July 2016 Visa Bulletin - Canada Day

Happy Canada Day!  

On July 1, 1867 Canada became a new federation with its own constitution by signing the Constitution Act - formerly known as the British North America Act.  This is what is being celebrated as Canada Day, a national statutory holiday celebrated in all provinces and territories and it is a day off for most businesses.  

November 2013 Visa Bulletin

November 2013 Visa Bulletin is now out!  Visa Bulletin is Proactive Immigrations Advisers Corp's monthly newsletter intended primarily for its clients.  For the past few months, there wasn't any visa bulletin issued, as there is nothing much to update.  Click the image below to read the visa bulletin.

November 2013 Visa Bulletin - Canada, Australia and New Zealand

Starting this month, there will be a regular monthly newsletter and will not be limited to Canada related updates.  It will also include updates about New Zealand and Australia.

March 2013 Visa Bulletin - This is it!

How serious are you in your plan to live and work in Canada to give your family a better quality of life?  Your answer to this question will determine the outcome of your dream to immigrate to Canada.  Canada's immigration regulation is so volatile that it changes from time to time.  Whenever the Immigration Minister feel there is a need to accept new applications and which occupations will be accepted, a simple Ministerial Instruction may bring opportunity for you.  That is if you are ready.

For quite a time now we've been telling you that if you are serious in your dream to give your family a better quality of life in Canada, you must be ready.  Most of you actually took up the challenge. It is understandable that most of you - specially the nurses applicants - were disappointed the recent development with the new Federal Skilled Worker program. Only 24 Eligible Occupations were identifed for the new FSW program. But it isn't the end of it.  There are options.

New FSW Program Released, Now What?
If your occupation is not included in the 24 eligible occupations, there are other immigration programs you may explore.  These options normally require a job offer, but if you have connections (friend or relative) in the Province of Manitoba, Provincial Nominee Program is ideal for you.  Please get in touch with your agent to discuss your options.

Nurses Needed in Quebec, Canada!
Under the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration, Quebec establishes its own immigration requirements and selects immigrants who will adapt well to living in Quebec. The assessment and process is quite complicated than the usual Canada immigration programs.   To get a higher chance of approval, it would be best if you will be guided by a Registered Quebec Immigration Lawyers.

Quebec Skilled Worker program is wide open for nurses.  Please be informed, however, that on August 1, 2013, changes may also be implemented in QSW program. French language test may soon be made mandatory.  Take advantage of this opportunity!

Education Credential Assessment
The new Federal Skilled Worker program now requires an Education Credential Assessment to be done by designated organizations in Canada.  If you are planning to file an application this year, make sure that you are processing it now.  Citizenship and Immigration Canada will accept only a total of 5,000 applications with a sub cap of 300 per occupations. Don't waste time!

There are 4 designated organizations to do the assessment but we highly recommend that you do it with World Education Services - faster and simpler processing.  Please note that that Citizenship and Immigration Canada will only accept ECA reports issued after the date the organization was designated by CIC to provide ECA reports for immigration purposes (i.e. April 17, 2013). Some consulting firms advised their clients to process it months before the announcement. If you are one of those who did the same, the result is not valid.

For those preparing an application for filing in the future, you may process the assessment as early as now.  An ECA report will be valid for immigration purposes for 5 years from the date that it was issued by the designated organization.

Pre- February 27, 2008 Applicants
Just a brief update regarding the litigation questioning the constitutionality of the law closing the files of FSW applicants filed before February 27, 2008.  Although still subject for appeal at the Federal Court of Appeal, Justice Rennie upheld the closing of the affcted FSW files.  You may read the decision here and a related news article from the Vancouver Sun here.

Immigrant Medical Examination Expired, Still Waiting for Visa
There is quite a number of FSW applicants who are still waiting for visa and or passport request even after taking the Immigrant Medical Examination for more than 1 year already.  Please note that the visa validity is co-terminus with the medical examination result (1 year). Thus, please expect another medical examination request again - that is if there the Visa Officer is already finshed with the review.

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.

January 2013 Visa Bulletin - Are you Ready?

According to Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, the list of Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Agencies will be released in Mid-February 2013. This is one of the major requirements under the new Federal Skilled Worker program, which will start accepting new applications starting May 4, 2013. It may take about a couple of months to process the Educational Credential Assessment. You should be ready by now!

Since there is no details yet as to what documents are needed, how much should be paid and where to send the documents for assessment, the most you can do now is prepare the certified true copies of your College and High School credentials (diploma and transcript of records). The high school diploma and Form 137 may or may not be required but it would be best just the same to have it ready. The processing fee could be about CAD250-CAD400.

IELTS Score and CLB Level Equivalent.
The guidelines are now clear. In order for your IELTS Score to be valid, it should be General Training module and there must be no score lower than 6 in any of the four areas (Listening, Writing, Reading and Speaking). To get the maximum points (24 points) your scores should be at least 8 for Listening and 7 for the reast. For those asking for review centers, we recommend Jrooz Review Center.

On Federal Skilled Trades Program
So much hype was made about the new Federal Skilled Trades program, but apparently, the program is not as that friendly for those outside Canada. Those outside Canada can still be eligible but it would really take serious commitment and determination for you to be eligible. The program requires a job offer or Certificate of Qualification, both of which will be coming from Canada.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is open for 43 job classifications and will be accepting a maximum of 3,000 applications for the year 2013. To get a Certificate of Qualification, you must first identify which province you want to settle in and check out the provincial trade isntitution's resquirements for you to apply. The complete list is here: Certificate of Qualification - Federal Skilled Trade Class 

Pre-February 27, 2008 Applicants
The litigation challenging the law that closed the files of FSW applications filed before February 27, 2008 that did not received a decision before March 29, 2012 is still ongoing. If the petitioners win, those files that were closed will be opened and will be processed. The decision is expected to be made mid of March 2013. For updates about development of this litigation, check this out. 

Application Status - Check Online
If your application is already filed and you already have the file number with you, you may check your application status via Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.  For those applying for Temporary Resident Visa, you can't check your status online but please be guided of the current processing period: Tourist Visa - 15 working days, Work Permit - 12 weeks and Live-in Caregiver Program -20 months.

If you are just completing the requirements to file your application, please log on to our clients portal at http://clients.go2canada.com and click the application history tab. 

Client Service Associate
In order to serve you better, a Client Service Associate is now assigned to address your concerns in the event your Agents are not replying to your queries within a reasonable time. You may email feedback@gatewaytocanada to get immediate feedback. In sending your emails, please don't foeger to indicate your Full Name, your Agent's name and the Program you are applying for.  

December 2012 Visa Bulletin - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Canadian Immigration Consultancy wishes you a Christmas full of love and happiness and a New Year full of chances and satisfactions. May we all live the life we have always wanted! 

The New FSW Program

It's official, the new Federal Skilled Worker Program will take effect on May 4, 2013. For those not yet ready, you have ample time to make the necessary preparations. Early 2013, a list of assessment organizations designated by the Immigration Minister to the Education Credentials Assessment (ECA) will be made available. This is required in filing an application for permanent residence in Canada under the new Federal Skilled Worker Program. 

By now, you must have a certified true copies of your college diploma and transcript of records. Certified true copies of High School diploma and Form 137 may or may not be required but it is best if you have it ready as well. 

The education credentials assessment fee may be between $300-$500. Processing period may be about 2-3 months, just in time for the May 4, 2012 start of new FSW program. Time is of essence, don't waste it.

Federal Skilled Trade Class

Starting January 2, 2013, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will start accepting application for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Trade Class. This program is applicable to the following trades:

• Industrial, Electrical and Construction Trades;
• Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades;
• Supervisors and Technical Occupations in Natural Resources,
• Agriculture and Related Production;
• Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities Supervisors and Central Control Operators;
• Chefs and Cooks
• Bakers and Butchers.

To be eligible, you must have at least 2 year related work experience and preferrably with a formal training. You must also have a job offer or Certificate of Qualification from the Province.

Open Work Permit for FSW Backlog Reduction Pilot Applicant

If you are one of those invited to apply under Federal Skilled Workers (FSW) Program Backlog Reduction Pilot program and got a positive assessment from the province, you can now enter Canada earlier with an Open Work Permit. This means you can work in Canada while waiting for your permanent residence status!

Update on Pre-February 27, 2008 Applications

This coming January 2013, there will be a hearing at Federal Court where Justice Rennie is expected to make a ruling on the legality of s. 87.4 of Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. It's the amendment that resulted in the termination of FSW applications filed before February 27, 2008 and thus, wiping out of Canada's immigration backlogs. 

If the Federal Court ruled that s. 87.4 is illegal, those affected files will be re-opened. Otherwise, those affected must fill out the IMM 741 Form (Processing Fee Return Form).

For Canadian Immigration Consultancy clients, here's the address to use if your prefer that the refund check be delivered to our office:

c/o John Weisdorf
21st Floor Washington Tower
Asiaworld, Pacific Aveenu
Paranaque City 1700

You may send the accomplished form via email to FSWFeeReturn@cic.gc.ca using the email subject as :"Return of Processing Fee, Right of Permanent Residence Fee or Right of Landing Fee". Please copy jweisdorf@go2canada.com for monitoring purposes.

For more information about the refund, please read this: Backgrounder — Frequently asked questions: Fee Returns for Federal Skilled Worker applicants.

MiscelaNEWS

• How to Get Saudi Police Clearance for those who already left the Kingdom. Seeking help from Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant and Workers Affairs (OUMWA) used to be the alternative but there is a better alternative now. 
• Two-year conditional permanent residence for Sponsored Spouse. It its serious effort to combat marriage fraud, Citizenship and Immigration Canada introduced a new regulation that requires certain sponsored spouses to live in together with their sponsor in a legitimate relationship for two years. Failure to meet this requirement will risk losing their permanent resident status.
• Canada gives P10M for 'Pablo' relief. The Canadian government gave Cad$ 250,000 (10 million pesos) to help victims of typhoon Pablo (international codename Bopha) in the Southern Philippines.

November 2012 Visa Bulletin - A Gentle Reminder

Last month, we have sent you a checklist to get ready for the new Federal Skilled Worker program, which will be opened early 2013. You still have time to prepare but we wish to remind you that the clock is ticking. YOU MUST GET READY.

Immigration Target for the year 2013

For the year 2013, Citizenship and Immigration Canada targets to admit a total of 240,000 to 265,000 new permanent residents. From this target, 55,300 is expected to be processed under the Federal Skilled Worker program. Canada is still open for immigrants, you really just have to be ready. 

According to this twitter message fo Jason Kenney, Canada's Immigration Minister, the final procedures and guidelines for FSW program will be announced in the first half of 2013.

Expression of Interest System
At the Annual Conference of the Canadian Network of National Association of Regulators, the Immigration Minister talked about the new Federal Skilled Worker program, among other immigration concerns. You can read the Speaking notes for The Honourable Jason Kenney, P.C., M.P. Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism here.  

The new FSW program will be using the Expression of Interest System. If not in 2013, this could be implemented by 2014. This is somehow similar to the immigration system used by Australia and New Zealand, where they prioritize highly qualified applicants and is not based on who filed the application first. But of course, it would still be best if you will be able to file your application immediately once the program opens.

The system will allow us to more actively match the best qualified applicants with employers and the jobs that are available, rather than just taking those who are first in line and dropping them into the general labour market to sink or swim, in which case too many are struggling to keep their head above waters in the current system.

So our new system – it will eventually be called the Expression of Interest System for Skilled Workers – would essentially be a pool of applicants who are prequalified.

They’ve done a mandatory third-party assessed language test, which is a relative new feature of our system, if you can believe it. They’ll have done the educational assessment. They will, based on the new points grid, be typically younger with higher levels of language proficiency. And they will be going into this pool of pre-qualified applicants.

We are working with employers, sectors and provinces to figure out how to give employers limited access to that pool of applicants – of course, respecting people’s privacy rights – so that they can identify people who are ready and willing to come to Canada, and who are pre-qualified. They will offer them jobs after they’ve done their due diligence and are satisfied that they can work at their skill level. And then we will bring those people into Canada within a matter of months."

In New Zealand's Expression of Interest system, the priority are those who get higher scores/points. The same could be used in Canada's new FSW program. Thus, you must maximize every factors where you may get additional points. The higher the points, the better your chance will be. Do not content yourself by just meeting the 67 points passmark. If you are married, I strongly suggest that you and your spouse both take the IELTS examination. It may mean additional cost, but it will definitely be to your advantage.

There is no failure except in no longer trying
Ms. Maria Lorena Garcia is a Registered Nurse working in Asian Hospital. Her application for permanent residence in Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker program was first submitted to Centralized Intake Office on December 2010. It was returned because the cap was already reached by the time her application was received in Canada. 

But she did not give up. We filed her application again on July 2011. This time, she was able to make it to the cap. She was required to undergo medical examination on December 2011 and her visa was issued April 2012.

Pre February 27, 2008 Applicants
By now, you should have filled out and submitted the refund form required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. All applications filed before February 27, 2008 and do not have have decision yet as of March 29, 2012 will be returned unprocessed. The visa processing fee will be refunded. This is as a result of the law passed to wipe out Citizenship and Immigration Canda's backlog. If you haven't filled out the refund form yet, please click here to download the form, fill it out  and send to jweisdorf@gmail.com.

If you still want to pursue your immigration plan, please contact your Agent and send your updated resume for assessment. There will be a new Federal Skilled Worker program to be implemented in 2013. This time, the processing period will be shorter. But the new program is ideal only for younger applicants. The ideal age is 21-35 years old but depending on your circumstances, even if you're 40 years old already.

Immigrate to New Zealand or Australia
For those who are no longer eligible for Canada's immigration program, you may want to consider immigrating to New Zealand. If your age is between 21-55 years old (New Zealand) / 21-50 years old (Australia), with at least 6.5 IELTS General Training total band score and with at least 3 years work experience and related university/college diploma listed here: Australia and New Zealand Skilled Worker Migration Program | List of Eligible Occupations, then you have a chance to get a permanent residence in New Zealand.

October 2012 Visa Bulletin - Checklist

The New Federal Skilled Worker Program

As stated in our previous Visa Bulletins, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has temporarily stopped accepting applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) as of July 1, 2012. New applications will likely to be accepted when the revised FSWP selection criteria take effect in early 2013. And according to Immigration Minister himself, the new FSW program will not be limited to particular occupations. All occupations classified under NOC 0, A and B will be eligible to apply!

NOC Category 0 refers to all managerial positions. NOC Level A are occupations that require University degree (bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate). NOC Skill Level B are occupations that require two to three years of post-secondary education at community college, institute of technology or CÉGEP. Occupations with supervisory responsibilities are also assigned to skill level B. Occupations with significant health and safety responsibilities (e.g., fire fighters, police officers and licensed practical nurses) are assigned to skill level B.

If you have at least one year experience in any of the the said job classifications, yes, you may be eligible to apply! This is of course subject to the new points system. You may be eligible, but are you ready?

Some Checklist

When the program opens early 2013 and they started to accept new applications, there will be a limit on the number of applications to be accepted. Thus, you must get ready. This checklist will guide you on what needs to be prepared.

1. Valid IELTS Examination Result. The required test module is still the General Training Module. The test result is valid only for two years. Based on the proposed points system, you must not have score lower than 6 in any of the four areas.

If you are married or in a common-law partnership, it would be to your advantage if your spouse will also take the IELTS exam to get additional points. This may not be necessary for those will get 67 points even without the adaptability factor. However, the new FSW Points system is not yet final. There is no official conversion table for your IELTS exam results yet. To be on the safe side, your spouse should take the IELTS exam too. This may mean additional cost to you. But how bad do you really want to immigrate? Your choice.

2. Education Credentials Evaluation. As part of the requirement under the new Federal Skilled Worker program, you need to have your educations credentials assessed first by the designated instition in Canada before you may file your application. This process may take about 2-3 months. Problem: The institution to the evaluation is not yet identified or chosen by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. To avoid delay, you must have certified true copy (by the school) of your College Diploma and Transcript of Records ready as early as now. Please prepare CAD 250-300 processing fee that may be required. As soon as the details where to send the assessment application, you must send it as soon as possible. We will keep you posted.

3. Supporting Documents. Get your documents ready. Coordinate with your Agent and make sure you have everything ready before Dec 30, 2012. The program may open as early as January 2013.

4. Application forms. With the new selection criteria, there could be an updated application forms to be required. It would be easier if you will use the Canadian Immigration Consultancy Client Portal (http://clients.go2canada.com) to fill out the information needed for the application forms. If you forgot your username and password, please coordinate with your Agent.

5. Settlement Funds. This is required to serve as your initial living allowance once you landed in Canada. The amount varies depending on the number of your family members. At the time of filing your application, you need to provide proof of funds through a bank certificate. You must be able to convince the Visa Officer that you have the funds and that it is readily available, unemcumbered.

Alternative Immigration Programs

Provincial Nominee Program
Provincial Nominee Program is an alternative program if you are not eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Program if you want to live and work in Canada. Most provinces in Canada have an agreement with the Government of Canada that allows them to nominate immigrants who wish to settle in that province. If you choose to immigrate to Canada as a provincial nominee, you must first apply to the province where you wish to settle and complete its provincial nomination process. The province will consider your application based on its immigration needs and your genuine intention to settle there.

Quebec Skilled Worker Program
Through its history, values and traditions, as well as its modernity and avant-gardism, Québec society is renowned for offering a unique quality of life on the North American continent. Life at a North American pace with an enviable living standard, without sacrificing security and evening walks in the neighbourhood: this is the meaning and value of quality of life in Québec. This program is wide open for you if you have a degree in any one of the targeted areas of training.

This program may be good for you if you intend to initially settle in Quebec and are interested in learning the French language. French language test is not mandatory but depending on your qualifications, a certain level of French language may be required for you to meet the passmark. If you want to process your application now and don't want to wait for the new FSW program, coordinate with your Agent for free assessment and more information about the program

Pre-February 27, 2008 Applicants' Status Update
If you are not one of those who participated in the litigation, your application will be one of those to be returned unprocessed as a result of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada's decision to wipe out its immigration backlog. Here's an updated posted at Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

In order to make sure that your refund cheque will reach you, you need to confirm your latest contact details by completing this form – Return of Processing Fee, Right of Permanent Residence Fee or Right of Landing Fee (IMM 5741) and send this to our office so we can forward the same to the designated visa office. You can send the scanned copy of the completed form with your signature to this email address – jweisdorf@go2canada.com.

September 2012 Visa Bulletin

The waiting could be over for those whose occupations were not included in the previous lists of priority occupations for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.  Consider this as an early Christmas present.  You will now have a chance to file your application under the new Federal Skilled Worker Program!

Eligible Occupations for Federal Skilled Worker Program

According to Immigration Minister himself, the New Federal Skilled Worker Program will no longer be limited to particular occupations (Priority List).  This means that all occupations classified as NOCs 0, A and B will be eligible to apply!  It's basically like back to pre-February 27, 2008 wherein about 350 job classifications are eligible under the program.  The huge difference, however, is that there will be a limit on the number of applications to be accepted and that a new points system will be implemented. 

New Federal Skilled Worker Program Points SystemThe details of the new Federal Skilled Worker Program Points System was unveiled last August 17, 2012. In summary, the following would be the changes:

• 1. Making language the most important selection factor by establishing new minimum official language thresholds and increasing points for language.  The maximum points to be awarded from IELTS Exam results is now 24 points.  You must not have score lower than Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7/IELTS 6 in any of the four areas (Listening, Writing, Reading and Speaking)
• 2. Increasing the emphasis on younger immigrants, who are more likely to acquire valuable Canadian experience and remain in the workforce longer.  Ideal age now is  18 to 35 years old, which will be awarded 12 points.  There's a reduction of one point for every year after 35 years old.
• 3. Increasing points for Canadian work experience and reducing points for foreign work experience.  The maximum points to be awarded for work experience was reduced from 21 points to 15 points.  You need at least 6 years experience to get the maximum points.
• 4. Simplifying the arranged employment process to prevent fraud and abuse yet enable employers to staff positions quickly.  In order to receive points for arranged employment, applicants will need to have a LMO from HRSDC, plus an indeterminate job offer.
• 5. Awarding points for spousal language ability and Canadian experience.  Additional points from Spouse will no longer be coming from Spouse's education.  It will now be based on Spouse's IELTS Exam results.

For more information about the New FSW Points System, read the full text for the proposal from Canada Gazette.


Get Ready For January 2013!

Most of you did get ready when we told you to be ready last July 2012.  But everybody was surprised by the decision Citizenship and Immigration Canada.  Just the same, we are once again reminding you to be ready.  If you are serious about your dream to live and work in Canada, you really need to be ready at all times.

To really have a good chance, the following documents must be ready on or before July 1, 2012:

1. IELTS Examination results. Visit www.ielts.org to check and schedule your test, if you haven't done yet. Ideally, the results must be available before January 1, 2013.  You must not have score lower than 6 in any of the four areas.

2. Settlement Funds. The amount required depends on the number of family members. Back Certificate is required.

3. Employment Certificate and other supporting documents. Get in touch with your Assigned Agent

4. Application forms. Log on to http://clients.go2canada.com to fill out and complete the forms.

5. Visa Processing fee

Legal Option for Pre-February 27, 2008 ApplicantsStarting September 29, 2012, Citizenship and Immigration Canada may start returning applications filed before February 27, 2008 that have not received a decision as of March 29, 2012.  This is as a result of Bill C-38 which was passed into law a couple of months ago.  The objective is to wipe out Canada's immigration application backlogs.

This move is being challenged by various immigration lawyers, charging a fee for those who want to join the litigation. You may consider the following information in making a decision whether to join or not:

1. There is a move to challenge the legality of s. 87.4 of the law which basically authorizes the Immigration Minister to return the affected applications unprocessed. If it will be recognized as a class action lawsuit and succeed, then everybody may benefit including those who did not join the litigation. Otherwise, a possible compromise agreement may be reached and those who joined the litigation may be exempted from those that will be returned. 

If you want this option, you may contact ACT NOW CANADA.

2. Another lawyer's approach was to lodge an application seeking an order to have the application processed within a specified period. This move was initiated even before the law was passed and was able to get a positive result last June 14, 2012.  This lawyer will try to include additional cases and the last filing would be on September 4, 2012.   If the additional cases filed will not be admitted by the court, then it will become part of class action lawsuit to be filed.

If you want this option, visit www.unfaircic.com.



Check Your Status Online
For those who have submitted their original passports and is expecting the visa issuance, please note that the release of visa varies, normally within 90 days.  You may check your application status online by clicking here.  If the status you see is Decision Made, expect your visa within a week or two.

For Canadian Immigration Consultancy clients, you may log on to http://clients.go2canada.com to check your application status.

August 2012 Visa Bulletin - Options

There is an ongoing consultation initiated by Citizenship and Immigration Canada to seek feedback on immigration issues, including the appropriate level of immigration for Canada, and the most suitable mix among economic, family, and refugee and humanitarian classes. This consultation will last until August 31, 2012.  This might be the basis for the next Ministerial Instruction in determining the number of Federal Skilled Worker applications to be accepted for the year 2013.

New Points System
There is no final guidelines yet on the new points system for the Federal Skilled Workers program which is expected to be implemented early January 2013.  But if you really want to increase your chances, you may consider taking French Language Test to get additional points.  If you have a valid IELTS Examination Result but with score lower than 6.5 in any of the four sub-tests (Listening, Writing, Reading and Speaking), it will be to your advantage if you will take another IELTS exam.  It may not be necessary, but it will sure help increase your chances specially if you're not within the age bracket of 21-35 years old.

Academic or General Training Module?
There is a rumor that for Nurses and other professionals, the new IELTS Examination module to be required is now the Academic Module and no longer the General Training Module.

I don't have any idea where this rumor started, but as far as this official documents checklist (Updated May 2012) is concerned, the requirement is still General Training Module.  Should there be changes, we will inform you immediately.

Anyway, if you are planning to take IELTS Examination, take advantage of this Free IELTS Course on August 25, 2012 to be held at SMX Convention Center at Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Other Immigration Programs
While waiting for the new Ministerial Instruction concerning the Federal Skilled Workers Program, the following are other immigration programs that are still open.

Arranged Employment Opinion

The Federal Skilled Workers program is still open for those with Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO).  Canadian Immigration Consultancy is not a recruitment agency and does not have placement services.  However, if you found an employer who is willing to hire you, we can help in the application for Arranged Employment Opinion and the Visa.  Start sending your resume to Canadian employers now and you may stumble an employer who is willing to hire you. To understand the AEO application process and what is needed from the employer, download this Application Form - Arranged Employment Opinion and read it.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Most provinces in Canada have an agreement with the Government of Canada that allows them to nominate immigrants who wish to settle in that province. The common requirement is you must have a job offer but there are provinces wherein a relative may serve as 'sponsor'.  If you have friends or distant relatives in Manitoba, they can also help you immigrate to Canada.

The Community Identified stream of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is another Provincial Nominee Program you may explore.More information about PNP here: Provincial Nominee Program.

NOTE: For those applying under Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, take note of this changes: Manitoba Affidavit of Support Out, Settlement Plan In.

Quebec Skilled Worker Program
This option is ideal for Nurses and Medical Technologists.  You do not need a job offer to be eligible under Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers Program. But since Quebec is predominantly French speaking Canadian Province, you will have to learn French language to successfully settle there. With this option, you will no longer have to wait for January 2013 and take chance to be included in the first 1,000 or so to submit an application.  You have until March 31, 2013 to submit your application.

For nurses thinking it will be impossible to survive in Quebec, you may be pleased to know that there is in fact a Filipino Nurses Association of Quebec.  You just have to really be determined if you want to make it work.

Federal Self Employed Class
Self-employed person means a foreign national who has relevant experience and has the intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada and to make a significant contribution to specified economic activities in Canada. The relevant work experience being referred to in the Federal Self Employed Class means:

• relevant experience that will make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada or
• experience in farm management and the intention and ability to purchase and manage a farm in Canada.

Most of the occupations listed here, may be eligible under this program

Visa Processing Updates

Pre-February 27, 2008 Applicants
As most of you may already knew, the Bill-C38 is now a law.  It's the bill containing the proposal to legislate away to wipe out Citizenship and Immigration Canada backlogs.  But since there is a pending litigation, a class action suit filed against it, it will not yet be implemented.   Canadian Immigration Consultancy is collaborating with a group of Canadian lawyers for a legal action, in behalf of our clients.  We will keep you posted.

MI-3 Status
MI-3 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from July 1, 2011 until the 10,000 cap was reached. CIO is no longer accepting new applications under Federal Skilled Workers program, except those with AEO or currently in Canada under a PhD program.

For this batch the latest assessment notice we have received so far are for those filed April 17, 2012. The latest application which received Medical Instruction was application filed March 20, 2012.

Check Your Status Online
For those who have submitted their original passports and is expecting the visa issuance, please note that the release of visa varies, normally within 90 days.  You may check your application status online by clicking here.  If the status you see is Decision Made, expect your visa within a week or two.


For Canadian Immigration Consultancy clients, you may log on to http://clients.go2canada.com to check your application status.

OTHER OPTION: Australia, anyone?
If you feel Canada is no longer an option for you but you still want to immigrate to other first world country for a better future, are you interested to immigrate to Australia?  If you are, you may send your resume for assessment to assessment@pinoy2australia.com.

Let's Help Flood Survivors

The best way to send your donations - be it in goods or cash - is to channel it through grassroots organizations who are in direct contact with the community. Click here for more information.

July 2012 Visa Bulletin - Pause, Prepare and Plan

The temporary pause on acceptance of new Federal Skilled Workers program is understandably a huge disappointment for those who prepared in advance for July 1, 2012 opening.  On the other hand, this development is a relief for those who are not yet ready.  They were practically given 6 more months to prepare.

New applications under the Federal Skilled Workers program (without Arranged Employment) will be accepted starting January 2013.  If you are still interested to live and work in Canada, what you will do for the next six months to prepare yourself is crucial.


New Points System for Federal Skilled Workers program
The proposed changes to FSW points system, which will be implemented starting January 2013, will be placing more emphasis on younger workers and will give more weight on the Language Proficiency.  It will also make the program more accessible to skilled tradespeople.

The ideal age would be between 21-35 years old.  Applicants within the age bracket between 36-49 years will no longer be awarded the maximum points for the Age factor.  The maximum points to be gained from IELTS Examination results would be increased from 16 points to 20 points.  The maximum points for Work Experience factor will be reduced from 21 points to 15 points.

Here's what you may do to increase your chances.


Get a better IELTS Scores. You will be in a better position if you do not have score lower than 6.5 in any of the 4 areas. Skilled Tradespeople may afford to get lower IELTS Scores.


Take French Language Evaluation Test.  This will give you additional points which will help you meet the passmark, especially if you belong to the age bracket of 36-49 years old.  For information on how to take the French Language Evaluation Test, please check: TEF: Test d’évaluation de français | TEF in the Philippines. This was what Ms. Romina Santos did to meet the 67 points pass mark.  Read about her story here: French language evaluation test did the trick!

Credentials Assessment

In one of the speeches of the Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, emphasis was given to the need for Credentials Assessment result as part of the requirements for those who occupations are regulated in Canada.  It may or may not be required when the program opens this coming January 2013, but if you are planning to live and work in Canada, you will need this process in order to practice your profession once you landed in Canada.

Language test preparation and credentials assessment would mean additional cost to you.  These are optional but highly suggested.  You can have this accomplished within the next six months.  The choice is yours.

For those who are interested to get their credentials assessed, check out Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) for more information.  For Registered Nurses, here's a Guide for Filipino Nurses.


Other Immigration Programs
Canada is still open for immigrant.  There is a temporary pause in accepting new FSW applications but there are other programs available depending on your circumstances.

Arranged Employment
The Federal Skilled Workers program is still open for those with Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO).  Canadian Immigration Consultancy is not a recruitment agency and does not have placement services.  However, if you found an employer who is willing to hire you, we can help in the application for Arranged Employment Opinion.  Start sending your resume to Canadian employers now and you may stumble an employer who is willing to hire you. This could be of help: How to find jobs in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program
Most provinces in Canada have an agreement with the Government of Canada that allows them to nominate immigrants who wish to settle in that province. The common equirement is you must have a job offer but there are provinces wherein a relative may serve as 'sponsor'.  If you have friends or distant relatives in Manitoba, they can also help you immigrate to Canada. More information here: Provincial Nominee Program.

Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers Program
You do not need a job offer to be eligible under Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers Program. But since Quebec is predominantly French speaking Canadian Province, you will have to learn French language to successfully settle there.  You may send your resume for aapuntar@go2canada.com for assessment.  Your education/experience must be included in Quebec Skilled Worker Program's Priority List.

Pre-February 27, 2008 FSW Applicants
The proposed legislation aiming to close the files of FSW applicants who applied before February 27, 2008, and for whom an immigration officer has not made a decision based on selection criteria by March 29, 2012 is not yet approved.

The temporary pause on new FSW applications does not necessarily mean that Citizenship and Immigration Canada will start to process Pre-February 27, 2008 FSW Applicants again.  It will be great if they would. Unfortunately, we will just have to wait for now. Please read: Options for Pre-February 27, 2008 FSW Applicants.

UPDATE July 10, 2012: Operational Bulletin 442 - June 29, 2012 (Cessation of Processing and Return of Fees for Certain Federal Skilled Worker Applications)

Processing of certain applications made under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program prior to February 27, 2008, is to cease effective June 29, 2012, and fees paid to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) in respect of the affected applications are to be returned to the person who paid them as required by law.

June 2012 Visa Bulletin - Be ready to enter when the door opens

The clock is ticking and it's ticking fast.  Get ready for July 1, 2012!

The new Ministerial Instruction will be issued on or before July 1, 2012.  Our guess is it will be issued around 3rd week of June 2012.  Be ready to enter when the door opens.

Let us help you get ready
It is expected that there will be a limit again in the number of applications to be accepted under Federal Skilled Workers program once it open this coming July 1, 2012.  If your occupation is included, you must be able to submit your application.  The window of opportunity may be too short.  Be ready!

1. Fill out the forms by visiting http://clients.go2canada.com.  Contact your Agent if can no longer remember your user name and password.  This is also where you will see the status of your application.

2. If you haven't done yet, please send your detailed job description (DJD) for review and enhancement before having it signed by your employer.  Send your your DJD to jd@gatewaytocanada.com. Please don't forget to mention the name of your Agent

3. Submit your supporting documents for checking.  If you are sending the documents via courier, please send to this address:

Canadian Immigration Consultancy
Unit 160 Ground Floor North Parking Building
SM Mall of Asia
Sunset Ave., Pasay City

4. Submission of documents in person is strictly by appointment only.  Please coordinate with your Agents

5. You will be advised when to prepare your bank draft for the Visa Processing Fee.  But for for proof of funds, you may already submit your bank certificates. Please be guided with the amount required for your settlement funds.

 
Q & A Portion

Q. Is there an age limit for Live-in Caregiver Program applicant?
A. No.   Nothing was mentioned about the age limit requirement in the Live-in Caregiver Program guidelines. The employer decides the age of the worker he/she wants to hire. However, one must be realistic. You can't expect that a 50 year old LCP applicant to take care of an elderly will get an approval from the Visa Office. 

Q. Is the list of July 2012 Priority Occupations already out? 
A. As of this writing the list is yet to be released by the Immigration Minister through another Ministerial Instruction (MI).  If you're asking this because you are interested to live and work in Canada and that you will prepare your documents if your occupation is included in the list, you are asking the wrong question.


If you are seriously considering to give your family a better quality of life by immigrating to Canada, preparation starts now.  If you are planning for your family's future, you don't start five years from.  It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark!


Clients With Visa


Ms. Glaiza Diaz | Sponsored by her spouse
Ms. Glaiza was sponsored by her husband under the Family Class sponsorship program.  Her application was processed within 6 months.  Current processing times by Manila Visa Office for spousal sponsorship is 9 months.

Immigrant Visa Party and Seminar - June 16, 2012
Before moving to Canada, Filipinos are required to undergo Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) conducted by Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO).  Additionally, we at Canadian Immigration Consultancy provides an in-house orientation seminar to guide clients with visa before moving to Canada. If you recently received your PR Visa, you may email Ms. Michelle Ramos to reserve seat for the orientation. It's Free!  It will be held at Bayview Park Hotel in Manila.   You may send email to mramos@go2canada.com or contact her at 2406500 loc  7713.

If you have friends and or relatives who are interested to live and work in Canada, too, you may invite them to attend as well.  Registration fee is P500 per attendee.  For seat reservation, click here.

Manila Visa Office FSW Processing Updates


Pre-Feb 27, 2008 FSW Applications
Applications filed before February 27, 2008 are those filed mostly using the Simplified Application Process.  There's a huge backlog from this batch and to address this, Citizenship and Immigration Canada proposed a legislation away this backlog.  Tha last application processed under this batch are those filed November 2004 (based on cases we filed). The proposal is yet to be approved.

Read: Options for Pre-February 27, 2008 FSW Applicants

Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1)
MI-1 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from Feb 28, 2008 to June 25, 2010. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in of the 38 high demand occupations. For this batch, the latest Medical Instructions were issued to cases filed on March 25, 2011 (documents submitted to Visa Office after CIO assessment).

Ministerial Instruction 2 (MI-2)
MI-2 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from June 26, 2010 to June 30, 2011. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in any of the 29 in-demand occupations and were promised 6-12 months processing period. All MI-2 applications now have assessment result. The latest who received Medical Examination requests under this group are those filed to CIO dated June 17, 2011.

Ministerial Instruction 3 (MI-3)
MI-3 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from July 1, 2011 until the 10,000 cap was reached few days ago. CIO is no longer accepting new applications under Federal Skilled Workers program, except those with AEO or currently in Canada under a PhD program.

For this batch the latest assessment notice we have received so far are for those filed March 30, 2012. The latest application which received Medical Instruction was application filed February 08, 2012

June 2012 Visa Bulletin

May 2012 Visa Bulletin - GET READY!

There's only less than 2 months left before a new Ministerial Instruction will be issued by the Immigration Minister. The Minesterial Instruction will identify the new priority occupations, the number of application to be accepted and quite possibly, the changes to Federal Skilled Workers (FSW) program points system.

Get Ready!

Because there is a limit on the number of applications be received, it would be best if the following are now ready. To really have a good chance, the following documents must be ready on or before July 1, 2012:

1. IELTS Examination results. Visit www.ielts.org to check and schedule your test, if you haven't done yet. Ideally, the results must be available before July 1, 2012.

2. Settlement Funds. The amount required depends on the number of family members. Back Certificate is required.

3. Employment Certificate and other supporting documents. Get in touch with your Assiged Agent and Documentation Specialist.

4. Application forms. Log on to http://clients.go2canada.com to fill out and complete the forms.

5. Visa Processing fee

Please be informed that there is of course no guarantee that your occupation will be included in the priority list or if the new points system will be favorable to you. In getting your documents ready, you will incur some costs. Consider it as your investment. And just like any other investment, there is an accompanying risk. It's your choice.

What's New?

SINP Family Category New Requirements
Applicants under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program Family Category are now required to have a job offer before they could apply. Concurrent nominations are no longer allowed. These changes took effect on May 1, 2012.

Start-Up Visa for Immigrant Entrepreneurs
Citizenship and Immigration Canada recently launched a consulation on whether to create a new and specialized program to attract immigrant entrepreneurs - the Start-Up Visa for Immigrant Entrepreneurs.

FSWP Skilled Trades program
The proposed Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) Skilled Trades program would create a means for skilled tradespersons to be assessed based on criteria geared towards their reality, putting more emphasis on practical training and work experience rather than formal education.

Manila Visa Office FSW Processing Updates

Pre-Feb 27, 2008 FSW Applications
Applications filed before February 27, 2008 are those filed mostly using the Simplified Application Process. Current proceesing period for this batch is 82 months. Canadian Visa Office in Manila is currently processing applications filed November 25, 2004. Citizenship and Immigration Canada proposed a legislation to wipe out this backlog and refund the processing fees of FSW applications filed before February 27, 2008 which do not have a decision as March 29, 2012.
Read: Refund up to $130 million FSW Processng Fees, Proposed.

Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1)
MI-1 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from Feb 28, 2008 to June 25, 2010. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in of the 38 high demand occupations. For the last two weeks, we received several notices (Medical Instructions, Passport Requests and Visas) from the Visa Office for this batch. Medical Instructions were issued to cases filed on March 25, 2011 (documents submitted to Visa Office after CIO assessment).

Ministerial Instruction 2 (MI-2)
MI-2 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from June 26, 2010 to June 30, 2011. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in any of the 29 in-demand occupations and were promised 6-12 months processing period. All MI-2 applications now have assessment result. The latest who received Medical Examination requests under this group are those filed to CIO dated June 17, 2011.

Ministerial Instruction 3 (MI-3)
MI-3 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from July 1, 2011 until the 10,000 cap was reached few days ago. CIO is no longer accepting new applications under Federal Skilled Workers program, except those with AEO or currently in Canada under a PhD program.
Read: MI-3 Is Now Closed | 10,000 Cap Has Been Reached

For this batchm the latest assessment notice we have received so far are for those filed March 30, 2012. The latest application which received Medical Instruction was application filed December 15, 2011.

May 2012 Visa Bulletin

April 2012 Visa Bulletin Is Now Out!

The proposed legislation to wipe out FSW backlog is not easy to accept if you are one of those who have waited for almost 8 years already only to be told that your application will not be processed.  The process may be more difficult for you, but all is not lost.  For something as valuable as an immigrant visa to Canada, it is still worth it.

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.

April 2012 Visa Bulletin - All Is Not Lost

March 2012 Visa Bulletin is now out!

In the spotlight now are those Federal Skilled Workers (FSW) applicants filed before February 27, 2008. Selected applicants were chosen to apply under FSW Reduction Pilot project, an opportunity for expedited process. But not all selected applicants were ready.

March 2012 Visa Bulletin is now out!

February 2012 Visa Bulletin Is Now Out!

Happy heart's month!



Find out the latest on Manila Visa Office's Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program processing updates.


February 2012 Visa Bulletin Is Now Out!

January 2012 Visa Bulletin is now out!

May the year 2012 be the year all our dreams come true. Happy New Year!

January 2012 Visa Bulletin

Visa Bulletin is a monthly newsletter for Gateway to Canada clients. If you are planning to immigrate to Canada or with a pending application, you may learn a thing or two from it.

December 2011 Visa Bulletin is Now Out!

Material possesions fade away in time. Flowers wither. Chocolates melt easily. Now, what kind of gift should you give your family this Christmas?

December 2011 Visa Bulletin is Now Out!

November 2011 Visa Bulletin is now out!

November 2011 Visa Bulletin is now out!

As of November 10, 2011, Centralized Intake Office already received a total of 3,809 applications from the 29 in-demand occupations under Ministerial Instruction 3 (MI-3). Only a maximum of 10,000 applications will be received with a cap of 500 for each occupation. The cap for Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management and Registered Nurses have been reached few months ago.

November 2011 Visa Bulletin

October 2011 Visa Bulletin is Now Out!

Federal Skilled Workers program is not the only immigration program for you to live and work in Canada legally. There is quite a number of alternatives. If your occupation is not included in the priority occupations, you may still go to Canada if you have an arranged employer or through Provincial Nominee Program.

October 2011 Visa Bulletin - Alternatives