Free Canadian Visa | Internet Scam Alert

So you filed an application, you were promised a 6-12 months processing by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. In the middle of the process, you were told that it may take up to years more to process your application.

And then suddenly, you received an e-mail message from noreply@cic.gc.ca advising you that you have been selected for a free Canadian visa. Should you be happy?

No. It's just one of those Internet Scam.

Here's an Internet Scam Alert from Citizenship and Immigration Canada:

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has been advised of an Internet visa scam that involves a convincing copy of the CIC website. An e-mail message (noreply@cic.gc.ca) advises recipients that: “they have been selected for a free Canadian visa” and it includes a link to a fraudulent website: http://aslcpanthers.com/visa.html

E-mail recipients are asked up front to provide personal information and pay an initial fee.

Beware of Internet scams and false websites. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)’s official website home page is www.cic.gc.ca. Remember, if even one chahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifracter is different, that means it’s a different website. All Government of Canada websites end in “.gc.ca”

DON’T BE THE VICTIM OF A SCAM. If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Do not pay for offers of guaranteed entry into Canada or faster processing of your application. These claims are false. No one can guarantee you a job or a visa to Canada.

Read more about similar scams here: Guaranteed Visas and Jobs in Canada.

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Ministerial Instruction 3 and the application backlogs

The Canadian Visa Office in Manila is yet to finish applications filed in 2004. Yes, there are applicants who have been waiting for more than 6 years now. Imagine how many applications are pending between 2005 and 2007. There's a huge backlogs there.

Then recently, the visa office in Manila was explaining that there is a delay in processing for applications filed under Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1). The office said it may take about two years to process them all. The visa office also said they are prioritizing applications filed under MI-2 because they are the ones needed in Canada. But who are they kidding? Nurses, Electricians, Physicians filed under MI-1 should not be delayed following their own logic. In fact, because of such explanation, some applicants (nurses and physicians for example) are thinking of withdrawing their application filed under MI-1 with the end in view of filing it under MI-2. Citizenship and Immigration Canada created this mess, the application should not be punished by letting them wait longer than promised.

And then a new Ministerial Instruction will be issued on or before July 1, 2011. What do you think will be the directives under Ministerial Instruction 3 (MI-3) this time?

Considering the backlogs, there could be fewer list of occupations to be identified as priority list. Furthermore, the number of applications to be received (cap) could also be dramatically reduced. Currently, the cap is set at 1,000 per occupations. These are just speculations but highly possible. So you better be ready to file your application immediately once your occupation is included in the priority list.

The visa office needs to address its backlogs badly. But I'm concerned in the trend I'm seeing in the way the visa office in Manila is refusing an application due to insufficient documents to support employment and or relatives in Canada. Sometimes you will wonder how did they come up with such a conclusion because the documents were actually there. In some cases, their explanation as to whay an application was refused doesn't even match the actual points awarded. The applicants can of course appeal their case but it will take time. And it isn't fair. I just hope that this isn't the visa office's way of cleaning up the backlogs. Not good.

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Illogical, eh?

After posting Canadian Visa Office Manila's explanation about delay in processing, I've got several reactions from my blog readers. Some were enlightened while some others were disappointed.

Image Credit: http://www.gmatpill.com/

I can understand why many were disappointed. The visa office's explanation actually doesn't make sense. It's illogical.

Here's a part of the visa office's explanation:

CIC’s goal is to make the immigration system more responsive to labour market needs. By giving priority to FSW applications received on or after June 26, 2010, CIC is responding to the most urgent labour market needs first.

The thing is nurses, physicians, etc are included in both Ministerial Instructions. Now, are nurses filed under Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1) got different skills from nurses filed under Ministerial Instruction 2 (MI-2). Who is to tell that nurses under MI-2 would best respond to labor market needs than nurses MI-1? Oh, right, the Immigration Minister.

To come up with a decision is one thing. That is understandable considering the volume of applications the visa office is processing. Go ahead and prioritize those that are really needed in Canada. They don't have medical examination that may expire anyway.

But for Pete's sake, why delay those who have already done the medical exam and have submitted their passports for visa stamping? Why do they have to wait for more than 6 months while some applicants got theirs in less than 2 months after submission of passports?

It isn't just about volume, I guess. Something is really wrong.

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Delay in processing, explained | Ministerial Instruction 2 applicants are being prioritized

Finally, the Canadian Visa Office in Manila spelled it out not just the usual reply that the application is in process and that applicants need to be patient.

On our follow up letter dated May 3, 2011 asking for specific explanation and status of several clients waiting longer than the promised processing period, this is their reply:

Changes to immigration law in 2008 allow Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(CIC) to set, through Ministerial Instructions (MI), the number and type of applications considered for processing each year, and the order in which these applications will be processed.

Under the first set of instructions (MI-1) CIC used this new authority under immigration law to control the type of applications received, but not the number. The number of applications received exceed the ability to process them in a timely way. CIC introduced caps on June 26, 2010 on the FSW program as part of the second MI. CIC has limited the intake of new FSW applications to better match the number CIC can actually process within the annual levels plan tabled in Parliament. FSW applications under the second MI are processed on a priority basis.

CIC has received enough FSW applications since February 27, 2008 to reach immigration levels for the next two years. Unfortunately, it will take longer to process those submitted under the first set of instructions (between February 27, 2008 and June 25, 2010) than originally projected.

This number represents more than twice the number of projected admissions under the program in 2011. Therefore, few applications received before February 27, 2008 (processed in the order they are received) are expected to be processed this year or next.

CIC’s goal is to make the immigration system more responsive to labour market needs. By giving priority to FSW applications received on or after June 26, 2010, CIC is responding to the most urgent labour market needs first. The length of time it takes to finalize an application under this program varies from one visa office to another since visa offices face different challenges. CIC continues to work towards global service standards and the use of departmental standard forms to minimize such regional
variations as much as possible.

Prior to this, similar notice but a more detailed one from Canadian Visa Office New Delhi, India was posted in other online forums for Canada Immigration. Here's the content:

We are in the process of working with HQ to update processing information globally in this program. For New Delhi, our revised standard replies will provide information along the lines below. Please note that the processing of cases who applied under Ministerial Instructions II before those who applied under Ministerial Instructions I, was a policy decision taken by the government of Canada.

If you applied as a Federal Skilled Worker on or after February 27, 2008 and before June 26, 2010 , your application will take two years or more to be processed. This is due to the fact that Canada received over 425,000 applications under this program during this period.

* Unfortunately, it will take longer to process federal skilled worker applications submitted under the first set of instructions (between February 27, 2008 and June 25, 2010) than originally projected.

* During this time, the department received applications for more than 425,000 people, and 144,000 of these have not yet received a decision.

* This number represents more than twice the number of projected admissions under the federal skilled worker program in 2011, so many of these applicants will have to wait two years or more to be processed.

Please advise your clients accordingly, thank you.

David Manicom
Minister and Immigration Program Manager
Area Director, South Asia
Canadian High Commis

So there. There is a backlog due to high volume of applications received under Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1).

I have said it before and I'm saying it again. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT the visa office via email or fax for status updatescas. You can check your application status online. But should there be an aspect of your application that is not routine and you are concerned that is what is delaying processing, then by all means contact the visa office. You need to understand that high volume of requests requires many hours of work on the part of the visa office to respond, and this is time that you would prefer they spend processing your applications thane responding to you status update requests.

Unfair for MI 1 applicatants? Yes. But it's not the worst. The Canadian Visa Office in Manila is yet to finish 2004 applications - those that filed prior to February 2008.

Patience is a virtue.

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May 2011 Visa Bulletin is now out!

The Conservatives won big time in the recently concluded Canadian Federal Election. That means Canada's Immigration Regulation would remain to be influenced by Conservative politics within the next four years.

The following may happen within the next two months:

1. A 3rd Ministerial Instruction would be issued on or before July 1, 2011
2. Change is FWS Points System

May 2011 Visa Bulletin - 3rd Ministerial Instruction Coming Soon

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Angeles City Seminar Schedule - May 14, 2011

I will be in Angeles City this coming Saturday to conduct information seminar for those interested to live and work in Canada. If you are planning to immigrate to Canada to give your family a better quality of life, attending this seminar will help you identify which immigration program would be best suited for you.

Seminar details:

May 14, 2011, Saturday 2pm
CIC Angeles City Satellite Office
3rd Floor GM Building,
Sta. Teresita, Angeles City
Registration Fee: P500/head

CLICK HERE to reserve a seat!

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Exploratory Visit to Manitoba

So you want to apply for MPNP Strategic Initiative? First, you need to plan for your exploratory visit to Manitoba.

An exploratory visit to Manitoba is an opportunity to discover Manitoba and to make a more informed decision about choosing Manitoba as an immigration destination in Canada.

Five steps to planning a successful exploratory visit from MPNP Website.

1. Research and learn as much as you can about Manitoba before you visit. The following websites will help you to find important information about employment opportunities, housing, education, cost of living and different Manitoba communities.

2. Review the criteria for exploratory visits to Manitoba described above and ensure that you are able to meet all the requirements.

3. Contact the MPNP office by e-mail at immigratemanitoba@gov.mb.ca at least two months before your visit to communicate your interest in undertaking an exploratory visit as well as your ability to meet all requirements. You should include a detailed resumé listing your education, training and work history as well as electronic copies of any additional documentation that could support your request.

4. The MPNP will provide you with a response by e-mail with one of the following responses:

We are unable to approve your request for an exploratory visit with an interview with MPNP at this time. OR

The MPNP is prepared to consider an interview with you, pending available resources. Please contact our office by e-mail at immigratemanitoba@gov.mb.ca and provide additional details of your visit.

5. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the proper travel documents required by the Government of Canada to visit this country. The MPNP will not provide you with a letter of invitation in order to obtain a visitor visa if required and cannot intervene on your behalf if your visa application is denied.

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MPNP Strategic Iniative

If your occupation is not included in the list of priority occupations, you are unlikely eligible to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker program, unless you have an Arranged Employment. Finding an employer in Canada who is willing to sponsor you is not that easy.

One of the alternatives if you want to live and work in Canada is Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. There are many application streams available depending on your circumstances. If you have immediate relatives or two friends willing to sponsor you, you may be eligible!

What? You don't know anybody in Manitoba? No problem. There's MPNP Strategic Initiative available for you!

You could be eligible to apply under MPNP Strategic Initiative if you have been interviewed by a MPNP officer and received an invitation to apply as part of a targeted promotion and recruitment initiative or have been given an invitation to apply after participating in a pre-approved Exploratory Visit to Manitoba and had an interview with a MPNP officer.

You need to meet the following criteria for exploratory visits to Manitoba

1. You are between the ages of 21 to 49.

2. You have completed a minimum one-year post-secondary education or training program for which you received a diploma or certificate.

3. You have worked at least two years in the past five years in a full-time occupation and can demonstrate that you could be employable in Manitoba in that occupation within the first year of permanent residence in Canada.

4. You can demonstrate a minimum of six points in English or French based on the Manitoba PNP language grid and/or a minimum score of five on an IELTS.

5. The MPNP is satisfied that you do not have stronger ties to other provinces in Canada and have good potential to settle permanently in Manitoba.

6. You must contact the MPNP at least two months in advance to discuss the possibility of an exploratory visit.

7. The MPNP agrees before you arrive in Manitoba to have an interview with you during your exploratory visit.

For more information about MPNP Strategic Initiative, visit www.immigratemanitoba.com.

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So the conservatives won, what's in it for Canada's Immigration Program?

So Stephen Harper won again and the Conservatives won majority of the seats. But is a majority conservative government a good thing for those planning to immigrate to Canada?

Let's see.

If the Ministerial Instructions favor you, then it's a good thing. But if you have a pending application filed before February 2008, chances are you will have to wait longer. Unless of course if your occupation will be included in the new list of priority occupations and you file a new application. The list may be made available on or before July 1, 2011.

But if the Harper government push for a policy change affecting Canada's Immigration Program, which it can easily pass in the parliament given the numbers - Conservatives (167), New Democratic Party (102) and Liberal (34) - then it's another story. I hope they don't shut the door to immigration. Except for the proposed changes to FSW points system, there are no other major changes that may be implemented soon.

It's the first time that the Liberals lost this bad. It used to rule Canada for half a century and has been the official opposition for quite a time now. Worst, the Ignatieff, the Liberal leader lost on his own district. Well, there's always a first. :-)

See Canadian Election Results here.

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Labor Day 2011 | Gateway to Canada Salutes The Working Class

Workers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains.

Image is from yesterday's Labor Day Celebration at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila. I was there! Gateway to Canada salutes the working class!

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