Manila Tread for English Speakers - join here!

[truesmile]

I understand.... But why would we need to go there un announced anyway? I mean, I'd rather them working on applications than answering questions, and we know the same questions come on this forum time and time again... And lots of them are clearly explained in the guide or instructions.

I agree 100%. This forum member has had a particularly rough ride to date. AnaMarie, that's GREAT! We have similar to identical timeline as you . . . can't wait. I almost thought that was PPR for you the way paragraph 3 starts "Once you have complied with this request . . . " . Oh well.

 

[Steph C]

I agree 100%. This forum member has had a particularly rough ride to date. AnaMarie, that's GREAT! We have similar to identical timeline as you . . . can't wait. I almost thought that was PPR for you the way paragraph 3 starts "Once you have complied with this request . . . " . Oh well.

My idea behind going to the Embassy was not to get answers.. I know they can't give those out.. but to make my presence known, and let it be known that I am in the Philippines with my partner and the relationship is still continuing and we were at the Embassy as a couple. I just thought it might be recorded down somewhere in our file for the deciding visa officer to see.

It's awesome to see some movement here! The 'day of the dead' holiday weekend is over, and they should be getting back to work for a while at least before Christmas.

 

[Luckyman]

That's a great idea StephC....but unfortunately there is no way the VO will become aware of your presence. Rest assured that, if they want or need more documents, they'll ask, and your plane tickets will act as the same thing.

Now here is a suggestion to all....Stay away from embassy....in fact stay away from all correspondence unless required to because of a change in circumstance and/or unless contacted by them first....(eg. Interview request). Further to that suggestion, lets say they do send principal applicant interview request.......now here is your chance.

My plan is, if they do ask my wife for anything we send them promptly, and that's it....BUT, if they ask for interview, then I'll send email to embassy contact email as provided by my sponsorship approval, stating that I'll be visiting my wife at that time and would love to attend the interview with her if possible......as an example, I believe this is the best type of correspondence method

Cheers!

 

[AnaMaria]

Thanks, Nash, Steph, Truesmile!

I was also thinking it might be a PPR but it did not mention passport anywhere and I'm from visa exempt country although it can be requested. I will try to relax for now

 

[the_14th]

Hi everyone!

This is thread is such a great idea! I'm a Canadian citizen but fluent in both English and Tagalog (partial French). If you need anything translated from the other threads you check from time to time - let me know, I'd be more than glad to assist.

As for visiting the Manila embassy, somebody from another thread posted that her husband (a Canadian) inquired in person and just got an answer that they are currently working on high volume of applications especially with CIC-M processing applications quicker now. But they'll be sending a lot of PPRs and visas soon, hopefully before the year ends. I have visited the embassy before but for a different reason and with that I've learned that they close after 1 PM for processing of such applications due to high volume.

Bottom line, let's just be extra patient. We'll have updates soon.

 

[Luckyman]

Thanks for the offer!

And as far as your "intel" (haha) that's great news!

Cheers!

On another note, has anyone had experience with the required seminar for all sponsored immigrants from the Philippines?
There is one seminar for applicants with PR sponsors, which needs Visa first, and the other seminar for applicants with Canadian Citizen sponsors, of which, I believe, they can take at any time?

Can anyone confirm this?
Thanks!

 

[Dan_from_Surrey]

Howdy,

My wife had to do some sort of seminar, I will ask her what that was all about and post back as soon as I can get some info from her.

Dan

 

[Luckyman]

Question.....your September group....when you say "had to" do you mean she might have just been proactive and did the seminar early?

 

[AnaMaria]

I sent additional documents to Manila as registered mail. It says delivery time between 3 and 7 business days. It arrived in the Philippines on October 22 but since then there is no actions according to Canada Post tracking. I went to PhilPost and tried to see if I can track the mail in there. The tracking site is not working (no server found). I wonder if anyone knows where to find information once arrived in the Philippines?

 

[mv709d]

Ok so here's my first question! Has anybody ever gone to the CDN Embassy in Manila to inquire about their application? I heard they will take inquiries from Canadians and I was wondering if it would help at all if I went there to inquire since I am in the Phils at the moment.

If you wanna go directly to the Embassy and inquire about your application, they won't let you go upstairs, they will suggest for you to fill out some sort of a form or suggest to email them, only person who is allowed to go upstairs are those with appointments like interviews, Canadian Citizens renewing their passports or authenticating some documents, up there the security is crazy strict, and there's a writing up there both in english and french if I understood it correctly something like not allowed to ask about your visa application or even if you ask you won't get any answer because of course you're talking to maybe a regular employee only or clerk and not the real visa officer.

 

[Steph C]

Actually, we had no problem getting upstairs before, to apply for the Legal Capacity for Marriage certificate. Both me and my partner were allowed upstairs. I'm obviously not Filipina.. flashed my passport, after signing a little something they showed us to the elevator. No problem. Then Starbucks after

 

[Steph C]

er note, has anyone had experience with the required seminar for all sponsored immigrants from the Philippines?
There is one seminar for applicants with PR sponsors, which needs Visa first, and the other seminar for applicants with Canadian Citizen sponsors, of which, I believe, they can take at any time?

Can anyone confirm this?
Thanks!

The CFO Stickers. I have been collecting information on them because it's a little vague. Here's a website I found
http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1348:fiancee-spouses-and-other-partners-of-foreign-nationals&catid=140
Without re-reading it, this is what I have been assuming:
There's 2 stickers needed. Seminars must be attended to obtain stickers. Seminars are in Manila or Cebu, with set times and days of the week. Some say you need a visa stamp to get the sticker. However, some Americans have said that you can take the course at any time, they just won't issue the sticker until you show them your visa stamp.

 

[WoodyKatie]

Hi! Im confused... regarding the CFO, do "Canadian citizen" refers to canadian citizen by BIRTH?

 

[tuyen]

Hi! Im confused... regarding the CFO, do "Canadian citizen" refers to canadian citizen by BIRTH?

In general, when you see the term "Canadian citizen", it can be either of two cases:
1) citizen by birth
2) citizen by naturalization

Both are treated exactly the same under Canadian law. Both have the same rights/privileges/responsibilities.

The only time I could think of where it would be necessary to ever distinguish between the two groups is for purposes of filling out paperwork/forms. For example, on a passport application it will ask you if you're a citizen by birth or by naturalization.

 

[WoodyKatie]

I am the principal applicant and my spouse is a naturalized canadian citizen, do i need to have the seminar for CFO? sorrry, what is "CFO"? tnx a lot! ???