REPOST:
Please check frequently asked questions, notes and abbreviations below. For any corrections, feel free
to message. Thanks to the courtesy of forumers for sharing their experiences and inputs.
ABBREVIATIONS:
CPC-M >> Case Processing Center in Mississauga, Canada
CEM >> Canadian Embassy Manila
RPRF >> Right of Permanent Residence Fee
PPR >> Passport Request
AOR >> Acknowledgement Official Receipt
DM >> Decision Made
MP >> Member of Parliament
VO >> Visa Officer
eCAS >> Electronic Client Application Status
AOM >> Advisory on Marriage
COPR >> Confirmation of Permanent Residence
DMP >> Designated Medical Practitioner
APPLICATION PROCESS/SUMMARY:
Stage 0: Completion and Submission of Application Package Kit
(1) Complete the Visa Application Package Kit (Sponsorship Application and Application for Permanent
Residence) >> (link for forms and guide-- http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/fc.asp)
a. It is advised to pay the processing fees and RPRF at the same time. For late payment of RPRF,
additional 2-month delay in the finalization of the PR application.
b. Fees: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/3900E8.asp
c. For late payment of RPRF: Basically CEM will inform CPC-M that you have not paid the RPRF. Then
CPC-M will send you a notification mail (via postal) requesting you to pay the RPRF. Included in the
notification is the instructions how to pay the fees, either via Internet or Financial Institution. Also
included in the mail is the form IMM5401 receipt if you choose to pay via financial institution. Then,
send to CPC-M the stamped receipt form together with the notification letter.
d. Passport that has maiden name on it can still be used as long as its not soon to expire and make sure
it matches the information on your application.
e. The DMP will give you (original) copy 2 of the medical report that you need to include with your
application. copy 1 will be sent by the DMP to the appropriate medical office for processing.
(2) Submit to CPC-M the Visa Application Package Kit >> send thru Canada Post or any courier with tracking
services
a. Mailing Address:Case Processing Centre - Mississauga
P.O. Box 3000, Station A
Mississauga ON L5A 4N6
b. To avoid delay of visa processing, make sure all fees were paid, and all documents were submitted.
Stage 1: Assessment of Sponsor
(3) CPC-M process the Sponsorship Application >> CPC-M will send a letter/email address to the sponsor
spouse once decision made in the sponsorship application (we call it “Sponsor – DM”); normal processing
time is 30-45 days (usually within 42days based on previous applicant timeline)
a. Family Class Processing Time: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm-fc.asp
b. eCAS: https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/?app=ecas&lang=en (use all information of the sponsor
spouse – client ID, receipt no., PR card no., and personal information )
(4) CPC-M transfer the Application for Permanent Residence (with supporting documents) to CEM >>
normal timeline is at least 2 weeks after sponsor-DM
Stage 2: Assessment of Person Being Sponsored (applicant)
(5) CEM process the Application for Permanent Residence >> CEM will send an AOR/PPR letter to the
sponsored spouse (normally by Post Office); normal timeline is at least 1 month after sponsor-DM
a. Manila Processing Time: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm/fc-spouses.asp#asia
i.If your application is still within the processing time (start counting from CEM received date), do
not follow-up your status at the CEM. Otherwise, CEM will delay processing your application.
ii.If your timeline exceeded the normal 9-month processing time (start counting from CEM
received date), you can ask help from your MP. To know the name of your MP:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?Language=e
b. eCAS: https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/?app=ecas&lang=en (can now access using sponsored
spouse information – client ID or immigration file no., and personal information)
c. Application Status and Explanation:
https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/redir.do?redir=app_perm_fam&lang=en&app=ecas
d. eCAS common observations: (it's case to case basis)
i. Application Received status >> medical results received, mailing address added/removed
occasionally
ii. In Process status >> mailing address added/removed occasionally, sometimes does not
appear even DM already or VISA has been issued, medical results received sometimes
appear at this stage
iii. Decision Made status >> usually status will change to DM before the sponsored person
receives his/her VISA but there are cases that eCAS not yet updated even VISA has been
issued
iv.2-4 months waiting time from the date of the pp sent before eCAS changes
v.eCAS changes to IN PROCESS and then DM after the said waiting time
vi.Medical result received and DM usually comes few days after IN PROCESS; but some will
have IN PROCESS for 2-4 months and gets DM; some gets visa first before getting DM from
IN PROCESS status.
vii.Medical result received status will appear once or twice. If you submitted your medical result
prior to your application, it will appear first before application received or during the first month of
your application and then in just a few days it will be removed on your ecas. If it again appeared
2-4 months after passport submission then you'll probably get DM within that month or not later
than the next month, if everything goes well.
e. Some factors affecting the timeline: (it's case to case basis)
i. visa officer handling the application,
ii. complete application package submitted,
ii. compliance on additional document requested,
iv. relationship history, background check, criminal/security check
v. proofs submitted to show the relationship is genuine
f. It may require an interview or add'l information and documentation before it can make a decision
about your application. If you are asked to provide additional documents, the visa office will send you a
written request. It is in your interest to comply as quickly as possible. If the visa office does not
receive the add'l information or docs within 3 months of the request date your application may be
refused. If you need to be interviewed, the visa office will notify you in writing in advance of the date,
time and location of the interview as well as of the documents to bring with you.
g. To submit PP or additional documents at Canadian Embassy Manila:
A. Drop-box inside CEM- at B4
B. Mail
Family Class Section
Immigration Section
Canadian Embassy, Manila
Level 6, Tower 2, RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Ave Makati City 1200 Philippines
h. You must inform CEM in writing of any:
i.change of address, including change of e-mail address (for any family member including
children who may have a school address as well as a home address)
ii.change or cancellation of immigration representative
iii.request for withdrawal of your application
Contact information is as follows:
A. Mail: same address as above
B. Fax
63-2) 843-1094 / 843-1096
C. Email: manil.immigration @ international.gc.ca
D. Website: www.philippines.gc.ca
Final Stage: Issuance of Visa and Landing to Canada
(6) CEM issue the visa by attaching or stamping it on the passport >> Passport with visa is send back thru
courier (mostly DHL). All supporting documents are also returned back.
a. Visa validity period >> Medical or Passport expiration date, whichever expires first.
(7) Acquire CFO Sticker >> Sponsored person is required to attend seminar A (PDOS) or seminar B (GCS)
prior issuance of CFO sticker. For more info visit http://www.cfo.gov.ph/.
a. CFO sticker is issued at CFO offices.
b. No reservation required to attend the seminar. Slot is limited so come early.
c. Print out the registration form and fill it out before going for CFO seminar to save time in line.
d. Seminar A: PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar) >> when fiancée, spouse, common law or
conjugal partner of a Canada permanent resident sponsor; visa is needed to attend; conducted at
CFO offices:
i. Commission on Filipinos Overseas Manila
Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue Cor. South Superhighway, Manila
Tel. (632) 561-8321 ext. 104, 105, 201-204, 300-304
E-mail: cfodfa @ info.com.ph; cfomieo @ info.com.ph
ii. CFO Cebu Extension Office
Causing Lozada Bldg, Osmena Blvd, cor MJ Cuenco Ave, Cebu City
Tel. (032) 255-5253
iii. Fees and Requirements:
http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1347:for-filipinos-leaving-the-
country-with-an-immigrant-visa&catid=139
e. Seminar B: GCS (Guidance and Counseling Seminar) >> when fiancée, spouse, common law or
conjugal partner of a Canadian citizen sponsor (also Filipino Canadian citizen); can attend with or
without the visa; conducted at any CFO service providers:
i. People's Reform Initiative for Social Mobilization (PRISM)
2nd Floor Equitable PCI Bank Bldg.
2422 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila
Tel. Nos.: (632) 525-3114,(632) 525-3783,(632) 525-4314
E-mail: prism_inc06 @ yahoo.com.ph
ii. St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation - Center for Overseas Workers (SMEF-COW)
Good Shepherd Convent
1043 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City
Tel. (632) 913-6439
E-mail: smef_cow @ yahoo.com.ph
iii. Fees and Requirements:
http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1348:fiancee-spouses-an
d-other-partners-of-foreign-nationals&catid=140
iv. To renew or apply for passport at Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) certificate from GCS/
Seminar B is required.
f. Seminar C: COA (Canadian Orientation Abroad) >> a one-full day pre-departure orientation
seminar offered voluntarily by Canadian gov't through the International Organization for Migration
[IOM] for Temporary Workers in the Live-in Caregiver Program and all categories of immigrants;
free-of-charge; attendance in these seminars is not mandatory.
i.Participants: voluntary for all Filipinos leaving the country as temporary workers under the
Live-in Caregiver Program or in any permanent resident category.
ii.Where: IOM office on the 24th Floor of the Citibank Tower Bldg. at 8741 Paseo de Roxas,
Makati City
iii.To register, accepted applicants must call the IOM office upon receiving instructions included in
their visa package.
iv.The COA seminar is held at the IOM office. Their telephone number: 811-3445, SMS:
09175684868, Fax: 848-1272, E-mail: COAmanila @ iom.int
g. Do not fill-up/sign at the COPR (dikit-dikit na me carbon paper). Filling-up/signing must be done in the
presence of Canadian customs or immigration officer.
( Landing to Canada / Entering immigration in Vancouver or Toronto airport :
a. Must then arrive in Canada within the validity period of the visa.
b. Must present your permanent resident visa to a Canadian customs or immigration officer at your first
port of entry. The officer will check your visa and travel documents and ask you questions similar to
those on the Application for Permanent Residence to verify that you are of good character and in good
health.
c. If there are no difficulties, the officer will authorize your admission to Canada as a permanent resident
and ask you to sign in his or her presence the Confirmation of Permanent Residence form you will
have received from the visa office.
d. Make sure you know the address, including the postal code, where you are going to live. Permanent
Resident Card will be sent on that address in the weeks following (4-6weeks).
e. A copy of COPR will be given to you by the officer. It must be kept and guarded securely dahil
kailangan yun hanggang pagtanda.
f.Declaration of Things : use FORM B4 (Personal Effects Accounting Document) and FORM B4A
(Personal Effects Accounting Document (List of Goods Imported)
>> You must supply 2 copies of a list of all the things you are bringing into the country with you, and 2
copies of all the things you will be sending later. Only the items listed on the B4 and B4A forms will
be allowed in tax free.
>> link: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/cpr-crp-eng.html
>> forms: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/menu-eng.html
g. If already in Canada: kuha agad ng SIN para anytime you can get a work. The card will be delivered
after 2 weeks. And for the health card it will be sent to you after 3 months pa so pwede rin kumuha ng
health card insurance to any private insurance company while waiting sa health card nyo.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
(a) Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF). If this fee is not paid with the application, Canadian
Embassy Manila will first contact you to send you a letter to tell you to pay. The letter goes to the person
being sponsored but the fees have to be paid by the sponsor themselves. You then pay your fees online or
at a bank and have to send the proof to CPC-Missassauga. Then CPC-M sends notice to the CEM that it
was paid.
It takes time to get back to you to tell that the fees are paid. So it does slow down the process quite a
bit. Failure to pay the fee at the time of submission of the application will result in a minimum additional
two-month delay in the finalization of the application according to http://www.cnn1.net/pdf_forms/3900E.pdf
(b) Additional documents usually requested by the embassy:
1. AOM (Advisory on Marriage) from NSO >> different from Marriage Certificate; should be submitted at
CPC-M together with other required documents at Country Specific Instructions-Philippines
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/3905e.pdf
>> requested from NSO using CENOMAR application form
2. Divorce Petition >> different from Divorce Certificate; usually requested from Filipino sponsors who
are divorced based on experiences of posters in this forum. (For natural-born Canadian sponsors who
are divorced, seems that they don't ask from you, but pls confirm at CEM)
3. Appendix A (Additional Family Information) >> though submitted previously, they will still ask a copy;
the letter usually comes with the AOR/PPR; provide all information of the principal application and
accompanying dependent/child; for the sponsor spouse, provide also all except the passport details.
>> at the back of it is Appendix B (Appendix A and B is a standard form); if they are not requiring photos
then don't send photos...
4. Detailed statement of relationship with the EX (notarized) >> for sponsored person with a child
from their ex. Sometimes you are required to submit: Ex's I.D, a notarized letter stating the ex allows
the child to be sponsored, or other document asked by the visa officer.
(c) To check application status (eCAS), download forms, guidelines and know more about Citizenship and
Immigration Canada: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/index.asp
(d) Inquiries at Canadian Embassy Manila is strictly from 8AM-10AM Monday to Thursday.
(e) To contact DHL on your visa/passport delivery: (02)-8798888 loc 3 and (02)-8117000 (press 1)
(f) eCAS TRACKER: https://ecas.carroll.org.uk/ >> eCAS TRACKER can penetrate the unshown updates of
the sponsored person status.
(g) for those who needs fingerprinting for fbi police certificate, better go to crame (investigation and crime
laboratories) because they are the one that's expert in finger printing and send atleast 2-3 copies of your
fingerprint forms to avoid re-finger printing if it's not clear.
CAIPS NOTES: http://www.caips.ca/immigrationstatus.shtml
How to Order CAIPS Notes?
Note:
It is still CAIPS... not yet merged with GCMS.
Our CAIPS can be ordered thru either of the following three [3] methods:
1. By our Consultant [if u have one] --usually a Free service provided by the good ones, or charge $5
2. Thru a Friend/Relative [who's in Canada] --s/he can obtain it under your authorization. Fees $5
3. From Websites [offering CAIPS Service] --discussed below. Costs $30-40.
How to fetch the CAIPS thru friend/relative [in Canada] ?
Under the Privacy Act, one of our friends/relatives, who reside in Canada, can order the CAIPS under our
authorization. There is a CIC fee of only $5 to be incurred for that purpose. Here's what we should do:
1. Download the form here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5563B.pdf
2. Fill the specified colums/fields, viz:
- a) Visa post [ND, Buffalo, London etc.]
- b) Your File number [Bxxxxxxx]
- c) Date of Birth [applicant's, not the rep's]
- d) The requester's Postal address [Canadian Address only]
3. Tick the box "for CAIPS Notes request" on the form.
4. Enclose copies of the rep's [not yours] PR Card/visa/COPR etc. [Canadian ID].
5. Attach the Consent Form [signed by each applicant for "use of a representative"].
6. Enclose a Money Order/Draft for $5.
7. Send (Mail or Courier 'only') all the documents to:
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator)
Narono Building 360 Laurier Avenue West, 10th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L1
Tel.: (613) 957-6512
8. Your CAIPS Notes should return by 4-6 weeks [usually].
Obtaining our CAIPS thru the websites:
There r many websites who offer such services, usually charging anything between $30-40. However, in that
'basic' price they'd only send u the retrieved CAIPS Notes; and would charge u furthermore for explaining them.
Nonetheless, it's not a bad idea to yet take their services. Most applicants use either of the following websites
for obtaining their CAIPS:
a) http://www.caips.ca/
b) http://caipsnotes.com/index.shtml
c) http://www.caipsretriever.com/2006/03/immigrants-life-in-toronto-canada-ii.html
When will my CAIPS arrive?
As our request application reaches CIC, they'd take a week+ to retrieve it. Despatching takes another week+.
While the postal duration could again be one more week. Oh yes, it is send by CIC thru regular postal mail.
Thus, overall we r looking at 4-6 weeks to receive our CAIPS notes.
When I'm reading my CAIPS, is it "current" information?
No. As there's a gap between the CAIPS printing [by CIC] & receiving [by us], we would be getting the picture
around 3-4 weeks back dated. Things might change in between... some BF'Ds gone by, some addnl Codes
logged.
When should I obtain my CAIPS?
It's only required when things have gone overboard... when there's much delay in case progress.... or when we
have received an interview letter. Our CAIPS could elicit some info on the perception of our VO/s towards our
case... why an interview was required... What stage we r currently in... points calc... when would be the next
review date.... next BF'D etc. Thus, we could fetch our CAIPS "after" 8-12 months of case processing.
When should I obtain "another" set of my CAIPS?
It's unwise to frequently apply for our CAIPS notes. Anything between 6-8 months is Ok... 'coz before that
nothing much would have been logged on it anyway.
How do I "read" my CAIPS?
Most of the info on our CAIPS r 'coded'. Member FinPro graciously have deliberated on these codes during his
6th Oct 2006 post in this very forum. Pls read it here:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/caips-codes-t2988.0.html
NOTE:
As we 'land' our case logging continues by CIC/CBSA - but thereon it's recorded in "FOSS".
Hope that helped!
Qorax
_________________________________________________________________________________________
______
ECAS:
ECAS is just a limited and fragmented notes but also encoded by an immigration officer and is available
anytime and can be viewed by the sponsor and sponsored person.
CAIPS:
CAIPS is short for "Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System". It is the computer system historically
used by CIC to process visa applications, and holds all the information on the current status of every
immigration application being processed by overseas offices (ie. those outside of Canada), other than new
applications at offices which have switched to using the "GCMS" system.
>> CAIPS is the impression notes of your whole application process encoded by your higher level immigration
officer and cannot be viewed either sponsor or sponsored person unless ordered/requested
FOSS:
FOSS is short for "Field Operations Support System". It is the computer system historically used by CIC
offices in Canada to track all immigration-related information of "in-Canada" applicants - as well as continue to
do so for all applicants post 'landing'. The FOSS database is a central repository of information on all persons
who have been, may be or are wanted to be seen by Immigration staff. FOSS comprises numerous
components including query functions, status entry, docs creation, refugee monitoring, medical profiles, client
name and address, airport inspection, access & security, and records maintenance. All Immigration staff that
work with the public and the staff that support these officers use FOSS. It is also used by Canadian consulates
in various locations in the United States. And like the CAIPS system -it is being superceded by GCMS as well.
GCMS:
GCMS is short for "Global Case Management System", and is the newer computer system that CIC is rolling
out across their offices around the globe. Once fully incorporated it would supersede CAIPS & FOSS; and
manage all info under one umbrella - Mother of All. It's still under implementation in many overseas CHCs. And
expected to be fully operational by 2012
