UPDATE (Nopv 14, 2009):Those who earlier submitted request to Canadian Visa Office in Manila for consideration regarding Special Immigration for Typhoon Victims already received a reply - FEDERAL APPLICATIONS NOT INCLUDED.
One of our clients with pending Federal Skilled Worker PR Visa application filed in 2006 may actually receive the result earlier than expected through Special Immigration Measures for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines.
This particular client has a sister in Canada who seek the help of a Member of Parliament, who then contacted the Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Her sister in Canada actually has a pending sponsorship application for her mother at the same time. The result is quite interesting.
Parents' file (Family Class):
The file was submitted to the CPC Mississauga on 18-Jul-2009. Based on your information, the file will be pulled from the queue and forwarded to an officer for priority processing under the situation caused by Tropical Storm Ketsana/Ondoy.
Please note that any approved requests for expedited processing would be subject to meeting all standard immigration requirements.
Sister's file (FSW):
The skilled worker application for your sister was received in December, 2006. The visa officer are currently processing applications that they received in September 2004.
Based on your information, they have been trying to contact your sister to request evidence and an explanation of how she has been directly and significantly affected by the situation caused by Tropical Storm Ketsana/Ondoy. Once they reach your sister and have obtained the required information, they will review it and advise her directly in due course of what steps, if any, may be made on her file.
It appears that applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker program may in fact benefit from the Special Immigration Measures for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines even if the guidelines do not included them on list of who may apply.
Do you have a pending FSW Application and was affected by Typhoon Ondoy? Ask your relatives to write their representative to the Parliament!
If you don't have relatives in Canada, you may try to submit evidence and an explanation of how you were directly and significantly affected by the situation caused by Typhoon Ondoy.
What document to submit?
1. Sworn Affidavit stating how you were affected
2. Certification from your Baranggay and or Municipal Office or DSWD
3. Other proof such as pictures, news clippings, etc.
Please note however, that you still have to meet certain visa requirements. Furthermore, the guideline specifically outlined who may apply under the program and that in order to be considered, you must be significantly affected. But just the same, it's worth trying.
