Live and Work in Canada Informational Seminar | Angeles City - November 21, 2010

Saturday, October 30, 2010


If you are from Angeles City or nearby towns and is interested to live and work in Canada, this is for you.

I'll be conducting an informational seminar about Canada Immigration on November 21, 2010, Sunday 2pm at Century Resort Hotel. Registration Fee is P500/head. Please bring copy of your resume.

There would also be a one-on-one consultation to address your specific concerns. Attending this seminar will equip you with information on different ways on how to live and work in Canada. You will know which program is applicable to you.

Reserve a seat now and take the free online assessment, too!

Read more...

Randy Quaid and Canada's Asylum System

Friday, October 29, 2010


It was April 2010 when Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney recently introduced legislation to improve Canada’s asylum system. According to Mr. Kenney, these changes would result in faster protection for those who need our help and quicker removals of those who do not.

Now here comes actor Randy Quaid and wife seeking Refugee Status in Canada on ground that they fear that they will be murdered next by "the murderers of Hollywood" or "Hollywood star whackers".

Randy Quiad
Randy Quaid and wife were arrested in Canada last week in Vancouver and were jailed on outstanding U.S. warrants. The couple are wanted in Santa Barbara, where they missed a court hearing Monday on felony vandalism charges. The couple denied that they are crazy and dealing with a substance abuse problem. Read more about Randy Quaid's Asylum story here.

Image Credit: CNN/Getty Images

And speaking about Canada's Asylum system, the refugee application of Dr. Constancio Claver and his three daughters was found by Canadian government valid. He is currently the chairperson of Bayan Canada.

Dr. Claver is a Philippine medical doctor and political activist who decided to seek political asylum in Canada after surviving a brutal attack on his family several years ago in the northern province of Kalinga in the Philippines.

Dr. Claver

Killing political activists in the Philippines is just like killing flies, specially during the time of President Arroyo. Under the Aquino administration, the killing continues.

You may think Randy Quiad is crazy and should not be granted asylum in Canada, but in the case of Dr. Claver and his family, the fear is not imaginary.

Read more...

Primrose Sea Foods Co. Ltd Canada Job Scam

Wednesday, October 27, 2010


Primrose Sea Foods Co. Ltd Canada  Job Scam

A blog reader sent me en email asking about Primrose Sea Foods Co. Ltd Canada. According to him, he received an email from them and he doubts if the job offer is real.

I searched about Primrose Sea Foods Co. Ltd Canada job vacancies and was amazed on howse these scammers have evolved. Before, they use free email accounts and pretends to be officials of Citizneship and immigration Canada. At first glance, you can easliy determine that it is just a scam. But now, they have learned to make a fancy websites (http://www.primroseseafoods.com/) and unsuspecting applicants may really fall into their scheme.

Based on numerous complaints I found in the net, it appears that these scammers are targetting applicants from India. The visa processing allegedly will be processed in Canadin Visa Office in New Delhi. There are more victims reporting this scam at http://www.consumercomplaints.in.

This is actually similar to Golden Seafods Canada job scam. My theory is that they just changed the name because Golden Seafoods Canada was already exposed.

Don't be a victim of scam. Beware of those who offer guaranteed visas and jobs in Canada.

Read more...

The National Occupational Classification (NOC)

Monday, October 25, 2010


The National Occupational Classification (NOC)

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is the nationally accepted reference on occupations in Canada. It is the authoritative resource on occupational information in Canada. It is used daily by thousands of people to understand the jobs found throughout Canada's labour market.

There are two major attributes of jobs used as classification criteria in developing the NOC - skill level and skill type.

Skill level is defined generally as the amount and type of education and training required to enter and perform the duties of an occupation. In determining skill level, the experience required for entry, and the complexity and responsibilities typical of an occupation are also considered in relation to other occupations.

There are four skill levels identified in the NOC:

SKILL LEVEL A - requires University degree (bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate)

SKILL LEVEL B - requires two to three years of post-secondary education at community college, institute of technology or CÉGEP. Occupations with supervisory responsibilities are also assigned to skill level B. Occupations with significant health and safety responsibilities (e.g., fire fighters, police officers and licensed practical nurses) are assigned to skill level B.

SKILL LEVEL C - requires one to four years of secondary school education or up to two years of on-the-job training, training courses or specific work experience

SKILL LEVEL D - requires short work demonstration or on-the-job training. No formal educational requirements

Skill type is defined as the type of work performed, although other factors related to skill type are also reflected in the NOC. One of these factors is similarity with respect to the educational discipline or field of study required for entry into an occupation. Another factor is the industry of employment where experience within an internal job ladder or within a specific industry is usually a prerequisite for entry.

Ten broad occupational categories, based on skill type, are identified in the NOC.

0. Management Occupations
1. Business, Finance and Administration
2. Natural and Applied Sciences and Related Occupations
3. Health Occupations
4. Occupations in Social Science, Education, Government Service and Religion
5. Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
6. Sales and Service
7. Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators and Related Occupations
8. Occupations Unique to Primary Industry
9. Occupations Unique to Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities

For Federal Skilled Worker program, only NOC Levels O, A and B are eligible to apply. These are the occupations under NOC Skill Type 0 and Skill Levels A and B.

Currently, only the 29 high demand occupations may apply based on the 2nd Ministerial Instruction. If your occupation is not in the priority list but is included in the NOC Levels 0, A and B, you may still be eligible under the Federal Skilled worker program as long as you have an arranged employment.

For more information about the National Occupational Classification (NOC), visit http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca.

Read more...

One of the reasons why I love my job

Saturday, October 23, 2010


Image Credit: http://www.fotojens.se/


I received this interesting letter from one of my clients who landed in Alberta five months ago. With his permission, I'm posting his letter here. I figured this would be helpful to those moving to Canada.


Dear Sir,

It’s nice to hear that more clients have already received their visas from the Canadian government. But it’s also disheartening that Canada is limiting the number of applicants.

It’s been five months since we landed in Canada and this is how we fared so far:

The trip was very tiring and physically demanding. The flight by Canada Air from Hong Kong to Vancouver took 12 hours. We literally fell in and out of sleep the whole time. Add to that the many times we encountered turbulence in airspace shaking the plane on many occasions. The food was good, though. And plentiful compared to the usual meals given by PAL and Cebu Pac in our domestic flights.

Vancouver was another story. The immigration line was long on that day. There were both contract workers and immigrants. There were only 2 immigration officers to process some 50 new entrants on that afternoon. It was good there was some allowance of three hours to the next flight. Or else, we could have missed the next flight to Calgary.

When our time at the immigration officer came, we were asked where our permanent Resident card will be sent to. Since we have no address yet in our preferred destination, we gave the address of my sister in law in Calgary. We were asked too many questions that sounded somewhat annoying like “have you been convicted or tried of any crime”, and “have you been sent home to the Philippines by the Canadian government” and something like that. We were also asked about the settlement funds and asked for proof. When all of the asking was over, we finally heard the words “Welcome to Canada!”

This is it. We finally made it. We were asked to sign our papers in front of the immigration officer and he handed us a carbonized copy of our landing papers. We were told to always carry it with us until we receive the PR cards.

We arrived at Calgary on the same day, April 14 at 10pm. We were met at the airport by my sister-in-law and two of her friends. The luggage was many so that we needed 2 cars.

What impressed us when we finally stepped out of the airports was the vast landscape. The air was cold at 12-14 ˚C. Another thing that impressed us was the courtesy of the people, the clean surroundings, the orderly manner things are run. There was no baggage claims at the airports, by the way. You have to get your luggage from the conveyor. The queues are orderly.

The following day we went to the nearest Service Canada site and applied for the Social insurance Number (SIN). We cannot work legally in Canada without it. Then we applied for the Health card in the next block. In the afternoon, we opened a joint account at the Bank of Montreal. We got our ATM cards on the same afternoon.

The SIN came a week after. The health cards came two weeks after. Now we use the card whenever we go to the doctor. We don’t pay anything in a hospital or clinic. One condition of the card, though, is that you have to live in the province where it is issued for at least 180 days during the year. We found a family doctor after a month here. He is also a Filipino who has been here for over 10 years now. He was previously residing in Winnepeg MB the last 7 years but complained about the cold weather there. He found Calgary OK so he decided to be here.

What is also good about Alberta is the provincial sales tax of 0%. It is the only province to subsidize the PST. We only pay 5% Federal Tax on all purchases or services unlike the other provinces which have 7 8 or 9% PST.

I found a job after two months but held on to it for only a month. Something happened inside the company that the owner decided to have a long vacation. We were told to seek another employment. Some employees stole money, equipment and messed up the records. I have to do a lot of reconciliations but when the police came, we turned over what we have documented. I found another one soon and this one is much better.

The secret of finding work here? Have a Canadian work experience and/or Canadian credential. Since I was a CPA in the Philippines, I decided to enroll in a Canadian accountant designation. There are the Certified General Accountant, the Certified Management Accountant and the Chartered Accountant course. I also submitted my credentials to the International Qualifications Assessment office in Edmonton. The process took 12 weeks and now I have a Canadian credential. After my first employment, I have Canadian experience. So, Canadian experience plus CGA student credential equals more job opportunities. Landing a job is not that difficult even when the people here say Calgary is still in recession.

*** also found a job as cashier in a big company (Canadian Tire). You can take a peek at the website. She gave up the job because she will have a hard time scheduling work and studies the moment she attends classes. She now works in a law firm. Mind you, her salary is more than what I was receiving from my former job in the Philippines.

*** is now in grade 6. She has developed a curled tongue as what the Pinoys here tease. Speaks English with the Canadian accent. French is also taught in the schools and she can communicate in French. We applied for children’s allowance and were granted by the Federal government since our income was limited then. We receive a monthly allowance for *** about $300 Canadian. We will surely lose that after we file the income tax next year. Or maybe not yet if we don’t get over the minimum income tax level.

We are building credit history so that we can apply for a house loan. We were told that it can only happen after a year from arrival. Everything goes to our SIN records. Including purchases, employment pay, everything recorded.

Summer ends September 22 but outside temperature is from 1 to 10 degrees Celsius. Wait until winter comes. The temp plunges below zero and that is really cold!

A couple of days ago, I received another letter from the same client. According to him, he was now hired as Chief Compliance Officer of a securities firm. He is now registered with Canadian National Registration Database (NRD) as a securities worker. All that in less than a year in Canada!

His elder daughter is now working as Admin Assistant getting $15/hr. 7 hrs a day! When they received their visa, that daughter have just finished college here in the Philippines. How's that for a first job?

This is what I have been saying for the longest time. The Top 8 Reasons not to Immigrate to Canada by NotCanada.Com is not for Filipinos. Because Filipinos Rock! ;-)

Read more...

Preventing Human Smugglers from Abusing Canada's Immigration System Act

Friday, October 22, 2010


Yesterday, the Canadian Government introduced a legislation aiming to curbe illegal immigration and human smuggling by imposing stiff penalties. It's called Preventing Human Smugglers from Abusing Canada's Immigration System Act.

The Preventing Human Smugglers from Abusing Canada's Immigration System Act will ensure law enforcement have the tools they need to crack down on human smugglers. The new measures in the proposed legislation include:
  • Making it easier to prosecute human smugglers;

  • Imposing mandatory prison sentences on convicted human smugglers; and

  • Holding ship owners and operators to account for use of their ships in human smuggling operations.


  • The Act will also help to ensure the safety and security of Canadian communities by:
  • Ensuring mandatory detention of illegal migrants for up to one year to allow for the determination of identity, inadmissibility and illegal activity.

  • Source: http://cic.gc.ca

    For more information about Preventing Human Smugglers from Abusing Canada’s Immigration System Act, visit http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

    Read more...

    Manny Pacquiao's Canadian Adviser Got Married in Baguio City

    Thursday, October 21, 2010


    Manny Pacquiao Adviser

    Did you know that Manny Pacquiao has got Candian adviser on his team? Well, now you will know. He is no other than Micheal Koncz, who recently got married to Filipino-American Rachel Batimana in a private wedding held at Baguio Manor Hotel, Baguio City.

    If the new couple decided to live in Canada, they have to go through family class sponsorship program.

    Michael Koncz doesn't seem to have a good reputation based on several articles online. He was actually involved in many money conflict among many Filipino fighters before. But just the same, he still enjoys Pacquiao's confidence as one of his business advisers. And he is very much involved in Pacquio vs Margarito fight on November 13, 2010 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

    Read more...

    Canada’s Citizenship Award 2010 | Twelve Outstanding Canadians


    Canada’s Citizenship Award

    Image Credit: Michael Byers/Levy Creative - http://www.theatlantic.com


    Canada’s Citizenship Award (formerly the Citation for Citizenship) is a prestigious award that pays tribute to Canadians who have made an important contribution to Canada by promoting the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship. It also honours Canadians who have played an outstanding role in helping newcomers to integrate into Canadian society.

    The following are the Twelve Outstanding Canadians recipients of Canada’s Citizenship Award 2010:

    Dr. James Chi Ming Pau of Vancouver, British Columbia
    For the past 30 years, Dr. Pau has helped residents of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood, many of them new immigrants, deal with poverty, inadequate housing, health issues and drug and alcohol abuse. He provides free seminars and workshops to help immigrants who are homesick and those who turn to drugs after arriving in Canada. Dr. Pau actively promotes world peace, human rights and harmony between people of different religions.

    Maria Logan of Vancouver, British Columbia
    Since arriving in Canada from Switzerland in 1950, Ms. Logan has dedicated her life to helping others as a member of the Canadian Red Cross Corps, the Vancouver Swiss Society and through her many volunteer activities. She has been honoured with the Governor General’s Canadian Caring Award.

    Shokoofeh Moussavi of Calgary, Alberta
    In 1992, she established a legal clinic in partnership with Calgary Legal Guidance. Ms. Moussavi continues to manage the clinic, where volunteer lawyers provide free legal guidance to immigrant women and their families. To date, the clinic has helped over 7,200 newcomers.

    Dr. Kazi Sadrul Hoque of Toronto, Ontario
    Dr. Hoque actively volunteers in several community service agencies including the Canadian Cancer Society, Bangladeshi - Canadian Community Services and the Newcomer Women Centre to promote citizenship, civic pride and respect for core Canadian values. He has helped tens of thousands of newcomers become Canadians who understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and are active members of their communities.

    Mario Guilombo of Toronto, Ontario
    Mario Guilombo is a lawyer and human rights activist who fled his native Colombia after facing persecution for his humanitarian work. Since arriving in Canada, he has worked to support over 6,000 newcomer and refugee families.

    Xiaoran (Joshua) Jiang of Toronto, Ontario
    In 2007, at the age of 15, Joshua organized the first of four “Hope and Light” events to raise funds for ORBIS, a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of blindness worldwide. He recruited and led student volunteers to organize competitions in mathematics, chess and public speaking in the Chinese community. Joshua and his team of young volunteers organized two seminars to provide newcomers with information about the North American post-secondary education system. These seminars were attended by over 300 immigrant students and parents.

    Dr. Ambaro Guled of Toronto, Ontario
    Dr. Ambaro Guled has been a community health worker in Toronto’s Regent Park since 1993. She volunteers extensively in the mainly immigrant neighbourhood by helping newcomers adjust to Canadian society. A refugee from Somalia, Dr. Guled founded the Youth Recreational Program in Regent Park in 1997 and has initiated several programs to assist immigrant women, youth and seniors. She has set up ESL courses for women and a homework club for young students. Dr. Guled speaks English, Somali, Italian and Romanian, and has acted as a liaison between school boards and newcomer parents in the community.

    Dr. Hoanh Khoi Nguyen (Dr. Khoi) of Toronto, Ontario
    Over the past two decades, Dr. Khoi has helped Nicaraguan refugees unite with their families in Ontario, raised funds for tsunami victims, worked as a volunteer physician for Bosnian refugees, and provided medical treatment to hundreds of new immigrants and low income families.

    Christopher Harris of Ottawa, Ontario
    Christopher Harris has spent almost 50 years improving relations between police and visible minorities in the National Capital Region. His work as a volunteer with the Ottawa Police Service dates back to 1962, and he has worked with the RCMP for the past 26 years. Due to his relentless efforts, the Ottawa Police Service and the Ottawa Fire Service have made extensive changes to their hiring and training practices to welcome more visible minorities and Aboriginal people. Mr. Harris initiated the Ottawa Police Service’s cross-cultural sensitization program and was instrumental in establishing procedures to deal with issues between police and the community.

    Elizabeth Rapley of Ottawa, Ontario
    Elizabeth Rapley has provided assistance to refugees since 1956 when she welcomed a young Hungarian refugee couple into her home. Active in a number of volunteer organizations while she raised a family and pursued a PhD in history, Ms. Rapley immersed herself in Project 4000 in 1979, providing settlement assistance to Cambodian refugees.

    Rosemary A. Segee of Montreal, Quebec
    Whether it is finding housing for a family in need, helping with legal issues or directing newcomers to the necessary resources, Rosemary Segee has a deep commitment to improving the lives of those who live in her community.

    Gail McKay of Fall River, Nova Scotia
    Over eight years ago, Gail McKay spearheaded the establishment of an Ecumenical Refugee Committee in the Fall River, NS area. Buoyed by her passionate interest in social justice and humanitarian issues, she organized a number of area churches to sponsor new arrivals to Canada. Her enthusiasm has helped raise awareness of the responsibility of communities to help meet the needs of newcomers. She leads by example and educates as she leads.

    Source: http://cic.gc.ca

    The awarding ceremony was part of Canada's Citizenship Week 2010 Celebration. Here's how to become a Canadian Citizen.

    Read more...

    Wanted: Filipino Caregiver in Vancouver

    Friday, October 15, 2010


    Filipino Caregiver in Vancouver

    One of my blog readers in Vancouver is actively looking for a live-in caregiver for his mom. He prefers a Filipina caregiver.

    If you are interested, you may email Phil (pfvancouver@yahoo.com) or contact him at 778 861-2271.

    Please note that I not know him personally and this is not a paid post. Just thought I need to make that clear. :-)

    Read more...

    Nurse Trainee | Volunteer Nurse

    Wednesday, October 13, 2010


    Volunteer Nurse - Nursing Scrub

    I was in Dagupan City office yesterday when a young lady wearing a nursing scrub walked in our office to inquire about the application process on how to live and work in Canada. I talked to her and found out that she's a Registered Nurse since November 2008. She's working as a nurse trainee since April 2009. When I asked her if she's receiving a salary as a trainee, she said no. It's like a volunteer nurse, she said. If it's any consolation, she did not pay the hospital to work there as a volunteer. Then I asked her if there's a possibilty that she'll be abrosbed by the hospital soon. She said that is possible only if somebody leaves. Unfortunately, there are many others ahead of her waiting in line.

    Understably, she was disappointed to know that her work as a volunteer does not have count in Canada's selection criteria. I told her further that in order to qualify for Canada's Federal Skilled Worker program, her experience does not need to be in a hospital. She was surprised to know that.

    My advise to her? Leave that hospital and get another job. She is just being expoited there.

    For nurses who are planning to live and work in Canada, please read the following:

    Guide for Filipino Nurses

    Provincial and Territorial Regulatory Bodies - Nurses in Canada

    House Resolution No. 195 | Training Fee for Nurses

    How to find jobs in Canada

    Mark is now in Vancouver

    Mr. Zedfrey Salazar and his wonderful plan!

    Be informed. Avoid being exploited.

    Read more...

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


    planning

    Immigrating to Canada is not just a matter of making a decision. It is about making a a timely decision that requires serious commitment. Thus, only serious minded applicants can successfully pull it off.

    Are you seriously interested to live and work in Canada to give your family a better quality of life? Do you have the courage and commitment that it takes?

    You need to decide now.

    A bit of a background is in order here: Chronicle of Changes in the Canadian Immigration Rules and Regulations.

    There was a time in the past when applicants will have to wait 5 years before they receive their applications get processed. But before that, it only takes a month or two. Currently, applications are being processed within 6-12 months.

    Selection criteria passmark went from 70 points to 75 points and now, 67 points.

    In the past, there were no restricted occupations, almost everyboby with college education may be eligible. This changed on November 2008, where only 38 occupations were identified to be in the priority list. In less than 2 years after that, another list was published on June 2010 - the 29 High Demand Occupations. The priority list will be changed again come June 2011 and possibly even earlier.

    The thing about the June 26, 2010 Ministerial Instruction is that it introcuded a quota system wherein Citizenship and Immigration Canada will only accept 20,000 applications within a one year period. Within the 20,000 applications is a cap of maximum of 1,000 per occupation. This is why if your occupation is in the priority list, you should file application as soon as possible!

    "But my occupation is not in the priority list, I wanted to file but I'm not eligible!", you may shout in protest.

    While it may be true that you are not eligible under the current regulations, you can, however, get your documents ready as early as now. Sooner or later, the priority list may changed and when that happens, you better be ready. People never plan to fail. They just fail to plan.

    Now, let me ask you this:

    If your occupation will be included in the priority list tomorrow, how soon can you file your application? Are your documents ready? Do you have the right job description? Are you prepared now to take the IELTS Exam?

    Immigrant visa application is not a simple process. Remember that small mistakes cause problem. I have seen many a times an application that was returned because of incomplete information and or documents.

    The rules of the game have now changed. Now more than ever, you should be able to file your application quickly once you become eligible. Otherwise, the quota may be filled up already while you are still working on your documents. Don't let that happen.

    If you are serious about immigrating to Canada to give your family a better quality of life, get your documents ready now.

    Click here for Free online assessment.

    For more information, check our seminar schedules.

    Read more...

    CIO Notices Pouring In

    Thursday, October 07, 2010


    A couple of days after I blogged about delay in CIO Assessment Results, our office received assessment notices for 87 clients! These are for applications filed from April 2010 to early part of June 2010.

    Most of those worry about the delay are those whose occupations are no longer included in the 29 in-demand list. But like stated in the Ministerial Instruction, those filed before June 26, 2010 will not be affected by the new regulations. It's all about timing.

    Now, these 87 clients need to complete the requirements within 120 days!

    Read more...

    New Federal Internship for Newcomers Program

    Wednesday, October 06, 2010


    Five years ago, I wrote something on my personal blog about newly landed immigrants in Canada. It's about what's waiting for immigrants in Canada. Briefly, its about the difficulty of newly landed immigrants in finding a job related to their fields.

    To get the job relative to your field, most (if not all) employers will look for your Canadian Experience. As a newly landed immigrant, you don't have that of course. And how could you have Canadian Experience if no employers will hire you in the first place? It's like Catch 22 over and over again.

    But now, it will no longer be a problem through New Federal Internship for Newcomers Program.

    “Newcomers are key to building a stronger Canada,” said Minister Kenney. “The Federal Internship for Newcomers program helps immigrants use their skills in the Canadian labour market as they begin their new lives in Canada.”

    This program offers newcomers the opportunity to acquire temporary Canadian work experience in fields relevant to their skills and experience. Newcomers can benefit from work placements within the federal government, which facilitates a smoother integration into the Canadian labour market for program participants.

    “Our government is committed to helping newcomers succeed,” said Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. “This program is an example of how we are taking action so that newcomers can maximize their talents and contribute to Canada’s long-term economic success.” [Source]

    So go ahead, file your application now and don't make the possibility of working out of line once you landed in Canada as an excuse. New Federal Internship for Newcomers Program should take care of it. Besides, if the reason why you want to live and work in Canada is to give your family a better quality of life, that requires sacrifice and you should be ready for it.

    Read more...

    Are Visa Officers Using Rocket Science?


    So you've been to Canada on a work permit and return to your country after your contract. You got another job offer and file another TRV application to legally work in Canada. But then your application was refused because the visa officer was not convinced that you will leave Canada after the authorized period to stay in Canada.

    I wonder how the visa officer will react to this kind of letter.

    I've been to Canada on a work permit before and returned after the authorized period to stay. Now that I have another job offer, I want to work in Canada again.

    It's my 2nd attempt now. My previous application was refused on ground that I do not have strong ties in the Philippines and that I may not leave Canada after the authorized period to stay.

    I find it it odd that my application will be refused on that basis. I wonder which rocket science was used by the Visa Officer who handled my account to arrive at such a conclusion.

    May I request a new Visa Officer to handle the review of my new application?

    Please be objective this time.

    How do you prove strong ties in the Philippines? Really, how? And how strong is strong?

    Read more...

    October 2010 Visa Bulletin is now out!

    Tuesday, October 05, 2010


    October 2010 Visa Bulletin is now out!

    Visa Bulletin is a monthly newsletter I'm sending to my clients. If you have a pending immigrant visa application, you may be interested to read it too!



    Read more...

    What's Wrong, CIO?

    Monday, October 04, 2010


    Did you send an application to Centralized Intake Office last May 2010 and still waiting for the notice? It has been four months now and that is highly unusual!

    You are not alone.

    Last week, we have received another batch of letters for our clients whose applications were filed June 2010. However, we are yet to received the assessment results for the applications we filed on May 2010.

    We have already made a follow up and hopefully get a reply soon. If you are one of those waiting for CIO notice, make sure that you add CIO email address to your contact list. Otherwise, CIO notice may land in your spam folder.

    Read more...

    Live and Work in Canada | October 2010 Seminar Schedule (Updated)


    Many are asking if Citizenship and Immigration Canada, through Centralized Intake Office (CIO), is still accepting applications under Federal Skilled Worker program. This is in relation to the 20,000 quota that was set through June 26,2010 Ministerial Instruction.

    The good news is the program is still open! But not for long. Find out how to apply!

    October 2010 Seminar Schedule

    Pampanga
    Angeles City
    Oct 31, 2010, Sunday, 2pm
    Century Resort Hotel Angles City
    Balibago Angeles City (near Casino Filipino)
    Registration Fee: P500 /head
    Reserve a seat now!

    Pangasinan
    Dagupan City
    Oct 16, 2010, Saturday, 10am
    Chowking Dagupan City (AB Fernandez Ave)
    Registration Fee: P500/head
    Reserve Seat Now!


    Read more...

    On Bad Faith Relationships

    Saturday, October 02, 2010


    Citizenship and Immigration Canada Operational Bulletin 238 dated September 30, 2010 specifies an amendment to section 4 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

    Section 4 of the regulations provides elements in determining a "bad faith" relationship relating to Family Class sponsorship - spouse and adopted children.

    Here's the amended provision:


    Amended provision

    The amended R4 provision provides for each of the two “bad faith” tests to stand on its own and separates the requirement related to spouses, common-law partners and conjugal partners (R4(1)) from that related to adopted children (R4(2)). The amended R4 provision reads as follows:

    4. (1) For the purposes of these Regulations, a foreign national shall not be considered a spouse, a common-law partner or a conjugal partner of a person if the marriage, common-law partnership or conjugal partnership

    (a) was entered into primarily for the purpose of acquiring any status or privilege under the Act; or
    (b) is not genuine.

    4. (2) A foreign national shall not be considered an adopted child of a person if the adoption

    (a) was entered into primarily for the purpose of acquiring any status or privilege under the Act; or
    (b) did not create a genuine parent-child relationship.

    4. (3) Subsection (2) does not apply to adoptions referred to in paragraph 117(1)(g) and subsections 117(2) and (4).[Source]

    Except for separating the provisions in determening bad faith relationships for adoption and marriages, there's no major changes in the amendment. Citizenship and Immigration Canada is serious in battling marriage fraud.

    Then again, how does a Visa Officer determines if the relationship or marriage is not genuine? The burden of proof is with the applicant.

    Sponsoring your spouse? Let us help you!



    Read more...

    Welcome to Gateway to Canada! If you are new here and you want to get future updates via email, please
    feel free to enter your email address here and click Subscribe button:

      © Blogger templates Newspaper by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

    Back to TOP