Canadian Embassy Manila Processing Time Delay?

Recently, a number of our clients has been wondering why they do not receive notice from the Canadian Visa Office-Manila even after the 45 days processing time indicated on their acknowledgment letter. This of course makes most of them worried about their application.

Are you in similar situation?

You shouldn't worry if there's a delay, it has nothing to do with your documents. Give it 2 weeks alloweance before you make a follow up. There seems to be delay in processing due to volume of applications the visa office is reviewing.

The new acknowledgement letter we received recently indicates a different processing time.

Processing Time:

Applications for permanent residence in Canada in the category in which you have applied are finalized in an average of 6 to 12 months in our office. If you have not received any instructions from this office within 90 days from the date of this letter, please contact us directly and inform us of this.

That used to be 45 days.

The same thing is true with those who have submitted their original passports, waiting for their visa. It used to be returned with 2-3 weeks. But now, it takes longer.

“We will make our best efforts to have your passport(s) returned to you with your visa(s) within 90 days from their receipt at the Embassy. You should not make any plans to travel to Canada until you are in possession of your passports and the required visas.”

Processing period remains to be 6-12 months from the time the Visa Office received your application with supporting documents, after assessment from Centralized Intake Office.

So there. That explains why there is a delay. Avoid unncessary stress. It's not you, it's the embassy. ;-)

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Immigrant's Visa Party April 17 Aristocrat Malate Manila

Did you miss last Saturday's Immigrants Visa Party? We will have another immigrants visa party this coming April 17, 2010 at Aristocrat Restaurant in Manila. During the visa party, we'll be conducting our in-house pre-departure orientation seminar to prepare our clients on their settlement in Canada.

Simultaneously, we will be conducting an information seminar for those who are interested to live and work in Canada! If you want to learn how to immigrate to Canada in just 6-12 months, you may attend this immigrants visa party.

Interested? email me @ rgomez@go2canada.com

Venue will be at Aristocrat Restaurant in Malate Manila. Registration Fee is P500/head inclusive of dinner. Mark your calendar - it's April 17, 2010, Saturday, 4pm.

Registration starts at 3:30pm.

See you there!

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New High Demand Occupation for Canadian Immigration

As consultations are currently on its way to review the present process for the Immigration programs in Canada. It is possible that the list of High Demand occupations - Jobs, eligible for processing in the Federal Skilled Workers program will change.

Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister has announced in the Media Released portion of the Canadian Government Website, that due to the emerging changes in the Economy in Canada, it is high time for the process to also change.

These changes may mean a lot of things. It may mean that we will soon see a new set of High Demand Jobs in Canada. It may also mean that the current list may be retained with new occupations to be included.

What occupations will be included in the New list of high demand occupations we do not know, but speculating on it, you have check the current list of Occupations under pressure in the Human Resource and Skills Development Canada Website - http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca.

what you should do is to look for common occupations needed in all regions, the may be a good basis for the occupations that we should expect in the new list of high demand occupations.

When the new list will be published, again we do not know, but if we base it on the last time the regulation changed, we have a maximum of about 6 months to date, before it changes. This is the same timeframe, that they used up when they changed the old process last February 2008.

What you should do?

If your occupation is currently in the high demand list, it is to your advantage to start your application right now.

If your occupation is not yet in the high demand list, you should ready all your documents so that when the occupation list changes you will be ready to apply.

The safest way to take advantage of the current program is to start your application right now, before the new high demand occupation in Canada changes.

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Its A Love Story

Here is a transcript of one of CIC's Consultant's testimony that was shared during our Immigrants Party last month

Never once did I expect, that I will be writing a love story when I started narrating the Canadian Immigrants Visa - application experience of my clients.

But when I became the Immigration adviser of Mr. Ray Anthony Sator, his love story and that of his girl friend Rowena Faustino (Ms. Weng), begone to take shape.

What makes their story special, and why it is worth telling, is simple.

It a true to life, its for real.

I am not passing this down to you, based on what I heard, rather, as an observer, the events I am going to tell you unfolded before my very eyes.

Let me tell it to you by following the lead of the great story tellers before me, by starting Ray's story with these famous lines:

"A long long time ago (January 15, 2008 -two years is a long time), in the land Makati City"...




I met a man, named Ray Anthony Sator, who's last name was spelled with an "o" not with a "u", he came to me to help him pursue his plans to move to a far away country, Canada.

It was at our first meeting that I have noticed Ray's inherent good qualities, he was quite reserved, a man of few words. Maybe, there is something to the saying, "Silent Water runs deep".

As I discussed his options, he asked very good questions such as, what made him qualified, what will make his application stronger, how long will the application be processed, etc...

Since during that time the processing period was still tagged at 6 years, and the mere fact that he signed the contract with our company to help him with his application at the same day, I would say that he is also very decisive.

He knows what he wants, the long wait did not put him off, as the Immigration rules constantly changes, he knew that he had to act while the conditions was still in his favor, he wanted to be filed while he was still qualified.

From that day onwards, I saw how he struggled to juggle his time, working as a Senior Telecommunications Engineer at a young age, in a very prestigious Telecommunications company in the Philippines, and completing what was needed to file his application for Permanent Residents application was not an easy task.

Still, on April 10, 2008 Ray's application was filed under the then, Simplified Immigration Process of the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

It was not until October 2008 that I learned that his girlfriend, had an application for Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program (MPNP), this was when Ray asked me to help her comply with the second stage requirements of the MPNP program.

Extending my services to Ray's Girl friend at no additional cost, I helped them by giving them needed advice to finish Ms. Weng's requirements to get her Visa.

The problem with this scenario was that, if Ray's application will not be approved, he will not be able to go to Canada, whereas if Ms. Weng's application is approved she will move to Canada without Ray.

At this point I told them that they have the option to get married at that time, so that they can move to Canada together, I even went as far as talking to the parents of Ms. Weng and attempted to convince them that this is a good option for the couple to take, but due to the parents own apprehensions, they did not agree to the plan.

Left with no choice, Ray and Ms. Weng, processed their respective applications.

Nevertheless, I witnessed how Ray continued to help Ms. Weng process her application to the best of his abilities.

It was a day of filled with mixed emotions, when Ms. Weng's Visa came out last March of 2008, and when she finally flew to Canada May 2008.

At this time, Ray's hope of reuniting with Ms. Weng was dependent on the results of his own Resident Visa application for Canada, before the current change of visa processing procedure, we expected this to happen after 6 years from the date he filed his application to the Canadian Embassy...
------------

Despite all odds, Ray continued to process his application, and with a stroke of luck, the changes in the Ministerial Instructions was published November 2008, favoring the application he has filled.

Even though his current occupation as a Telco Engineer is not on the 38 high demand occupations, his previous work experience as a College Instructor in Don Bosco Mandaluyong, is part of the eligible applications for processing.

With a happy heart and renewed energy, Ray religiously completed all the requirements that was required of him, which included taking the IELTS, securing all work related documentations from his past and present employers, getting his graduate and post graduate studies documentations, etc...

Call me a hopeless romantic, but I truly believe that Ray Sator and Weng Faustino are meant to be together.

Fate has smiled upon this couple; on March 25, 2010 Ray Anthony Sator's Visa was finally issued to him.

We can all learn from Ray's story.

If you want something, you have to work hard to get it.

If you want a better life for yourself and for your loved ones, do what is necessary to make that dream into a reality.

Act while the conditions are in your favor.

Do not live to regret the day, that you will wonder "what might it have been" if you acted on an opportunity of a lifetime, knowing that you are one of the few - of the lucky ones who qualify for said opportunity.

Do not be put off, by the thought that you may not qualify if you apply rather, act on an opportunity and hope that you will get what you want.

All applicants risk being disapproved when they apply for the Federal Skilled Workers application for Permanent Residents Visa application.

But.

There are always two sides of a coin, while it is true that you risk being disapproved when you apply, it is also true that your application may also be approved.

On the other hand, if you do not submit any application, it is for certain, that you will not get a Permanent Residents Visa for Canada.

In life, there are no assurances but people still risks their hard earned money for certain investments.

Most of the time, people will be willing to put their money at risk, depending on the value of the promised reward.

- Some individuals, continue to buy lottery tickets despite the impossible odds.

- Parents, spend millions to send their kids to college even if they are not assured that their children will have a better quality of life when they graduate.

At the Canadian Immigration Consultancy we continue to motivate everybody who qualify for the program, because we know from past experiences that getting a Permanent Residents Visa will give your family and your loved ones a better quality of life.

The basic benefits of a Permanent Resident alone, will give your family - better Financial Stability (please read - Canada Benefits for your family)

Considering the returns we know that this is probably the most worthwhile investment that you will make for yourself and your your family.

Ray Anthony Sator, signed for the program because he also wants to have a better quality of life...

But most especially, because he wants to be with the person who owns his heart, priceless...

If you have been told that you are qualified for the program, act now before its too late.

Give us a call and tell us your concerns, we may have a solution to your problems.

Avail of special promotional programs on our consultancy fees!

For any questions and clarifications, email them to rgomez@go2canada.com

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Canada Child Tax Benefit

As a new Immigrant it would be to your interest to know that if you have children under 18, the Government of Canada may help you with the cost of raising them. This monthly, tax-free payment is called the Canada Child Tax Benefit, or CCTB.

The amount of this benefit is based on several factors, such as your family income, the number of children you have and their ages, and the province or territory you live in. When you apply, you must provide proof of your Canadian immigration status and proof of birth for any of your children born outside of Canada.

Requirements in Applying


1. file an Income Tax and Benefit Return each year.

2. For new Immigrants with stay not long enough to file a return; complete a separate form to declare your world income

You can get these forms and more information on the Canada Child Tax Benefit by calling the Canada Revenue Agency’s toll-free enquiry service at 1-800-387-1193 or by visiting the agency’s website.

The Canada Child tax Benifit or CCTB is just one of the many ways the government of Canada tries to help its subjects to have a better quality of life.

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Canada's World Renown Health Program

One of the most impressive benefits of becoming a Permanent Resident is receiving Health Insurance in Canada. All Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for health insurance in Canada. Canada’s public health care system is funded through taxes that you pay and administered by the provinces and territories that you will decide to live in.



Public health insurance

Each province or Territory has a different coverage for your Health insurance. The medical care your province or territory offers might not be covered in other provinces and territories. That is why, When you travel, you should check the coverage of the Health insurance in your possession as well as the requirements of the place you are destined to go; you may require private health insurance.

As a Newly landed Permanent Resident in Canada you should apply for public health insurance as soon as possible

The application for Public health insurance card should be coursed through the provincial or territorial government of the place you decided to immigrate to.

You can get your application forms at a doctor’s office, a hospital, a pharmacy or an immigrant-serving organization. You can also get forms online from your province or territory’s ministry responsible for health.

What are your required documents to apply for Health Insurance?

When you apply for your health insurance card you will need to show some identification,like your birth certificate or passport, or your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR - IMM 5292). You can also show your Permanent Resident Card.

What you will be receiving after you apply

In most provinces and territories, each individual or family member receives their very own Health card with a personal health identification number. In Manitoba, however, only adults receive health insurance cards. The adult card lists each family member’s name and personal identification number.

Your health insurance card will show your name, address, gender and birth date. It is very important that you must carry the card with you and present it at a hospital or clinic when you or someone in your family needs health services.

Health Card application processing Time

Depending on which province or territory you decided to make as your new home, it may be necessary for you to get a temporary Private Health Insurance, since the processing of your Public Health Insurance make take some time.

Private insurance companies are listed in the yellow pages of a telephone Directory, usually under Insurance. You must buy this private insurance within five days of arriving in your province or territory or insurance companies may not provide coverage for you.

Note: Refugee claimants who cannot afford private health insurance and refugee claimants living in provinces that have a three-month waiting period can receive emergency and essential health services at no cost. The cost for these services is covered by the Interim Federal Health Program.

Private health insurance

It is also important to know that private health insurance may have additional service coverage that may not be present under your province or territory’s health insurance plan. Such as dental costs, private hospital rooms, the cost of prescription drugs, dental care, ambulance services and prescription eyeglasses. Some employers may offer you the option to pay for extra health insurance from your pay cheque.

That is why you should make it a point to find a list of private health insurance companies.

Warning: Do not lose or share your card

Please do not share your health insurance card with anyone else. Your card is for your use only, if you do not heed this warning, you could lose the benefits it provides by letting other people use it. You could also face criminal charges and be removed from Canada. If you lose the card, you might have to pay a fee to replace it.

You may Visit a the website of your provincial or Territorial ministries of health care, to learn more about Health Care in Canada.

British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador
Yukon
Northwest Territories
Nunavut

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Foreign Credential Referral Office

The Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) is part of Citizenship and Immigration Canada which was created to help foreign-trained workers succeed in Canada.

For the purpose of helping foreign-trained workers succeed in Canada, the FCRO provides information, path-finding and referral services so the the integration of this workers will not be difficult.

Remember that the approval of your permanent resident visa application and eventual entry in Canada does not guarantee you employment in your preferred profession or any other profession.

If you are planning to live and work in Canada, gathering information about living and working in Canada will help you prepare for employment in your chosen profession. The Foreign Credential Referral Office created a workbook specifically for this purpose.

Planning to work in Canada? An essential workbook for newcomers was created by FCRO for internationally trained individuals who are considering moving to Canada. It will help you learn how to put your skills, education and experience to work. The workbook is composed of 5 sections:

1. Living in Canada

The more you learn about Canada, the faster you will be able to adapt to the Canadian work environment. Taking the time to ask questions, to read and research, to watch videos on the Web or elsewhere, can all greatly help your transition from new immigrant to an established and comfortable member of Canadian society. This section is designed to help you learn more about life in Canada, and to guide you in taking a few essential steps as an immigrant.

2. Canada's Official Languages

Language skills are extremely important to your professional future in Canada. This section will help you learn more about Canada’s two official languages – English and French – as well as assess your language skills and identify opportunities for language training.

3. Finding a job in Canada

This section is designed to help you understand all you need to do to obtain work in Canada. It provides you with a series of essential steps that will help you learn how to find and get a job in your preferred profession. This process will take time, but completing each task below as thoroughly as possible will give you and your family members the best possible chance to succeed professionally in Canada.

4. Work Related Documents

This section of the workbook is designed to help you identify and locate documents that may be of importance to you in Canada before you come to Canada. It will also help you to assess the value, in Canada, of documents in your chosen field.

5. Education Academic Credentials

Education is an asset when searching for work in Canada, but your education may not automatically be recognized in Canada. Demonstrating your education and academic credentials is, therefore, important. Understanding educational equivalencies between your country of origin and Canada will also help you to understand the kinds of jobs you will be likely to obtain in Canada.

For more information about Foreign Credentials Referral Office, visit the official website at http://www.credentials.gc.ca.

For individuals who are working in regulated professions(Occupations that needs a license to be able to practice). You can have your credentials assessed even before you leave Canada, so that you may determine if your credentials is already sufficient to allow you to take the licensure examination in Canada.

The assessment may cost you money.

To find out which Canadian Government Agency is responsible in assessing your credentials you may visit the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada.

Alliance Members:

Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
http://www.employment.alberta.ca/cps/rde/xchg/hre/hs.xsl/4512.html

British Columbia
International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
http://www.bcit.ca/ices/

Manitoba
Academic Credentials Assessment Service (ACAS)
http://www2.immigratemanitoba.com/browse/work_in_manitoba/work-recognition-acas.html

Ontario
World Education Services-Canada (WES)
http://www.wes.org/ca/

Quebec
Centre d'expertise sur les formations acquises hors du Québec (CEFAHQ)
http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/education/comparative-evaluation/

Other provinces and territories
For credential evaluation services in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut or Yukon, you can contact any of the services listed above.

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