High Demand Jobs

April 2012 Visa Bulletin - All Is Not Lost

2012-04-05T02:20:00.004+08:00

The Canadian government is taking a bold step in clearing their backlog of immigration cases and feels they must be able to change more quickly to the needs of employers. As such, Citizenship and Immigration Canada proposed to close the files of FSW applicants who applied before February 27, 2008, and for whom an immigration officer has not made a decision based on selection criteria by March 29, 2012. The process has gotten more difficult. But for something as valuable as an immigrant visa to Canada, it is still worth it.

We of course understand that it's not easy accepting this development specially if you have waited for almost 8 years already only to be told that your application will not be processed.

But all is not lost. Options for Pre-February 27, 2008 FSW Applicants.

MiscellaNEWS

British Columbia Nurses Union Demand 2,000 More Staff Nurses. The union representing British Columbia's 30,000 nurses is throwing a spotlight on what it argues is declining patient care as it appeals for public support to hire thousands of additional workers in the latest round of contract negotiations.

Noynoying in Canada. Planking is out, Noynoying is in. Noynoying is also in for Filipino youth in Canada!

FRAUD: Recognize It. Report It. Stop It.Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the Competition Bureau are joining together during Fraud Prevention Month to warn potential immigrants to be wary of websites claiming to be, or to be affiliated with, official Government of Canada websites.

Canada Miss Universe Disqualifies Transgender Contestant. Canada may be liberal in recognizing same sex marriagaes and same sex common-law partnerships, but it looks like a transgender is not welcome in Canada's Miss Universe.

Visa Corner

Mr and Mrs Accountant. Accountants are not included in the current list of priority occupations. It's a good thing that Mr and Mrs Castelo made a timely decision 2 years ago. When they learned that Accountants are included in the priority list, they immediately grabbed the opportunity.

IELTS Examination Is No Hindrance. Ms. Marigold Rocero, a Registered Nurse, is one of those who opted for the Acedemic Module when they took the IELTS examination. General Training Module is the required module but there was a period in the past that Academic Module is being accepted. Thus, those with IELTS exam result ready, even if it's Academic Module, were submitted just the same in filing their application. But Citizenship and Immigration Canada eventually implemented strictly the rule on IELTS module requirement.

Manila Visa Office FSW Processing Updates

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

Read: Refund up to $130 million FSW Processng Fees, Proposed.

Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1)
MI-1 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from Feb 28, 2008 to June 25, 2010. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in of the 38 high demand occupations. For the last two weeks, we received several notices (Medical Instructions, Passport Requests and Visas) from the Visa Office for this batch. Medical Instructions were issued to cases filed on February 05, 2011 (documents submitted to Visa Office after CIO assessment).

Ministerial Instruction 2 (MI-2)
MI-2 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from June 26, 2010 to June 30, 2011. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in any of the 29 in-demand occupations and were promised 6-12 months processing period. There's a cap of 1,000 applications per occupation, and the Canadian Visa Office in Manila is current so far. The latest who received Medical Examination requests under this group are those who received positive assessment from CIO dated September 1, 2011.

Ministerial Instruction 3 (MI-3)
MI-3 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from July 1, 2011 to present. The latest assessment notice we have received so far are for those filed FEBRUARY 27, 2012. The latest application which received Medical Instruction was application filed October 24, 2011.

If your application was filed before February 27, 2012 and you still did not received any notice from CIO, there is a chance that your application may be returned unprocessed due to the cap imposed per occupation. If your job classification is Pharmacist, Dentist or Physician, the cap may have been reached already when CIO received your application. Should this be the case, you must be ready to refile your application this coming July 2012.

March 2012 Visa Bulletin - Be ready all the time

2012-03-14T23:25:00.005+08:00

In the spotlight now are those Federal Skilled Workers (FSW) applicants filed before February 27, 2008. These are applicants who have been waiting for more than 7 years now. In a speech at the Economic Club of Canada Event last week, The Honourable Jason Kenney, P.C., M.P. Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism mentioned three ways they are exploring to reduce the immigrationn (FSW) backlog. Citizenship and Immigration Canada is actively thinking of solution to FSW Backlog. This, however, includes an option to legislate away immigration backlogs.

FSW Backlog Reduction Pilot Program

We recently received letter of invitation for 130 clients whose FSW application was filed before Fenruary 27, 2008 to apply under the FSW Reduction Pilot Project. The aim of this pilot is to nominate FSW applicants with experience in kev occupations under Provincial Nominee Programs. Applicants are being selected based on the indicated province of their destination and their declared work experience. If selected, you have to submit your application as soon as possible. There is a limit on the number of applications to be accepted and this is a limited time offer only. IELTS Examination result is required, but this shouldn't really be a problem for those who did what we have been suggesting for quite a time now - that you should be ready all the time.

Get ready for July 2012

Whether you are yet to file your application or you have a pending FSW application filed before February 27, 2008, you should get your documents ready NOW in time for another window of opportunity this coming July 2012. Changes will most likely be implemented and it is best if you will prepare for it as early as now.

Language Proficiency is the key
The proposed new points system gives more value to language proficiency and less on work experience. There will be a required minimum level of language profiency depending on the applicant's occupation skills. This means a lower language requirement for a Welder than a Nurse. The maximum points to be awarded for proficiency in the first official language may be increased from 16 to 20. If you want to get ready for July 2012, schedule your IELTS Examination NOW!

Credentails Assessment
Canada may soon copy Australia's immigration program by requiring applicants in regulated/licensed occupations to have their professional credentials approved first before they may apply. This process may take time. If you want to be ready, this is one thing you may want to consider doing as early as now. Besides, you will really need this process if you plan to practice your profession in Canada. Furthemore, With your professional credentials approved, it would be easier for you to fina a job offer from Canada. With a job offer, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada even if your occupation is not included in the priority occupations.

For those who haven't done yet, log on to http://clients.go2canada.com for fill up your application forms. Submit your documents for checking ASAP. Your application forms and supporting documents must be ready on or before June 15, 2012.

Manila Visa Office FSW Processing Updates

Pre-Feb 27, 2008 FSW Applications
Applications filed before February 27, 2008 are those filed mostly using the Simplified Application Process. Current proceesing period for this batch is 82 months. Canadian Visa Office in Manila is currently processing applications filed November 25, 2004.

Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1)
MI-1 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from Feb 28, 2008 to June 25, 2010. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in of the 38 high demand occupations. They were originally promised 6-12 months processing period. The promised processing period materialized only during the first few months but since there's no limit on the number of applications to be received, it resulted to unantiicpated backlogs. Current processing time under this batch is 17 months. The latest notice we received under this batch was for application filed (documents submitted to Visa Office after CIO assessment) NOVEMBER 27, 2010. The latest to received visa for this batch was an application submitted to Visa Office on October 28, 2010

Ministerial Instruction 2 (MI-2)
MI-2 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from June 26, 2010 to June 30, 2011. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in any of the 29 in-demand occupations and were promised 6-12 months processing period. There's a cap of 1,000 applications per occupation, and the Canadian Visa Office in Manila is current so far. The latest who received Medical Examination requests under this group are those who received positive assessment from CIO dated September 1, 2011, no movement for almost a month now.

Ministerial Instruction 3 (MI-3)
MI-3 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from July 1, 2011 to present. The latest assessment notice we have received so far are for those filed FEBRUARY 08, 2012. The latest application which received Medical Instruction was application filed October 11, 2011.

MiscellaNEWS

SSS Premium Payments While In Canada
Do you stil want to continue paying your SSS Premium While working abroad? With the SSS Auto-Debit Arrangement Program, you save time, money and effort. Also, your payments are immediately posted. You no longer need to worry, for your accounts are easily and accurately recorded.

Marriage For Convenience No More?
If you were granted a permanent residence status in Canada through Family Class Sponsorship (Spouse), you will now have to wait for five years from the day you were granted a permanent residence status before you can sponsor a new partner. Prior to this new policy, a sponsored spouse or partner arriving in Canada as a permanent resident could leave their sponsor and sponsor another spouse or partner themselves, while their original sponsor was still financially responsible for them for up to three years.

March 2012 Visa Bulletin - Be ready all the time

Career Expo 2012

2012-03-12T12:46:00.000+08:00

Saw this ad on Libre last week. As I ride the MRT 6 days a week, I try as much to get a copy of this free newspaper.

Image from jobmarketonline.com

This job fair may be the one for you to nail that dream career.

SSS Auto-Debit Arrangement (ADA) Program for OFWs

2012-03-08T08:36:00.000+08:00

If you are an overseas Filipino contract worker and you want to make sure that your SSS premium is being paid timely and continuously, you may want to enroll with SSS Auto-Debit Arrangement (ADA) Program.

This blog post about How to Make SSS Premium payments while in Canada also applies to other Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

With the ADA Program, you save time, money and effort. Also, your payments are immediately posted. You no longer need to:

- go to the bank or to SSS every month for your social security contributions and loan amortization payments;
- fill-up so many forms;
- queue at the bank or at the SSS; and
- worry, for your accounts are easily and accurately recorded.

Find more information about SSS Auto-Debit Arrangement (ADA) Program for OFWs by visiting www.sss.gov.ph.

Hotel Jobs in Dubai May be in High Demand Soon

2012-02-26T19:34:00.003+08:00

For those eyeing Dubai as the place for their employment, the hospitality, hotel & tourism industries are the ones to look into.

Dubai is currently experiencing a surge in hotel occupancies largely due to Dubai being an ideal host to meetings, conferences & exhibitions.

If the boom continues, a high demand for hotel jobs in Dubai or key personnel in those industries will surely follow.

Better yet ask family, relatives or any other contacts currently in Dubai with regard to the developments in the hotel & tourism industry there.

BIOMETRICS - A New Feature of "Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act"

2012-02-20T21:34:00.001+08:00

Biomeotrics will be utilized to further strengthen Canada's immigration system via the Harper Government's Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act.

Biometrics will make it harder for unscrupulous people to get to migrate to Canada by taking other identities, most notably criminals attempting to get away for their crimes in another country.

On the part of legitimate aspiring migrants, this would definitely entail additional cost in pursuing that Canadian dream.

February 2012 Visa Bulletin - Are You Ready For Ministerial Instruction 5?

2012-02-08T01:07:00.005+08:00

Are you ready for Ministerial Instruction 5 (MI-5)?

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.

Good News Might Be On The Way, Are You Ready?
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.

For the Federal Skilled Workers (FSW) program, a new list of priority occupations will be identified. The sentiment is, 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 need to be ready!

Let Us Get Your Application Ready for July 2012
Here’s what you must do to get your application ready for filing on July 1, 2012.

1. Fill up the online application forms using CIC Client Portal (http://clients.go2canada.com). If you don’t have your online access or you forgot your password, please get in touch with your assigned Agent.

2. Submit required documents for checking. Attached is a checklist for your reference.

3. Send your job description for review. You need to document your work experience within the last 10 years and your employment certificate must include a detailed job description. We need to review and enhance your job description before you have it signed by your employers. Please use the attached JD format.

4. Schedule your IELTS Examination. Take the General Training Module. It is highly recommended for you to undergo formal IELTS review before taking the exam.

5. Get your settlement funds ready.

6. Your target should be to get your application forms and documents ready for filing as early as June 2012.

Option for Applications Filed Before Feb 27, 2008
If your application permanent residence in Canada under Federal Skill Worker program was filed before February 27, 2008, you are understandably disappointed the way Citizenship and Immigration Canada treated your application. Current processing time for your application is now 82 months.

If you are still interested to Immigrate to Canada and you want an expedited process, you should also get your application forms and documents ready. Without withdrawing your application, you may file a new application if your job classification is included in the 2012 priority occupations. Once approved, you may then withdraw the previous application and possibly get a visa processing fee refund.

What's NEW?

Damascus Visa Office Temporarily Closed
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.

How To Get Police Certificate From Australia
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.

Manila Visa Office FSW Processing Updates

Pre-Feb 27, 2008 FSW Applications
Applications filed before February 27, 2008 are those filed mostly using the Simplified Application Process. Current proceesing period for this batch is 82 months. Canadian Visa Office in Manila is currently processing applications filed November 25, 2004.

Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1)
MI-1 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from Feb 28, 2008 to June 25, 2010. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in of the 38 high demand occupations. They were originally promised 6-12 months processing period. The promised processing period materialized only during the first few months but since there's no limit on the number of applications to be received, it resulted to unanticpated backlogs. Current processing time under this batch is 17 months. The latest notice we received under this batch was for application filed (documents submitted to Visa Office after CIO assessment) November 20, 2010. . Also noted is the delay in passport request/visa notice after the medical examination is done. The latest to received visa for this batch was an application submitted to Visa Office on Sept 27, 2010.

Ministerial Instruction 2 (MI-2)
MI-2 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from June 26, 2010 to June 30, 2011. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in any of the 29 in-demand occupations and were promised 6-12 months processing period. There's a cap of 1,000 applications per occupation, and the Canadian Visa Office in Manila is current so far. The latest who received Medical Examination requests under this group are those who received posistive assessment from CIO dated September 1, 2011. No movement for almost a month now.

Ministerial Instruction 3 (MI-3)
MI-3 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from July 1, 2011 to present. The latest assessment notice we have received so far are for those filed November 11, 2011. The latest application which received Medical Instruction was application filed September 24, 2011. The said medical notice was received February 3, 2012, less than 2 months after the assessment notice was recived from CIO.

Under this batch, several applications under the job classification of Registered Nurses, Pharmacists and Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management that were returned unprocessed due to the cap being already reached at the time application was received by CIO.

SEO Specialist at Microsourcing Urgently Needed

2012-02-07T21:39:00.001+08:00

MicroSourcing, an outsourcing and offshoring services provider operating from the Philippines, is looking for an experienced SEO Specialist.

The successful candidate will be responsible for helping the clients with fixing the SEO backend processes of their website. This person will be managing / rewriting or altering exisiting codes (HTML/PHP) aligned with the front-end design of the site. This person will also provide strategic advice to the client about improving their search engine rankings.

With the boom of the internet, there are now quite a number of Filipino SEO specialists. This position is a great challenge for them to make their mark globally.

Key Functions of this SEO Specialist:

Optimization of website backend for SEO purposes
Identify and make changes to CMS for the purpose of SEO including changing meta tags and title tags
Work on new and existing websites to optimize them for search rankings
Assess client SEO requirements and presentations of SEO needs analysis
SEO campaign strategy development

Requirements for this SEO Specialist position:

Candidate must possess a Bachelor’s/College Degree
At least 1 year experience with conducting a full SEO campaign
With knowledge and experience in white hat SEO practices
Excellent Written & Verbal English Language Skills
With a good understanding and confidence in managing eCommerce websites
Experience in SEO, and using SEO software and reporting package
Experience with HTML and CSS
Experience working with Magento and Wordpress websites in the backend.
Willing to work at Eastwood City, Libis, Q.C.

E-mail MicroSourcing
Send your resume to join@microsourcing.com and kindly write the position you're applying for as the subject of the message. In your email message you could highlight some of your qualifications as well as your current and expected salary.

Call Mircosourcing
Landline: (+632) 437-1000, ask to be connected to the recruitment department
Mobile: (+63922) 890-3183

Click here for other job openings at MicroSourcing

DISCLAIMER:
The administrators of this site are not affiliated in any way with MicroSourcing. The posting of this job vacancy is for informational purposes only.

High School Teachers Needed in the Sisters of Mary Schools

2012-02-04T11:23:00.000+08:00

Here's a great chance for teachers and educators in the country to gain better employment and help shape the future of unprivileged youth from the poorest of the poor.

The Sisters of Mary Schools is in need of High School Teachers with good scholastic records and of great integrity.

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education major in:

English - (4 for Cavite and 3 for Cebu)
Mathematics - (3 for Cavite and 1 for Cebu)
Science – (5 for Cavite and 2 for Cebu)
Filipino – (2 for Cavite)
Social Studies – (1 for Cavite and 2 for Cebu)
PEHM/MAPEH – (2 for Cavite and 1 for Cebu)

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Education or its related course

Good in Programming/Web Page Designing/HTML is an advantage
1 for Cavite and 1 for Cebu

Bachelor of Library and Information Science or its related course

1 for Cavite

Interested individuals can personally bring their letter of intent addressed to the School Principal, resume with recent 2 x 2 photo and transcript of records from Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Or they can send their application via e-mail.

Here are the contact information.

THE SISTERS OF MARY SCHOOL (Girlstown)
Biga II, Silang, Cavite
Tel. No. (046)414-0575 / (02)529-8321
E-mail Address: smsbiga@thesistersofmaryschools.edu.ph
School Principal: Sr. Laresa N. Morasa, SM

THE SISTERS OF MARY SCHOOL (Boystown)
Adlas, Silang, Cavite
Tel. No. (046)865-2546/(02)529-8318
E-mail Address: smsadlas@thesistersofmaryschools.edu.ph
School Principal: Sr. Nory B. Espulgar, SM

THE SISTERS OF MARY SCHOOL (Girlstown)
J.P. Rizal St., Talisay City, Cebu
Tel. No. (032) 272-3828/(032) 272-6865
E-mail Address: smstalisaycity@thesistersofmaryschools.edu.ph
School Principal: Sr. Eva R. Aringo, SM

THE SISTERS OF MARY SCHOOL (Boystown)
Tungkop, Minglanilla, Cebu
Tel. No. (032) 272-8636/(032) 273-4858
E-mail Address: smsminglanilla@thesistersofmaryschools.edu.ph
School Principal: Sr. Mylene B. Arambulo, SM

The Sisters of Mary School is a non-stock, non-profit, non-paying, live-in secondary institution for the marginalized poor of the country.

The late Rt. Rev. Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz established the Sisters of Mary School in the Philippines after seeing the plight of the depressed, deprived and oppressed sector of the country upon invitation of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin.

Every year, the Sisters of Mary Schools admit around 12, 000 boys and girls providing them, primarily with, free quality secondary education with intensive Vocational-Technical curriculum. The children are provided with food, clothing, board & lodging and other basic needs all year round except for a two-week vacation.

The best teachers are hired, given good salary with many fringe benefits and provided with good working conditions.

High school teachers are one of the most noble professions. Practicing such profession to nurture and shape the young minds of the underprivileged youth takes that nobility to another level.

Tawdheef Job Fair 2012

2012-02-01T11:16:00.001+08:00

The Tawdheef Job Fair 2012 is currently on-going in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Although the job fair prioritizes Emiratis and UAE nationals, the third day of the said job fair will be open to all nationalites.

Tawdheef Job fair 2012

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

Thursday, 2 February 2012: 9:30am - 7pm
(Open to all Nationalities)

For more information, please visit http://www.tawdheef.ae/

Gulf News reported that Abu Dhabi is projected to create 600,000 new jobs over the next decade.

Latest Citizenship and Immigration Canada Info Right at Your OWN Web Presence via CIC Widget

2012-01-28T10:57:00.003+08:00

Two questions.

Are you interested to work or migrate to Canada now or in the future?

Do you have your own blog, website or social media page?

If you answer YES to both questions, then the recently launched Citizenship and Immigration Canada Widget is right for you.

You can just copy & paste the widget code in your blog, website or social media page and voila! You get the latest information about working or migrating to Canada.

Your browser does not support iframes. To access the information please visit cic.gc.ca

Get the CIC widget code here and paste it on your blog or website template/theme or social media page.

December 2011 CPA Licensure Exam in Middle East, Results to 17 New CPAs

2012-01-16T21:15:00.001+08:00

Congratulations to 17 new Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) who successfully hurdled the Licensure examination given by the Board of Accountancy in Middle East countries last December 2011.

The Professional Regulation Commission released the results of the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Jeddah & Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in Doha, Qatar.

Here are the 17 new CPAs:

1 Arca, Ernesto Jr. Ignacio
2 Balagot, Bernadethe Ng
3 Barrion, Arnold Acosta
4 Biescas, Alan Bonto
5 Carmen, Dante Rosindal
6 Castro, Marc Lester Ricamonte
7 Daria, Reynaldo Teneza
8 Fernandez, Ronalyn Delos Reyes
9 Marteriz, Ronald Ebrada
10 Palisoc, Nerissa Lumagui
11 Pineda, Erwin Diaz
12 Policarpio, Lalaine David
13 Ramilo, Cleto Orzo
14 Rempillo, Sherwin Viray
15 Similatan, Mary Grace Salisad
16 Tolentino, Florangel Acpal
17 Unte, Ashlanie Cosain

Obtaining a license to practice one's profession can help in career advancement like promotion and higher compensation.

By virtue of Executive Order 835, Filipinos currently in the Middle East can obtain their respective professional license without the need to return to the Philippines.

Professional OFWs are encouraged to try passing the licensure exams at least once in their lives.

Filipino Jobseekers Ought to Start 2012 Right by Attending the 15th Metro Job Fair at Market! Market!

2012-01-13T02:57:00.000+08:00

Looking for a job or perhaps a better one that you have at present? Job fairs are a good place to start your quest.

I saw an ad from Manila Bulletin about the 15th Metro Job Fair to be held in Taguig City. Be proactive this 2012 by attending it.

15th Metro Job Fair 2012

January 24 & 25, 2012
10 am to 7 pm
Market! Market! Activity Center
Bonifacio Global City
Taguig City

Organized by AdExhibit Incorporated

Industries participating in this job fair include BPO (Call Center), KPO, Medical Conglomerate and Information Technology. Overseas employment will also be offered.

Entrance to this job fair is freee and attendees get the chance to win lots of giveaway items to be given by participating companies.

Don't know how to get to Market! Market! ? Check out metromaniladirections.

Be there early and best of luck!

January 2012 Visa Bulletin - Happy New Year

2012-01-07T21:31:00.005+08:00

On or before July 1, 2012, a new list of priority occupations is expected to be issued through another Ministerial Instruction. Are you ready for this? If you are still interested to live and work in Canada to give your family a better quality of life, you have to act now! Let us get your application ready!

How to get your application ready?

1. Log in to http://clients.go2canada.com and start filling up the online forms.

2. Submit the required documents for checking. A simple mistake like birth certificate entries may cause delay, problem. Do not wait until the last minute to correct what is needed to be corrected.

3. Schedule an IELTS Examination. Please remember that the required module is the General Training. Take advantage of Free IELTS online simulation test. It is best if you will take a formal IELTS review before taking the exam.

4. Have your job description reviewed and enhanced. You need to document your employment history within the last ten years. Having these documents signed by your previous employers may take time.

5. If you are under the Privelege Plan, consider upgrading to Apply Now Pay Later Plan to get the full package. Your objective should be to be able to send your application to Centralized Intake Office within the first week once the new list is out.

If your occupation is included in the current priority list, you only have until June 30, 2012 or until the 500 cap is reached to get your application filed. Time is of the essence. Let's get your application filed!

What's NEW?

Modiefied Payment Form
In its effort to simplify and stremline the application process, Citizenship and Immigration Canada has been introducing changes in the system, process and application forms. The latest of which is the modified fee payment form.

Positive Assessment for RN as LPN
We told you before of the possibility for a Registered Nurse to qualify as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Well, there's an applicant who tried and fortunately got a positive assessment from CIO.

First Supervisa Issued at Canadian Visa Office in Manila
Filipinos are really fast. Citizenship and Immigration Canada started to accept applications for Parent and Grandparent Supervisas on December 1, 2011. Guess what? The first Supervisa was issued at Canadian Visa Office in Manila!

Canadian Visa Office Manila Visa - Processing Status

If you have your file number from Canadian Visa Office - Manila, you can actually check your application status online. But to give you an idea on what application date is currently being processed by Manila Visa Office, here's a breakdown based on the period applications were filed:

Pre-Feb 27, 2008 FSW Applications
Applications filed before February 27, 2008 are those filed mostly using the Simplified Application Process. Current proceesing period for this batch is 77 months. Canadian Visa Office in Manila is currently processing applications filed November 2004. Last month, an application filed Nov 25, 2004 received a notice from the visa office to update his application forms and other documents.

Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1)
MI-1 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from Feb 28, 2008 to June 25, 2010. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in of the 38 high demand occupations. They were originally promised 6-12 months processing period. The promised processing period materialized only during the first few months but since there's no limit on the number of applications to be received, it resulted to unanticpated backlogs. The latest notice we received under this batch was for application filed (documents submitted to Visa Office after CIO assessment) November 20, 2010. Current processing time under this batch is 17 months. Also noted is the delay in passport request/visa notice after the medical examination is done.

Ministerial Instruction 2 (MI-2)
MI-2 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from June 26, 2010 to June 30, 2011. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in any of the 29 in-demand occupations and were promised 6-12 months processing period. There's a cap of 1,000 applications per occupation, and the Canadian Visa Office in Manila is current so far. The latest who received Medical Examination requests under this group are those who received posistive assessment from CIO dated September 1, 2011.

Ministerial Instruction 3 (MI-3)
MI-3 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from July 1, 2011 to present. The latest assessment notice we have received so far are for those filed October 11, 2011. Please note that there are applications classified as Registered Nurses, Pharmacists and Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management that were filed earlier than October 11, 2011 that are yet to receive notice from CIO. Most nurse applicants whose applications were filed after July 15, 2011 are being returned unprocessed.

If you already have a File Number from the Visa Office, here's where to check your application status online: https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/?app=ecas<=en

Let's help Typhoon Sendong Victims
There are ways more than one to help our kababayans in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan who were victims of typhoon Sendong.

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

January 2012 Visa Bulletin

Faster Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) processing

2012-01-05T13:24:00.002+08:00

Here's a good news for Overseas Filipino Workers.

The new Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) chief Hans Cacdac promised to streamline operations and fast-track the processing of overseas employment certificates (OEC).

OEC is a mandatory document that a overseas contract worker from the Philippines must have. Without which, a worker will not be allowed to leave the country. OEC is not required for those moving to Canada with a permanent residence visa.

It would be best if POEA will allow online application for OEC, agree?

Watch the video interview here.

Help CDO

2011-12-18T15:59:00.001+08:00

Live-in Caregivers in Canada Now Enjoys Faster Issuance of Open Work Permits Among Other Advantages

2011-12-16T14:39:00.000+08:00

Canada's Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) is one of easier for for foreign workers to obtain a permanent residence in Canada. I've used the word "easier", in the sense, that foreign workers hired as caregiver in Canada can become eligible for permanent residency after completing two years of work or 3,900 hours.

Plus, recent policy changes provides for faster issuance of open work permits for Live-in Caregivers.

LCP allows Canadian families to employ foreign workers to provide care to their child/children, elderly or member of their families with disabilities, provided that there is a proof of shortage of Canadians or permanent residents to fill that need.

In 2008, about 10,400 individuals (spouses & dependents included) became permanent residents from the 7,200 caregivers in 2005.

Canada deeply recognizes the role of live-in caregivers in their society that it has taken significant actions in protecting them from abuse and exploitation. Improvements made on the Live-in Caregiver Program in 2010 and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in 2011 greatly increases the protection of caregivers. They are:

allowing live-in caregivers to apply for permanent residence after 3,900 work hours, rather than two years of work, to ensure overtime is appropriately recognized;
the elimination of the need for a second medical examination when the caregiver applies for permanent residence;
increasing the amount of time a caregiver has to complete their work bligations, from three years to four;
the adoption of a standardized employment contract that ensures both parties agree to the salary, hours of work, vacation time, overtime, holidays, sick leave, and the terms of termination and resignation;
defining the costs the employer is obliged to pay, including the caregiver’s travel expenses in coming to Canada, medical insurance, workplace safety insurance and third-party representative fees;
emergency processing of work permits and employer authorizations to hire live-in caregivers who have been abused and need to leave their employment immediately;
a dedicated phone service for live-in caregivers through the department’s Call Centre;
an assessment of the genuineness of the job offer, including confirmation that the caregiver would be residing in a private residence and providing child care, senior home support care or care of a disabled person in that household without supervision, as well as whether the employer has sufficient financial resources to pay the wages of the caregiver and whether the accommodations being provided are adequate;
and a two-year period of ineligibility from hiring foreign workers, including live-in caregivers, for employers who have failed to live up to the terms of past job contracts.

More good news for Live-in Caregivers in Canada as they can now be issued open work permits once they completed their obligation and submitted an application for permanent residence.

Previously, they have to wait first for the approval of their permanent resident application before being eligible to an open work permit. An open work permit allows the caregiver to move out of their employer's home and seek jobs in other fields if they so desire.

There may be a decline on the demand for live-in caregivers in Canada nowadays but that is a path worth exploring for those who dreamed of working, and eventually settling, in Canada.

UK Visa Online Application & Payment in Full Swing - UKBA

2011-12-15T18:35:00.000+08:00

The United Kingdom Border Agency's (UKBA) move to make visa application & payment via online by 2013 or 2014 is in full swing. Beginning December 19, 2011 all UK Visa applications must be completed using the UKBA online application system and be paid online in Euros.

The move is specifically for the following countries:

Austria (Vienna)
Bulgaria (Bucharest)
Poland (Warsaw)
Czech Republic (Prague)
Hungary (Budapest)
Sweden (Stockholm)
Finland (Helsinki)
Denmark (Copenhagen)
Serbia (Belgrade)
Macedonia (Skopje)
Iceland (Reykjavik)
Croatia (Zagreb)
Slovenia (Ljubljana)
Norway (Oslo)

UPDATE:

Kosovo (Pristina)
Moldova (Chisinau)

Location of the British Embassy on the country is indicated inside parentheses on the list.

Afterwhich, applicants will be given appointments as to when to submit printed copy of their application form and biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) to the visa application center at the British Embassy on that country. The appointments will be booked online.

So, for those interested in acquiring a UK Visa, it certainly helps to be online savvy and to know the website of the British Embassy in your area. Saving money now, preferably in Euros, will also be a big help to your application.

Source: UKBA Website

December 2011 Visa Bulletin - White Christmas

2011-12-08T01:48:00.000+08:00

The main difference between working abroad as a contract worker and as an immigrant is that as an immigrant, you have the option to bring your family with you. There is no need to leave your spouse and kids just to earn in dollars. It is more difficult for an overseas contract worker considering the sacrifice of leaving one's family just to make ends meet. That is why this Coca-Cola Where Will Happiness Strike Next: The OFW Project made a hit in online forums and social media websites. It touches the sacrifices and difficulties faced in working as an overseas contract worker - away from one's family.

But those who opted for a long-term solution, by immigrating to Canada, do not necessarily have the same problem. They are now enjoying a White Christmas!

Let's Get Your Application Filed

You signified your intention to have a long-term plan for your family by signing up a consultancy agreement with Canadian Immigration Consultancy. Let us then get your application filed!

If your occupation is in the current list of priority occupations, get your application filed now. The cap may reached sooner than you expect. Get in touch with your assigned consultant to address all your application concerns.

If your application is not yet filed because your occupation is not in the priority list, get your application forms and documents ready now. On or before July 1, 2012, a new list of priority occupations may be released through another Ministerial Instruction. Make sure that you will be able to file your application immediately if your occupation is included in the priority list.

What's New?

Free Online IELTS Simulation Test
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!

First Time Immigrant Fare for 2012
Moving to Canada? Book your flight now via Cathay Pacific and avail of discounted fare as First Time Immigrant.

New Application Process for Provincial Nominee Program Applicants
Effective December 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.

Canadian Visa Office Manila Visa - Processing Status

If you have your file number from Canadian Visa Office - Manila, you can actually check your application status online. But to give you an idea on what application date is currently being processed by Manila Visa Office, here's a breakdown based on the period applications were filed:

Pre-Feb 27, 2008 FSW Applications
Applications filed before February 27, 2008 are those filed mostly using the Simplified Application Process. Current proceesing period for this batch is 77 months. Canadian Visa Office in Manila is currently processing applications filed November 2004. Last month, an application filed Nov 25, 2004 received a notice from the visa office to update his application forms and other documents.

Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1)
MI-1 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from Feb 28, 2008 to June 25, 2010. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in of the 38 high demand occupations. They were originally promised 6-12 months processing period. The promised processing period materialized only during the first few months but since there's no limit on the number of applications to be received, it resulted to unanticpated backlogs. The latest notice we received under this batch was for application filed (documents submitted to Visa Office after CIO assessment) November 18, 2010.

Ministerial Instruction 2 (MI-2)
MI-2 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from June 26, 2010 to June 30, 2011. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in any of the 29 in-demand occupations and were promised 6-12 months processing period. There's a cap of 1,000 applications per occupation, and the Canadian Visa Office in Manila is current so far.

Ministerial Instruction 3 (MI-3)
MI-3 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from July 1, 2011 to present. The latest assessment notice we have received so far are for those filed August 19, 2011. Please note that there applications classified as Registered Nurses, Pharmacists and Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management that were filed earlier than August 19 that are yet to receive notice from CIO.

If you already have a File Number from the Visa Office, here's where to check your application status online: https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/?app=ecas&lang=en

December 2011 Visa Bulletin - White Christmas

1000 Slots for Young Japanese Nationals to Live, Work, Study in UK for up to 2 years

2011-12-07T13:09:00.000+08:00

[UPDATE Dec. 21, 2011] UK 2012 Youth Mobility Scheme

"All applicants have an equal chance of selection", says the UKBA. Do not believe immigration agents who claim that they increase someone's chance of being selected.

*****

The United Kingdom will open up its 2012 Youth Mobility Scheme in January 2012 offering 1,000 slots to young Japanese Nationals, allowing them to live, work or study in UK for up to 2 years.

Source: 2012 Youth Mobility Scheme

Japanese youth interested should request an application appointment via e-mail. They must send an e-mail to YMS2012-APPOINTMENT@vfshelpline.com stating that they are applying for the 2012 Youth Mobility Scheme and from what country they intend to apply from.

IMPORTANT:

The header or subject line of the email must contain your name, date of birth and passport number. For example: YAMADA Taro - 31/01/1990 - TH123456789.

The email account will only be open from 12:00 pm January 4, 2012 to 12:00 pm January 6, 2012 (Japan Time).

Only 1000 applicants will be chosen at random and will be sent an email confirmation by January 12, 2012. The e-mail confirmation also includes further instruction on how to proceed with the application.

Source: 2012 Youth Mobility Scheme

As Christmas is approaching, informing your young Japanese friends about this opportunity may be the best gift you can give them.

November 2011 Visa Bulletin

2011-11-15T23:51:00.005+08:00

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. The next three applications nearing its cap are:

3131 Pharmacists 476
3113 Dentists 256
2121 Biologists and Related Scientists 261

For the complete list, visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/complete-applications.asp

Please note that the list is not a real-time tally and is meant as guide only. There are information circulating in some forums that the cap for nurses had been reached as early as mid of July 2011 and that those filed after July 15 will all be returned unprocessed. We have a couple of applications (nurses) received by CIO on July 15 that was already returned because according to the letter, the cap was already reached. We have yet to receive the assessment results for nurse applicants filed July 15 onwards. But for other occupations, those filed up to August 12, already received the assessment results.

The first published MI-3 update on the number of applications received was dated July 21 and with only a total of 26 applications from registered nurses. If the cap was indeed reached as early as July 15, it sure did not serve as a guide. It somehow mislead many applicants. We have written Minister Kenny to protest this grave injustice.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada News

Super Visas for Parent and Grandparent
Parents who wish to visit their children in Canada may now stay there for 2 years straight without applying for extended stay. This super visa is a multiple entry temporary resident visa and is valid up to 2 years.

New Language Test for Citizenship Applicants
Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney is proposing changes to to improve citizenship program. If approved, it would change the way that citizenship applicants aged 18-54 prove their language ability.

Canadian Visa Office Manila Visa - Processing Status

If you have your file number from Canadian Visa Office - Manila, you can actually check your application status online. But to give you an idea on what application date is currently being processed by Manila Visa Office, here's a breakdown based on the period applications were filed:

Pre-Feb 27, 2008 FSW Applications
Applications filed before February 27, 2008 are those filed mostly using the Simplified Application Process. Current average proceesing period for this batch is 62 months. Canadian Visa Office in Manila is currently processing applications filed November 2004. No movement for several months now. If you are under this batch and you , are you willing to join a group of fellow applicants in filing a case against Citizenship and Immigration Canada?

Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1)
MI-1 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from Feb 28, 2008 to June 25, 2010. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in of the 38 high demand occupations. They were originally promised 6-12 months processing period. The promised processing period materialized only during the first few months but since there's no limit on the number of applications to be received, it resulted to unanticpated backlogs. The Canadian Visa Office in Manila has now started to process those we filed November 2010.

Ministerial Instruction 2 (MI-2)
MI-2 applications are those filed at Centralized Intake Office from June 26, 2010 to June 30, 2011. Applicants under this batch are those with at least one year experience in any of the 29 in-demand occupations and were promised 6-12 months processing period. There's a cap of 1,000 applications per occupation, and the Canadian Visa Office in Manila is current so far.

Here's where to check your application status online: https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/?app=ecas&lang=en

Success Stories

French Language Test did the trick
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.

She's now working as a Care Manager
Ms. Maria Angeles Escasa's application was filed under Ministerial Instruction 1 (MI-1) as Training Officer. She is now working as Care Manager for a nursing home.

Friends reuniting in Canada
Ms. Charina Lukban learned about our office through her friend, Ms. Ruby Calasag, who was able to get a PR Visa through Canadian Immigration Consultancy. They both applied as Registered Nurses. She will soon be joining Ms. Ruby in Canada!

Deployment Ban on Libya Still In Effect

2011-10-26T23:51:00.000+08:00

Former strongman Muammar Gaddafi has been buried and Libya's new leaders have declared the oil-rich North African state "liberated".

However, deployment ban on Libya is maintained by the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA.) The agency is awaiting the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) regarding the security situation in Libya.

The new leadership of Libya appears united in moving the nation towards democracy. There's a great chance that the transition will be peaceful and smoother. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) need only to wait just a little longer for the deployment ban to be lifted.

Meanwhile, recruitment agencies who are found to have deployed Filipino workers to Libya while the ban is still in effect will be administratively and criminally charged.

Filipino Caregivers Against New Immigration Law in UK

2011-10-26T10:37:00.005+08:00

Just a month ago, Filipino domestic helper in Hong Kong was in the news after winning her legal battle for permanent residency in Hong Kong. And now, Filipino caregivers in UK is protesting against the new UK Immigration Law that would disallow thousands of lowly paid migrant caregivers from settling in the UK after five years of work.

Kanlungan project staff Jamima Fagta, in an email to the Inquirer from London, said two caregivers, Lourdes Dizon Somera and Gundelina Ramirez shared their difficulties in obtaining their Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) document, which would allow them to live in the UK after five years of work.

The two explained to lawmakers how immigration rules affect them and their families, their work and the community as a whole.

Somera, who went to the UK five years ago to work and support her family and her younger siblings back home, said she was "devastated" when her application for ILR was rejected.

Read full story here.

There is quite a number of Filipino workers in UK including those with UK Student Visa.

Mining & Gas Jobs in Demand in Queensland, Australia

2011-10-20T16:33:00.001+08:00

For people currently in Queensland, Australia, mining and gas jobs just might be their ticket to a better future.

As reported by Jeremy Pierce in The Courier-Mail, thousands flocked to the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia for the first of five Mining & Gas Jobs Exposition.

Mining and gas jobs are in high demand in Australia nowadays. The allure of these kind jobs can be compared to the gold rush in the US in the past.

These jobs attract thousands of hopefuls because mining companies offer lucrative compensation. For instance, unskilled trade assistants and cooks can command a salary reaching up $ 80,000 while skilled workers could earn more than $ 110,000.

Young hopefuls see mining and gas jobs in Queensland as a chance to hit paydirt swiftly and set them up for life. Fly-in & fly-out work arrangements is another perk of these jobs.

There will be four more jobs expo following this.

Visit skills.qld.gov.au or call 1800 773 048 if you are currently in Australia and interested in getting mining and gas jobs in Queensland.

Check Out the UKBA India Facebook Page

2011-10-18T14:01:00.001+08:00

People in India who would like to visit the United Kingdom should check out the recently made UK Border Agency - India's Facebook Page.

Click the image to get to UKBA India Facebook Page

They can received updates and information about current processing times for applications, changes to UK Immigration policy and other relevant news.

They can even ask general questions there relating to visa issues, customs requirements among others.