New Forms and Information Guide Effective July 18, 2011 | PR Visa applicants

As of July 18, 2011, applicants for Permanent Residence are asked by Citizenship ang Immigration Canada to complete the new Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008).

The new form can be completed electronically and must be validated to generate 2D barcodes before printing. For Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program applicants planning to submit application to Centralized Intake Office (CIO), you MAY still use the old forms until November 14, 2011.

New forms and an updated Instruction Guide and Document Checklist (IMM 5612) are now available. Applicants should follow the new Instruction Guide when preparing to submit an application

Applications that are received by the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) on or after November 14, 2011 that have not been prepared using the updated Instruction Guide and the Document Checklist (IMM 5612), will be returned as incomplete. [Source]

If your documents and application forms are now ready for filing, it is technically ok to submit your application ASAP, considering the limit on the number of applications to be received for MI-3.

However, if it will not cause much delay to complete the forms and checklist under the new Instruction Guide, it would be best to use the new forms. Considering the inconsistencies and apparent disregard of Citizenship and Immigration Canada for its own rules we've seen in the past, one shouldn't take that risk.

MI-3 Total Number of Applications Received | Federal Skilled Worker program

As of this writing, the total number of applications received since July 1, 2011 is not yet released by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). It's interesting to know how many applications were already received for the past two weeks.

I will be posting a regular update on the number of applications received by CIC as it becomes available. You may subscribe via email to receive an update delivered in your email inbox.

Or simply click here to check the updates from the official Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

UPDATE:
Total number of applications received as of July 21, 2011

Received as July 29, 2011

Received as August 2, 2011

Received as of August 3, 2011

MI-1 Applications Now Moving | Medical Notice and RPRF Payment Request

Yesterday, we received medical examination notices and Right of Permanent Resident Fee payment instructions for 52 clients, some of which were filed filed under Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1). Apparently, Canadian Visa Office in Manila has started to process applications filed under MI-1 again.

These MI-1 applicants that recently received notices submitted application package to Canadian Visa Office Manila between the period July and August 2010. Interestingly, most of them are nurses.

This is just a quick post for the information of MI-1 applicants out there. They are those whose applications were received by Centralized Intake Office (CIO) between February 27, 2008 and June 25, 2010.

MI-3 Federal Skilled Worker Program | New Procedures and Requirements

When Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced few days ago that the 29 in-demand occupations would be extended for another year, it also stated that they will release the new procedures and requirements for Federal Skilled Worker Program. Today, Citizenship and Immigration Canada published on its official website the procedures and requirements for the said program.

It turned out that the only change in the program is the number of applications to be received from 20,000 down to 10,000 and the cap set for each occupations from 1,000 to 500. These limits do not apply to applications with an offer of arranged employment.

The proposed changes changes to FWS Points System was not implemented. The 6 selection criteria remained the same.

The application forms and checklist remains the same. Application must still be sent to Centralized Intake Office (CIO) and will be processed within 6-12 months.

Possible Changes: 2011 FSW New Requirements and Procedures | MI-3

We now know that the 29 in-demand occupations would still be the priority list under the Ministerial Instruction 3 (MI-3).


Image Credit: http://iampatet.wordpress.com

What we don't know yet are the possible changes affecting the Federal Skilled Worker program.

Quite possibly, the proposed changes to FSW points system would be implemented starting July 1, 2012. The proposed changes are meant to make it easier for skilled tradespeople, technicians and apprentices to meet the passmark and to attract immigrants who will adapt more easily and be active members of the work force for a longer time frame.

If implemented, the ideal age would be 21-35 years old and that there would be a minimum level of language proficiency depending on the applicant’s occupational skill level (i.e. a nurse would have a different requirement from a welder).

The current points system is prohibitive and I think the proposed changes on the language factor proficiency actually makes sense. Not many welders talk to their welding rod using English language, so how do you expect them to score 16 points under the Language factor?

2-3 months window of opportunity

For some of the occupations listed in the 29 in-demand occupations, there is a great chance that the cap would be reached within 2-3 months only, or even faster for some.

For those who did not plan ahead or simply failed to plan, they may have a hard time making it on time. For Filipino applicants, for example, it now takes forever to renew or get a new passport.

If your occupation is included in the 29 in-demand occupations and you are seriously planning to live and work in Canada, waste no time. Decide now!

It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.

MI-3: The Same List of 29 Occupations | Limited to 10,000 applications, Maximum of 500 per occupation

We now have an idea what the 3rd Ministerial Instruction (MI-3) would be like. The list of 29 in-demand occupations would be retained. However, details on new application requirements and procedures would be made available only on July 1, 2011.

So far, here's what's certain:

1. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will limit the intake of new applications to 10,000 between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012.

2. Only maximum of 500 applications per occupation would be considered.

There are other changes affecting the Federal Investor Immigrant Program and Federal Entrepreneur Program but I will cover that on another blog post.

This is just a quick post to let you know of this breaking news.

When life knocks you down you have two choices- stay down or get up. [Tom Krause]

Many applicants now write the Canadian Visa Office in Manila regarding the illogical and unfair explanation on the delay in processing - the Ministerial Instruction 2 applicants were being prioritized.

The good thing is that the Visa Office is actually replying to applicants' letters. Here's a one of the replies from the visa office to the letter sent by Physician applicant who filed under MI-1 and is yet to received the result. The applicant's friend who filed under MI-2 have done the medical examination already.

Please note that the purpose behind the changes between the various Ministerial Instructions is to allow the Canadian Government to target our efforts at bringing in skilled workers to specific occupations which meet Canada's labor demands. Although MI-1 is no longer in force and has been replaced by MI-2, NOC 3112, General Practitioners and Family Physicians remains on the list. There is no different priority accorded to NOC 3112 in either list as all occupations in both lists are treated with equal priority.

Regardless of which MI you had applied under as NOC 3112, your application would receive the same priority.

We trust this information is of assistance and guides you accordingly.

Sincerely,
Federal Skilled Worker Unit,
Immigration Section, Manila

Here's their their explanation before:

By giving priority to FSW applications received on or after June 26, 2010, CIC is responding to the most urgent labour market needs first.

That was pretty clear - applications received on or after June 26, 2010 are being given priority. And when this illogical and unfair decision was exposed, here's what they say now:

Regardless of which MI you had applied under as NOC 3112, your application would receive the same priority.

It should have been OK. Only that it isn't what's happening. I advised the applicant to make a rejoinder. I will keep you posted.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1,000 cap for Restaurant and Food Service Managers has been reached!

Of the 10,840 applications received by Centralized Intake Office (CIO)as of April 19, 2011, 1,000 applications are classified as Restaurant and Food Service Managers. This means the cap for Restaurant Managers has been reached and thus, CIO will no longer accept new applications.

Between June 26, 2010, and June 30, 2011, a maximum of 20,000 complete Federal Skilled Worker applications will be considered for processing. Within the 20,000 cap, a maximum of 1,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications per eligible occupation will be considered for processing within this same time frame.

The list of 2011 priority occupations may be issued on or before July 1, 2011. The cap on the number of applications to be received by Centralized Intake Office (CIO) does not apply if you have an Arranged Employment (Job Offer).

Bridge Training Program Funding from Government of Canada

The province of Ontario is getting a $22 million from the Government of Canada for the Bridge Training Program. You've gotta love this Conservative Government how it supports newly landed immigrants.

The Bridge Training program helps skilled immigrants enter the Canadian labour market and find employment that matches their education and skills. The program funds regional projects in Ontario that help skilled immigrants get a Canadian license in a regulated profession, or the training they need to get work in regulated and non-regulated careers. The program also funds initiatives that reduce barriers to the integration of foreign-trained workers. [Source]

However, it's the same Conservative Government that is the reason why it now takes about 6 years processing period for those who filed immigrant visa application before February 2008. The Canadian Visa Office in Manila is yet to finish 2004 applicants.

The May 2011 Canadaian Election is crucial for those planning to live and work in Canada. Canadian Immigration regulations depends on who's in power - The Conservatives or the Liberals.

May 2011 Election is basically between Harper and Ignatieff. If you are to vote, who will you chose?

Canadian Embassy Manila Processing Delay | Jason Kenney, Help!

So you are now in the final stage of your application. The Canadian Visa Office Manila requested your original passport for visa stamping and you were told that it will be issued within 90 days. But it's almost 6 months now and you're still waiting. Is there a reason to worry? What should you do?


For some reason, Canadian Embassy Manila is super delayed in processing the applications and appears to be disorganized. There are those who submitted original passports for visa stamping since October 2010 and are still waiting for visa. These are applicants who have done their medical examination, paid the right of permanent resident fee and were advised to submit original passports for visa stamping. You would think that it's because of the volume of the applications they process. But there are those who have just submitted their passports and received the visa within a couple of months. Clearly, it's not just about the volume. Something is not right.

But as an applicant, you can't do anything but wait. Yes, you can make a follow up after the prescribed processing period lapsed. Your representative can make a follow up for you, and we are doing that. But most often than not, you will simply recieve a generic email like this:

This is in reply to the fax we received regarding the current status of your application.

Please be informed that your application is currently queued for review. We will advise you in writing if there are important updates regarding your application or if additional information and/or documents will be required.

In the meantime, your patience is appreciated as we continue processing your application.

Sincerely,

Federal Skilled Worker Unit
Immigration Section, Manila

Now, the question is how often can you make a follow up? Can you do it weekly?

Of course, you can send them even a daily follow up letter via mail, fax and email. But will it help speed up the process? No.

In making a follow up, chose only one form of communication (mail, fax and email). Do not send multiple copies. Successive follow up of the same will not help either. If fact, it may just add up delay in the processing. There is a limited manpower at the embassy and if you make successive multiple follow ups, they may just end up opening your letters and stop processing the applications. Please be reasonable. But I'm with you. It is not right to make you wait unnecessarily.

What's the worst scenario?

Well, if your medical examination results lapsed (good only for one year) and you still haven't got your visa, you may then be required again to undergo another medical examination.

You don't want that, of course.

If you have relatives in Canada, you may also want to ask them to write their Member of Parliament and complain about this delay. Let their MP's write the Canadian Visa Office in Manila. Or better yet, send a letter to the Immigration Minister and complain about this delay. You were promised 6-12 months processing from the time your application is received. Not from the time your passports are received for visa stamping. That is simply unacceptable.

Here's how to contact the Hon. Jason Kenney, Citizenship and Immigration Canada Minister:

Constituency Office:

1168 137 Ave SE
Calgary, AB
T2J 6T6
P. 403-225-3480
F. 403-225-3504

Ottawa Office:

325 East Block
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
P. 613-992-2235
F. 613-992-1920

Email:
kennej@parl.gc.ca

So there. It's either you just wait and accept that you may undergo another medical examination or do something to get your application processed without delay.

The Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC)

The Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) will soon be the official regulatory body to oversee immigration consultants. It will replace the controversial Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants.

A proposed amendment to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations so that the ICCRC becomes the regulator of immigration consultants was published in Canada Gazette on March 19, 2011.

If approved, the definition of "authorized representative” in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations would be this:

'a member in good standing of a bar of a province, the Chambre des notaires du Québec or the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council incorporated under Part II of the Canada Corporations Act on February 18, 2011.'

So what happens to members of Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants?

There would be a 120 days transition for the members of Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants with good standing to comply with the requirements of the new regulatory body.

Canada Immigration Lawyers are not affected by this new regulation.

Read more about the news here: ICCRC to Replace CSIC as Canada's Immigration Consultants Regulatory Body

1,000 cap for pharmacists has been reached! | Federal Skilled Worker Prorgam

As of March 15, 2011, the 1,000 cap for pharmacists has already been reached. Check http://cic.gc.ca for the updated report.



If you are a pharmacist currently completing documents but did not make it to the cap, here's what you may do if you are still interested to live and work in Canada.

Get your documents ready in preparation for July 2011. Your occupation may still be included in the priority list. And you better be ready to file your application within a month once it opens up again.

What if pharmacists will not be included?

If that is the case, try the Arranged Employment route or Provincial Nominee Program. This could be of help: How to find jobs in Canada.

You will have a better chance of getting hired if you are registered in Canada. Check out Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada for information on how to get registered.

Tips on Choosing your Immigration Consultant

When the proposed amendments to modernize the immigration system was approved more than two years ago, it paved the way for an expedited process for Federal Skilled Worker program. Since November 2008, when the first Ministerial Instruction was issued, in only takes about 6-12 months for most Canadian Visa Offices to process visa under the FSW program. Many businessman saw an opportunity and thus, many immigration consulting firms suddenly sprouted like muschrooms. Prior to this, when the processing period took about 5 to 6 years, there aren't many consulting firms out there.



As an applicant, you should really be careful in dealing with immigration consulting firms. Here's some tips from Citizenship and Immigration Canada in choosing Immigration Consultants:

Choosing a consultant:

Ask for recommendations from people you trust. Talk to several potential advisers before choosing one.

Ask about their training and experience:

o find out if they are authorized
o ask for references
o find out how long they have been in business.

Discuss what services they will provide and the fee. Get this information in writing.

Ask questions. You should be wary of a consultant who refuses to answer your questions.

Be careful of anything that sounds too good to be true.

If you are choosing a consultant in Canada, you can also contact the Better Business Bureau before making your choice. They can tell you if any complaints have been raised against immigration consultants, lawyers, and other representatives that operate in Canada.

[Source]

Canadian Immigration Consultancy has been in the industry for more than 2 decades now and have already sent thousands of Filipino workers to Canada. No other immigration consulting firm for Canada Immigration can come close to our track records.

Looking for an Immigration Consultant to help you realize your dream to live and work in Canada? Check us out and see it for yourself. Listent to what our clients have to tell.

About 800 clients we assisted (not counting their dependents) received visa for the year 2010 alone. From January 2011 to mid of March 2011, there are already about 70 clients who received visas, some of which will be awarded this March 26, 2011 at Aristocrat Restaurant - Malate, Manila during our Immigrant Visa Party and Seminar. We will be awarding visas to some 25 clients during the event. There would also be an orientation and assessment for those intersted to apply.

Reserve a seat now if you are interested to live and work in Canada. Small mistakes cause big problem. Be guided.

Marriage of Canadians in the Philippines | Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage

Canadians who wish to marry in the Philippines is required, under the Philippine law, to obtain "Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” from Canadian Embassy or Consulate in the Philippines before filing an application for a marriage licence.

The Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage, which is actually required from any foreign national who wishes to marry in the Philippines, affirms that there are no legal impediments to the proposed marriage. Unfortunately, Canadian Visa Office does not issue such certificate. But there is an alternative.

The Philippine Government accepts an affidavit in lieu of a “Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” that is notarized by the Embassy or Consulate of Canada.

Requirements to get an Affidavit in Lieu of Legal Capacity Contract Marriage

your valid Canadian passport or citizenship certificate;

the full legal name, citizenship, and residential address of your future spouse;

if your are divorced or widowed, an original or certified true copy of the final divorce decree or death certificate . All documents presented at the Embassy must be in English or French, or accompanied by an official English or French translation; and

the non-refundable processing fee (CAD 50)

Important Note:

Although there is no validity period indicated on the Affidavit, the Local Civil Registrar may not accept an Affidavit issued more than six (6) months prior to the date of marriage;

Permanent residents of Canada who do not hold Canadian citizenship must obtain a certificate or affidavit from the Embassy or Consulate of their nationality within the Philippines;

Divorce decrees may not be automatically recognized in the Philippines. Canadian citizens who were previously married in the Philippines and are intending to re-marry in the Philippines after obtaining a divorce in Canada (or elsewhere) are advised to seek legal advice or contact the National Statistics Office in the Philippines to confirm procedures on how the foreign divorce decree can be recogniszd and enforced in the Philippines;

The Philippine government may require an official English translation of a divorce decree or death certificate; and

If both parties to the proposed marriage are Canadian citizens, each one must present an affidavit.

After the marriage, you can then start the process to sponsor your spouse. Read about the process here - Fiance Visa.

2011 Updated Settlement Funds Requirement

For purposes of Permanent Resident Visa application, the mount of settlement funds you need to support your family is determined by the size of your family. These amounts are updated every year.

Here's the amount required for the year 2011.



Settlement funds is not just a show money. You must be able to satisfy the Visa Officer that the funds you will declare is unencumbered and that it is available for use on your initial settlement in Canada.

Proposed changes to Canada's FSW points system

There is a proposal to make some changes in Canada's Federal Skilled Worker program points system. If approved, the selection criteria would pretty much be the same, but the points to be awarded fOr each criterion will be changed.

Consultation for the said prosal is now ongoing. There is a great chance that these changes would be implemented in time for the 3rd Mintisterial Instruction.