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SDS APPLICANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Johnesgue

Full Member
Sep 27, 2020
24
2
1/4

Hello. Recently my visa was rejected and I will re-apply in few days
Could you please review my SOP. I want to make it right this time.

Reason for rejection: (1) Purpose of Visit (216-1)
(2) Proposed of Studies not reasonable

Old Proposed Study:
Business Administration
Bow Valley College, Calgary Alberta
1 Year

New Propose Study:
Strategic Management - Accounting Specialization (Graduate Certificate)
Centennial College, Toronto, Ontario
1 Year


Study Plan – Statement of Purpose

To:
The Visa Officer
High Commission Canada
Subject: Application for Student Visa Permit


Respected Sir/Madam,

My name is John Mark Esguerra from Philippines. I have been accepted by Centennial College for the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management – Accounting Specialization, a 2-semester program starting on September 2021 intake.

Background

My recent Manager once told me that to be a successful Accountant, I must have a skillset that extends beyond typical accounting competencies. Being stuck in the same accounting position for eight years and having witnessed the evolving demand for knowledge and skills beyond numbers, I have realized that continuous professional development is essential to maintain the required level of competence.

I have completed a four-year degree in Bachelor of Science in Accountancy in Adamson University in Manila, Philippines, and graduated in March 2012 with Academic Merit Award.

For three (3) years, I worked in two (2) local Companies in the Philippines, one as an Internal Auditor and the other as a General Accountant. Afterwards, I have been given an opportunity to work in Saudi Arabia as General Accountant for two consecutive contracts which are equivalent to total of four (4) years and seven (7) months. First was in Khafif Trading Company for the contract period from March 2016 to March 2018, and another one in Couach Saudi Arabia Services Company (under Saudi Manpower Solutions) for the contract period from May 2018 to January 2021.

For eight (8) years of work experience, I have gained vast amount of knowledge in technical accounting such as General Accounting, Audit and Taxation. Unfortunately, my professional designation has been stuck to General Accountant Position which made me realized that, considering my qualifications, years of experience, and solid work background, it is about time to seat at the leadership table.

To support my aspiration for Managerial role, I have decided to get back into study after long period. In fact, I started returning back to study on April 2020 while I was working in Saudi Arabia. I have taken a Certificate Program for Certified Management Accountant (CMA), an international certification highly recognized in the Philippines. Fortunately, after nine months of studying, I have successfully completed and passed the certification on December 16,2020. To further boost my career, I have decided to pursue a program specialized in Strategic Management Accounting from which I can develop skills in making strategic decision which is the most sought-after professional competency in a managerial position.

Related Attachment as follows: Appendix A (CMA Transcript and Certificate)
 

Johnesgue

Full Member
Sep 27, 2020
24
2
2/4

My choice of studying in Canada

After gathering information on top universities in the Philippines such as University of the Philippines Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas, I came to a good understanding that the same program is not offered from any of them. Most of the Universities are offering a master’s degree in Business Administration which usually takes not less than two years to complete.

My goal is to study a specialized program that is directly value-added to my professional competency, consistent with my completed degree and would fill the lacking skills on leadership through case studies and simulations. A program that will develop my leadership competencies in the short span of time and would permit me to immediately seek an employment on Managerial position in the Philippines after completion.

I have submitted multiple job applications in the Philippine’s Job portal “Jobstreet.com.ph” for Accounting Manager position, and I have always been invited for interview but never been short-listed. Although my profile shows qualified experience on technical accounting but does not demonstrate strong background on Management and leadership skills. The Education in Canada, knowing its quality, updated curriculum, and exposure to innovative learning opportunities, is well recognized in the Philippines, and will increase my chance of getting a Management role. Further, the institutions in Canada provide courses that are designed as per the requirements of industry and the business world. Canada, comparing to other western countries, offers safe and friendly atmosphere. Furthermore, the country’s population size is smaller and tuition fees are cheaper in comparison to US, UK, and Australia.

The reason for choosing Strategic Management – Accounting Specialization in Centennial College.


Strategic Management – Accounting Specialization program will allow me to gain a perspective on the organizational techniques required for effectively executing strategic decisions and the critical role that managerial leadership plays in the viability and growth of a business. Through the two semesters of the program, I will also deepen my understanding in the areas of financial accounting, management accounting, taxation and auditing, which are in line with my work experience.

The program has curriculum that includes comprehensive coverage of all the key areas of management and focuses on cutting-edge managerial and leadership best-practices.

Centennial College offers high-quality education and price-competitive programs compared to other colleges in Ontario. It is also one of the sought-after business colleges among international students.
 

Johnesgue

Full Member
Sep 27, 2020
24
2
3/4
Financial Plan

I have worked in Saudi Arabia for almost five years from March 2016 to January 2021. Throughout those years, I was able to earn money to finance my education in Canada. In preparation for my journey as international student, I have obtained a GIC Program from CIBC equivalent to 10,000 CAD and paid 1 year tuition fees equivalent to 16,062 CAD to Centennial College. After placement of GIC but before the payment of 1 year tuition fees, the remaining balance in my bank account as of March 25,2021 is Php678,359.67 which is approximately equivalent to 17,605 CAD.

Related Attachments are as follows: Employment Certificates with Compensation (Appendix A), Last four months remittances (Appendix B), Last six months Bank Statement with Bank Certificate (Appendix C)

Travel History


For the last 6 years, I have been in three (3) foreign countries such as Hongkong, Macau and Saudi Arabia.

I went to Hongkong and Macau for vacation on September 2015 and June 2019. On the other hand, I worked in Saudi Arabia for the first time in March 2016 and exited in March 2018 after completion of a two-year contract. For the second time, I went back to Saudi Arabia in May 2018 under new employer and returned back home in November 2020 for a supposedly two months’ vacation under exit/re-entry visa, which subsequently turned to official resignation on January 10,2021.

I never over-stayed in any of those countries, neither have I been penalized for violating any rules and regulations of those countries.

Plan after study

After completing the program, I can reliably demonstrate the ability of critical thinking and analysis of the full range of business transactions, and generate appropriate management information that are useful for the formulation of the firms emergent business strategies by combining financial and management accounting, auditing, and tax skills with updated software platforms.

Acquiring the management and leadership competence, it would be easier for me to apply for variety of Managerial position such as Accounting Supervisor, Finance/Accounting Manager, Controller, and Financial Analyst in some of the most prominent multinational companies in the Philippines such as: (1) San Miguel Corporation (2) Nestle’ Philippines (3) Petron Corporation.
 

Johnesgue

Full Member
Sep 27, 2020
24
2
4/4

Home Ties

I got married last June 2019, and currently my wife is carrying our first child for 12 weeks as of the date of this letter. Leaving them at this time is not an easy decision, but I believe that investment in education for a better career is the smartest way to prepare for their brighter future. As a first-time father, I am extremely excited to get back home and personally hold my child in my arms. Moreover, I am a family-oriented person, being the youngest among eight siblings, and all of them, including my parents are living in the Philippines.

On February 2016, I invested on House and Lot in the Philippines through financing for which I completed the payment for equity making me eligible for turn-over. Additionally, I have entered to contract-to-sell with the Local Homeowners Association in Metro Manila who gives me a right to buy parcel of land after five years of completing the payment. Being said that, Philippines is my home, and I will always choose to go back home.

Related attachments are as follows: Spouse Medical Certificate (Appendix D), Marriage Contract (Appendix E), Proof of Purchased Property under financing (Appendix F), and Contract to Sell (Appendix G)

Conclusion

I am a fan of education and it has always been opening door of surprising opportunities to me. I strongly believe that the purpose of my visit to Canada is genuine, and I understand the various rules and regulations that I must abide during my stay as an International Student. I would be grateful if I am accorded with an opportunity to pursue a higher education at Centennial College for a Graduate Certificate Program.
 

mikrokosmos

Star Member
May 1, 2021
60
5
3/4
Financial Plan

I have worked in Saudi Arabia for almost five years from March 2016 to January 2021. Throughout those years, I was able to earn money to finance my education in Canada. In preparation for my journey as international student, I have obtained a GIC Program from CIBC equivalent to 10,000 CAD and paid 1 year tuition fees equivalent to 16,062 CAD to Centennial College. After placement of GIC but before the payment of 1 year tuition fees, the remaining balance in my bank account as of March 25,2021 is Php678,359.67 which is approximately equivalent to 17,605 CAD.

Related Attachments are as follows: Employment Certificates with Compensation (Appendix A), Last four months remittances (Appendix B), Last six months Bank Statement with Bank Certificate (Appendix C)

Travel History


For the last 6 years, I have been in three (3) foreign countries such as Hongkong, Macau and Saudi Arabia.

I went to Hongkong and Macau for vacation on September 2015 and June 2019. On the other hand, I worked in Saudi Arabia for the first time in March 2016 and exited in March 2018 after completion of a two-year contract. For the second time, I went back to Saudi Arabia in May 2018 under new employer and returned back home in November 2020 for a supposedly two months’ vacation under exit/re-entry visa, which subsequently turned to official resignation on January 10,2021.

I never over-stayed in any of those countries, neither have I been penalized for violating any rules and regulations of those countries.

Plan after study

After completing the program, I can reliably demonstrate the ability of critical thinking and analysis of the full range of business transactions, and generate appropriate management information that are useful for the formulation of the firms emergent business strategies by combining financial and management accounting, auditing, and tax skills with updated software platforms.

Acquiring the management and leadership competence, it would be easier for me to apply for variety of Managerial position such as Accounting Supervisor, Finance/Accounting Manager, Controller, and Financial Analyst in some of the most prominent multinational companies in the Philippines such as: (1) San Miguel Corporation (2) Nestle’ Philippines (3) Petron Corporation.
Hi po. i think ok na po SOP niyo. everything were well explained. I'm just concern on the part sa plan after study. For me lang naman po, yes, andaming job prospects pero mas okay po if may main position na talagang ipupursue niyo and dun niyo maiaapply yung studies po. Para makita ni VO na may goal po talaga kayo why you study. But, everything else is goods na po. God bless po sa reapp!
 

rogelcorral

Champion Member
Jun 15, 2018
1,491
464
4/4

Home Ties

I got married last June 2019, and currently my wife is carrying our first child for 12 weeks as of the date of this letter. Leaving them at this time is not an easy decision, but I believe that investment in education for a better career is the smartest way to prepare for their brighter future. As a first-time father, I am extremely excited to get back home and personally hold my child in my arms. Moreover, I am a family-oriented person, being the youngest among eight siblings, and all of them, including my parents are living in the Philippines.

On February 2016, I invested on House and Lot in the Philippines through financing for which I completed the payment for equity making me eligible for turn-over. Additionally, I have entered to contract-to-sell with the Local Homeowners Association in Metro Manila who gives me a right to buy parcel of land after five years of completing the payment. Being said that, Philippines is my home, and I will always choose to go back home.

Related attachments are as follows: Spouse Medical Certificate (Appendix D), Marriage Contract (Appendix E), Proof of Purchased Property under financing (Appendix F), and Contract to Sell (Appendix G)

Conclusion

I am a fan of education and it has always been opening door of surprising opportunities to me. I strongly believe that the purpose of my visit to Canada is genuine, and I understand the various rules and regulations that I must abide during my stay as an International Student. I would be grateful if I am accorded with an opportunity to pursue a higher education at Centennial College for a Graduate Certificate Program.
OK naman SOP mo kabayan. Don’t forget to attach copy of property docs kahit under mortgage pa. Please take note, 1 yr PGWP may not be enough to get the 1yr CEC requirements unless you get a job while on implied status after applying forPGWP. That is if you are planning on staying after your program.

Best wishes to your application!
 

Johnesgue

Full Member
Sep 27, 2020
24
2
OK naman SOP mo kabayan. Don’t forget to attach copy of property docs kahit under mortgage pa. Please take note, 1 yr PGWP may not be enough to get the 1yr CEC requirements unless you get a job while on implied status after applying forPGWP. That is if you are planning on staying after your program.

Best wishes to your application!
thank you po
 

Johnesgue

Full Member
Sep 27, 2020
24
2
Hi po. i think ok na po SOP niyo. everything were well explained. I'm just concern on the part sa plan after study. For me lang naman po, yes, andaming job prospects pero mas okay po if may main position na talagang ipupursue niyo and dun niyo maiaapply yung studies po. Para makita ni VO na may goal po talaga kayo why you study. But, everything else is goods na po. God bless po sa reapp!
thank you po
 

Johnesgue

Full Member
Sep 27, 2020
24
2
Hi po. i think ok na po SOP niyo. everything were well explained. I'm just concern on the part sa plan after study. For me lang naman po, yes, andaming job prospects pero mas okay po if may main position na talagang ipupursue niyo and dun niyo maiaapply yung studies po. Para makita ni VO na may goal po talaga kayo why you study. But, everything else is goods na po. God bless po sa reapp!
@mikrokosmos , considering your comments, I revised the "Plan After Study" Section. Do you think this will be enough? Thank you for responding.


Plan after study

After completing the program, I can reliably perform the following outcomes:
  • the ability of critical thinking and analysis of the full range of business transactions
  • contribute to the formulation of business strategies by combining financial and management accounting, auditing, and tax skills with updated software platforms.
  • perform a Managerial Position where the acquired leadership competence will be effectively utilized.
I intend to return back to the Philippines and seek an employment from Top Companies there as Accounting Manager, Controller or Financial Analyst. After walking through the Jobstreet.com.ph (Philippine Job Portal), I have found out that:
  • there are numerous employment opportunities for above-mentioned positions of any industry with salary offer as low as 2,500 CAD which is three times higher than the average salary of a General Accountant, my current professional designation.
  • Every week, there are average of 45 job vacancies to choose from wide range of Accounting and Finance Managerial positions.
  • In ten years from now, combining the high level of expertise, experience and long-standing record of leadership and result, I could elevate from career from Accounting/Finance Manager to Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
View sample job vacancies here:
 

mikrokosmos

Star Member
May 1, 2021
60
5
@mikrokosmos , considering your comments, I revised the "Plan After Study" Section. Do you think this will be enough? Thank you for responding.


Plan after study

After completing the program, I can reliably perform the following outcomes:
  • the ability of critical thinking and analysis of the full range of business transactions
  • contribute to the formulation of business strategies by combining financial and management accounting, auditing, and tax skills with updated software platforms.
  • perform a Managerial Position where the acquired leadership competence will be effectively utilized.
I intend to return back to the Philippines and seek an employment from Top Companies there as Accounting Manager, Controller or Financial Analyst. After walking through the Jobstreet.com.ph (Philippine Job Portal), I have found out that:
  • there are numerous employment opportunities for above-mentioned positions of any industry with salary offer as low as 2,500 CAD which is three times higher than the average salary of a General Accountant, my current professional designation.
  • Every week, there are average of 45 job vacancies to choose from wide range of Accounting and Finance Managerial positions.
  • In ten years from now, combining the high level of expertise, experience and long-standing record of leadership and result, I could elevate from career from Accounting/Finance Manager to Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
View sample job vacancies here:
very well explained po. God bless po sa reapp!