March 4, 2013

February 2013 Visa Bulletin - Changes Again!

Finally, Ciyizenship and Immigration Canada made an official announcement about the new Federal Skilled Worker Program - the list of education assessment agencies, priority occupations and when to expect it.  We are no longer relying on the twitter message of the Immigration Minister.
With new criteria for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) set to take effect in May, many prospective immigrants may already be preparing to apply.  However, future FSWP applicants should be aware that CIC expects to announce three important elements of the FSWP in April that will have an impact on the application process, including:
  •     a cap on the number of applications that will be accepted in the first year;
  •     a new list of priority occupations; and
  •     the organizations that will be designated to conduct educational assessments.
Applicants who prepare their application before this information is announced do so at their own risk. Applications that do not meet the criteria that will be announced in April will not be processed.

Prior to this official announcement, the Immigrattion Minister stated via twitter message that the list of designated organizations to the assessment will be released mid of February 2013.  He also stated before that the new Federal Skilled Worker program will be open to NOCs 0, A and B and will not be limited to particular occupations.  Then again, things change and with a very volatile immigration regulations, all we can do is be updated and get ready.

If you are serious about your plan to live and work in Canada, you should get ready.  There's a risk and cost considerations, of course.  But risk comes only from not knowing what you're doing.

SCAM ALERTS

Bank of Canada Scam
If you received an email from a certain Mr. Aaron Addison introduing hismself as one from the Bank of Canada using as the email address, simply mark that email as spam.  He will ask you to contact him at addison125@careceo.com if you are interested to his monetary deal.  It's a scam!






Gateway to Canada is not a recruitment agency
We are making it an obligation to warn the public about these online scammers and for the past few years, we have already exposed quite a number of scams and fraudulent job offers.  Imagine our surprise what we found out that our name was also being used by these scammers!  Please be informed that We are not a recruitment agency and we do not offer job placements.  To learn more about online scams, read this: Interenet Scam Alert

Quebec Immigration Processing Time
Effective April 1, 2013, the selection of skilled workers will be officially transferred from the Bureau d’immigration du Québec in Hong Kong to Quebec's Immigration offices in Montréal.  Meanwhile, new immigration application submitted under the skilled worker program must be sent to Quebec Immigration Office in Montréal as of January 1, 2013.

These changes apparently will cause delay in the processing times. For those with pending Quebec Immigration application, rest assured that our lawyer in Quebec is monitoring your application status and is regularly checking with Quebec Immigration for updates. We will keep you posted.


CIC New Offices

CIC Magamall
Canadian Immigration Consultancy now have an office at SM Megamall located at 5th Floor Building B, just in front of Mega Trade Hall. Please look for Benjie Rustia or Aaron Pol Austria.

CIC Nueva Vizcaya
For those in the Northern Luzon, we have a new office in Bayombong Nuvea Vizcaya located at G/F VICS College Compound Brgy Sta. Rosa Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. 

Look for for Ronald Zingapan. You may contact our Nueva Vizca Office at  Tel No: 078-805-1804 Mob No: 0935-867-0439 / 0949-754-0132

CIC Alabang
Soon, we will have another branch in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Visa Corner


Dr. Susan Daran - Dentist from Tuguegarao City

Kryss Xandra Reyes - via Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program

Pre-February 27, 2008 Applicants
The decision on the legality of closing the files of Pre-February 27, 2008 FSW applications is expected to be issued this month.  This decision may also be appealed to the Federal Court of Appeal. It's far from over.  So for those asking if Citizenship and Immigration Canada have started refunding the visa processing fee, the answer is NO.  For updates about this litigation, visit www.unfaircic.com.