Hi everyone, bago lang po ako sa forum. Nasa research stage pa lang po ko to get to Canada. May nakausap ako recently na immigration consultant based in Canada however, I know na since it's her job, very limited info lang yung naprovide nya po sakin such as mag IELTS muna and then have our credentials assessed by WES (both costly, 10k for IELTS and 170USD for cred assessment). I have been reading sa forums na as much as possible kung kaya naman ako magasikaso, better not to get a consultant (whopping 4,000CAD if I do). I'm just trying my luck here if may knowledgeable enough who can help me with a few questions po sana:
1. My boyfriend and I (late 20s) wanted to go to Canada via Express Entry and apply for Permanent Resident. We're both here in the Philippines so hindi applicable pa yung Spousal sponsorship since wala pa naman PR samin. Can we both apply and declare ourselves common law partners? However, I know also na common law is not recognized in the Philippines. So if ever po ba we qualify sa legal definition nila ng common law (living together, sharing finances etc), kahit po ba hindi recognized legally yun sa Philippines, can we still apply together? We were told na it would be ideal since we can help each other daw sa points? Kung pwede po yun, sino po yung primary at secondary? Sabay po ba nila iprocess yung documents namin?
You should be guided by the meaning of common law in Canada. The definition of common law in PH doesnt matter. But for your info common law in PH is recognized, there are just some qualifications for you to be declared as such like 5-yr living together open and continuous etc. you can check the Family Code. I suggest you apply and declare yourself as common-law and visit cic.ca for its definition.
2. Granted we do the spousal option (qualified dependent is common law partner), if we get to the Medical Exam stage, will our parents be required to undergo it? If the results are inadmissible (COPD condition, diabetes), will it automatically affect our chances of visa being disapproved/rejected? Even if they do not have intent of coming to Canada since they're too old?
Check whether your parents qualify as dependents. As far as I know if they are not your dependents, they will not be required to undergo medical exams along with you. Inadmissibility based on health condition e.g COPD condition or diabetes I think wont be that weighty to affect your application. They only have two grounds for this instance, if the disease poses risk to Canadians meaning it is communicable or it will be a burden to Canada since they are offering free health services.
3. We're not professionals, no license or any. We completed our Bachelors in reputable universities naman but I know pag inassess sa Canada it will just be converted to a 2 year degree or something. We have units in Masters but hindi pa officially graduate. Pag ganun po ba, given na we don't have specialization sa work experience namin, may possible kaya na non-professional jobs for us in Canada like clerical, administrative? Ano po kayang trainings or additional degrees/diploma courses ang pwede samin to increase our points sa academic portion ng evaluation?
In this case I think you cant. I believe they only hire from outside if you have special skills that they couldnt find inside Canada. Although if there is an employer willing to hire you, then this might be a possibility.
Please bear with my questions, readers. I just think na these things should be asked at the early stage pa lang while wala pang involved na fees po sana. Marami pong salamat.