Canadian Visa Portal

Breaking News! Canadian Immigration Program

2010-03-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are still thinking about whether you should apply for the fast and Easy Immigration program of Canada Under the Federal Skilled Workers application of Canada, you should decide soon!

Changes may soon be implemented.

Consultations are currently on its way, that may affect your plans for Canada.

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.[read more click]

You may also consider reading:

Breaking News! Canadian Immigration Program

Show Money For Canada

2010-02-25T16:47:00.000-08:00

As part of the requirement for your Federal Skilled Workers application, you would need to show proof that you can afford to live in Canada on your own for the first six months of your stay in Canada. That is why you would have to provide proof that you have the money to bring in Canada.

This is probably one of the biggest problems that an applicant for Canada usually has.

To read more about this requirement, please click on the following link:

Show Money Canada

Application for Canada

2010-02-22T01:15:00.000-08:00

If you are contemplating whether you should apply for a Permanent Residents Visa right now, before you take your IELTS.

Please read the Maria Ronna De Castro's application for Canada:

"In helping my clients process their application for Canada PR Visa, under the revised Federal Skilled Workers program, I am amazed to see that the ones who does not seems to have the time, are the individuals who persist and goes out of their way to make sure that their applications are filed.

Such is the Case of Maria Ronna De Castro..."

Please click on the link to read the rest of the story... Link

Armando Paraiso's Canada PR VISA Story

2010-02-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

(from right: Jay Araneta - Senior Immigration Consultant, Armando Paraiso, Evelyn Paraiso, son Paolo)

For Accountants and Auditors who wants to Immigrate to Canada or get a Canada PR VISA, here is a story that you may be interested it.

It was last November 28, 2008 when the Canadian Government released their publication to revise the Federal Skilled workers (FSW) program for Permanent Residents (PR) Visa application, limiting it to those who has work experience int the 38 High Demand occupations.

Under this particular PR Visa for Canada, only those who has 4 years work experience in the 38 High demand occupations, will be able to get full points in the work experience criteria of the PR Visa selection criteria. Click this to read more...

CANADA : Becoming the Most Attractive Destination in NORTH AMERICA

2009-11-28T06:07:00.000-08:00

“Politics, health care, social issues, and possibly even the strengthening of the Canadian dollar” are being cited by the Association of Canadian Studies as reasons why more and more Americans are choosing to immigrate to Canada.

The number of Americans immigrating to Canada and is at its highest point in thirty years, having nearly doubled since 2000. Such rates of immigration to Canada from the U.S. have not been seen since the 1970’s when the United States was suffering from political turmoil. Though the recent data does not indicate any particular reasons for Canada’s renewed popularity among Americans, the director of the study suggests “the economic downturn in the United States as a top possibility, followed by social and political considerations.” With increasing numbers of highly educated skilled workers arriving from the U.S. and a sharp decrease in the number of Canadians heading south of the border, the Canadian ‘brain drain’ phenomenon is shrinking. Half of Canadian newcomers from the U.S. have obtained a bachelor’s degree or better and are coming to Canada under the skilled worker category of immigration.
On another note, as American immigration officials are tightening regulations on Mexicans in the United States, the Canadian government is encouraging increased immigration from Mexico. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently met with Mexican President Felipe Calderon to discuss increased labour mobility between the countries to deal with chronic labour shortages in Canada. Mexican migration to Canada has been soaring since the mid 1990’s due to the easing of entrance requirements brought about by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Between 1991 and 2001, Canada’s number of permanent and temporary residents from Mexico nearly doubled to almost 43,000. Though the focus of a possible new labour mobility agreement would be on temporary workers, the number of Mexicans arriving in Canada under the skilled worker category of immigration is on the rise as well. Additionally, the number of Mexicans studying in Canada has been steadily increasing.
The leaders of Canada, the United States, and Mexico recently convened to discuss measures to strengthen ties within North America and build upon the existing NAFTA framework. Developing compatible immigration measures was discussed as a means to facilitate increasing labour mobility across borders. NAFTA has facilitated the flow of certain skilled professionals across borders to fulfill temporary job positions.
A recent poll stated that 92 per cent of Americans have a favourable view of Canada, ranking it at the top of a list of 25 countries. As immigration data demonstrates that many Americans see Canada as a more attractive place to live, and many Mexicans see Canada as a more attractive immigration destination than the United States, Canada is in a good position to welcome a great deal of immigrants from its neighbouring countries.
Source: www.workpermit.com

Fast-Track Canadian Permanent Residency Option: Northwest Territories Nominee Program:

2009-10-18T04:28:00.000-07:00

Last 2001, the Yukon Territory has been the only Canadian Territory to have an immigrant Nominee Program in place.But right now the Yukon now has a new company. Last August 5, 2009, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada (CIMC) Minister Jason Kenney, along with his Territorial counterparts, announced the new
Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP).This fast-track Canadian immigration program will enable the Northwest Territories to fulfill their labour market and community needs by welcoming more immigrants to settle and work in its principal city, Yellowknife and other areas of the Territories.

You can qualify under two employer-driven categories: the Skilled Worker stream and the Critical Impact Worker stream, or under two business categories: the Entrepreneur and the Self-Employed.

Skilled Workers- Skilled Workers- Under this stream, an individual can be nominated by a Northwest Territories employer who is unable to fill a vacancy with a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident. The applicant must have a full-time, permanent job offer in a Skilled, Professional or Managerial occupation, as defined in the National Occupation Classification (NOC).The applicant must also have the necessary education and training required for the position, be able to communicate in the language of the workplace, and be accepted by the territorial body governing their profession or trade, if applicable.

Critical Impact Workers- Like the Skilled Worker stream, an applicant under the Critical Impact Worker stream requires a permanent, full-time job offer from a Northwest Territories employer who has been unable to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the position. However, this job offer must be in a semi-skilled hospitality or service industry position. Applicants under this stream must have worked in the Northwest Territories on a Temporary Work Permit in that same position for at least six months. They must be able to communicate in the language of the workplace, and have the necessary work experience for the job.

Source: http://www.cicnews.com

Credit Card payment Canada's Processing Fee

2009-09-19T00:24:00.001-07:00

Last September 8, 2009 (as quoted), "Citizenship and Immigration Canada offer FS(Federal Skilled Worker) applicants the option of paying by credit card.

Those applying for permanent residence in the FSW class on or after September 8, 2009, will be required to submit a fee payment form [IMM 5620] for all forms of payment along with their application to the CIO. If the applicants prefer to pay using the credit card, they will be required to enter the credit card information at the bottom of the form IMM620. Please see attached IMM 5620 for your reference.

With the introduction of this new payment option, some visa offices will no longer accept FSW processing fees at the mission.The FSW application guide and visa office-specific forms are being updated to this effect. Form IMM 5620 will be included in the FSW application guide and will be an added item on the document checklist, IMM 5612.

Note: The option to pay by credit card is only open to FSW applicants on or after September 08, 2009. Applications received prior to September 8, 2009, do not require the fee payment form (IMM 5620). "

Credit Card payment Canada's Processing Fee

2009-09-19T00:24:00.000-07:00

Eligibility to Immigrate in Canada

2009-09-12T01:20:00.003-07:00

With the new regulations of the Canadian Government , a lot of applicants are getting confused on how to get started with the application. Here are the some of the procedures.

If you say that you have had the experience to perform the duties of the 38 Highly in Demand Occupations, then you are eligible for processing, under federal skilled worker class where you will get a decision on your application within 6 months to a year.

The most important thing is; you should be able to have your work experience certified in the latter part of your application.

To give you an idea about how your papers will be processed please read the following:

At present this new program is attracting a lot of attention, meaning a lot of people are filing their applications, if you are serious about your intention to migrate in Canada, you need to act fast.

Otherwise, you will get left behind. When the Canadian Government reaches their desired number of applications, they will just close down the program.

To give you a better understanding of the system here is the process and your expected cost;

To be processed in Canada's New Federal and Skilled Worker Immigration application, which means, that you have a chance to get a Permanent Residents Visa within 6 months to a year, you have to have at least 4 years work experience, one year of which should fall in an occupation which is listed on the 38 high demand occupation.

To have a better understanding of the program here is an explanation of the current processing system.

To process your application it is prescribed by the Canadian Government that you complete the forms and the documents needed.

Right after doing this your application will go through three stages:

1. The forms will be sent to the Central Intake Office(CIO) in Sydney, Nova Scotia Canada. Click link for the exact address Canadian Visa office

The role of this office to is review your application to make sure that:

•all required fields in your application forms are complete and

•the correct processing fee payment has been made

Filing Fee:

Principal Applicant - Cn$550.00 (@P40 vs Cn1.00 = P22,000.00)
Spouse - Cn$550.00
Dependents (below 22) - Cn$150.00 each

For other fees you may visit this link :Embassy Fees for Canada

The CIO will not accept cash payments for the filing Fee they will only accept Managers Check in Canadian currency addressed to the Receiver General of Canada.

At present there are three Filipino Banks that carry or acknowledges Canadian currencies theses are BPI (not all branches), HSBC and PNB.

You have two options either file the entire family or just the principal applicant

After this we will receive a letter of Positive Assessment from CIO

• notifies you of this fact and provides you with your reference number
and sets out some basic instructions for contact with the Visa Office

2. The Visa office (Canadian Embassy in Manila) then requests that you to submit a copy of your application and all supporting documentation to a Canadian Visa Office within a timeframe of 120 days (4 months)

It is at this stage that you may file the remaining members of the Family if you chose to file just the Principal applicant during the first stage of your application. Since the Embassy only assesses the chances of the Principal applicant, filing the rest of the family at this stage will not result to delay on the processing of the application.

Once the Visa Office has received your full application, an officer will:

•Review your application to ensure you have submitted all the required documents
•Send you an Acknowledgment of Receipt letter with a file number and information on processing times

The officer will review your application to determine whether:
• your application qualifies for processing under one of the three categories described in the Ministerial Instructions
minimum requirements

•selection factors

•sufficient funds (Show Money Settlement Funds)

Requirement(in approximate peso Value):

Single - P500,000.00
Married(husband and wife) - P600,000.00
M (with 1 dependent) - P700,000.00
M (with 2 dependents) - P800,000.00
M (with 3 dependents) - P1,000,000.00
M (with 4 and up dependent) - P1,380,000.00

In Bank certificate, if you have problem with this you definitely need our help

•admissibility (criminality, security, medical)

3. If the Embassy is satisfied with the documents provided they will now issue the VISA for the entire Family

There is no telling about the intervals in between stages. Since the stage is determined by the number of VISA officers evaluating as well as the number of applications that will be submitted.

The last payment that you will pay with the Canadian Embassy is when they will already issue your Visa, this fee is called the Right of Permanent Residents Fee (RPRF):

Principal applicant - Cn$ 490.00
Spouse - Cn$ 490.00
Dependents - 0.00

Hope you could get started while you are still part of the Highly in Demand Occupations.

Am I Qualified to Apply in Canada?

2009-08-20T02:41:00.000-07:00

To process your immigrants Visa or Permanent Visa application you must check if your occupation is on the list of 38 high demand occupations.

The regulation dictates that you should have at least 1 year work

experience in occupations on the 38 high demand occupations within the last 10 years to be eligible for processing.

Click on link : 38 occupations

If you do then you will be eligible for processing.

If your present occupation is not on the 38 list of high demand occupations by the Canadian Government they you are not currently on process.

There are other options to immigrate to Canada.

Alternate application process.

At present Canada is only processing 38 occupations.

38 occupations

What they are looking for are individuals with 4 years work

experience and a college education.

Roadmap for Canadian Employers

2009-08-08T00:10:00.000-07:00

The Employer's Roadmap will help employers fill vacancies and will help skilled migrants to start work in Canada more quickly.Employers are key partners in helping internationally trained workers find jobs in their areas of training, and this resource makes it easier for employers to assess their qualifications.The introduction of new resource for employers interested in hiring overseas trained workers happened last June 16,2009

The Employer's Roadmap is exactly what is needed to make the process of hiring and retaining internationally trained workers a lot more efficient."

The Employer's Roadmap deals with the following issues:

* How to hire internationally trained workers, such as how to recruit, assess and select them.
* It includes suggestions on how to integrate and retain overseas workers once they become new employees.
* Information is provided on the range of national and regional resources available across the country to support employers.

The Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO), part of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and TASC have worked together to create the Roadmap. This is just one of a number of measures that the Government of Canada has taken to help newcomers successfully integrate into the Canadian labour market.

The Canadian Government through Canada's Economic Action Plan will also be investing $50 million over two years to provide funding for the development of a common approach to foreign credential recognition.

Canada:No Placement Fee Policy

2009-08-07T01:04:00.000-07:00

The POEA has issued Memorandum Circular No.03 (series 2007) on the "no placement fee" policy for Canada for this purpose.

The general public is advised further that Canadian laws and regulations in certain provinces prohibit the charging of recruitment and placement fee from workers seeking employment in Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Alberta provinces of Canada or from workers under the Pilot Project of the Canadian Government regardless of the province of destination in Canada.

The Pilot Project of the Govrnment of Canada for the hiring of foreign workers in occupations usually require a high school diploma or maximum of 2 years of job specific training (level C and D). The prevailing policy requires Canadian employers to cover all recruitment costs related to hiring of the foreign workers under the project.

POEA Job Advisory on Canada

2009-07-28T04:09:00.000-07:00

The Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) has reported that 1.9 million new jobs will be created over the next decade (2006-2015) particularly in the Western provinces of Canada such as Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Their robust economy offers good job opportunities to skilled workers and professionals from Philippines and other countries through the Permanent and Temporary Migration Schemes.

What they need?

British Columbia

In BC, US $130 billion worth of projects and construction are on-going in Vancouver, partly due to the requirements of the forthcoming 2010 Winter Olympics, but mainly due to huge economic growth. For the Winter olympics in 2010, in an additional 22,000 to 24,000 temporary workers will be needed. There will be a demand for 30,000 permanent workers per year for the next twelve years in the hotel and restaurant services. Health, transport and mining industries are also experiencing shortages.

Manitoba

Manitoba needs manpower across various sectors. There is a demand for caregivers, and nannies, truck drivers, welders, boilermakers, sheet metal workers, glaziers, pipe fitters, mechanics, plasterers/drywall installers, carpenters/cabinetmakers,bricklayers/stone mason.

Alberta

The province of Alberta alone estimated oil reserves of about 375 billion barrels, or approximating that of Saudi Arabia. Canada is reputed to have oil reserves in its tar sands much more than the Gulf countries have. Skills demand in Alberta include physicians, dentists and veterinarians (5,000 workers for the period 2006-2016), facility operation and maintenance managers (up to 3,908 people by 2016), other engineers: industrial and manufacturing, metallurgical and materials, mining, geological, petroleum, aerospace, computer (except software) and other professional engineers, other elemental service occupations: dry cleaning and laundry occupation, ironing, pressing and finishing occupation, other elemental service occupations, central control and process operators in manufacturing and processing, technical occupations in computer and information systems, pharmacists, dietitians, nutritionists, manager in primary production (except agriculture).

Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program (SINP) has posted the following skilss in demand for province: skilled workers, entrepreneurs, farmer owner/operator, health professionals, long haul truck drivers, heavy duty equipment family restaurant cooks, mechanic/technicians, industrial painters, sandblaster.

Consult professionals on how to apply in Canada. Find your options and chances.

Skilled Workers for Canada: Required Proof of Funds

2009-07-25T00:50:00.000-07:00

For those who wants to Immigrate to Canada one of the requirements that the Canadian Government requires is your proof of funds or in layman's term it's called Show Money. You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependants after you arrive in Canada.

The Show Money requirements is computed for the next six months stay in Canada. For first time Immigrants the amount of money require will depend on the size of family you will support.

Number of Family Member
Single Applicant = CN$ 10,833
Married = CN$ 13,486
Married with 1 Dependents = CN$ 16,580
Married with 2 Dependents = CN$ 20,130
Married with 3 Dependents = CN$ 22,831
Married with 4 Dependents = CN$ 25,749
Family Members more than 7 = CN$ 28,668

Disclosure of Funds

If you are carrying more than C$10,000, tell a Canadian official when you arrive in Canada. If you do not tell an official, you may be fined or put in prison. These funds could be in the form of:

* cash
* securities in bearer form (for example, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills) or
* negotiable instruments in bearer form (for example, bankers’ drafts, cheques, travellers’ cheques or money orders).

Verify your IELTS Results!

2009-07-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

Click on the Image to see how!

Tourist Application for Canada

2009-07-15T03:16:00.000-07:00

Lots of Filipinos have an interest in visiting Canada. Most of the countries worldwide are having Economic Crisis but Canada still remains strongs. They continously hired workers to fill up their labor shortage. If your interested to take a visit to satisfy your curiousity and see what Canada can offer you here some requirements that we need to comply.

To visit Canada, you must comply the following:
have a valid travel document, such as a passport
be in good health
satisfy an immigration officer that you have ties, such as a job, home and family, that will take you back to your country of origin
satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit and
have enough money for your stay. The amount of money you will need can vary with the circumstances of the visit, how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives. For more information, ask the Canadian visa office in your country or region.
a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.

Inadmissibility
Some people are inadmissible—they are not allowed to come to Canada. Several things can make you inadmissible, including involvement in criminal activity, in human rights violations or in organized crime. You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons.

The Canadian Embassy usually give 6 months validity for the Visa. Once you landed in Canada, you can renew it for another six months. Just consult for the help of a Consultancy firm located in Canada.

Fast Immigration to Canada

2009-06-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

With the changes outline in Immigration Minister's instructions published last November 28, 2008, you will be eligible to sent your application under Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) category if: (1) you have an Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO), or (2) you are a foreign national who has been living legally in Canada for one year as a temporary foreign worker or an international student, or (3) you are a skilled worker who has at least one year of experience in one or more of the high demand occupations or what is now commonly called Canada's List of 38 Occupations. Of the three options number three (3) seems to catch the attention of a lot of applicants of late, especially Overseas Filipino Workers. All Federal Skilled Worker class application without an AEO will now be processed at Centralized Intake Office (CIO) in Sydney Nova Scotia.

To have a better understanding of the program here is an explanation of the current processing system.

To process your application it is prescribed by the Canadian Government that you complete the forms and the documents needed.

Right after doing this your application will go through three stages:

1. The forms will be sent to the Central Intake Office(CIO) in Sydney, Nova Scotia Canada.

You would have to pay the courier fee to send the forms.

The role of this office to is review your application to make sure that:

•all required fields in your application forms are complete and

•the correct processing fee payment has been made

The CIO will not accept cash payments for the filing Fee they will only accept Managers Check in Canadian currency addressed to the Receiver General of Canada.

After this we will receive a Notice of Assessment from CIO

• notifies you of this fact and provides you with your reference number and sets out some basic instructions for contact with the Visa Office

2. The Visa office (Canadian Embassy in Manila) then requests that you to submit a copy of your application and all supporting documentation to a Canadian Visa Office within a timeframe of 120 days (4 months)

It is at this stage that you may file the remaining members of the Family if you chose to file just the Principal applicant during the first stage of your application. Since the Embassy only assesses the chances of the Principal applicant, filing the rest of the family at this stage will not result to delay on the processing of the application.

Once the Visa Office has received your full application, an officer will:

•Review your application to ensure you have submitted all the required documents

•Send you an Acknowledgment of Receipt letter with a file number and information on processing times

The officer will review your application to determine whether:

• your application qualifies for processing under one of the three categories described in the Ministerial Instructions minimum requirements

•selection factors

•sufficient funds (Show Money Settlement Funds)

3. If the Embassy is satisfied with the documents provided they will now issue the VISA for the entire Family

Before we received our first Notice of Assessment from the CIO I tell my clients that the interval between the first and second stage is one to three months, speculating on the publications of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

It turned out to be much much faster!

Here's a very interesting case of a Clinical Instructor/Nurse client:

Feb 09, 2009 - Application form was sent to CIO via courier
Feb 13, 2009 - Application form received by CIO
Feb 24, 2009 - Date of letter from CIO
Mar 10, 2009 - Letter received from CIO

(Actual letter attached above)

The next step after receiving the notice of assessment from CIO is the submission of full application (application forms and supporting documents) to the Visa Office. This client was given 120 days to comply(only 4 months then you can get your Visa).

This is how fast you can get your Visa, at present within 6 months time!

If you are still contemplating when you want to apply, there is not much time, you have to decide soon. Right now! To be quite blunt about it.

It is not only you that has intentions of going to Canada, because of the good quality of life in Canada, more and more applications are being Sent to The Centralized Intake Office (CIO).

When they reach their desired number of applications what do you think will happen?

Close down the program? Very possible.

The processing of the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) Notice of Assessment is very fast, if this will not make you decide to start your applications now, nothing will..

Embassy Fees for Canada

2009-06-18T23:17:00.000-07:00

Last June 13, 2009 there is an increased in Filing Fee. Rate increased into Php 43 per CN$1.

Fees in effect:

TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA
Single Entry CN$ 75 Php 3,225
Multiple Entry CN$ 150 Php 6,450
Family Rate CN$ 400 Php 17,200

STUDY PERMIT CN$ 125 Php 5,400

TEMPORARY WORK PERMIT
Individual CN$ 150 Php 6,450
Group of performing artists 3 or more
CND$ 450 Php 19,350

APPLYING FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENT
CN$ 50 Php 2,150

TEMPORARY RESIDENT PERMIT
Individual CN$ 200 Php 8,600

IMMIGRATION/PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR SKILLED WORKERS AND PROVINCIAL NOMINEES
Applicant CN$ 550 Php 23,650
Spouse, Common Law partner and dependent children 22 years old and above
CN$ 550 Php 23,650
Each dependent below 22 years old
CN$150 Php 6,450
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (applicant,spouse or common law partner)
CN$ 490 Php 21,000

Fees must be paid by bank draft, certified cheque, or postal money order payable to the Canadian Embassy Manila.

IELTS: Eligibility for Canada

2009-06-18T22:59:00.000-07:00

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test d

'Evaluation de Francais (TEF) are one of the requirements in

Immigrating to Canada. You must prove your abilities in your

first official language only.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are administer by the University of Cambrigde Local Examination Syndicate, IDP Education Australia and British Council.

IELTS has two options; the ACADEMIC and GENERAL Training. Canadian Embassy requires the General Training option. But if your living in one of the majority English-speaking countries you are allowed to submit an alternative documents to support your English proficiency.

* Antigua & Barbuda
* Australia
* The Bahamas
* Barbados
* Belize
* Canada
* Dominica
* Grenada
* Guyana
* Jamaica
* New zealand
* St Kitts & Nevis
* St Lucia
* St Vincent & the Grenadines
* Trinidad & Tobago
* The USA

For a reminder it is best to undergo IELTS review and test simulation before taking the actual examination.

Seminar Schedule

2009-05-22T01:33:00.000-07:00

Paranaque City
CIC Head Office
Ground Floor Uniwide Coastal Mall

Every Saturday 2pm-4pm
Every Sunday 10am to 12pm
Registration Fee: P 500

For more information/reservation, you may contact Ms. Beverly Opinion @ 301-1060 loc 8413 or email your concerns to bopinion@go2canada.com

School System in Canada

2009-05-22T01:13:00.000-07:00

Education System in Canada is a provincial responsibility under the Canadian constitution, which means there are significant differences between the education systems of the different provinces. However, standards across the country are basically high.

The Canadian education system has both publicly funded and private schools, from kindergarten through to pre-university. In general, Canadian children attend kindergarten for one or two years at the age of four or five on a voluntary basis. All children begin Grade One at about six years of age. The school year normally runs from September through to the following June but in some instances, January intake dates are possible. Secondary schools go up to Grade 11, 12 or 13, depending on the province. From here, students may attend university, college or Cégep studies. Cégep is a French acronym for College of General and Vocational Education, and is two years of general or three years of technical education between high school and university.Many Canadian public schools are now accepting international students into their programs. Almost all public schools are co-educational and offer day programs only. Policies on accepting international students and the fees charged vary from district to district.

Private schools exist in every province and provide an attractive alternative for families seeking overseas education for their children. All private schools must be registered with the Ministry of education in their province or territory and must meet the curriculum and other standards set by their respective ministries. Families can choose schools that are boys-only, girls-only or co-educational. Some private schools offer full boarding programs, others are day schools and many offer both.

Universities and colleges
Canadian universities are internationally known for their high quality of teaching and research. Degrees from Canadian universities are considered to be equivalent to those from American and other Commonwealth universities. Most universities offer a broad range of courses and a full range of degrees from undergraduate to doctorate and can also offer certificates and professional degrees.

School System of Canada; another pointers to remember if your about to relocate.

38 Highly in Demand Occupations of Canada

2009-05-21T02:24:00.000-07:00

Permanent Residents application will only take 6 months to a year,if your occupation is part of the 38 Highly Demand Lists of Canada released last November 28, 2008.

If you have a total of at least four years work experience a college degree and have one or more year in the 38 high demand occupations list:

0111: Financial Managers
0213: Computer and Information Systems Managers
0311: Managers in Health Care
0631: Restaurant and Food Service Managers
0632: Accommodation Service Managers
0711: Construction Managers
1111: Financial Auditors and Accountants
2113: Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists
2143: Mining Engineers
2144: Geological Engineers
2145: Petroleum Engineers
3111: Specialist Physicians
3112: General Practitioners and Family Physicians
3141: Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists
3143: Occupational Therapists
3142: Physiotherapists
3151: Head Nurses and Supervisors
3152: Registered Nurses
3215: Medical Radiation Technologists
3233: Licensed Practical Nurses
4121: University Professors
4131: College and Other Vocational Instructors
6241: Chefs
6242: Cooks
7213: Contractors and Supervisors, Pipefitting Trades
7215: Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
7217: Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy Construction Equipment Crews
7241: Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System)
7242: Industrial Electricians
7251: Plumbers
7252: Steamfitters, Pipe fitters and Sprinkler System Installers
7265: Welders and Related Machine Operators
7312: Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
7371: Crane Operators
7372: Drillers and Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying and Construction
8221: Supervisors, Mining and Quarrying
8222: Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service
9212: Supervisors, Petroleum, Gas and Chemical Processing and Utilities

If you are qualified ACT NOW!!!

There is a specific quotas for each occupations so do not miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Canadian Visa Offices

2009-05-20T05:14:00.001-07:00

If you are currently outside of the Philippines and wants to apply for a Permanent Residents application, but does not know where to submit your application. You may click on the link that follows:

Canadian Visa Offices

Canada's Financial Information

2009-05-15T00:33:00.000-07:00

Financial Information of Canada

As continuation to my post Relocating in Canada and Facts about

Canada. Here is another relocating tips;Financial Information.

Financial information - How to open a bank account in Canada, information about Canada's currency, how to get insurance.

Currency

Canadian currency is based on dollars and cents. U.S. currency is usually accepted throughout Canada, but to avoid exchange problems it is preferable to use Canadian dollars. Paper currency comes in denominations of five (blue), 10 (purple), 20 (green) and 50 (red). The brown C$100.00 bill and larger bills are less common and can be difficult to change.
Canadian coins come in denominations of one (penny), five (nickel), 10 (dime) and 25 (quarter) cent pieces. There are also the gold C$1.00 (loonie) and C$2.00 (toonie) pieces. The gold-coloured loonie features the loon, a common Canadian water bird, while the two-toned toonie is decorate with a polar bear.

Banking

Banking hours in Canada are 10 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday, with extended hours in some locations. The ATM cards of certain U.S. banks connect directly with Canadian banks (Chase and Royal banks) via the PLUS system. Canada also uses checking and savings accounts.

Savings accounts

Savings accounts offer interest on money you keep in them. Most people with small savings, who don't want to commit to keeping it in the bank, open a general savings account. For those who have more than a few thousand dollars, or can commit to keeping it in the bank for two or more years, money markets or even CDs are a good idea. These will pay you more interest on your money. You can also ask an investment specialist about low-risk stocks and bonds.

Checking accounts

A checking account allows you to write checks against funds you have in the bank. Carrying cash can also be dangerous and it doesn't leave as much evidence behind to prove your payment if there's a dispute. Another benefit is that you can deposit your paycheck or any other checks or cash directly into your account as opposed to going to someone else's bank or a check cashing outfit (which charges a fee) to get your cash.
It's best to change money at companies such as Thomas Cook, which specialises in international transactions. If you can't find a money exchange office or booth, try a bank. American Express and Thomas Cook are the best traveler’s cheques to have, and you should make sure they are either in US or Canadian dollar denominations.

Checks and Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa, MasterCard and American Express. ABMs (ATMs) are common throughout Canada, with the Interact system the quickest and most convenient way to replenish cash.

Most US credit cards are honored in Canada, but those coming from the US should check with their home bank before leaving.

Insurance

Canadian hospital and medical services are excellent. We recommend that visitors to Canada obtain traveler’s health insurance before leaving their country because health insurance plans often do not extend coverage for services received outside the country of residence. Visitors taking prescription medicine should bring a copy of the prescription, in case it needs to be renewed by a doctor in Canada.

Upon arrival

One of the most important things you need to do as soon as you arrive in Canada is to apply for a health insurance card. All members of your family, even newborn babies, must have their own card. You can get an application form from the provincial ministry of health office, any doctor's office, a hospital or a pharmacy. If necessary, the immigrant-serving organization in your area can help you fill out the form. To apply for a health card, you will need your birth certificate or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292) and passport. The Permanent Resident Card may also be presented. In most provinces, you will receive coverage as soon as you apply.

Taxes

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 7 per cent across the country and most provinces have a provincial tax rate as well. Income tax rates vary from province to province.
Canadian residents are required to pay tax on any income world-wide. Retirement pension funds are not taxed. If you are considered a non-resident you are still required to pay tax on your Canadian income. You are a resident if you have spent 183 days or more in a calendar year in Canada, regardless of where the permanent residence is.
Income tax ranges from 16% of total income to a maximum of 53.19%.Income tax is also payable on a provincial level.

Hope this financial information will be helpful on your plan in Relocating to Canada.

Facts About Canada

2009-05-14T23:02:00.000-07:00

Quick Facts About Canada

For those first time individual who will land in Canada whether as an Immigrant, Tourist or Student here are a quick facts about Canada.Learn about Canada's climate, population, government and more.

Here are some relocations tips.

Population: 33,642,603 (Source: Statistics Canada, Demography division (updated December 10, 2008).

Languages: English official, French official, other

Political system: Confederation with parliamentary democracy

Capital: Ottawa

Culture: British Isles origin 28% ; French origin 23% ; other European 15% ; Amerindian 2% ; other NA ; mostly Asian NA ; African NA ; Arab 6% ; mixed background 26%

Religions: Roman Catholic 46% , Protestant 36% , other 18%

Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.5% (male:3,052,005; female:2,903,007)
15-64 years: 68.6% (male:11,099,907; female:10,984,903)
65 years and over: 12.9% (male:1,774,262; female:2,393,029)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $29,400 (2002 .est)

Terrain: Mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast

Geography: Second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location between Russia and US via north polar route;

approximately 85% of the population is concentrated within 300 km of the US border

Climate: Varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north

Provinces and capital cities: Alberta (Edmunton); British Columbia (Victoria); Manitoba (Winnipeg); New Brunswick (Fredericton); Newfoundland and Labrador (St. John's); Northwest Territories (Yellowknife); Nova Scotia (Halifax); Nunavut (Iqaluit); Ontario (Toronto); Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown); Québec (Québec); Saskatchewan (Regina); Yukon (Whitehorse)

Seminar Schedules for May 2009

2009-05-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

Learn your options!

Immigration in Canada within 6 months to a year!

Attend our Immigration Seminar.

This will give you an idea on the process, the cost and the options available to you.

We are located at Canadian Immigration Consultancy, Ground Floor, Uniwide Coastal Mall, Tambo Paranaque City.

Seminar Schedule:

Every Saturday - 2pm to 4pm

Every Sunday - 10am to 12noon

Seminar Fee P500

Prevent Immigration Scams for Canada

2009-05-08T05:53:00.000-07:00

To prevent Immigration Scams for Canada, the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Canada,launched a National Survey to help prevent scams and dishonest behavior of Immigration Consultants and representatives.

National online survey launched as part of the campaign to help prevent scams and dishonest behaviour by immigration representatives

Ottawa, May 5, 2009 — Victims of immigration scams or unethical/dishonest behaviour by immigration representatives are invited to participate in an online survey to provide input into the Government of Canada’s efforts to prevent fraud and other wrongdoing.

The survey, available on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for the next two weeks, is part of a campaign to inform immigrants about how to protect themselves against false claims from dishonest immigration consultants or unethical representatives. The information collected will be used to improve warning messages to potential immigrants.

“I’ve heard a lot of unsettling stories of how people have been taken in by dishonest immigration consultants or unethical representatives, such as labour, student or live-in care-giver recruiters,” said Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. [source cic.gc.ca media center]

By making a post about this move by the Canadian Government, Canadian Visa Portal shows support to Prevent Immigration Scams for Canada.

38 Highly in Demand Occupations of Canada

2009-05-08T01:28:00.000-07:00

Permanent Residents application will only take 6 months to a year,if your occupation is part of the 38 Highly Demand Lists of Canada released last November 28, 2008.

If you have a total of at least four years work experience a college degree and have one or more year in the 38 high demand occupations list:

0111: Financial Managers
0213: Computer and Information Systems Managers
0311: Managers in Health Care
0631: Restaurant and Food Service Managers
0632: Accommodation Service Managers
0711: Construction Managers
1111: Financial Auditors and Accountants
2113: Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists
2143: Mining Engineers
2144: Geological Engineers
2145: Petroleum Engineers
3111: Specialist Physicians
3112: General Practitioners and Family Physicians
3141: Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists
3143: Occupational Therapists
3142: Physiotherapists
3151: Head Nurses and Supervisors
3152: Registered Nurses
3215: Medical Radiation Technologists
3233: Licensed Practical Nurses
4121: University Professors
4131: College and Other Vocational Instructors
6241: Chefs
6242: Cooks
7213: Contractors and Supervisors, Pipefitting Trades
7215: Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
7217: Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy Construction Equipment Crews
7241: Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System)
7242: Industrial Electricians
7251: Plumbers
7252: Steamfitters, Pipe fitters and Sprinkler System Installers
7265: Welders and Related Machine Operators
7312: Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
7371: Crane Operators
7372: Drillers and Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying and Construction
8221: Supervisors, Mining and Quarrying
8222: Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service
9212: Supervisors, Petroleum, Gas and Chemical Processing and Utilities

If you are qualified ACT NOW!!!

Send us your resume for initial assessment to bopinion@go2canasda.com or better yet
Attend our Immigration Seminar!

Seminar schedules:

The seminar is designed to answer all your questions about Canada. It will also discuss in Detail the opportunities to either Immigrate or work in Canada. At the end of the seminar there will be a one on one discussion on where you qualify and teach you what steps you have to make in order to take advantage of the opportunity.

Every Saturday - 2pm to 4pm

or

Every Sunday - 10am to 12nn

Seminar Fee is P500.00

Please choose a schedule and confirm your attendance by replying to this email. Due to the great volume of attendees that we have, this seminar is ONLY by reservation.

We are located at Canadian Immigration Consultancy, ground floor, Uniwide Coastal Mall, Tambo Paranaque City.

Relocating in Canada

2009-05-08T01:10:00.000-07:00

Finding a place to live - Rent or buy? Apartment or house? If you are a new comer in Canada here are some pointers in looking a place in Canada.

When you first arrive in Canada, you may find it easier to live in a temporary home while you look for a permanent place. You will also have to decide whether you want to rent or to buy and whether to choose an apartment or a house. Prices vary. Many new immigrants prefer to rent a place to live, while they work and save money to buy a home.
If you want to buy a house, unless you can pay the full price, you will need to get a long-term loan called a mortgage. Mortgage loans are provided by banks and other financial institutions. They decide whether the borrower has enough income, more assets than debts, and a good credit rating. Most will ask you to pay at least 10 percent of the cost of the house from your own money. In your search, you may come across the following terms:
• Furnished or unfurnished: Furnished housing normally means it includes beds, tables, chairs, lamps, curtains, a stove and a refrigerator. Unfurnished housing may include a stove and a refrigerator, but not always.
• Room for rent: This is usually in a house or an apartment that is owned or rented by other people. Everyone shares the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Bachelor or studio apartment: These are small apartments designed mainly for one person. They have one large room with a kitchen and a sleeping area, plus a separate bathroom.
• Other apartments: Most other apartments have from one to three bedrooms. All will have a separate kitchen, a living room and a bathroom.
• Duplex: This is a house divided into two separate apartments. They can usually be bought or rented.
• Townhouse: This is a small house joined to other houses. They can usually be bought or rented.
• Condominium: This is an apartment or townhouse that is individually owned, while "common areas" are jointly owned. As well as the mortgage payment and property taxes, each owner pays a monthly fee for maintenance, such as snow removal, grass cutting and repairs.
Where to begin
Here's how to look for the right home for you:
• search the classified advertisements in local newspapers;
• visit a real estate agent;
• become familiar with the public transportation available;
• ask an immigrant-serving organization in your area for advice;
• ask friends and family already living in the area for advice;
• look for "Vacancy" or "For Rent" signs on houses and apartment buildings;
• check bulletin boards in grocery stores, laundromats, health clinics and community centres; and
• ask for advice at your place of worship.
Cost
You will probably pay about $350 a month for a room, and up to $2,000 a month for a luxury apartment or a large house. Rental costs vary greatly across cities and across Canada. Housing is more reasonable outside the large cities. An immigrant-serving organization in the area where you plan to settle can help you find affordable housing.
Your lease
If you decide to rent an apartment, you will have to sign a lease. Sometimes a lease is valid from month-to-month, meaning you can move out at a month's notice, but most leases are valid for a full year. You will probably need to pay the first and last month's rent when you sign the lease. Read the lease very carefully before you sign it. It will specify things such as how many people are permitted to live in the apartment and whether or not pets are allowed. It will also say if you have to pay a fine if you need to break the lease early. Remember - once you sign the lease, it is a legally binding document

Immigration Target of Canada

2009-05-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

According to Immigration Minister Jason Kenney; Despite the current global economic situation this will likely not affect the Government's target of up to 265,000 new immigrants for this year.

"Last year, they brought in 247,000 permanent residents," he added. "And we anticipate and hope that it will be in the same range. Having said that, obviously the economy is very dynamic, it's moving a lot, and this may have unperceivable consequences for the immigration program."
There has been a net reduction of 101,000 jobs in Canada's manufacturing sector. However, for this year Ottawa is hoping that levels of immigration will be between 240,000 and 265,000:
• 156,600 in the economic class.
• 71,000 in the family class.
• 27,200 in the protected persons class.
• 10,200 on humanitarian grounds.
Kenney also said "Those are folks who tend to come here for one to two years on short-term contracts to fill jobs that employers have been unable to find Canadians for,". "That side of the immigration program we anticipate will see much less demand."
"I do intend to look at ways that we can reform our so-called in-country refugee system," he said. "We want to make sure people don't come here and try to jump the queue. They have to wait to come in as legal economic immigration.

Guide for Canada Immigration

2009-04-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

Canada is one of the few countries in the Western World that is actively looking for immigrants to fill their shortage in different work labor.

Not only is it easier to emigrate to Canada than to other lands of opportunity, it is also probably one of the most attractive countries in which to live. The United Nations recently named Canada one of best places to live in the World. The Economist has ranked Vancouver as the best city to live for four years in a row.

What makes Canada so attractive?

* Canada has one of the highest life expectancies in the world.
* It is a safe place to live.
* It is very prosperous.
* It has wide open spaces and spectacular scenery.
* There is an excellent health care system.

Opportunities abound for those who wish to make their home in Canada. If you have something to offer to Canada, our expert consultants will do everything in their power to help you emigrate there. Independent immigration to Canada through the points system is relatively straightforward.

Restaurant Workers for Canada

2009-04-15T02:44:00.000-07:00

"We need to stop saying all we need is engineers and doctors . We don't need doctors working in quick-service restaurants." ," said Justin Taylor, vice-president for labor and taxation at the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA).

The Ontario food industry has been lobbying the provincial government to allow them to bring more foreign workers to Canada on work permits.

38 percent of restaurants and fast-food places couldn't fill positions during the summer of 2008 according to Taylor.

Two years ago, the CRFA told the federal government that immigration was vital in rescuing the CAD $50 billion food service industry.

Among the recommendations in their report were training temporary workers already in Canada, working on an immigration policy aimed at labor shortages, and increasing the number of temporary foreign workers.

The Canadian government has recognized that there are skills shortages, and that immigration can play a large role in dealing with these shortages.

One such recent attempt is the new Canadian Experience Class, which allows certain temporary workers and foreign graduates of Canadian universities to live in Canada permanently.

In addition, new immigration changes were announced recently that give the immigration minister more powers to fast-track applications for skilled immigration for people which occupations belongs to 38 Highly In Demand Lists of Canada.

Canada Immigration Target

2009-04-07T00:34:00.000-07:00

Despite the current economic situation in Canada this will likely not affect the Government's target of up to 265,000 new immigrants for this year according to Immigration Minister Jason Kenney.

"For 2009, we're planning on maintaining at an even level our intake of permanent resident immigrants," Kenney told CTV's Power Play Wednesday.

"Last year, we brought in 247,000 permanent residents," he added. "And we anticipate and hope that it will be in the same range. Having said that, obviously the economy is very dynamic, it's moving a lot, and this may have unperceivable consequences for the immigration program."

There has been a net reduction of 101,000 jobs in Canada's manufacturing sector. However, for this year Ottawa is hoping that levels of immigration will be between 240,000 and 265,000:

* 156,600 in the economic class.
* 71,000 in the family class.
* 27,200 in the protected persons class.
* 10,200 on humanitarian grounds.

Kenney also said "Those are folks who tend to come here for one to two years on short-term contracts to fill jobs that employers have been unable to find Canadians for,". "That side of the immigration program we anticipate will see much less demand."

"I do intend to look at ways that we can reform our so-called in-country refugee system," he said. "We want to make sure people don't come here and try to jump the queue. They have to wait to come in as legal economic immigrants."

Source: www.workpermit.com

6 months processing program

2009-04-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

At present an application for Permanent Residents application will only take 6 months to a year, if you apply and qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker class.

Yes it is true, it will only take 6 months to a year to get your Visa.

However, do not just take our word for it.

Here’s an excerpt from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada News release published last November 28, 2008:

Highlights

“We expect new federal skilled worker applicants, including those with arranged employment, to receive a decision within six to 12 months compared with up to six years under the old system,” said Minister Kenney. “All other economic class applications—including applicants chosen by Quebec, provincial nominees, the Canadian Experience Class, and live-in caregivers—will continue to be given priority.”

Read from the source Click this link.

If you have a total of at least four (4) years work experience a college degree and have one or more year in the 38 high demand occupations list:

0111: Financial Managers
0213: Computer and Information Systems Managers
0311: Managers in Health Care
0631: Restaurant and Food Service Managers
0632: Accommodation Service Managers
0711: Construction Managers
1111: Financial Auditors and Accountants
2113: Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists
2143: Mining Engineers
2144: Geological Engineers
2145: Petroleum Engineers
3111: Specialist Physicians
3112: General Practitioners and Family Physicians
3141: Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists
3143: Occupational Therapists
3142: Physiotherapists
3151: Head Nurses and Supervisors
3152: Registered Nurses
3215: Medical Radiation Technologists
3233: Licensed Practical Nurses
4121: University Professors
4131: College and Other Vocational Instructors
6241: Chefs
6242: Cooks
7213: Contractors and Supervisors, Pipefitting Trades
7215: Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
7217: Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy Construction Equipment Crews
7241: Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System)
7242: Industrial Electricians
7251: Plumbers
7252: Steamfitters, Pipe fitters and Sprinkler System Installers
7265: Welders and Related Machine Operators
7312: Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
7371: Crane Operators
7372: Drillers and Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying and Construction
8221: Supervisors, Mining and Quarrying
8222: Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service
9212: Supervisors, Petroleum, Gas and Chemical Processing and Utilities

Then you are eligible to apply for the program and get your Visa within 6 months to a year.

But you have to act fast, this opportunity is only for serious individuals who are willing to act fast. The Canadian Government badly needs individuals in these occupations however if the quota gets filled out, the regulation will get slower again and eventually close down.

This is your opportunity of a lifetime! Act now! Start processing your papers and file your application right away!

As your consultant we can only really help you when the conditions are still in your favor.

ACT NOW!!! We are waiting for you? Send us your resume for initial assessment!

Email Address: bopinion@go2canada.com

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2009-04-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

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