Medical Laboratory Technologists (NOC 3211) could be next

Medical Laboratory Technologists wasn't not included in the first two Ministerial Instructions identifying the in-demand occupations. Being identified as in-demand would mean a priority processing under Federal Skilled Worker program.

Before the end of June 2011, the new list of in-demand occupations would be made available by Citizenship and Immigration Canada through another Ministerial Instruction. As to how many applications will be set as cap per occupation, we don't know yet. But could Medical Laboratory Technologists be one of the new in-demand occupation?

A colleague told me that she got an inside information that it will be. Do I believe it will be? Yes. My basis is this report from workingincanada.gc.ca.

Over the 2009-2018 period, an occupation will be in excess demand (a shortage of workers) if the projected job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are greater than the projected job seekers (arising from school leavers, immigration and mobility), while an occupation will be in excess supply (a surplus of workers) if the projected job seekers are greater than the projected job openings. For Medical Technologists And Technicians (Except Dental Health), over the period of 2009-2018, job openings are expected to total 35,142. It is expected that 33,926 job seekers will be available to fill these job openings.

From the projected 33,926 job seekers (Medical Laboratory Technologists), 5,514 or 16% is expected to be coming from Immigration. They can't get the 5,000 Medical Laboratory Technologists if it will not be included in the priority list.

So what's in it for you?

With pending FSW application filed at Canadian Visa Office

If you want an expedited process, make sure you get your documents and application forms ready before the June 2011. You should be able to send your application to CIO immediately after your occupation opens up. You don't need to withdraw your existing application. Do that only when you got the positive assessment.

Medical Laboratory Technologists without pending application

If you are seriously considering to live and work in Canada, here,s what you need to do.

1. Take the free online assessment or send your resume to aapuntar@go2canada.com
2. Attend one of our seminar schedules or set an appointment for orientation. Contact me at mob no 0928-5008826.
3. Sign a consultancy agreement ASAP. Let us help you get ready.

So there. What you do with this information is entirely up to you. A word to the wise. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark. START NOW!

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On IELTS Requirement; Genenral Training or Academic, One Year or Two Years

Here's to answer all those questions about IELTS Exam requirement. If you visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada's website particularly the immigration section, you will see this announcement:

It's a clear-cut policy. 2 years. Why insist a one year rule?

It's because of this important notice from Appendix A Checklist for Federal Skilled Work applications.

It says if there is conflict between the guide (Appendix A) and other publications, the Appendix A is to be followed.

Now, this is what is written in the said guide:

It says language test results must not be older than one year upon submission.

So which do you follow?

It may have been that the Appendix A is not yet updated. But based on how Centralized Intake Office (CIO) handles applications it received, I wouldn't take that risk. Please note however, that the Visa Office in Manila accepts language test results that are older than one year even prior to the announcement that 2 year language test result is now acceptable.

Based on the guidelines, IELTS requirement is General Training and not Academic. But the Visa Office in Manila accepts Academic option just the same. It actually makes sense. Academic is relatively more difficult than the General Training option. But if you submit IELTS Academic option to CIO, it will not be accepted.

Be guided. Small mistakes cause BIG problem.

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LMO waived for Haitians in Canada | Work Permit Application

When Haiti was hit by a killer quake last year, Canadian Government launch several programs to support Haitians. Here are some of the programs to support earthquake victims.

Special immigration measures in response to the earthquake in Haiti

Quebec to take in 3,000 more Haitian immigrants

Transit visa waived for aid workers to and from Haiti transiting through Canadian airports

And now, Citizenship and Immigration Canada even makes it easier for Haitiians in Canada to get a work permit. Labor Market Opinion (LMO) will no longer be required.

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations generally require work permit applications to be accompanied by a determination by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada that there is no adverse impact on the labour market. This is known as a labour market opinion, or an LMO. By removing this requirement, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is making it easier for Haitians who are here to work and maintain their immigration status.

Haitian nationals applying to extend their work permit will also receive continued coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). New applicants who are eligible for these measures will now also benefit from the IFHP.

More information about this program: Minister Kenney makes it easier for Haitians in Canada to work.

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RN Heals | DOLE is recruiting nurses for rural health work

If you are a Registered Nurse and is currently working as a volunteer nurse, here's your chance to get a real work experience trough Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) program - Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service (RN Heals). It aims to deploy 10,000 Registered Nurses to rural areas with a monthly allowance of P8,0000 plus P2,000 from the local government.

This program is good for one year, unlike the program prior to this which is only for six months. And unlike volunteer nurse, experience from this employment program will be given points under Canada's Points System for Federal Skilled Worker program. That of course depends on your actual job description.

As of yesterday afternoon, about 15,000 registered nurses applied online. DOLE will be accepting applicants until Feb 4, 2011. You still have the chance to apply.

Visit http://nars.dole.gov.ph/ to apply online.

Last year, House Resolution No. 195 was filed in congress by Rep. Ben Evardone (Samar) calling for investigation about the training fee for nurses. It's being talked about now in the media for the last two weeks now.

This RN Heals program will partly address the exploitation being experienced by registered nurses who normally pay a training fee just to get experience, which unfortunately is not given credit for immigrant visa application purposes. But P8,000/month allowance for a registered nurse is not justified either. Then again, that's better than paying a training fee just get experience. C'est la vie.

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Be ready to enter the door when it opens

With the current policy regarding cap in the applications to be received by Centralized Intake Office, it is important that you position yourself as early as now. The new list of priority occupations may be made available soon.

Be ready to enter the door when it opens.

Your dream to live and work in Canada through Canada Immigrant Visa application will depend on how you can answer this question: "If your occupation opens up which makes you eligible to apply, how soon can you file your application?" If you can't file your application in a month or two, it may be too late for you.

It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark. You should start preparing your documents NOW. Immigrating to Canada takes preparation and thus, only serious minded applicants make it.

If you are interested to live and work in Canada, here's what you need to do:

1. Take the online assessment.

2. Attend one of our seminar schedule or schedule an appointment for orientation. This can also be done online.

3. Decide and make a commitment. Sign up consultancy agreement with us

4. Start preparing your documents and application forms.

5. File your application as soon as you meet the eligibility (your occupation opens up, you found an arranged employment or somebody is willing to help you with the Provincial Nominee Program)

While waiting for your eligibility, you may then seek employment abroad if you want. We can still process your application even if you are abroad.

We have laid out a plan for you. It's now for you to decide.

Do not make financial concerns as an excuse. Chances are you have spent money during the Christmas and New Year Celebration. Wouldn't you want to invest in a program where you can enjoy White Christmas everyday?

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Christmas and new year celebration is over, what's next?

Christmas and new year celebration is over. If you will compute how much you have spent for the past holidays, you may be surprised and realized that you actually have the money to spend for things you think is important to you. But prior to this, you always think you have financial problems. Isn't that amazing?

Now, everything is back to normal. You then remember your plan to live and work in Canada to give your family a better quality of life. A life where you can celebrate Christmas everyday. But you can't decide because you may think that you have financial problem. Do you really think you have financial problem? Are you really serious about giving your family a better quality of life in Canada? Sometimes, it is just a matter of priority.

If you are still interested to live and work in Canada, there are two important things that you really need to consider:

1. As of January 10, 2010, only 6,188 applictions were received by Centralized Intake Office. This means there are about 14,000 slots still available.

2. If your occupation is in the current priority list, you only have about 6 months to file your application.

You really have to start NOW! This opportunity will not wait for you, you have to do something.

Let's set an appointment to start the process. Our flexible payment scheme is still available.

I want to apply but my occupation is not in the list, what options do I have?

The new list of priority occupations may be made available this coming July 2011. And when it's released, expect that there would also be a cap on the number of applications to be received per occupation. Some applicants would be preparing their documents and application forms as early as now. This is to make sure that they would be able to file their application any moment thier occupation opens up. Some others would of course prefer to do it only when the list is made available. The first are the serious applicants while the second are those who not really sure of what they want.

If you belong to the first group, if you are serious about living and working in Canada, then we have a program for you. For only P15,000, you can avail of our START UP Program to get your application ready. Send your resume now for assessment, we can discuss this online and it's free. But if you prefer, visit our office for orientation/seminar.

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January 2011 Visa Bulletin is now out!

January 2011 Visa Bulletin is now out!

Six months from now, Centralized Intake Office will temporarily stop accepting new applications (without arranged employment) under Federal Skilled Worker program. Through another ministerial instruction, a new list of in-demand occupations will be set for priority processing. If your application is not yet filed, this means you still have ample time to send your application to CIO!

January 2011 Visa Bulletin

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CIO Online Inquiry | Check your application status

Last month, the 1,000 cap for nurses has been reached and all applications received past the 1,000 cap will be returned unprocessed. If you're a nurse who sent an application to Centralized Intake Office (CIO) and is wondering what's the status of your application, there is actually a way to check your application status. No, do not send email to FSW-Centralized-Intake-Office@cic.gc.ca, you will not receive a reply from that email account.

You can contact Federal Skilled Worker Client Service Unit through their online inquiry form.

You will receive an email from FSW-Sydney-Search-Enquiry@cic.gc.ca so make sure you add this address to your contact list and better yet, create an email filter to make sure it doesn't go to your spam folder.

This CIO Online Inquiry form of course applied also to all who have sent applications to CIO and not just for nurses. Of course, you have to make sure first that your application was in fact received by CIO by checking with your courier before making an inquiry.

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2011 is the year of the rabbit | What's in it for you?

According to Chinese Horoscope, 2011 is the year of the rabbit. They say the year of the rabbit is a peaceful year, as rabbit is traditionally associated with peace. How do you think will this affect Canada's immigration program?

Year of the rabbit inspired stamp from Canada Post

According to a very reliable feng shui expert, Canada's immigration program will be more flexible, faster and transparent. There will no more visa refusals because the visa officer is not convinced you will return after your authorized stay.

But you know I'm kidding, right? :-)

Happy new year, everyone!

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