For PINOY: About Express Entry Application. Share your idea!

[bjar]

Salamat po.

 

[nicooooo]

@markmark1983

Sir,

May I know how you processed the LTO certificate through a representative? What documents did your representative bring? Do they need to have an SPA or Authorization letter of some sort?

TIA

 

[angelistamaria]

thanks...when did you processed your LTO? My representative processed it for me, and was given the LTO certificate as well as certitficate of apprehension. I wonder if we just go straight to DFA and bring those documents to be authenticated or ? Ang gulo ha ha ha. Pero we will try, kasi dun sa website may two methods to authenticate:

Hi @markmark1983 , judging from your handle, I think we're of the same age. Haha

We went to LTO mid-February ourselves. Having done this whole immigration process independently (without an immigration consultant or representative/s), we did the leg-work for LTO too. Our schedule for pick up was for the following week.

As I understand it, the LTO will be the one to forward your documents directly to DFA to avoid conflict or tampering outside of these two government agencies. All we did was present our claim stub through drop box (window 19) in DFA Aseana. Unfortunately, I do not know anything about the "certificate of apprehension".

Sorry if my reply did not directly answer your question. This is all only based on what we experienced and what I also researched online (blogs).

Cheers,
A

 

[angelistamaria]

Hi mga kabayan. I know my question has been answered already in other forums. But i would appreciate if you'll post the link here. Hehe

I will be landing this March 4 na, and i will be bringing with me some pasalubong like dried fish, noodles, canned goods and coffee. My question is will i be allowed to bring those granted that its my first entry in Canada

Secondly, i have already prepared my things and docs but i am anxious baka may nakalimutan ak0ng iprepare. Can somebody kindly post a link here for additional reference? Thank you po.

Hi!

You will not be allowed to fly to Canada from any of our international airports/ board a plane headed to Canada without the following:
PDOS sticker/stamp on your passport (verifying your registration with the CFO and attendance of PDOS)
Canada Entry Visa (your single-entry immigrant visa) and COPR

Apart from your personal documents, do you have your CBSA documents (list of things you brought with you and things to follow)?
BSF 186 and BSF 186A (can be downloaded from the CBSA website)
If you do not have BSF 186 stamped when you land, you can be taxed for personal effects you may want to bring later.
(Side kwento: I listed my grandmother's piano. If none of my cousins want it, I'll ship it to Canada for my future kids to practice on without getting taxed!)
*** List for jewelry has certain rules, please research them

You listed food. Careful!
Please read through the following links, with the second and third showing restrictions about the food items you stated:
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/mrc-drc-eng.htmlhttps://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/mrc-drc-eng.html
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/declare-eng.html#_s19a
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/fpa-apa/menu-eng.html

Also, per the pre-arrival services class I attended (care of CIIP), the facilitator did not advise to bring dried fish (yes, he actually said "do not bring your dried fish").

Also, do not wrap the gifts, whether food item or not. CBSA will open the wrapping if they cannot see what is inside.

Sorry for being frank. I'm also packing for landing in April and doing the same research as you are. I hope this helps though.

Happy landing, kabayan (kabayan here and future kabayan there)!
A

 

[markmark1983]

@markmark1983

Sir,

May I know how you processed the LTO certificate through a representative? What documents did your representative bring? Do they need to have an SPA or Authorization letter of some sort?

TIA

@nicooooo , my father and brother in law helped me. I need to provide an authorization letter , and on that letter I inlcluded a copy of my license and most importantly license number.

 

[markmark1983]

Hi @markmark1983 , judging from your handle, I think we're of the same age. Haha

We went to LTO mid-February ourselves. Having done this whole immigration process independently (without an immigration consultant or representative/s), we did the leg-work for LTO too. Our schedule for pick up was for the following week.

As I understand it, the LTO will be the one to forward your documents directly to DFA to avoid conflict or tampering outside of these two government agencies. All we did was present our claim stub through drop box (window 19) in DFA Aseana. Unfortunately, I do not know anything about the "certificate of apprehension".

Sorry if my reply did not directly answer your question. This is all only based on what we experienced and what I also researched online (blogs).

Cheers,
A

@angelistamaria . Thanks sa info. Not sure talaga . Pero we will try to go for option 1 since we already have the LTO document. according to the website, iiwan mo ata yung copy and then babalikan mo. We will try this and will advise dito sa forum in case someone has similar experience with us

 

[markmark1983]

@angelistamaria , ask ko lang po, may parking space ba (besides dun sa front) , dun sa area kung saan ginagawa yung PDOS?

 

[angelistamaria]

@angelistamaria , ask ko lang po, may parking space ba (besides dun sa front) , dun sa area kung saan ginagawa yung PDOS?

Yup there are a few slots apart from the one directly in front of CFO. We got there early and luckily were able to park in front of the CFO building. There are also other establishments and houses alongside which allow you to park for a small fee ng mga bantay. If you are looking for an actual parking lot though, there isn't any.

 

[angelistamaria]

Hi everyone!

Sharing again (sorry, long post)... this time about my experience with ScotiaBank's Start Right Program International accounts opening.

Since my husband and I are hoping to be as independent as possible, we decided to bring as much of our life savings we could. Unfortunately, after a friend of ours posted on social media that some of her items were nearly stolen at the airport after the security x-rays, we became very keen on transferring or transporting our savings to Canada in the safest possible way. If people are just going to pick-pocket our demand drafts in NAIA, too much time will be wasted just to get access to the funds again. We therefore looked at the option of sending money via wire-transfer to your own ScotiaBank account that can be opened online.

I asked @Xiaociaoshaw_02 here about her experience with Bank of Nova Scotia's start right program. Her attempt at sending her funds ahead did not fall through due to some bank miscommunications. But I thank her for all the help and insight she gave me. Here's my experience:

I opened the ScotiaBank account online. You will need personal details including your passport number and your UCI. It took less than 15 minutes and they sent a reply message in less than 24 hours to my email that the account opening was successful. Communication from Scotiabank regarding your account after this point will be done via their secure email service (details of how to use it will be on the initial reply email series).

I then went to the main branch of my bank for the global funds transfer services. [Although I could have done this step at any of the nearest bank branches (since my local bank is "bank anywhere"), some poor service experiences at the branches nearest me convinced me to do the wire transfer at the main branch.] I advise you to bring print-outs of your communication with scotia bank and study the fees of your bank for wire transfers ahead of time to abbreviate the process. Try to get to your branch way ahead of the cut-off times. If your transaction is not processed before the cut-off, you may have to return the following day (which is what happened to me) because foreign exchange rates vary daily, even hourly.

After the telex/ wire-transfer was finalized last Tuesday afternoon Manila time, I got a message from ScotiaBank last night (Thursday night Manila time) that they successfully received the funds for my account. This was much quicker than the projected processing times (varied between the bank employees we spoke to: between 3-5 banking days to 4-7 banking days). I will now be able to simply bring the records of the wire transfer from my bank and the confirmation of the wire transfer from ScotiaBank as part of my proof of funds on landing. When I get to Canada, I simply show the same records and identification to gain access to my funds.

Here are the Pros:
- Safety during your travel. Pick-pocket all you want thieves, all you get are lint bits and papers in my pocket!
- Convenience. My money is waiting for me when I get there.
- Peace of mind.
- Accessibility. Once we get to Canada and "formally open" the account, we will virtually have immediate access to the money (compared to demand draft clearing times of 10 days to over 30 days).
- Online chat. I used the online chat on scotia bank's website to communicate any concerns I had with Scotia Bank customer service before I even started this process until after the funds were transferred. They are very easy to chat with and alleviated all my concerns.

Here are the Cons:
- This is a one-time transfer of up to CAD 50,000. So (1) transfer one-time in bulk and (2) plan your financial steps ahead of time because you will no longer have access to these funds until you get to the ScotiaBank branch of your choice in Canada. You cannot add to the funds as a second wire transfer if you happen to procure additional funds you want to bring so plan carefully.
- You need lead time. Depending on your local bank, telex transfers can take up to 10 banking days or more. So I recommend a lead time of at least 2-3 weeks before you fly (my lead time is 1 month). I was very lucky my wire transfer finalized in less than 48 hours.
- Fees. Transaction fees can be steep, depending on your bank. The amount you transfer also affects the fees-- the more money you send, the larger the fee. Research first if this will affect you and your finances.
- Possible transfer problems. I kept my source account open by leaving some money in there until the wire transfer went through (in case there were problems and the money just bounces back... If the funds do bounce back for whatever reason, you will still be deducted fees for the re-send of your funds. Sad, but true. ) Now that the transfer was successful, I can use the remaining funds to buy some CAD cash before flying, and effectively close that local bank account.
- According to some, Scotia Bank may not have the best deals for new immigrants. After research, we believed it was good enough for me and my husband so we went with it. Please do your research before you choose this option as it may not be the one you would prefer in the end.

I am not in any way affiliated with Scotia Bank, in case anyone is wondering . Just sharing the positives of what I experienced. Maybe later, when time permits and our transfer of funds with our other bank (HSBC) pushes through, I'll also tell you guys about it here.

Hope this helps for those who are interested in the start right program.

 

[babyfreeverse]

Hi everyone!

Sharing again (sorry, long post)... this time about my experience with ScotiaBank's Start Right Program International accounts opening.

Since my husband and I are hoping to be as independent as possible, we decided to bring as much of our life savings we could. Unfortunately, after a friend of ours posted on social media that some of her items were nearly stolen at the airport after the security x-rays, we became very keen on transferring or transporting our savings to Canada in the safest possible way. If people are just going to pick-pocket our demand drafts in NAIA, too much time will be wasted just to get access to the funds again. We therefore looked at the option of sending money via wire-transfer to your own ScotiaBank account that can be opened online.

I asked @Xiaociaoshaw_02 here about her experience with Bank of Nova Scotia's start right program. Her attempt at sending her funds ahead did not fall through due to some bank miscommunications. But I thank her for all the help and insight she gave me. Here's my experience:

I opened the ScotiaBank account online. You will need personal details including your passport number and your UCI. It took less than 15 minutes and they sent a reply message in less than 24 hours to my email that the account opening was successful. Communication from Scotiabank regarding your account after this point will be done via their secure email service (details of how to use it will be on the initial reply email series).

I then went to the main branch of my bank for the global funds transfer services. [Although I could have done this step at any of the nearest bank branches (since my local bank is "bank anywhere"), some poor service experiences at the branches nearest me convinced me to do the wire transfer at the main branch.] I advise you to bring print-outs of your communication with scotia bank and study the fees of your bank for wire transfers ahead of time to abbreviate the process. Try to get to your branch way ahead of the cut-off times. If your transaction is not processed before the cut-off, you may have to return the following day (which is what happened to me) because foreign exchange rates vary daily, even hourly.

After the telex/ wire-transfer was finalized last Tuesday afternoon Manila time, I got a message from ScotiaBank last night (Thursday night Manila time) that they successfully received the funds for my account. This was much quicker than the projected processing times (varied between the bank employees we spoke to: between 3-5 banking days to 4-7 banking days). I will now be able to simply bring the records of the wire transfer from my bank and the confirmation of the wire transfer from ScotiaBank as part of my proof of funds on landing. When I get to Canada, I simply show the same records and identification to gain access to my funds.

Here are the Pros:
- Safety during your travel. Pick-pocket all you want thieves, all you get are lint bits and papers in my pocket!
- Convenience. My money is waiting for me when I get there.
- Peace of mind.
- Accessibility. Once we get to Canada and "formally open" the account, we will virtually have immediate access to the money (compared to demand draft clearing times of 10 days to over 30 days).
- Online chat. I used the online chat on scotia bank's website to communicate any concerns I had with Scotia Bank customer service before I even started this process until after the funds were transferred. They are very easy to chat with and alleviated all my concerns.

Here are the Cons:
- This is a one-time transfer of up to CAD 50,000. So (1) transfer one-time in bulk and (2) plan your financial steps ahead of time because you will no longer have access to these funds until you get to the ScotiaBank branch of your choice in Canada. You cannot add to the funds as a second wire transfer if you happen to procure additional funds you want to bring so plan carefully.
- You need lead time. Depending on your local bank, telex transfers can take up to 10 banking days or more. So I recommend a lead time of at least 2-3 weeks before you fly (my lead time is 1 month). I was very lucky my wire transfer finalized in less than 48 hours.
- Fees. Transaction fees can be steep, depending on your bank. The amount you transfer also affects the fees-- the more money you send, the larger the fee. Research first if this will affect you and your finances.
- Possible transfer problems. I kept my source account open by leaving some money in there until the wire transfer went through (in case there were problems and the money just bounces back... If the funds do bounce back for whatever reason, you will still be deducted fees for the re-send of your funds. Sad, but true. ) Now that the transfer was successful, I can use the remaining funds to buy some CAD cash before flying, and effectively close that local bank account.
- According to some, Scotia Bank may not have the best deals for new immigrants. After research, we believed it was good enough for me and my husband so we went with it. Please do your research before you choose this option as it may not be the one you would prefer in the end.

I am not in any way affiliated with Scotia Bank, in case anyone is wondering . Just sharing the positives of what I experienced. Maybe later, when time permits and our transfer of funds with our other bank (HSBC) pushes through, I'll also tell you guys about it here.

Hope this helps for those who are interested in the start right program.

Salamat for sharing! Very helpful! May I ask ano yung deciding factor mo to go with scotiabank (kung okay lang)? Kasi sa Toronto kami magstay, yung mga katrabaho ko na sa Toronto nag-aral or lumaki, ang sabi sakin okay daw ang TD Bank. I've researched (although maybe not as thoroughly as you have) parang RBC ang gusto ko. Maganda offer for immigrants saka waived din ang fees for the first year and if you have the minimum balance. May nabasa ako kasi na isa ang fees sa kelangan iresearch kasi grabe parang kada transaction may fee! Nasanay ako dito sa HK na walang fee halos lahat ng transactions...

Ayun lang, salamat ulit sa pagshare ng experience mo and have a safe trip in April!

 

[angelistamaria]

Salamat for sharing! Very helpful! May I ask ano yung deciding factor mo to go with scotiabank (kung okay lang)? Kasi sa Toronto kami magstay, yung mga katrabaho ko na sa Toronto nag-aral or lumaki, ang sabi sakin okay daw ang TD Bank. I've researched (although maybe not as thoroughly as you have) parang RBC ang gusto ko. Maganda offer for immigrants saka waived din ang fees for the first year and if you have the minimum balance. May nabasa ako kasi na isa ang fees sa kelangan iresearch kasi grabe parang kada transaction may fee! Nasanay ako dito sa HK na walang fee halos lahat ng transactions...

Ayun lang, salamat ulit sa pagshare ng experience mo and have a safe trip in April!

true that!!! Here in the Philippines walang fees din like HK.

We chose Scotiabank for the convenience and feedback from friends who use them-- services and availability of branches in Edmonton are apparently good. Credit wise, we prefer to build it via our relationship with HSBC but for daily banking, Scotiabank will do.

I've heard good things about RBC too. Their unsecured credit card deal sounds fair. But our financial plan does not involve that much credit card need so we ended up with Scotia who has the tie-up/ good relations with BPI back here apparently.

Thanks. Safe travels too!

 

[mjtraptor30]

Hi guys, I have a question regarding past employments.

So I have around 3 years of employment in my chosen occupation. Halos 4 kung counted yung freelance. Yung one year of work ko though, is home-based. It's still a full time employment, pero yung company kasi is in the US. Is that still counted? Also, if ever hindi ako makakuha ng letter of reference (humingi kasi ako ng COE a few weeks ago and hindi pa ako binabalikan), pwede kaya yung contract ipakita ko? We also don't have payslips pero pwede ko ipakita yung receipts ng money transfers sakin for a whole year (we used XOOM.) Pwede rin kaya yun? Thanks guys!

 

[arthurmr]

Hi guys, I have a question regarding past employments.

So I have around 3 years of employment in my chosen occupation. Halos 4 kung counted yung freelance. Yung one year of work ko though, is home-based. It's still a full time employment, pero yung company kasi is in the US. Is that still counted? Also, if ever hindi ako makakuha ng letter of reference (humingi kasi ako ng COE a few weeks ago and hindi pa ako binabalikan), pwede kaya yung contract ipakita ko? We also don't have payslips pero pwede ko ipakita yung receipts ng money transfers sakin for a whole year (we used XOOM.) Pwede rin kaya yun? Thanks guys!

Generally if you can prove the hours and employment (aside from job desc), then should be fine. Doesn't really matter where the company HQ is based. Best case yung COE and/or letter from supervisor, but I've read somewhere you can provide a combination of proof. Note the required information for the reference letter, then focus on completing that per company.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/become-candidate/eligibility/federal-skilled-workers.html

 

[arthurmr]

Just to add on the bank thing, I'd recommend going PHP to CAD directly, since you'll lose more money the more you convert. (e.g. PHP -> USD -> CAD). I actually took the time to change PHP to CAD via money changers for better rates, then just deposited them on my BPI CAD acct. If you do the math, you'd be surprised how much you'll save. Then I brought with me a bank draft from BPI which I used to open an acct with Scotiabank.

As mentioned, the BPI-Scotiabank wire transfer have variable costs depending on the amount you'll transfer, but is one of the most convenient ways. The bank draft fee is just one fixed amount, regardless of total amount. Should also be safe just like a regular check, i.e. for acct deposit only. Since I had a CAD acct, producing the CAD bank draft was straightforward. Bank forex conversion applies if you want to convert. Note that not all branches can produce a CAD bank draft.

After depositing it in Scotiabank here in Canada, clearing took around a week. I was also offered a normal credit card (not secured type) when I opened my account, something inline with their newcomers program. The debit card (aka ATM) was issued immediately, the credit card arrived after around 2 weeks.

As mentioned above, research on the area you're going to. While most major cities have the major banks, the rest do not. Most major banks have some newcomer program, so no need to be limited to Scotiabank.

Some pointers in the banking here, it's significantly different from PH
- You will normally open 2 accounts: savings and cheque
- Savings acct = money you'll rarely use, earns interest. Depending on the bank, drawing money from this acct will normally cost a fee. This is something like a Time Deposit in PH
- Cheque acct = general purpose, like PH savings acct but typically does NOT earn interest. Depending on the bank, drawing money from this may or may not cost some fee
- Debit Card = PH's ATM card. Each time you purchase something, default is usually cheque acct but sometimes you have the option to choose so have to be mindful about that

 

[Miles79]

What is certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory in skilled trade? Where can I get this certificate as I'm outside of Canada? Is this the same with ECA?