Gateway to Canada

Ministerial Instruction 5 (MI-5) Priority Occupations

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:10:00 +0000

On or before July 1, 2012, a new Ministerial Instruction is expected to be issued by Canada's Immigration Minister. This Ministerial Instruction 5 (MI-5) will provide details about the priority occupations to be processed under the Federal Skilled Worker program.

What are the new in-demand occupations or priority occupations under MI-5?

Considering that there is a limit on the number of applications to be accepted annualy under the FSW program, many applicants actually want to know the list in advance. For the past few days, I am receiving that kind of question quite often.

The list of priority occupations is supposedly based on the labor market demand in Canada. But unfortuantely, it is in the Immigration Minister's power to decide which is which. They gave him that kind of power back in 2008.

You see, Ministerial Instruction 2 identified 29 high demand occupations and after a year, the same list was issued as priority occupations in Ministerial Instruction 3. What does that mean? There is no change in Canada's labor market situation afetr a year? Maybe.

Anyway, for Ministerial Instruction 5, the sentiment is that a greater number of occupations will be opened. Good news might really be on the way, you just have to be ready.

How to get Police Certificate or Police Clearance from Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:24:00 +0000

For purposes of Immigrant Visa application to Canada, a police certificate or police clearance from Australia is required if you stayed there for 6 months or more. You need to get Standard Disclosure – name check from Australian Federal Police, not the police certificate issued by state police authority.

How to get Police Certificate or Police Clearance from Australia

First, you need Australian Federal Police National Police Check (NPC) Application Form. Applicants may obtain the form for the Australian Federal Police check at:

Criminal Records – National Police Check
Australian Federal Police
Locked Bag 8550
Canberra City ACT 2601
Australia
Telephone from Australia: (02) 6202-3333
Telephone from elsewhere: +61 2 6202-3333
Website: www.afp.gov.au

IMPORTANT: When filling out the Australian Federal Police National Police Check (NPC) Application Form, enter Code Number 35 in section 1 (Purpose of NPC).

Damascus Visa Office Temporarily Closed

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:21:00 +0000

Because of the continuing violence in Syria, the government of Canada decided to close the Visa and Immigration Section at the Canadian Embassy in Damascus is losed and services have been transferred to neighbouring visa offices.

Until the Canadian Visa Office in Damascus is operational again, those in Syria applying for Temporary Resident Visa will have to send their application to Canadian Visa Office in Lebanon (Beirut) or Jordan (Amman).

For permanent resident visa applications, application must be sent to Jordan (Amman).

Syrian nationals outside of Syria can submit their application to any other Canadian visa office.

Source: cic.gc.ca

Immigrating to Canada? | Good News Might Be On The Way, Are You Ready?

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:18:00 +0000

Anybody who wants to have a bright future has to make plans. They plan how they are going to get ahead in life. They take charge of their life. They use the resources available to them to their advantage to get ahead in life.

In immigrating to an advanced country like Canada, skilled, educated and experienced individuals and families get ahead in life faster. But to make it happen they have to plan ahead.

This coming July 2012, there might be good news for those planning to live and work in Canada. But are you ready?

Harper's Grand Plan to reshape Canada
In Prime Minister Stephen Harper's speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland recently, he unveiled his grand plan to reshape Canada. He said he will overhaul the immigration system. With a majority government now under his leadership, he wouldn't have problem implementing his plan.

Mr. Harper said he intends to tackle immigration reform, a thorny issue in a country where one in five is an immigrant. Canada’s humanitarian obligations and its family reunification objectives will be “respected,” he said, but the needs of the labour force and the economy will now be central.

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney has been working on significant reforms to the immigration system for several months. Mr. Kenney has said he wants to speed immigrant integration in the labour market by changing the emphasis of selection criteria. He intends to reward applicants who speak English or French, have job offers, Canadian work experience or postgraduate degrees, all of whom tend to fare better economically. The increased emphasis on economic immigrants could lead to reductions in the family class. [Source: The Globe and Mail]

Canada needs immigrants to keep their economy growing. Canada needs immigrants to offset their aging population and to replace workers retiring. This is good news for those planning to immigrate to Canada.

Changes in Canada's Immigration Program
On or before July 1, 2012, a new Ministerial Instruction will be issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada Minister. This Ministerial Instruction will contain the new regulations, policy and priorities under Canada's immigration program.

For the Federal Skilled Workers (FSW) program, a new list of priority occupations will be identified. The sentiment is, more openings will be coming soon for independent immigrants. There is also a great chance that the proposed changes to FSW points system will be implemented this coming July.

What is to be done?
If you are interested in immigrating to Canada or any advanced country, you must have all of your documents in order At All Times. More occupations will open in the future but they will also close quickly. You will be competing against millions of applicants around the world for immigrant visas to Canada. You must be in a position to file your application a minute after the door is opened. Always remember that Canada can turn the faucet on or turn the faucet off when it comes to immigration.

Now, do you really want to give your family a better quality of life by immigrating to Canada? Let us help you get ready.

Here's my contact information:

Mr. Apol E. Apuntar
SMART Mob. No. 0928-5008826
SUN Mob No. 0932-8882058
Direct Line: 208-5219
Tel No. 240-6500 loc 8527
Email: aapuntar@go2canada.com

You may also Click Here for free online assessment.

Remember, people never plan to fail. They just fail to plan.

Kung Hei Fat Choi! | 3rd Year Anniversary of MOA Office (Coastal Mall Office Now Closed)

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:10:00 +0000

It was Chinese New Year celebration when Canadian Immigration Consultancy office in Mall of Asia was opened 3 years ago. Thus, we at CIC Mall of Asia celebrates our office anniversary during Chinese New Year. Allow us then to greet you: Kung Hei Fat Choi!

When we opened the Mall of Asia office 3 years ago, there was already a plan to close the Coastal Mall office. However, the decision to close Coastal Mall office was delayed due to several factors. But now, please be informed that our Coastal Mall office is already closed. Please visit us instead at our Mall of Asia office.

Mall of Asia Office is located at ground floor North Wing, just beside North Parking entrance along Sunset Avenue.

January 2012 Visa Bulletin is now out!

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:41:00 +0000

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.

MI-3 Update: Cap reached for skilled worker NOC 2121 (Biologist and Related Scientist)

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:07:00 +0000

As of January 3, 2011 CIC online update, cap for skilled worker NOC 2121 (Biologist and Related Scientist) has been reached already.

Biologists and Related Scientists with Arranged Employment may still file an application under the Federal Skilled Workers program.

For the updated MI-3 updates, visit CIC website.

First Super Visa was issued at the Canadian Visa Office in Manila

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:49:00 +0000

The first Super Visa was issued at the Canadian Visa Office in Manila! That's according to the statement of Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism dated December 19, 2011.

The first Super Visa was issued at the Canadian mission in Manila on December 14, 2011, only two weeks after CIC began accepting applications.

"With the Super Visa, we have taken a common sense approach that allows parents and grandparents to spend extended periods of time with their loved ones in Canada, while at the same time, acting responsibly in protecting Canadian taxpayers," Minister Kenney added. “I’m pleased that the response to this program has been so positive.” [Source]

Do you need assistance for Parent and Grandparent Super Visas application? Email me at aapuntar@go2canada.com.

Merry Christmas to you all!

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:49:00 +0000

Merry Christmas to you all!

SUN Mob No. 0932-8882058

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 03:03:00 +0000

This is just a quick post to let you know of my alternative mobile number. It's SUN Mob No. 0932-8882058.

Here's our updated contact page.

Please note that my SMART Mobile No. 0928-5008826 is currently not availble due to SIM Card error. Still waiting for SIM replacement.

Update (January 7, 2012): My Smart SIM Card problem is still not fixed. Looks like I will have to give up that SMART Number. Goodbye, SMART?

Help CDO | One for Iligan

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 07:48:00 +0000

While most of us are busy with our Christmas shoping, flood victims of tropical storm Sendong badly need help.

Here's how to help Sendong's victims as summarized by Interaksyon.Com.

More information on how to help here: One for Iligan: Help the Typhoon Sendong Victims.

Now is the best time to give love, not just on Christmas day.

Positive Assessment as LPN

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 06:51:00 +0000

Remember my blog post about Registered Nurse as Licensed Practial Nurse?

A couple of days ago, I received an SMS from one my blog readers informing me about his application as LPN.

"Hi Apol. I'm an avid reader of your blog. I read a couple of months back ur article abt the possibility of RN to be eligible for LPN. I applied on September and today, I received a positive assessment. I had the courage to apply for LPN because of your article. Thank you Apol. Merry Xmas." - Dave.

His application is still subject to evaluation of Canadian Visa Office but one thing is obvious here. The Centralized Intake Office accepted his application as LPN! If his documents are in order, he will moving to Canada pretty soon!

Thanks for the feedback, Dave!

Modified Fee Payment Form

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:28:00 +0000

In connection with the changes to Provincial Nomination Program application process, Citizenship and Immigration Canada modief the Fee Payment Form - Application for Permanent Residence.

It's basically the same Payment Fee Form (IMM 5620) except that they added the following information:

This form must accompany your application for Permanent Residence under one of the followng programs:

Federal Skilled Worker program (FSW)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)

So what's the consequence if you used the old form?

The way things are going at Centralized Intake Office (CIO), it is not surprising if your application will be returned just because you used the old form. And I kid you not.

December 2011 Visa Bulletin is Now Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:57:00 +0000

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!

Update: Provincial Nominee Program Application Process

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:30:00 +0000

Effective Dec. 1, 2011, all provincial nominees must submit their permanent resident applications to CIC's new centralized intake unit in Sydney, N.S. This is after receiving the nomination certificate from the province.

Prior to this, provincial nominees submit permanent resident visa applications to the Canadian Visa Office. With the new Provincial Nominee Program Application Process, it may mean further delay in the application process.

Provincial Nominee Program now have 3 application stages:

1. Application for Nomination Certificate

2. Assessment from CIO

3. Verification by the Canadian Visa Office.

More information about the changes here.

Vancouver Airport Video

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:16:00 +0000

Moving to Vancouver? Check out the the First Time Immigrant Fare for 2012 Departure and get discounts. You may also want to watch this Vancouver Airport Video to be more prepared upon landing in Vancouver.

Moving to Canada? Book Now for 2012 Departure | First Time Immigrant Fare

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:47:00 +0000

Moving to Canada? Get a discounted rate from CIC Travel. Book now for 2012 Departure via Cathay Pacific.

Coca-Cola Where Will Happiness Strike Next: The OFW Project

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:17:00 +0000

Have you seen the Coca-Cola Where Will Happiness Strike Next: The OFW Project Youtube video yet? If you are an overseas contract worker you will surely be touched by this Coca-Cola project for OFW's.

I have just watched it and I can't help but cry. And then I realized, there is a better alternative in working as an overseas contract worker - Immigrating to Canada!

By immigrating to Canada, you can bring your family with you. You don't need to be separated with your loved ones just to earn in dollars.

Aside from your spouse and kids, you can also get your parents and grandparents through Parent and Grandparent Super Visas.

One of the OFW's featured in this Coca-Cola Where Will Happiness Strike Next: The OFW Project is an X-Ray Technologist. His occupation is included in the 29 in-demand occupations. Within 6-12 months, he can live and work in Canada with his family.

Make the right choice. Go for a long-term solution. Immigrate to Canada.

CLICK HERE for FREE Online Assessment.

Kudos to Coca-Cola for this wonderful project. This is not a paid post. ;-)

Cap Reached for Pharmacists | CIO MI-3 Update as of November 23, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 04:29:00 +0000

As of November 23, 2011, the cap for Pharmacists has been reached already. This means Centralized Intake Office (CIO) will only accept applications under this job classification for those with Arranged Employment.

But of course, the cap could have been reached much earlier than November 23. The online tally is not a real-time report.

For Registered Nurses for example, Citizenship and Immigration Canada reported that the cap for nurses was reached on September 20, 2011 with a little disclaimer that 'he number of complete Federal Skilled Worker applications received is approximate". It appears however that in reality cap has been reached as early as July 15, 2011. Read November 2011 Visa Bulletin for more details.

If you are a Pharmacist who want to live and work in Canada, get your documents ready as early as now. Be ready to file in an instant once your occupation is open again.

FREE Online IELTS Simulation Test

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 05:06:00 +0000

For clients of Canadian Immigration Consultancy who can't visit our office for the FREE IELTS Simulation Test, you can now do the IELTS simulation test online!

Simply visit http://clients.go2canada.com and log on using your username and password.

November 2011 Visa Bulletin is now out!

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:24:00 +0000

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

Seminar Schedule - Makati City | Mang Inasal - Evangelista

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:40:00 +0000

Interested to live and work in Canada? We have a seminar schedule on November 26, 2011 at Mang Inasal - Evengalista Branch in Brgy. Bangkal Makati City.

It is now easier and faster to immigrate to Canada. Find out how!

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Parent and Grandparent Super Visas

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:29:00 +0000

Citizenship and Immigration Canada recently published the Ministerial Instruction 4 (MI-4) in Canada Gazette. It contains details on the temporary pause on Family Class Sponsorship Applications for Parents and Grandparents for 24 months effective November 5, 2011. This is to address the application backlogs and to speed up the process for Family Class Sponsorship for Parents and Grandparents. And as part of this action is the introduction of Parent and Grandparent Super Visas.

What is Parent and Grandparent Super Visas?

Parent and Grandparent Super Visas is a multiple-entry visa that will allow an applicant to remain in Canada for up to 24 months at a time without the need for renewal of their status. The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa will come into effect on December 1, 2011.

What is the processing period for Parent and Grandparent Super Visas?

Citizenship ang Immigration Canada will be able to issue the visas, on average, within eight weeks of the application. This means that instead of waiting for eight years, a parent or a grandparent can come to Canada within eight weeks. Parent and Grandparent Super Visa applicants will be required to obtain private Canadian health-care insurance for their stay in Canada.

How to qualify for Parent and Grandparent Super Visas?

To qualify, parents and grandparents must:

1. Undergo the Immigration Medical Examination (unless exempted);

2. Demonstrate that they have purchased private Canadian medical insurance; and

3. Provide a written commitment of financial support from a child or grandchild in Canada who meets a minimum income threshold.

Parent and Grandparent Super Visas is ideal for parents and grandparents who do not really want to immigrate to Canada but want to visit their families in Canada whenever they want.

Ministerial Instruction 4 (MI-4): Temporary Pause on Family Class Sponsorship Applications for Parents and Grandparents

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:54:00 +0000

Starting November 5, 2011, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will temporarily stop accepting new applications for Family Classs Sponsrship for Parents and Grandparents. This new policy is contained in the Ministerial Instruction 4 (MI-4) published at Canada Gazette.

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act which was amended on June 18, 2008, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration authority was given authority to issue instructions that would ensure the processing of applications and requests be conducted in a manner that, in the opinion of the Minister, will best support the attainment of immigration goals set by the Government of Canada.

The temporary pause will be implement only for 24 months while a better program is being considered. Cutting down the backlogs and faster family reunification are the main objectives of this new action plan. And to give chance for parents and grandparents to be with their families in Canada, Citizenship and Immigration introduced Parent and Grandparent Super Visa which will be available starting December 1, 2011. Simply put, this Parent and Grandparent Super Visas is a multiple-entry visa (valid up to 10 years) will allow an applicant to remain in Canada for up to 24 months at a time without the need for renewal of their status.

For the full text of the MI-4 instruction, click here.

French language evaluation test did the trick!

noreply@blogger.com (Apol) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:43:00 +0000

Ms. Romina Santos with her parents

Ms. Romina Santos is a Registered Social Worker, single, without Master's Degree and with only one year related work experience. Even if she has a relative in Canada and gets a perfect score in IELTS, she wouldn't have met the 67 points pass mark if not for the additional points from French Language.

I first met her parents when they attended the visa party last year. Her parents' occupation were not included in the 38 prioroty occupations under the Ministerial Instruction 1. Her mom also submitted her resume for assessment but at that time, Social Workers were not included in the list as well. They were quite sad, as they really wanted to live and work in Canada.

When the Ministerial Instruction 2 was issued, I immediately inform them about the opportunity for the Social Workers. But there's a problem. She wouldn't meet the pass mark unless she got additional points from French Language.

I told them that if they really wanted to live and work in Canada, she has to take the French language evaluattion test (TEF) to get additional points.

It wasn't a problem for her at all because she's currently working as a French Call Center Agent.