problem if you don't.

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Letter from Visa Office to Applicants who Filed FSW Applications Before Feb 27, 2008

It looks like that the Citizenship and Immigration Canada is seriously addressing its huge backlogs. Many applicants who filed before February 27, 2008 are now receiving letters from the Canadian Visa Office - Manila giving them an option to withdraw their applications within 45 days and offering to refund the processing fee in full.

So far, only those whose occupations are included in the list of current list of high demand occupations are the ones receiving the said letter.

What is to be done?

If your occupation is included in the current list of 38 high demand occupations, it is to your advantage if you will withdraw your application and send another application under the new Federal Skilled Worker Program. Take this option if you want an expedited process. In fact, you should have done that months ago.

But if you are not in a hurry, then you don't have to do anything. There is no need to reply to that letter.

If your occupation is not included in the current list of 38 high demand occupations, you have two options:

1. Assuming your are still interested to pursue your dream to live and work in Canada, do not withdraw your application. Remember that you filed your application knowing that the process may actually take 3-5 years. At least most of you do, I think.

If you withdraw your application with the intention of refiling your application in the future, that will be a big mistake. Unless of course if you are sure that you will still be eligible in the future. Chances are, you don't know.

Your application will still be processed under the regulation at the time your application is filed and may not be affected by future changes. That has always been the case.

You can always withdraw your application at a later date if a new regulation is introduced favoring your circumstances or if your occupation is included in the new list of high demand occupations. Unfortunately, you may no longer be entitled for refund at that time.

2. If you are no longer interested, that would be real simple. Write a letter stating your intention to withdraw your application to refund the processing fee you paid.


Changes Coming Soon?

The letter urges those whose occupations are included in the current list of high demand occupations to send a new application as soon as possible, as the list of 38 high demand occupations is subject to review and change.

This letter is similar to the letter sent by the Visa Office early November 2008 - Updates on Permanent Resident Visa Applications filed in 2005. Less than a month after, the list of 38 high demand occupations was released. If that may be considered a trend, a new list of high demand occupations may be released soon.

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Proposed Improvements to the Live-in Caregiver Program

The proposed improvements to the Live-in Caregiver Program will be published in Canada Gazette on December 19 for a 30-day comment period open to all Canadians. Final regulatory changes in Canada's Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) will be published after this period.

The following are the proposed significant changes:

Elimination of the requirement for live-in caregivers to undergo a second medical examination when applying to become permanent residents. Remember the late Juana Tejada? This is the result of what she had fought for.

A chance for live-in caregivers to apply for permanent residence sooner. Under the new measure, the 3,900 work hours standard work week for two years may now include a portion of overtime hours rendered by live-in caregivers.

The proposed regulations will also require employers of live-in caregivers to pay for:

* travel costs for live-in caregivers to come to Canada;
* medical insurance until live-in caregivers become eligible for provincial health coverage; and
* workplace safety insurance and any recruiting fees owed to third parties.

For more information on the Proposed Improvements to the Live-in Caregiver Program, click here.

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Canada Marks International Anti-Corruption Day

December 9th is International Anti-Corruption Day: Your “NO” counts!

Here's a news article from Canada News Center:

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today marked International Anti-Corruption Day, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Convention on Combating Corruption of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions.

“Today, on International Anti-Corruption Day, we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, an invaluable tool to combat international corruption,” said Minister Cannon. “Since ratifying the Convention, we have made significant progress in our efforts to eliminate bribery of foreign public officials. Given the complexity of investigating international business transactions, the RCMP has established two seven-person international anti-corruption units, based in Ottawa and Calgary.”

Ten years ago, some companies considered bribes and tax deductions for paying bribes to be a normal part of doing business. Today, in the 38 Convention signatory countries, the practice is illegal. [Read full article]

You've got to give it to Canadians when it comes to fighting against corruption.

While December 9 is celebrated as International Anti-Corruption Day, traditional politicians in the Philippines on the other hand is celebrating corruption everyday.

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Sample Affidavit

I found a very useful website you may refer to whenever you need an affidavit related to your Canada Visa application.

Here are some of the sample affidavit formats available:

- Affidavit One and the Same Person
- Affidavit Attesting to the Death of a Person
- Affidavit of Doctor to Establish the Birth of a Person for Late Registration with the Civil Registrar
- Affidavit of Illegitimacy of Child
- Affidavit of Late Registration of Marriage Contract
- Affidavit of Legitimation of Child
- Affidavit of Supplemental Report for the Office of the Civil Registrar
- Joint Affidavit to Establish Date of Birth
- Affidavit of Compliance with BFAD Requirements on the Use of Certain Food Chemicals
- Affidavit of Intent and Consent to Adoption of Child
- Affidavit of Parental Consent for Child to Apply for Student Driver's Permit
- Affidavit in Support of Reckless Imprudence Complaint for Damage to Vehicle
- Declaration of Employer and Counsel as to Genuineness of Appeal Bond
- Affidavit of Denial of Criminal Cases
- Affidavit of Desistance Rape Case
- Affidavit of Desistance Theft
- Affidavit of Desistance Violation of BP 22
- Affidavit of Discrepancy Date of Birth
- Affidavit of Discrepancy Date of Marriage of Parents
- Affidavit of Discrepancy Middle Name
- Affidavit of Discrepancy Surname Family Name
- Affidavit of Damage to Vehicle Hitting a Post while Backing
- Affidavit of Damage to Vehicle Cannibalized Vehicle
- Affidavit of Damage to Warehouse Building by Fire for Fire Insurance Claim
- Affidavit of Death Due to Vehicle Accident for Insurance Claim
- Affidavit of Loss Passport
- Affidavit of Loss Pawnshop Ticket
- Affidavit of Consent and Support for Travel of a Minor
- Affidavit of Support for Travel of Child of Legal Age

Click here for the copy of Sample Affidavit. Please note, however, that it is always best to get help from a lawyer in drafting your affidavit.

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Refused MPNP application

One of my blog readers asked for remedy to her refused Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) which she filed a couple of years ago. Her application was refused because she wasn't given points for adaptability factor.

Here's the reason provided by Manitoba Immigrations:

Application Guidelines clearly state (page 19 of the Application Kit) that Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) may refuse an application if the Program Officer is not satisfied that the applicant has demonstrated sufficient settlement supports from close relatives, distant relatives or friends with clearly established ties to the province and to the applicant. In your case, you were unable to establish ties to Manitoba are stronger than the ties to have to another Province in Canada where your brother resides. You have therefore been unable to demonstrate your intention to establish in Canada.

The applicant may make an appeal for review within 60 days. However, this would really be a tough case.

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List of Requirements: Application for Québec Acceptance Certificate for Temporary Work

If you are planning to apply for Quebec Live-in Caregiver Program, you must provide the following documents along with your Application for a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for Temporary Work:

your most recent diploma and corresponding transcripts (secondary, post-secondary or university studies) provided by the educational institution – in the case of previous studies, a photocopy of diplomas or transcripts is acceptable

certificates of vocational training or vocational apprenticeships and corresponding transcripts, if applicable

proof of work experience (employment contracts, work certificates from employers - present and previous - pay slips or any other proof of professional experience), if applicable

a card attesting your membership in a professional order or association (particularly for nurses, midwives and teachers from the Philippines), if applicable

your birth certificate

your passport (passport pages containing photograph and identity and entries related to relevant work experience), if available

proof of knowledge of French or English, if available (TEF, TCF, IELTS or TOEFL tests).

If the documents you are providing are written in a language other than English or French, make sure to provide a translation by an officially recognized translator in your country. These documents must include the translator’s seal and signature.

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Quebec Live-in Caregiver Program Application Process

Quebec's Live-in Caregiver Program is different from Federal Government's Live-in Caregiver Program.

Here's how to apply under Quebec Live-in Caregiver Program.

As an applicant, your first step is to send your application for Québec Acceptance Certificate for Temporary Work (CAQ) to Direction de l'immigration temporaire, travailleurs temporaires. Before you can do this, your employer must file an application to review his job offer for you. Wait for the notice from the Quebec Immigration. Normally, you will be given 120 days to submit your application for CAQ.

To get a CAQ, you must meet the following criteria:

Must have successfully completed 11 years of primary and secondary education.

Must have acquired at least six months’ experience in this type of work in the five years before applying for a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) OR have received at least six months’ training at a vocational school for this type of employment.

Must understand French or English and be able to express themselves orally in one of these languages.

Must have signed an employment contract with an employer in Québec.

Together with your application forms and supporting documents, you will need to send a bank draft amounting to Minister of Finance of Québec.

The next step after receiving your CAQ is to apply for work permit and Temporary Resident Visa from the Canadian Visa Office serving your country.

If you are planning to live and work in Quebec, here's Quebec Immigration Program.

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POEA Advisory to returning OFWs from Canada

Every year during Christmas season, many Overseas Filipino Workers return to the Philippines to celebrate Christmas with their families. If you are a Filipino Worker working in Canada with a Temporary Work Permit and is returning to the Philippines for a vacation, you will need an Overseas Employment Certificate again to return to Canada.

To avoid delay in processing of your OEC, POEA came up with an advisory to returning OFWS. For more information, read: POEA Advisory to Returning OFWs: Apply for OECs early!

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2009 International Day of Persons with Disabilities

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated every December 3. It used to be called International Day of Disabled Persons but was changed to International Day of Persons with Disabilities by UN General Assembly resolution 62/127 on 18 December 2007.

This year's theme is “Realigning the Millennium Development Goals for All: Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and their Communities Around the World".

Here's an editorial from Manila Bulletin regarding the 2009 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

To provide an opportunity for governments, organizations of disabled persons, and all in society to focus on the freedoms and potentials of persons with disabilities, International Day of Disabled Persons is observed on December 3 each year.

The theme for 2009, “Realigning the Millennium Development Goals for All: Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and their Communities Around the World,’’ stresses the need to develop programs that raise the profile of disability issues in both the developed and developing world and identify existing needs and priorities, and calls for greater efforts to find solutions which are suited to the technological and economic conditions of the disabled. These actions require people with disabilities to be visible and to be given a voice that will qualify them to be adequately represented in decision making. [Source]

For purposes of permanent resident visa applications, mental or physical disabilities may cause refusal of application due to Medical Inadmissibility.

If your application is refused due to mental or physical disabilities, you can appeal your case through a Federal Court in Canada. You will need a Canadian lawyer to represent you and help you present your case with the end in view of convincing the Federal Court that such mental or physical disabilities will not require excessive demand in Canada's medical services.

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The Rivera Case: A Caregiver's Fight Against Unscrupulous Recruiter

The victory of Marivic Perlas Rivera, a Filipina Caregiver, over a court battle against Winlorfely Caregiver Providers, a recruitment agency who promised her a job but wasn't able to provide her a legitimate employment upon landing in Canada, may serve as a warning to other unscrupulous recruiters.

According to this story, Marivic Rivera paid $2,800 to Winlorfely in exchange for finding an employer needed for a work permit for the Canada's Live-in Caregiver Program.

Unfortunately, the stories of exploited caregivers are common amongst those who arrive in Canada hoping to make steps towards a better life. The Star article refers to Rivera’s claims that after she was approached in Hong Kong by James’ sister-in-law Fely Felipe, she paid $2,800 to Winlorfely in exchange for finding an employer needed for a work permit for the LCP.

According to the Star, Rivera claimed that upon her arrival to Canada, James informed her she could not work for the previously indicated employer. She was housed by James at his Scarborough home, then by a Thornhill recruiter in “one room in the basement with eight other nannies in the same situation as me.” For six months, they could not provide her with legitimate employment in the LCP and a valid work permit.

Then Rivera, who had children and a husband in the Philippines dependant on her wages, went to the Canadian Coalition for In-Home Care. They helped her file the suit against the agency, which resulted in the decision in favor of Rivera issued by Judge Julie Hannaford.[Source]

If you are in similar situation or if you have relatives in similar situation, Canadian Coalition for In-Home Care could be of great help. You may also get in touch with Migrante Canada for assistance.

Marivic Rivera is due to receive $10,000 and another $300 in costs, plus interest.

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Special Immigration Program for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines have been ended

The Special Immigration program for typhoon victims in the Philippines have been ended as of Dec 1, 2009. More than 400 applications benefited from the said program.

From October 1 to November 29, 2009, CIC expedited the processing of new and existing applications from close family members of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons. As of November 27, 2009, over 420 applications qualified for priority processing. Permanent resident applications may include multiple eligible family members. This measure is helping reunite victims with their family in Canada. Applications for temporary residence from people significantly affected by the typhoon were also accepted for priority processing.

Now that applications from those originally affected by Typhoon Ketsana have declined significantly, the special measures have been ended. Any applications received up to November 29th have been reviewed to see if priority processing applies. All applications received from today on are being processed according to standard procedures.[Source]

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December 2009 Visa Bulletin is Now Out!

I have just sent the December 2009 Visa Bulletin to my clients, who are applying for Canadian Permanent Resident Visa.

If you are interested for the December 2009 Visa Bulletin, visit www.high-demand-jobs.com for the copy.

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