Questions regarding my situation

[songcry]

Hi,

I'm preparing documents for CEC but my situation is a bit unique, so I came here to ask before I submit my application.
It would be really appreciated if someon can help me on these questions.

First, let me explain my situation.
I graduated from UofT engineering program in 2010 and got a job on end of Feb. 2011.
Just fulfilled the one year experience and I'm about to submit my application.
My current passport expires on Sep.30 2012 and most likely I won't be able to renew it
due to the military service duty for my country. (I have to go back to my country and join the army.)

1. Let's say I do medical check in few months and go back to my country because of the passport expiration.
Will they reject/cancel the application/PR since I won't be able to come back to Canada until I finish my military service? (2 yrs)
If I include a letter explaining this situation, would they consider? Do you think there's no chance of getting it?

2. I did co-op while I was in school. Do I have to include this on the application?
I'm not getting quick response from the company I did co-op so I'm thinking about submitting the application without this information.
Is this a must?

3. At the point when I receive the PR, what is the minimum period that passport should have until the expiration date?

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[wlee62]

Hello there,

1) Technically, they won't reject your application just because you are not in the country and your passport has expired. You just need to notify them of your change of address.. I don't think you have to tell them that you are going into the army. What I would suggest is to apply from your home country when you go back (because you do need a valid passport in order to apply and get your PR visa!).. This way, you'll be serving that 2 years while your application is going through the whole 15 month process..

2) Co-op doesn't count towards your work experience for CEC, but the application does ask you to list all the jobs you've had in Canada, and I would include that.

3) Your passport should at least have 6 months left in it so that you can maximize the longest validity for your PR visa (the visa expires exactly a year after you complete your medical examination or when your passport expires.. so it's in your best interest to have a passport that is not going to expire soon).

Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[Del12]

Hi,

They won't reject your application since you are not in Canada. You can inform them regarding the change of address. Now a days, CEC application is only taking 8 to 9 months in total. Within that time, they will request passport. You should be in a country where you could send the passport by mail, since for some of the countries, it is illegal to send the passport by mail. Usually, it is valid either for one year since the medicals or the till the passport expires. If it is possible, send the new passport to them for visa stamping. Once you receive the passport back, you can just enter Canada and go back to your home country. I would suggest to call the CIC agents because then can give you a perfect answer.

Hope this helps!

 

[SenoritaBella]

Have you asked your embassy in Canada if it's possible to get a renewal?

 

[songcry]

Thank you all for the help.

Once I join the army, I have to stay in the camp and I'm not permitted to go outside of the camp
unless I get a vacation which is just few days in 4~5 months.
Also, I cannot have a valid passport when I'm serving the army so I guess it won't work for me.

And yes, I asked embassy and they told me it's possible but not guaranteed because I'm at the age limit for the military service..
Anyways, thank you again for your help.

 

[SenoritaBella]

See this: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2115830/Arsenal-striker-Park-Chu-Young-military-service-delayed-years.html

If you decide to apply for passport renewal, make a certified copy of your entire passport first.

 

[songcry]

Yea.. that's possible because he already got 10-yr residency visa.
If I receive PR right now, I can do the same thing.
For me, the timeframe is not working out.
Thank you anyways.
BTW, I'm surprised that you pulled that news out.
Fan of Arsenal? Then must be hating him since he sucks now.
It's hard for me to see him doing bad there.
But he's got a talent though..

 

[SenoritaBella]

Yeah, I'm a fan. I don't think he sucks. He just hasn't had many opportunities to play so his confidence is probably a bit low. Watched him in the reserves game this week, he was fantastic so he'll be fine.

Does your family know anyone is 'high places' who can put in a good word for you?