Marriage Fraud Online Consultation for Canadians

An online consultation is now on-going in the hopes of finding solutions against marriage fraud or "marriages of convenience" to be able to migrate to Canada. The national consultation questionnaire is available here and will be available until October 27, 2010.

Since Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse or partner to become a Canadian permanent resident, there are those who think that they can go, work and live permanently in Canada by faking a marriage.

Marriage is a social union & contract between two consenting adults declaring their commitment to be with each other legally and publicly. People seeking greener pastures should not taint a noble social and legal agreement just to go around the immigration requirements.

There are legal ways to migrate to Canada. Marriage fraud is not one of them.

Canadian immigration authorities are serious in stamping out marriage fraud. This online consultation is part of the intitiatives to achieve that goal.

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UK Border Agency Crackdown, 7 Filipino Women Arrested

Let this serve as a lesson to those wanting to enter the United Kingdom thru illegal means.

The UK Border Agencyraided areas in London last September 16 and arrested 11 persons including seven Filipinas. These 7 Filipinas are currently detained pending deportation.

The immigration offenses were not stated but the UK Border agency conducts nationwide crackdown operations to counter illegal working, sham marriages, bogus colleges and organized immigration crimes.

Ed Mackie, UK Border Agency's Regional Manager in the Philippines, is urging Filipinos to comply with the conditions of their entry when going to the UK.

Filipinos wanting to study, work or immigrate to the United Kingdom are therefore advised to exert every effort to find out the legality and validity of any offer - whether its a job, immigration or study offer in UK - before proceeding to pay.

More information can be found by checking POEA website, the website of UK Embassy in the Philippines or the UK Border Agency Page.

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No Placement Fees Countries for Filipino Overseas Workers

In a recent news release, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration or POEA issued a warning to Philippine recruitment agencies who are charging placement fees for Guam-bound workers.

Administrator Jennifer Jardin-Manalili said that administrative charges carrying a penalty of cancellation of license shall immediately be filed against recruitment agencies found violating the no-placement fee policy in these countries.
- Source

POEA Memorandum Circular No. 10 Series of 2009 adheres to the US Government regulations which forbids the charging of recruitment or placement fees from a worker as a condition for employment under an H-2B visa.

Also in the news release, the following are the other countries that prohibit the collection of placement fees from workers are United Kingdom, Ireland, Israel, some parts of Canada like Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, Seskatchewan, and Netherlands.

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20,000 workers needed yearly in Manitoba by 2016

As a result of the renewed Memorandum of Agreement between the Philippines and Manitoba, Canada concerning cooperation in human resource deployment and development, more Filipino workers will have opportunity to work in Canada. It is projected that 20,000 workers will be needed yearly in Manitoba by 2016 due to it's to its low birth rate and aging population.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger signed the agreement at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel which provides a framework of partnership in the recruitment of skilled OFWs to Manitoba, as well as in their protection and their skills development.

"For us, it's an equal partnership. Nobody's better than the other," Selinger said.

Due to its low birth rate and aging population, Manitoba will need around 20,000 new workers annually by 2016, according to Baldoz.

Source: 20,000 workers needed yearly in Manitoba by 2016 -- labor chief

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Fast Becoming High Demand Careers in US based on Job Postings Online

The US economy may be bleak, but increase in online job postings for select high demand careers can provide jobseekers something to look forward to with great optimism.

Investopedia named the following five careers with the fastest rate of increase demand via online ads in the past 13 months based on its Monster Employment index.

• Legal Careers up to 29%
• Business and Finance Careers Up to 28%
• Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media Careers - Up 25%
• Architecture and Engineering Careers - Up 23%
• Health Care Support Careers - Up 20%

Investopedia uses the Monster Employment Index - tracking online job postings from over 1,500 job search websites including monster.com in the US.

Yahoo has listed the relevant degrees needed and average salaries specific to these fast becoming five high demand careers here.

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Is it now more difficult to immigrate to Canada?

ABS-CBN's Bandila reported yesterday night that it's getting more difficult now to immigrate to Canada. That Federal Skilled Worker program is now limited only to few occupations.

But is it really more difficult now?

Find out the real score: ABS-CBN Bandila | Changes in the Immigration Regulation

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PRC November 2010 Radiologic Technologists & X-Ray Technicians Licensure Examinations Schedule

The November 2010 Radiologic Technologist & X-Ray Technician Examinations Schedule is set on November 23 & 24 in Manila as per the PRC Licensure Examinations Schedule of 2010.

Applicants who wish to take the exam have until November 3, 2010 to submit the necessary requirements and file their application.

Successful applicants who will pass this examination stand a good chance in working and living in Canada because Medical Radiation Technologists are one of the 29 In-Demand Occupations in Canada.

November 2010 Radiologic Technologist & X-Ray Technician Exam results will be posted here as soon as it becomes available.

The complete PRC SCHEDULE OF LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS FOR YEAR 2010 may be downloaded here.

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Tips on writing effective job descriptions

Most immigrant visa applications require a detailed job description. As a skilled migrant, the Visa Officer will look into your capacity to blend into Canada's economic workforce through your job description. It is therefore important to present your job description is such a manner that it will easily be understood by the visa officer who will evaluate your application.

This would be of help: How to write a job description.

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Jordan Valley Medical Center Job Scam

There are no job openings for hospital workers (doctors, nurses, medical technicians, ambulance crew, drivers, etc.) in Israel. This was reiterated by The Philippine Embassy in Israel. The embassy also said that there is no such thing as Jordan Valley Medical Center.

If you are one of those offered a job by a recruiter to work in Jordan Valley Medical Center in Israel, do not fall for it. It's a SCAM!

Source: DFA | RP Embassy: No Job Openings for Hospital Workers in Israel

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New Rules Strengthen Canada's Temporary Foreign Workers Program

Minister of Citizenship, Immigration & Multiculturalism Jason Kenney announced the new rules of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program last month, aimed at strengthening the program.

The program is implemented by the Canadian government to address temporary labor shortages that can not be filled by its citizens. Canada greatly recognizes the program's contribution to its labor and economic sector. With the new rules, the program's integrity is improved and more protection given to temporary foreign workers.

Highlights of the changes, which come into effect on April 1, 2011, include:

• a more rigorous assessment of the genuineness of the job offer;
• a two-year prohibition from hiring temporary foreign workers for employers who fail to meet their commitments to workers with respect to wages, working conditions and occupation;
• a limit on the length of time a temporary foreign worker may work in Canada before returning home

Source

This is good news for foreign workers wanting to land a temporary position in Canada. With these new improvements on the program, they will be more protected against unscrupulous employers who renege on the agreed position, salary and work environment.

And remember that being a temporary foreign worker in Canada can lead to permanent residence and even citizenship.

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From Temporary Worker to Immigrant Status via Canadian Experience Class

Over 150,000 temporary positions are offered by the Canadian government to foreign workers annually. Those that are lucky enough to land a temporary position has a fairly good chance of migrating to Canada through the Canadian Experience Class program.

Although the temporary work permit is not yet the same as an immigration document, it gives a foreign worker - who intends to permanently live there - a great advantage. One, because he is already there, he can acclimatize himself about Canada and immersed himself with the culture.

More importantly, its because of the Canadian Experience Class program. Within two years of being a temporary worker, a foreigner becomes eligible to apply for immigrant status. Passing all the requirements including specific language requirements, he or she can eventually be a Canadian citizen.

Watch this video about the Canadian Experience Class Program.

The Canadian Experience program gives skilled workers not only a chance to gain employment but also gain immigrant status. In return, Canada gains skilled workers that becomes contributing citizen for the country's further development.

Find out more about this Canada immigration program on its official webpage.

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Town Inn Suites Hotel Job Scam

Are you one those who received a job offer from Town Inn Suites Hotel and is being advised to send payment to Canadian Zonal Tourist Department? There is indeed a Town Inn Suites in Toronto but they are not doing recruitment through Canadian Zonal Tourist Department.

Click here to visit Town Inn Suites official website. For information about the scam involving Town Inn Suites recruitment, read: SCAM: Town Inn Suites Hotel - Toronto

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US Career Planning Guide: What Do You Like to Pursue?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics provides an easy-to-use career planning guide.

One only has to click on the field that he/she is interested or the field that he/she enjoys doing. After which he/she will be directed to a page that lists possible careers to pursue based on that area of interest. What is really useful is the specific information provided on any of your possible career choices.

The vital information provided are:

- what is this job like
- how to prepare for the position
- how much are you going to be paid
- available positions
- the future of that specific career

With this simple career planning guide, Americans will be guided to in-demand and high paying careers that they really like.

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Labor Day 2010, President Obama's Jobs Program & Future In Demand Jobs

On the occasion of the Labor day, American workers and employees should pause and remember those that paved the way for what they enjoy now - work holidays, off days, eight-hour job, insurance, pension and other benefits.

It is imperative that part of this holiday be set aside for its real purpose before the picnicking and football that has now become the norm.

In related news, President Barack Obana announced today his job-creation program to address the high demand for jobs pending support of Congress. Now more than ever, the government and Congress should set aside politics & election, and work together to create jobs for American workers.

If the President's plan - $50 billion infrastructure rebuilding plan - will push through, construction jobs and related positions will be in demand in the next 12 months.

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September 2010 Visa Bulletin

It's September now, the start of the "ber months". The start of the Christmas season! So let us be the first to greet you a MERRY CHRISTMAS! One way or another, we all dream for a White Christmas. We all want to give our family the best gift during Christmas. But those who are now in Canada and enjoying the benefits of being a permanent resident may actually say it's like Christmas everyday! They enjoy great income opportunities, health care, free education, allowance for your kids, etc. If that isn't a great gift for our families, I don't know what is.

Let's get your application filed!
It's now the 3rd month since the Ministerial Instruction was issued on June 26, 2010. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will only accept 20,000 applications for the next 12 months starting on the date of the instruction. There is a cap of a maximum 1,000 applications per occupation to compose the 20,000 quota. The program will be closed temporarily once the quota is reached. Thus, it is really important to send your application to Centralized Intake Office (CIO) NOW!

If your application is not yet filed, when do plan to have it filed? By now, you should have already done the following:

1. Submit the draft of application forms with photocopy of the following initial documents:

- Princiapl applicant's birt certificate
- Principal applicant's passport
- Marriage certificate/Proof of common-law-partnership
- College Diploma and Transcript of Records
- PRC Certificate, Board Rating and ID (if applicable)
- Proof of relatives in Canada

2. Send your Job description using the format we gave you

3. Schedule your IELTS Exam soon, but make necessary preparation and review

Shoud there be concerns that we should be aware of, please get in touch with your assigned Consultant ASAP!

Occupation not in the priority list
The list of high demand occupations may change anytime. It is to your advantage if you will get your documents ready as early as now. While waiting, you may want to consider this alternative application process - How to find jobs in Canada.

Success Stories
These are some of the clients who will be experiencing a White Christmas for the first time.

Ms. Michelle Gamboa
She was sponsored by her husband through Family Class (Spousal sponsorship). She is now in Canada after a less than 6 months of processing

Mr. and Mrs. Pedroso
Life is all about timing. It's a good thing that they decided to file an application the moment they knew that they are eligible to apply. Mrs. Pedroso is a Certified Public Account. Her occupation is no longer included in the current list of high demand occupations.

PR Visa Processing Updates

On Expired IELTS Exam Results
Your application will be returned by Centralized Intake Office (CIO) if you submit an invalid IELTS Exam result. Your IELTS Exam should be taken not more than a year at the time your application is received by CIO.

AINP Family Stream on Hold
The AINP Family Stream and US Visa Category are on hold indefinitely. All applications received after August 23, 2010 will be returned.

Improvements to the Live-in Caregiver Program
A second medical examination for Live-in Caregivers will no longer be required in acquiring a PR status. Thanks to Juana Tejada!

Canadian Embassy Manila Processing Status Monitor
Here's the latest updates for those with pending applications filed before Feb 27, 2008.

For the month of August 2010, most of the notices we received from Canadian Embassy Manila pertaining to applications filed before NOv 27, 2008 are for those filed on October 2004. These notices require the applicants to submit updated documents within 60 days. The required documents includes NBI Clearance, Police Certificate from abroad (if applicable), updated application forms and in some cases, a request to submit IELTS Exam results. There are times that you will no longer be required to submit IELTS and along with the those documents that needed update, you will be required to pay the Right of Permanent Resident Fee and Medical Instuction. Last month, they sent notices to applications filed on November 2004. Apparently, there are more applications filed before November 2004 that are not yet being reviewed. You may check your application status online.

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