- Jan 21, 2012
- 24
- Category........
- Visa Office......
- Ottawa
- NOC Code......
- 2172
- Job Offer........
- Pre-Assessed..
- App. Filed.......
- 26-03-2013
- AOR Received.
- 14-05-2013
- IELTS Request
- sent with app
- Med's Request
- 10-12-2013
- Med's Done....
- 17-12-2013
- Interview........
- waived
- Passport Req..
- 02-01-2014
- VISA ISSUED...
- 13-01-2014
- LANDED..........
- 19-01-2014
Hi everyone!
I've been in this forum for a while now, and I love to help other members of the forum.
However, I have noticed that there are some really simple and general questions being asked that are answered somewhere in the forum.
I have gathered a list of top frequently asked questions that I have seen, and I just want to help people who have general questions or information for new members. The purpose of the forum is to get opinion and information from other members about a certain issue or a complicated case.
Hope these FAQ's help many. If there are other people who want to add, please feel free to post!
1. Am I eligible to apply for Permanent Residence (PR) under Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?
You need to meet these requirements to apply under the Canadian Experience Class. You must:
a) plan to live outside the province of Quebec (Quebec manages its own immigration program);
b) have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) skilled work experience (NOC Skill Type 0, A, or B) in Canada in the three years before you apply (this means at least 30 hours per week - overtime will not be counted towards full-time),
c) have gained your experience in Canada with the proper authorization (most likely under Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) and must not be work experience you may have acquired as part of your academic program, such as an internship or a co-op placement, that does not qualify under the CEC. Part-time work you may have performed during your studies does not qualify either);
d) meet the required language levels needed for your job for each language ability (speaking, reading, writing, and listening).
Sources: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/apply-who.asp
Sources: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/cec.asp
2. What is my NOC code?
NOC stands for National Occupation Clarification. To qualify for CEC your work experience should fall under Category 0 (Managerial type), Type A (Professional), or Type B (Technical jobs and skilled trades).
To search for your corresponding NOC code, look at http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/OccupationIndex.aspx.
If you are conflicted about your NOC code, ask in the forum or you can contact noc-cnp @ workingincanada.gc.ca
3. Is my language requirement enough to apply?
If you gained your skilled work experience in Canada in a NOC 0 or A job, you must meet the minimum level of CLB 7 in either English or French for all four language abilities.
If you gained your skilled work experience in Canada in a NOC B job, you must meet the minimum level of CLB 5 in either English or French for all four language abilities.
To find your language level, refer to the charts in this site: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/language-testing.asp
Sources: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/language.asp
Sources: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/language-testing.asp
4. What documents do I need to apply?
You basically need:
-Document Checklist [IMM 5610] (PDF, 212 KB) January 2013
-Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] (PDF, 536 KB) April 2013
-Additional Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008DEP] (PDF, 472 KB) July 2011 (if applicable)
-Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669] (PDF, 170 KB) December 2012
-Schedule 8: Economic Classes – Canadian Experience Class [IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 8] (PDF, 961 KB) January 2013
-Additional Family Information [IMM 5406] (PDF, 134 KB) April 2008 (if applicable)
-Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409) April 2009 (if applicable)
-Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada (IMM 5604) July 2008 (if applicable)
-Supplementary Information – Your Travels (IMM 5562) May 2004
-Fee Payment Form – Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 5620) March 2013
-Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 55 KB) April 2013
- Travel documents and passports
- Proof of language prificiency
- Letter from employer of work experience
- Identity documents
- Children information (if applicable)
- Police certificates (recommended, but not necessary at time of application - they may ask you in a later date)
- 6 photos
- Fee Payment
Complete and detailed information about documents needed can be found at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5610E.pdf
There's a great thread about applying for PR sucessfully: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t146694.0.html
5. Are all forms necessary?
Please read information above and read the checklist. Most documents are required, but other documents like Police certificates, Notice of Assessment (NOA) are not necessary at the time of application. It is recommended that you submit all non-required documents at once to avoid delays.
6. How long does it take to get PR?
All applications are different and could vary in length. Some applications may take longer or shorter than others. The current waiting time is 13 months, but this might change every quarter. To check the current processing times, click on http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm-ec.asp
7. How do I apply for a Bridging Working Permit?
For people who's work permit is expiring soon, you can apply for a Bridging Working Permit (BOWP) that will allow you to work while you wait for your PR.
To be eligible for a bridging open WP, the following parameters must be met:
-The foreign national is currently in Canada;
-They have valid status on a WP that is due to expire within 4 months (meaning your work permit will expire in less than 4 months);
-They have received a positive eligibility decision on their PR application under one of the Economic Class programs above (meaning you received AOR or your GCMS notes says you have "passed" eligibility); and
-They have made application for an open WP.
You can either apply by mail or online at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/extend-worker.asp.
There is a great forum threat about applying and receiving is successfully: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t147650.0.html
It is currently taking about a month to get it. Again, processing times may change. Check current processing times here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/temp.asp
8. What are GCMS notes for?
GCMS stands for Global Case Management. It is basically what Canadian Immigration and Citizenship department of Canada is currently using the following computer systems for processing immigration / visa applications. You can a few details about what's happening with your application.
Apply online at https://atip-aiprp.apps.gc.ca/atip/welcome.do?lang=en - scroll to the very bottom. Check that you have read the Privacy Notice and click on Continue button.
If you are physically in Canada, you can obtain them for free under the Privacy Act.
If you are overseas, someone else (a Citizen, Permanent Resident, or someone physically present in Canada) will have to obtain them for you under the Access to Information Act. This can be a relative, friend or sponsor, or a commercial service. For this there is a $5 fee (more if you use a commercial service), and you will have to provide consent.
Average time you will get your GCMS notes: 30 days
What it should look like: http://www.gcmsnotes.com/Sample_GCMS_File.pdf
Sources: http://wikimmi.com/index.php?title=Ordering_FOSS_and_CAIPS_notes
9. I have sent my application, what do I do now?
Wait. Be patient as things will come in their time.
If you sent your applications, but some documents are missing, you will get it back in about a month or so. They will send you a notice about why you got your documents back. Review it carefully, and you can reapply. I think in this timeframe, you will get your money back, as they haven't processed your application.
If your application is complete, they will send you an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). You can check your status after a couple days at https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/ECAS.jsp using your Client ID Number (can be found in your current work permit or any document issued by Immigration)
You might receive emails from Immigration Canada to submit additional documents like Police Certificates, Medicals, etc.
More information, here http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/apply-after.asp
10. How do I contact Immigration Canada?
Sydney Centralized Intake Office: CIO-Sydney-Search-Enquiry @ cic.gc.ca.
Case Processing Pilot - Ottawa: ottpilot-immigration @ cic.gc.ca
If you sent your application to a Visa office outside Canada, contact the office you sent you application to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/index.asp
For more information about CEC, read this website that has all the important information you need to know and the information is very straightforward http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/index.asp
If you still have more questions, ask in the forum.
Thank you. Hope this helps. If any of the above information is wrong, discuss below. If you feel like you want to add other FAQ's feel free to do so too.
I've been in this forum for a while now, and I love to help other members of the forum.
However, I have noticed that there are some really simple and general questions being asked that are answered somewhere in the forum.
I have gathered a list of top frequently asked questions that I have seen, and I just want to help people who have general questions or information for new members. The purpose of the forum is to get opinion and information from other members about a certain issue or a complicated case.
Hope these FAQ's help many. If there are other people who want to add, please feel free to post!
1. Am I eligible to apply for Permanent Residence (PR) under Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?
You need to meet these requirements to apply under the Canadian Experience Class. You must:
a) plan to live outside the province of Quebec (Quebec manages its own immigration program);
b) have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) skilled work experience (NOC Skill Type 0, A, or B) in Canada in the three years before you apply (this means at least 30 hours per week - overtime will not be counted towards full-time),
c) have gained your experience in Canada with the proper authorization (most likely under Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) and must not be work experience you may have acquired as part of your academic program, such as an internship or a co-op placement, that does not qualify under the CEC. Part-time work you may have performed during your studies does not qualify either);
d) meet the required language levels needed for your job for each language ability (speaking, reading, writing, and listening).
Sources: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/apply-who.asp
Sources: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/cec.asp
2. What is my NOC code?
NOC stands for National Occupation Clarification. To qualify for CEC your work experience should fall under Category 0 (Managerial type), Type A (Professional), or Type B (Technical jobs and skilled trades).
To search for your corresponding NOC code, look at http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/OccupationIndex.aspx.
If you are conflicted about your NOC code, ask in the forum or you can contact noc-cnp @ workingincanada.gc.ca
3. Is my language requirement enough to apply?
If you gained your skilled work experience in Canada in a NOC 0 or A job, you must meet the minimum level of CLB 7 in either English or French for all four language abilities.
If you gained your skilled work experience in Canada in a NOC B job, you must meet the minimum level of CLB 5 in either English or French for all four language abilities.
To find your language level, refer to the charts in this site: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/language-testing.asp
Sources: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/language.asp
Sources: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/language-testing.asp
4. What documents do I need to apply?
You basically need:
-Document Checklist [IMM 5610] (PDF, 212 KB) January 2013
-Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] (PDF, 536 KB) April 2013
-Additional Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008DEP] (PDF, 472 KB) July 2011 (if applicable)
-Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669] (PDF, 170 KB) December 2012
-Schedule 8: Economic Classes – Canadian Experience Class [IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 8] (PDF, 961 KB) January 2013
-Additional Family Information [IMM 5406] (PDF, 134 KB) April 2008 (if applicable)
-Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409) April 2009 (if applicable)
-Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada (IMM 5604) July 2008 (if applicable)
-Supplementary Information – Your Travels (IMM 5562) May 2004
-Fee Payment Form – Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 5620) March 2013
-Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 55 KB) April 2013
- Travel documents and passports
- Proof of language prificiency
- Letter from employer of work experience
- Identity documents
- Children information (if applicable)
- Police certificates (recommended, but not necessary at time of application - they may ask you in a later date)
- 6 photos
- Fee Payment
Complete and detailed information about documents needed can be found at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5610E.pdf
There's a great thread about applying for PR sucessfully: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t146694.0.html
5. Are all forms necessary?
Please read information above and read the checklist. Most documents are required, but other documents like Police certificates, Notice of Assessment (NOA) are not necessary at the time of application. It is recommended that you submit all non-required documents at once to avoid delays.
6. How long does it take to get PR?
All applications are different and could vary in length. Some applications may take longer or shorter than others. The current waiting time is 13 months, but this might change every quarter. To check the current processing times, click on http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm-ec.asp
7. How do I apply for a Bridging Working Permit?
For people who's work permit is expiring soon, you can apply for a Bridging Working Permit (BOWP) that will allow you to work while you wait for your PR.
To be eligible for a bridging open WP, the following parameters must be met:
-The foreign national is currently in Canada;
-They have valid status on a WP that is due to expire within 4 months (meaning your work permit will expire in less than 4 months);
-They have received a positive eligibility decision on their PR application under one of the Economic Class programs above (meaning you received AOR or your GCMS notes says you have "passed" eligibility); and
-They have made application for an open WP.
You can either apply by mail or online at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/extend-worker.asp.
There is a great forum threat about applying and receiving is successfully: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t147650.0.html
It is currently taking about a month to get it. Again, processing times may change. Check current processing times here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/temp.asp
8. What are GCMS notes for?
GCMS stands for Global Case Management. It is basically what Canadian Immigration and Citizenship department of Canada is currently using the following computer systems for processing immigration / visa applications. You can a few details about what's happening with your application.
Apply online at https://atip-aiprp.apps.gc.ca/atip/welcome.do?lang=en - scroll to the very bottom. Check that you have read the Privacy Notice and click on Continue button.
If you are physically in Canada, you can obtain them for free under the Privacy Act.
If you are overseas, someone else (a Citizen, Permanent Resident, or someone physically present in Canada) will have to obtain them for you under the Access to Information Act. This can be a relative, friend or sponsor, or a commercial service. For this there is a $5 fee (more if you use a commercial service), and you will have to provide consent.
Average time you will get your GCMS notes: 30 days
What it should look like: http://www.gcmsnotes.com/Sample_GCMS_File.pdf
Sources: http://wikimmi.com/index.php?title=Ordering_FOSS_and_CAIPS_notes
9. I have sent my application, what do I do now?
Wait. Be patient as things will come in their time.
If you sent your applications, but some documents are missing, you will get it back in about a month or so. They will send you a notice about why you got your documents back. Review it carefully, and you can reapply. I think in this timeframe, you will get your money back, as they haven't processed your application.
If your application is complete, they will send you an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). You can check your status after a couple days at https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/ECAS.jsp using your Client ID Number (can be found in your current work permit or any document issued by Immigration)
You might receive emails from Immigration Canada to submit additional documents like Police Certificates, Medicals, etc.
More information, here http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/apply-after.asp
10. How do I contact Immigration Canada?
Sydney Centralized Intake Office: CIO-Sydney-Search-Enquiry @ cic.gc.ca.
Case Processing Pilot - Ottawa: ottpilot-immigration @ cic.gc.ca
If you sent your application to a Visa office outside Canada, contact the office you sent you application to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/index.asp
For more information about CEC, read this website that has all the important information you need to know and the information is very straightforward http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/index.asp
If you still have more questions, ask in the forum.
Thank you. Hope this helps. If any of the above information is wrong, discuss below. If you feel like you want to add other FAQ's feel free to do so too.
