Manila Tread for English Speakers - join here!

[Merlyns_Tim]

Congrats Merlyns. It must be a real relief to finally be able to plan things for your future. I wish you both the best in your lives together.

.....and yes I think your wife will laugh at our traffic here compared to what she is used to in Manila and Antipolo....lol.

Thanks very much CanadianJeepGuy. It was a long and frustrating wait but we know the visa will be there sometime in the next short while and we will be able to finally start a real family life at last.

 

[Merlyns_Tim]

VISA RECEIVED. The waiting is over! Now just to arrive and "land" in Canada. Total time logged in on this forum: 3 days 1 hour and 24 minutes . . .

Congratulations Truesmile!!! Hope you make it to Canada soon, .. and also hope you really like it here.

 

[Merlyns_Tim]

When I got home from work last night I was greeted with great news from Merlyn. Her package had arrived and there she sat showing me the visa, and all smiles.
We saw the home address on the CAS change to Canada on the 5th though it must have been posted sometime during office hours on the 4th, and on Monday the 7th we saw the CAS also change to "Decision Made". About 11:00 AM Manila time on the 9th the courier was at her door already, so things can move fast once the Decision is made.

Merlyn asked me to post on behalf of her and myself our gratitude to all those who helped out when we had questions, as well as those who encouraged us. We both wish you all happy and speedy results.

 

[Dan_from_Surrey]

Thanks very much CanadianJeepGuy. It was a long and frustrating wait but we know the visa will be there sometime in the next short while and we will be able to finally start a real family life at last.

Can't wait for that day for my wife and myself as well! Congrats again MT!!

 

[Merlyns_Tim]

Can't wait for that day for my wife and myself as well! Congrats again MT!!

Thanks Dan.
The wait really sucks but on the day you find out everything's good, and your wife's coming over, ... what a great feeling. I wish you and her the best. Hope it happens for you quickly.

 

[Sweden]

When I got home from work last night I was greeted with great news from Merlyn. Her package had arrived and there she sat showing me the visa, and all smiles.
We saw the home address on the CAS change to Canada on the 5th though it must have been posted sometime during office hours on the 4th, and on Monday the 7th we saw the CAS also change to "Decision Made". About 11:00 AM Manila time on the 9th the courier was at her door already, so things can move fast once the Decision is made.

Merlyn asked me to post on behalf of her and myself our gratitude to all those who helped out when we had questions, as well as those who encouraged us. We both wish you all happy and speedy results.

that's great to hear, very glad for you it went fast and the package arrived already ! wish her safe travel to Canada!
Sweden

 

[AnaMaria]

Congrats to Tim and Truesmile!

As to international driver's license, it is valid for 1 year but you/your spouse will be required to get the Canadian license within 3 months. Some countries have agreements with Canada and the driver's license from those countries can be "traded in" (sorry for luck of a better word) with Canadian license without any tests (both written and driving). If you have a proof that you/your spouse have been licensed for 3 years, you can get full license. I went to renew my license with with my valid Canadian license and landed CoPR and I was only given the initial paper license . Until my PR card arrives and I show it to ICBC, they will not send me the real driver's license, meaning, the only photo ID I currently have available is my passport.

 

[truesmile]

Congrats. Where are you going to reside?

Suburb of Toronto. Thanks MT, landing on Feb 2nd. Tried to change the ticket (bought with the impression it was 'changable'), but the airline was a NO-CAN-DO on that one . . .

 

[CanadianJeepGuy]

Suburb of Toronto. Thanks MT, landing on Feb 2nd. Tried to change the ticket (bought with the impression it was 'changable'), but the airline was a NO-CAN-DO on that one . . .

I lived in Toronto for 25 years. You'll love the traffic. LOL. Lots to do though and the winters are better than Winnipeg's.

 

[melouttamegacity]

LOL! Just found this thread. Hilarious!!! Where were you guys when I first joined???

So I've been waiting 14.5 LOOOONG months, and my husband finally got his visa!!! Woohoo!
Only thing is... on the letter it said, "Before leaving for Canada, further instructions will be given." It didn't elaborate on it at all. Did not say HOW instructions will be given, and WHEN.

After such a long wait, I'm ready to book his ticket this second... but I think I have to wait for "the instructions". Does anyone know what the process is from the Manila Visa Office once you receive your visa?

 

[melouttamegacity]

Never mind, folks. Got my answer!

Apparently they "require" you to complete a one-day seminar on "Guidance and Counselling". I think they're either held in Manila or Cebu. Another money-making scheme. Grrr.

 

[CanadianJeepGuy]

Never mind, folks. Got my answer!

Apparently they "require" you to complete a one-day seminar on "Guidance and Counselling". I think they're either held in Manila or Cebu. Another money-making scheme. Grrr.

I think there is an age cut off for that seminar. My wife inquired back when we were first getting married. Or maybe that was a seminar on marrying foreigners....anyway if you are over the age of 30 I think you can waive the seminar.

 

[truesmile]

That's not the same as PDOS is it? (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar) We seem NOT to have been waived, even with stated age criteria.

 

[Steph C]

Never mind, folks. Got my answer!

Apparently they "require" you to complete a one-day seminar on "Guidance and Counselling". I think they're either held in Manila or Cebu. Another money-making scheme. Grrr.

Congrats on finally getting your visa! I wish the CFO thing was more clear, I have heard many different versions of what you do or don't need. Whatever the rules are, I bet they will be looking for that sticker in the airport before departure.

 

[Luckyman]

Note that the CFO seminar is only half day and scheduled on different day for spouses of Canadian citizens. So to avoid delays make sure you check for the right one.