1,205 OFWs in Mideast take special licensure exam

Some 1,205 OFWs in Mideast benefited from the Executive Order 835 recently signed by President Arroyo. EO 835 allows OFWs in the Middle East to take PRC board exams in their host countries.

A total of 1,205 Filipino workers in the Middle East have taken part in the first special licensure examinations given by the Philippine government on a bigger scale for engineers, architects, accountants and master electricians.

Two teams of examiners from the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) administered the exams simultaneously in Jeddah and Alkhobar in Saudi Arabia last Nov. 27 to 29, said Romulo Bani, chairman of the Western Region chapter of the Philippine Professional Organization (PPO).- http://www.gmanews.tv

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POEA Advisory to Returning OFWs: Apply for OECs early!

Here's an advisory from Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

ADVISORY TO RETURNING OFWS: (Worker-On-Leave / Balik-Manggagawa)

In order to facilitate the issuance of POEA travel exit clearances (OECs) to returning OFWs during the Christmas and New Year Holiday Seasons, please be informed of the following:

The POEA Balik-Manggagawa Processing Division experiences a surge in the number of applicants for OECs at the start of the Christmas peak season. This number is double the usual of 1,000 per day. Congestion and security are major concerns at the POEA premises. Complicating this situation is the number of OFW applicants who have immediate flights. In order to pace, declog or deload the processing of OECs, the POEA advises the following:

1. OFWs who have just arrived are encouraged to apply for their OECs early either at the POEA Main Office or at the nearest POEA Regional Offices and Extension Units, or avail of the OEC delivery service, so that they can avoid last minute problems prior to their return flights.

2. Departing OFWs who will return during the Christmas season are encouraged to apply for their OECs at the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in their host countries prior to coming home. Or, they may apply for their OECs at the POEA Main or Regional Offices early prior to their return flights to their host countries.

3. Regular processing of OECs has been discontinued at the NAIA Labor Assistance Center (LAC) except for weekend or emergency exit within 5 days from entry. OFWs must apply for their OECs with the POEA Main or Regional Offices prior to their return flights.

4. OFWs who have not yet registered with the POEA are advised to bring their contract and/or certificate of employment, and other proofs of employment in order to be documented and be issued an OEC.

5. OFWs to regularly check the POEA website, http://www.poea.gov.ph for advisories especially before they book their flights

Please be guided accordingly.

Source: POEA

Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) serves as the Overseas Filipino Worker's travel exit clearance at the airport and immigration counters. The OEC is also an exemption for Overseas Filipino Workers from payment of travel tax and airport terminal fees.

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December 2009 Visa Bulletin

I have just sent the December 2009 Visa Bulletin to all my clients. Visa Bulletin is a monthly newsletter I send to all my clients applying for Canadian Permanent Resident Visa.

December 2009 Visa Bulletin

Merry Christmas!

One way or another, we all dream of having a White Christmas. A White Christmas refers to snowy weather during Christmas. But for our clients who are now living and working in Canada, there is more to it than just the snow. Our clients who are now in Canada are one in saying that:

seeing their family live a better quality of life in Canada is priceless

seeing their children go to a quality school makes them secured

seeing their family healthy is a big blessing

The fact that you decided to do something about your dream by signing up with us means you will have it, too. Some of you may get it faster while some others may have to wait longer. But it will come.

Success Stories

Mrs. Cabahug, a Registered Nurse, got her visa within 4 months after submission of supporting documents to Canadian Visa Office in Manila.
4 Months PR Visa Processing for the Cabahug Family!

Ms. Joy Delfin, a College Instructor got her visa, too!
Not Just Nurses, College Instructors, too!

Dr. Pam Santiago, a Physician, got her visa within 4 months too!
PR Visa for Physician Applicant.

Marieton Pacheco, a Journalist, is now in Canada, too!
Marieton Pacheco Now in Canada!

Saudi Police Clearance

For those who stayed in Saudi 6 months or longer, you will be required to submit a Saudi Police Clearance. The problem, however, is that they only issue Police Clearance only to Saudi residents. If you're already here in the Philippines, there's a work around to get Saudi Police Clearance Certificate.


Call Us Via Web Call, It's FREE!
If you're currently abroad or is in the province, through WebCall, you can call us for free as long you have an Internet connection and a head set. We will be receiving your calls through our regular phone lines and we can even transfer your call to our regional offices!

Update on Special Immigration Program for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines

Last month, I specifically told you that this Special Immigration Program for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines is not applicable to Federal Skilled Worker Program applicants. But there's a client who seek the help from a Member of the Parliament through her relatives in Canada got a positive result. However, there are those who submitted requests to Canadian Visa Office in Manila but were rejected.
Special Immigration for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines may include Federal Skilled Worker applicants?

IELTS Simulation Test and Evaluation

Take advantage of our FREE IELTS Simulation Test and Evaluation. This is one of the benefits of being a Canadian Immigration Consultancy client. Remember that IELTS Examination Result is now mandatory.

You may contact CANU International Language Center at 3011070 locals 7387, 7363 for your schedule. Look for Arlene or Vivian. CANU is located at 22nd Floor, Washington Tower, Asia World, Pacific Avenue, Macapagal Blvd., Paranaque City, Metro Manila. You just have to bring cpy of your contract. This also applies even to those whose contracts do not include FREE IELTS benefit.

Visa Processing Backlogs

The Canadian Visa Office in Manila is yet to finish applications filed in 2004. There was no movement last month. The last update notice we received are for applications filed in October 2004.

Changes in the list of 38 High Demand Occupations

Unfortunately, there is no formal announcement yet regarding the changes in the list of high demand occupations. If your occupation is not in the list, your only option now is to look for job offer from Canada. This could be of help: How to find jobs in Canada

If you missed last month's Visa Bulletin, here's: November 2009 Visa Bulletin

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