Russian, Ukrainian & FSU Information & Manosphere Discussion Forums

Information & Chat => Visas, Legal Paperwork and Other Documentation => Topic started by: Donhollio on May 02, 2007, 08:14:46 PM

Title: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Donhollio on May 02, 2007, 08:14:46 PM
Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.

There is no such thing as a K1 to Canada & there is no such thing as a fiancee Visa to Canada.
You must marry her in her own country before she will be permitted to immigrate.

Some of the differences are that Canada does not have a income requirement to bring a spouse back. Quebec does. CIC told me that it would only be a issue if one was on welfare, than it may be a problem (as I would hope). I also called twice to see if their stories matched , and they did. The first time the guy told me they wouldn't keep you from being with your wife or child, just because you didn't earn enough.
 
There is only an interview if there's maybe some inconsistencies in the paper work. Or if they suspect the marriage is not genuine. Other than that, she sends her papers to the Embassy in her country of residence, while mine stay in Canada. My papers are looked over,and than they tell me if I am approved to Sponsor, they say it takes 32 days for that answer.
 
However from the other end in eastern Europe that's where the slow down happens. Moscow is slightly faster than Kiev, while Vienna is a 1/4 of the time.  Majority of the cases (80%) are 6 months from what she told me.

CIC also pointed out there is usually a number of mistakes in her end of the paper process. Missing or incorrect documents, and that's why it takes that much longer.

This is the website http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp

From here you can look at the timelines, percentages and also order the spousal papers and have them delivered to your door, at no charge. May as well use that service it's a 1cm thick, not that all the papers are the ones you need, but it comes as a bundle.



Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: MBS01 on October 09, 2007, 05:12:25 PM
You missed some things Don:
First all paper from both you and your spouse are forwarded by you to CIC here in Mississauga, Ontario.  Thus it is best for you to take hers along and have her complete them prior to you submitting them along with the required visa processing fee including her landing fee to speed matters up.

Time depends some what on the luck of the draw as both my wife's and David28's wife were processed in approximately 3 months.  Yet LPS also here in Toronto had to wait almost one full year and had only 2 weeks after his wife received her visa to arrange for her move to Toronto.  At the moment another friend is going through this process with his wife in Guyana and I have no idea how long that will take as he did not send in all the forms and fees at the beginning, plus ran into some other problems too.

On top of this Don did not go into the details regarding the process or the documents required and legalization needed for a westerner to marry in the FSU in the first place, especially if one has been divorced in the past as well.  This also comes into play as a prerequisite for Canadians planning to marry someone from a foreign country.

Then if your spouse is from Ukraine there is the added question of her getting an Ukranian Exit Visa in order to relocate and live in your country as well.  All of these things complicate the process and add time to the wait for you and your new spouse to finally get to live together in your country.

An alternative of course is for you to do the relocation and live in her country as Richard (Rvrwind) chose to do by moving from Alberta, Canada to Tver, Russia after his marriage in September 2003.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Rvrwind on October 10, 2007, 12:24:02 AM
Quote
An alternative of course is for you to do the relocation and live in her country as Richard (Rvrwind) chose to do by moving from Alberta, Canada to Tver, Russia after his marriage in September 2003.
Yes, & now that I am returning to Canada you will also find you are mistaken with this statement:
Quote
Canada does not have a income requirement to bring a spouse back.
They most assuredly do as we have found out. Because I have not lived in Canada for 4+ years & have not filed income tax there for the same period, nor can I prove that I had gainful employment in Russia, my wife will not be permitted to accompany me to Canada. So in effect they do have certain income requirements under certain circumstances.
 :offtopic: Nice to see you here Wes...A big HI to you & Lora from Valya!
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: tbelknap on October 11, 2007, 08:44:42 AM
I never heard of the Ukrainian exit visa.  Is this Canada related or would we have to worry about this in other countries like the US.  We are working on filing a spousal visa this month.


Thomas
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: MBS01 on October 11, 2007, 12:38:53 PM
Good question Thomas:
As I noted it is an "Ukranian Exit Visa" it is the Ukraine's requirement for all nationals planning to live outside of Ukraine.  Your spouse can and will be questioned when she later returns and then attempts to leave Ukraine to travel back to your country without one.

A long time ago on RWG Doug Salem wrote about how his wife Olga was stopped on 3 visits to Ukraine when she attempted to leave and return to the USA because she did not have the Exit Visa stamp in her Ukraine International Passport!  Finally Olga's mother contacted a local official and arranged for her daughter to obtain one with the usual appropriate gifts, etc.

For us it took longer going through normal channels to obtain the Exit Visa than to obtain the Canadian Visa for Lora.

There is however one downside you need to consider it this as well.  Your spouse will have to sign off on all existing property rights in Ukraine.  That is give up ownership of her flat or house if she has one.  Simple to sign over ownership to a relative as this takes care of the problem.  Thus not everyone from Ukraine applies for an Exist visa as like I noted it means they loose their local passport and give up their Ukraine property rights.  So a lot for you to think about with your Ukranian spouse!

After moving to your country your Ukranian spouse will need to register with the local Ukraine Embassy or Consulate as a Ukranian living abroad in your country.

Hope this helps.  Wes.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: MBS01 on October 11, 2007, 12:45:48 PM
Canadian Income Reguirements:
Richard noted one income requirement above.

However as in many things in Canada Quebec does it their way.  If you live in Quebec you must meet that province's income requirement in order for your spouse to obtain a visa to relocate to Canada, even though this same requirement does not apply usually to the rest of the country.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: BCKev on November 30, 2007, 12:18:50 PM
I received the following email from the embassy in Kiev describing the paperwork needed and procedures to get married in Ukraine. It is a good explanation, with lots of detail. Hope it is as simple at is sounds!


1) First of all, you would need to obtain a Statement in Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage and a Statutory Declaration on marital status which are issued by and signed at the Canadian Embassy in Ukraine (31 Yaroslaviv Val, Kiev 01901). This Statement will be written in both English and Ukrainian, so you do not need to translate it. In order to obtain this document, you are requested to come to the Embassy in person submitting your valid Canadian passport and Driver's license.

* The Consular Fee for this service is CAN $ 50 / or US $ 50 / or UAH 250. You can pay cash in one of these currencies. You are welcome to come to the Embassy for this service every day, from Monday to Thursday, from 9.00 to 12.00. Appointment is not required. You come in the morning to submit your documents and then in the afternoon you receive the documents from us.

After obtaining the above mentioned statement, you are requested to legalize it further at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Consular Department, Section of Legalization of Documents, located in Kiev at the following address:

Consular Department, Section of Legalization of Documents, 2 Velyka Zhytomyrska, Tel. 238-16-69 Documents for legalization are accepted: 09:00- 12:00, Mo-Fr, Legalized Documents can be picked up: 15:00-18:00.

2) The second step is the translation of the first page (identification page) of your Canadian passport into Ukrainian attested at a Notary Public in Ukraine or any licensed Translation Agency.

3) In case of Divorce, you are requested to submit an original legalized Divorce Certificate to the Ukrainian Authorities. Being in Canada You need to legalize the original Divorce Certificate with:

a) the Provincial Government or with the Department of Foreign Affairs of Canada in Ottawa;

b) then you can proceed with the final legalization at the Ukrainian Embassy in Ottawa, Tel. (613) 230-2961 / Ukrainian Consulate in Toronto, Tel. (416) 763-3114, or at the Canadian Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine.

Please note the "Certified True Copy" of your Divorce Certificate is not accepted by the Ukrainian Authorities. Therefore you have to make sure that your bring a legalized original Divorce Certificate with you to Ukraine.

For authentication purposes of the Divorce Certificate to be used abroad the name of the signing judge or clerk of the court must be printed. Therefore please make sure that his / her name be printed on your Divorce Certificate. The translation of the Divorce Certificate is required.

Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: froid on February 27, 2008, 11:12:04 AM
I heard yesterday that our paperwork is finally enough for the director of one of the local Zags in Penza, Russia to allow us to get married.  Being divorced made me work a little harder to get things done and here is what I ended up needing.

Before I left for a visit...
1. Divorce Certificate
2. Legalized Marriage Search covering the years since my divorce.  Legalized by sending it to the Department of External Affairs for a stamp, and then they forward it, and your payment, to the Russian Embassy for the Russian stamp. 

Once there we had my documents translated and notarized as well as the information page of my passport.

And finally...because we want to get married in May, and I was not going to return until then, I signed my portion of the marriage application in front of a translator and the notary.  This lets Mila bring the application without me being there since she has to put in the application approx a month before the wedding date. 

There was some confusion initially with the documents needed and where I should get the translations done and notarized.  I ended up getting my documents scanned, Mila would translate them and show them to the ZAGS until we got them to agree the paperwork would be ok, as long as everything was notarized on Russian soil (Meaning Russian consulate, or in Russia) and my search Legalized.  They said my divorce certificate didn't need legalization as it was within the search period of my marriage search. 

Some things that would be interesting to other people trying to do many of these things, are timeframes.

For instance, getting my marriage search took 8 weeks and additional phone calls and an extra visit to ServiceOntario. 
Getting the document legalized took about 4 weeks, and I used couriers and paid extra for the Russian Embassy to process my document quicker.  So for that ONE piece of paper...12 weeks. 
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: froid on February 27, 2008, 11:13:14 AM
Also...just thought of this...

How long does it take for the Police check and to arrange and get the results of the Medical once you are preparing the application to Immigrate? 
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Rasputin on February 27, 2008, 11:19:10 AM
Have you looked through the documents that you and your wife will have to eventually fill when you apply to sponsor her and she applied for permanent residence? You have to provide documentation and proof that you have a legitimate relationship. This means keeping every slip of paper that you have to prove the legitimacy of your relationship. If you talk to her on the phone, keep the phone bills. If you write by e-mail, keep copies of that. If you went to a restaurant, keep the receipts. You can never have too much paperwork.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Rasputin on February 27, 2008, 11:21:55 AM
Also...just thought of this...

How long does it take for the Police check and to arrange and get the results of the Medical once you are preparing the application to Immigrate? 

It will take a few weeks for her to get the police check if memory serves me right (my wife got it before coming to Canada). It does not take a long time to set up the medical exam, but you have to go to a CIC approved doctor or clinic and the results are sent directly to the appropriate office. In our case, as we were doing an inland application, the results were sent to the Vegreville CIC office.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: froid on February 27, 2008, 11:48:24 AM
Hmmm...does that mean you send in the application before the medical? 

Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Rasputin on February 27, 2008, 12:07:55 PM
Hmmm...does that mean you send in the application before the medical? 



Our case is a bit different in that we did the inland application (in other words we applied for my wife's permanent resident status from inside Canada). I double-checked: my wife went to see a CIC approved doctor in early may and we sent in our paperwork to the CIC office in Vegreville in June. The results of the medical exam were sent directly from the physician's office to the CIC office: i.e. we submitted proof of examination, but not the actual results when applying.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: MBS01 on February 27, 2008, 09:31:44 PM
Hmmm...does that mean you send in the application before the medical? 

I think you will find you have to send all the paperwork to CIC together now including the proof of medical exam at the clinic specified for her country by CIC as well as her most recent police check.

As to the documentation regarding proof of relationship a sampling of emails, copies of all your flights to the FSU, internal travel tickets for trains or flights together, other receipts for the theatre etc, photos of both of you including at your wedding and on your honeymoon and the like.  Original telephone bills (they will be returned to you later).  Our documents and forms were around 200 pages and some others were much more detailed, but you get the picture I am sure.

Always check the CIC website for recent changes.  As I was completing my forms I discovered that most of mine had changed from what I had already filled out and I had to quickly re-do them.  One for my wife had changed, but the old version was accepted.

Note the key to timing is the date of the medical exam.  Her Landing visa will be for a period ending 1 year from the date of the medical exam, so make sure it is the last thing she does before you submit your paperwork.  My wife did hers and sent it by express post for me to forward just before I filed our paperwork.

Back in 2003 - 2004 you had to prove your relationship had lasted for over one year from first writing and meeting to the time you filed for her sponsorship, but I understand this requirement has been dropped.  Just the same the longer you can prove you have been in your relationship the better.

Good Luck.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Donhollio on March 03, 2008, 09:04:44 AM
 For those Canucks looking to eastern Europe, CIC has lifted visa requirments on some FSU countries :party0011:

 It's a whole new frontier ! :party0031:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2008/2008-03-01.asp
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: froid on April 09, 2008, 01:54:29 PM
Just working ahead a little on all the forms during some spare time. 

And you know...some of these forms are REALLY repetitive.  How many times do they need to have my birthdate?!?!?!  :) 

Ok...I feel better having vented. :D 

Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Voyager on September 06, 2008, 07:38:40 AM
I have an urgent request if anyone can help? Has anyone had experience with a spouse or GF going in for an interview for a temporary visa?

We ran into some long delays due to problems of Yulia getting her documents, so the permanent will probably take another year or more.

My father was diagnosed this spring with cancer, so Yulia is going to Kiev to apply for a temporary visitor visa, if she can't get over here this winter my father will not be able to go to the wedding.

I guess this would qualify as 'compassionate" grounds, as we have letters from the doctor etc. to support it.

I am asking if anyone's spouse has any advice about the interview process? I want to tell her what to expect.

Actually if it was the interview for permanent, or was in a different Canadian Consulate, your input would still be appreciated 
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: froid on September 16, 2008, 10:50:46 AM
While we were filling out all the paperwork for permanent residence we often found ourselves wondering what they were looking for exactly, second guessing our answers, and hoping that what we were putting down was good.  Because I hate not knowing I searched far and wide for additional information and actually did find some interesting things available.

Everything you do comes down to one thing...The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Available here... http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/I-2.5/index.html (http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/I-2.5/index.html)

This in turn leads into the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. 
Available here... http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/ShowTdm/cr/SOR-2002-227///en (http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/ShowTdm/cr/SOR-2002-227///en)

And maybe the most interesting thing I found was the Operational Manuals.  They cover everything from procedures to the actual processing and instructions for the officers on what they should consider and what they should do.  Once I read the manuals for processing family class applicants I felt a lot better informed and generally encouraged. 

Inland Processing manuals...covering Sponsorship Applications and inland Applications.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/ip/index.asp (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/ip/index.asp)

Operational Manuals for Outland Processing...
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/op/index.asp (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/op/index.asp)



Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: froid on September 16, 2008, 10:55:47 AM
Oh and one more part that I found VERY interesting...

In the OP11 Manual for Temporary Residence http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/op/op11e.pdf (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/op/op11e.pdf) section 9 covers "Assessing The Application".  Since it seems near impossible for a FSU woman to get a Temp Visa I thought that this section was very interesting.  It covers the areas of concern for the officers as well as things to consider and additional informationt they will ask for or consider in the decision to grant a visa or not. 

Since we are now waiting for the PR to go through we may attempt to get Mila a Temp Visa and will be carefully reading this manual and addressing thier concerns as best we can. 

Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: fireeater on April 03, 2009, 07:07:56 AM
Interesting story I heard yesterday. Application for bring a son-in law over for permanent residence.

Applied at the end of August 2008 here. After one month here, the papers were sent over seas to the embassy there. The person received their papers at the end of March 2009. Total time was roughly six months from start to finish.

Only one issue now remains, the father broke his leg, so he has to stay a while longer until it heals.  :chuckle:

May be an indication things are changing at the immigration offices.  :)

 
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: BCKev on April 04, 2009, 12:37:03 AM

May be an indication things are changing at the immigration offices.  :)
 

Immigrating from where? It makes a big difference. There is a significant difference in processing times among the various embassies.

I also get the impression that visa processing it getting faster. The stats that CIC posts are for the year 2007. For example, my wife will have her visa 5 months after her application was received by the embassy in Kiev. The 2007 stats said that 30% of family class(spouse) applications were completed in 10 months. We were in shock for days when we got news that it was moving along much faster than we had expected.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: BelleZeBoob on April 04, 2009, 09:43:09 AM
The Canadian Embassy in Kiev is known is being one of the slowliest office with longest processing times. It can take several years for a skilled worker's application to be processed. The Embassy in Moscow however tend to process pretty quick.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: fireeater on April 04, 2009, 10:34:29 AM
The Canadian Embassy in Kiev is known is being one of the slowliest office with longest processing times. It can take several years for a skilled worker's application to be processed. The Embassy in Moscow however tend to process pretty quick.

He would also be considered a skilled worker, so items seem to be speeding up for that processing time. They themselves were surprised at the speed of the application, and expected a longer time interval for it to be processed and finished. But are also happy that it is over.  :)

The wife in question even quit her school year to go back and be with her husband. Against her parents wishes. Now a surprise since she could have had both completed. Oh well, young love is impatience, and can not be denied.  :chuckle:

Her parents have to be the sponser since she is not of legal age to do this yet, nor has she a job either, and will still have to finish school.  :-X   

Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: fireeater on April 10, 2009, 09:46:53 AM
Today I needed to access something in my City's web site, and have noticed two changes of interest.

The first they have added the ability to use google to select and change the information there into your more native tongue. Which is a bonus for new immigrants, as they do not need to be proficient in English to now understand the information there.

The second was that they have established a group of professionals to help new immigrants. Which is meant to help these people continue their profession in this country. So another sign of the changing times here, that a starting place for this has been established, even at the city level of government.

The government of Canada also has a Foreign Credentials Referral Office,
which can assist in that process for people wishing to work in Canada.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Donhollio on April 10, 2009, 11:15:45 AM

  And it's too bad CIC never tells those high skilled people that their profession in their country mean nothing here in Canada. Yet they are led to believe that they can easily get their papers to continue on working as a doctor for instance.  CIC tells them they need doctors but fails them the entire way,leaving them with shattered dreams and working a menial job.  :-[
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: fireeater on April 10, 2009, 01:28:31 PM

  And it's too bad CIC never tells those high skilled people that their profession in their country mean nothing here in Canada. Yet they are led to believe that they can easily get their papers to continue on working as a doctor for instance.  CIC tells them they need doctors but fails them the entire way,leaving them with shattered dreams and working a menial job.  :-[

But a change is in the works Don, the Federal, provincial, and organizations are actually working together now, on that issue. Something they did not do in the past, and is still not being done elsewhere.  :)

The fact that the city is now involved, (of course the centre of the universe always leads) is also a sign things are changing for the better.  :chuckle:

 
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: WestCoast on April 10, 2009, 01:30:39 PM

  And it's too bad CIC never tells those high skilled people that their profession in their country mean nothing here in Canada. Yet they are led to believe that they can easily get their papers to continue on working as a doctor for instance.  CIC tells them they need doctors but fails them the entire way,leaving them with shattered dreams and working a menial job.  :-[

Donny's right (bet you don't hear that too often  :laugh:), when doctors from the UK and the US have troubles being licensed to practice medicine in Canada, the chances for a doctor from the FSU being licensed to practice medicine in Canada are virtually nil.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: fireeater on April 10, 2009, 06:03:42 PM
Westcoast

You are a little behind the times. The federal, provincial, and territorial governments have committed for full mobility for the full labour force within Canada and the date for completion was April 1 2009.

In another words the barriers that once were, even between provinces are being, or have been changed. 

The next step is still in the works, for outside workers to be intergrated, between us and the EU, with a minimum of hassle.     :)

Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Donhollio on April 10, 2009, 09:08:38 PM
   :-\
 Maybe then they can drop all the stupid Iron Curtain requirments places on the majority of the FSU countries. Nahh.... it's much easier to fab some bullshit press release,to try and make good PR.
Let's not forget those poor girls are so desperate to get out of thier country, that they will say and do anything!  Culture ,family friends,even their own children and property are easily left behind, to come to the paradise of the western world

 Don't you think it's all bullshit ?  How is it possible for a FSU wife living in Canada able to bring over family members so easily for a visit ?  Yet if they come here without  any support ,their seen as some threat to the Canadian way of life.
 
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: BelleZeBoob on April 10, 2009, 11:39:43 PM

  And it's too bad CIC never tells those high skilled people that their profession in their country mean nothing here in Canada. Yet they are led to believe that they can easily get their papers to continue on working as a doctor for instance.  CIC tells them they need doctors but fails them the entire way,leaving them with shattered dreams and working a menial job.  :-[

Donny's right (bet you don't hear that too often  :laugh:), when doctors from the UK and the US have troubles being licensed to practice medicine in Canada, the chances for a doctor from the FSU being licensed to practice medicine in Canada are virtually nil.

As I am in my immigration process now, I visit the FSU immigration fora that target Canada, and can talk to people. There are doctors and other medical professionals who immigrated as skilled migrants from the FSU and got licensed in Canada. I think the thing is only in time and efforts that one is willing to spend in order to stay in the profession.

Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: WestCoast on April 11, 2009, 12:02:14 AM
Westcoast

You are a little behind the times. The federal, provincial, and territorial governments have committed for full mobility for the full labour force within Canada and the date for completion was April 1 2009.

In another words the barriers that once were, even between provinces are being, or have been changed. 

The next step is still in the works, for outside workers to be intergrated, between us and the EU, with a minimum of hassle.     :)


Fireeater, I know that it is far easier for a professional to move between provinces/territories in Canada (and it only took till 2009, wow) then for a foreign professional to gain accreditation in Canada.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: WestCoast on April 11, 2009, 12:18:58 AM

  And it's too bad CIC never tells those high skilled people that their profession in their country mean nothing here in Canada. Yet they are led to believe that they can easily get their papers to continue on working as a doctor for instance.  CIC tells them they need doctors but fails them the entire way,leaving them with shattered dreams and working a menial job.  :-[

Donny's right (bet you don't hear that too often  :laugh:), when doctors from the UK and the US have troubles being licensed to practice medicine in Canada, the chances for a doctor from the FSU being licensed to practice medicine in Canada are virtually nil.

As I am in my immigration process now, I visit the FSU immigration fora that target Canada, and can talk to people. There are doctors and other medical professionals who immigrated as skilled migrants from the FSU and got licensed in Canada. I think the thing is only in time and efforts that one is willing to spend in order to stay in the profession.


Belle there's actually groups of foreign born and trained physicians in Canada that are lobbying for changes to Canadian law to make it easier to gain licensing under provincial regulations.  As I've mentioned before there are numerous medical professionals from eastern Europe and Asia who have tried in vain to be accepted for licensing as medical professionals in BC.  There is hope, however, if you have money or connections, you can get licensed. 

Over the last ten years of my volunteering I've met three people from eastern Europe who have been licensed as doctors in BC.  Two women and one man, one man and one woman were from Russia and the other woman was from Yugoslavia.  The man came to Canada as a specialist with impressive credentials and numerous publications to his credit.  He also had a number of local connections and was sponsored by a several local medical professionals.  The Russian woman came in as the wife of a local man who had spent a considerable amount of time in Russia and is quite wealthy.   The woman from Yugoslavia came to Canada in her late 20's and was content to work as something other than a doctor until she won a minor slots jackpot in Las Vegas several years after arriving.  She quit her job and started the process and managed to get a spot in the medical program at university.  Last I heard she was in specialist training and doing well.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: fireeater on April 11, 2009, 06:08:00 AM
Westcoast

You are a little behind the times. The federal, provincial, and territorial governments have committed for full mobility for the full labour force within Canada and the date for completion was April 1 2009.

In another words the barriers that once were, even between provinces are being, or have been changed. 

The next step is still in the works, for outside workers to be intergrated, between us and the EU, with a minimum of hassle.     :)


Fireeater, I know that it is far easier for a professional to move between provinces/territories in Canada (and it only took till 2009, wow) then for a foreign professional to gain accreditation in Canada.  :laugh:

Actually you had said it was not easy, for a doctor to go from one province to another, due to the different organizations in each that look after these. ;D

The new commitment with the provinces, is part of the EU treaty. Those organizations that govern them, are also part of the talks. The EU is has already done the same thing, if their members wish to be part of this, and get the benefits. One of the items I read was dealing with all levels of health professionals, being able to move between the countries that are part of the EU. In order to make this work, steps have to be taken to get to that spot. Movement of labour is part of these talks, it goes far beyond trade agreements that exist with any others. 

Besides don't you think it is about time, with today world, that with a minimum of hassle one could actually do this.  ;D 

Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Olga_Mouse on April 11, 2009, 06:25:50 AM

As I am in my immigration process now, I visit the FSU immigration fora that target Canada, and can talk to people.


So there is more than one forum dedicated to that particular topic?

I though forum = sg, while fora = pl. - or have I forgotten all my Latin completely?  ???
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: BelleZeBoob on April 11, 2009, 09:14:02 AM
Olga, I am active on two fora dedicated to skilled migration to Canada. Both are Ukrainian hosted, however most members use Russian language and there is a number of Russian members active on them.

Another forum is Russian ( by the forum's nationality, I mean its domain like .ua or .ru) but there is soo many flood, unprecedented negative postings and outright evil posters that I left the forum without making a single post :(

I know the other one but just reading it from time to time. There is some useful and interesting info on them, but it is not that populated and live as the two former fora.

Besides, I read a few blogs of immigrants to Canada.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: BelleZeBoob on April 11, 2009, 09:45:49 AM
 
Here a Russian emigree woman tells about her Russian husband who received his Pilot Certificate after their immigration to Canada. This Certificate allows him to pilot any sky vehicle in Canada. It costed him about 5000 CAD and five months of studying hard.
The Certificate was issued exactly after they both spent five months in Canada.
 
 http://vikitravel.ca/2008/04/04/25-avgusta-2004-god-poluchenie-pilotskogo-svidetelstva/

Just an illustration of how a determined foreigner can establish himself in Canada.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: BelleZeBoob on April 11, 2009, 10:09:28 AM
[ Belle there's actually groups of foreign born and trained physicians in Canada that are lobbying for changes to Canadian law to make it easier to gain licensing under provincial regulations.  As I've mentioned before there are numerous medical professionals from eastern Europe and Asia who have tried in vain to be accepted for licensing as medical professionals in BC.  There is hope, however, if you have money or connections, you can get licensed. 

Over the last ten years of my volunteering I've met three people from eastern Europe who have been licensed as doctors in BC.  Two women and one man, one man and one woman were from Russia and the other woman was from Yugoslavia.  The man came to Canada as a specialist with impressive credentials and numerous publications to his credit.  He also had a number of local connections and was sponsored by a several local medical professionals.  The Russian woman came in as the wife of a local man who had spent a considerable amount of time in Russia and is quite wealthy.   The woman from Yugoslavia came to Canada in her late 20's and was content to work as something other than a doctor until she won a minor slots jackpot in Las Vegas several years after arriving.  She quit her job and started the process and managed to get a spot in the medical program at university.  Last I heard she was in specialist training and doing well.

3 medical doctors in 10 years of volunteering are really not a lot.

On the other hand, I don't privately know any medical professional at all, except those who I visit to monitor my health. :)

But what I do know for sure is that determination and goal orientation are able to make miracles, and even compensate for initial lack of considerable finances. Connections are the assets that can be acquired through networking. Skills and knowledge can be acquired through persistence. Some people are just being not lucky, but anyway, try again!
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Donhollio on April 11, 2009, 10:25:50 AM

 Canada tends to suck doctors from other countries who meet the standards of canadain trained doctors,is that saying much ?  I don't think so. Did you know that the average time a CDN Dr. spends on upgrading his skills here is 26 minutes a year ? 26 minutes......   :duh:  I guess the magazine a a few articles in it. :duh:
 Not sure what it's like in the states,but I would think it's more than 26 minutes.  P.M. Harper has finally allowed trades people to move within the provinces without losing their apprenticeship hours. before you had to have your 'red seal' with a mark high enough to get your inter-provincial lisence.
 
 So grabbing Doctors from the FSU is possible ,but they have years of extra schooling to do before they will ever hold a valid certification here in Canada.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Rasputin on April 11, 2009, 11:59:40 AM
Belle there's actually groups of foreign born and trained physicians in Canada that are lobbying for changes to Canadian law to make it easier to gain licensing under provincial regulations. 

Good luck with that  :evilgrin0002: The Canadian Medical Association would not welcome a surplus of doctor's flooding the Canadian market IMHO. Maintaining a "shortage" is one of the best ways to ensure continued leverage when negotiating rates paid to doctor's.


Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: BelleZeBoob on April 11, 2009, 12:06:27 PM
Belle there's actually groups of foreign born and trained physicians in Canada that are lobbying for changes to Canadian law to make it easier to gain licensing under provincial regulations. 

Good luck with that  :evilgrin0002: The Canadian Medical Association would not welcome a surplus of doctor's flooding the Canadian market IMHO. Maintaining a "shortage" is one of the best ways to ensure continued leverage when negotiating rates paid to doctor's.


Agree about maintaining a shortage as a leverage for some advantage.

Nevertheless, the Minister still has some medical professions among those who now can immigrate to Canada as skilled workers.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: fireeater on April 16, 2009, 10:16:26 AM
Since this new on line resource was just introduced on March 20, 2009, by the immigration area, it could be a usefull tool for those who are either bringing a spouse here, or coming on their own.  :) 

Planning to work in Canada? An essential workbook for newcomers will help you gather information about living and working in Canada.

The Working in Canada Tool helps prospective immigrants and newcomers prepare for employment in Canada before departure and after arrival.

The link below

http://www.credentials.gc.ca/ (http://www.credentials.gc.ca/)


Title: New rules for CIC coming in January or so...
Post by: froid on September 21, 2010, 07:54:30 AM
Seems like there are some changes in the pipeline for CIC rules regarding Family class applications.  They won't be live until around January but they may make sponsorship more difficult in the future. 

Currently CIC officers have to match two criteria for denying a spousal application.
1. Not a true relationship.
AND
2. Primarily entered into for the purpose of immigration only.

As I read things, the new rules are going to change that AND to an OR.  So if they think either item is an issue in your case they can deny you and you have to go the long and expensive appeal route. 

There are some other changes coming as well in the regulations regarding adoptions and such.  Sort of applying the same logic.  There is much more detail at these sites...

Here is the Gazette posting:

http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2010/2010-04-03/html/reg1-eng.html (http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2010/2010-04-03/html/reg1-eng.html)

The Canadian Immigrant magazine does a good job of explaining in basic terms what this means:

http://www.canadianimmigrant.ca/newsandviews/news/article/6878 (http://www.canadianimmigrant.ca/newsandviews/news/article/6878)
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: froid on September 21, 2010, 07:58:36 AM
Oh...and came across this article about Proving your Love for CIC that is very interesting to read and maybe will help people get their thought process straight for that portion of the application.

http://www.canadianimmigrant.ca/settlingincanada/immigrationlaw/article/6701 (http://www.canadianimmigrant.ca/settlingincanada/immigrationlaw/article/6701)
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: froid on September 30, 2010, 07:28:13 AM
Found some interesting facts and quotes on the CIC website...

Quote
While there are currently no firm numbers on the extent of marriages of convenience, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) knows that, in 2009, overseas offices received about 49,500 applications for permanent residence for partners and spouses. Of these, just under 20 percent were refused. Many of these refusals were due to evidence that the marriage was one of convenience, while others were refused for reasons including criminality, security and medical issues.

Quote
At some overseas missions with a high rate of these marriages, the Department relies more on interviews to identify fraudulent relationships. While interviews use more resources, when necessary, they prove effective to identify and deter fraudulent relationships.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: froid on September 30, 2010, 07:29:46 AM
They are actually consulting with the public regarding some changes coming for Sponsorship.  They asked a few interesting questions...

Quote
In addition to the effects on resources, there are considerations with any potential immigration measure. For instance:

Would conditional status make a spouse more likely to stay in an abusive relationship in order to gain permanent residence?
What if a relationship legitimately breaks down once both parties are in Canada?
What is the appropriate role of government in identifying and protecting people from marriages of convenience?
Should people be responsible for their own decision to sponsor a spouse or partner into Canada?

Any Canadians have answers for these issues? 
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Voyager on January 17, 2011, 10:47:05 PM
Did anyone see this article?

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/couple-survives-immigration-ordeal-20110110-162415-799.html
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Rasputin on January 18, 2011, 08:21:38 AM
Did anyone see this article?

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/couple-survives-immigration-ordeal-20110110-162415-799.html

I am confused as to the temporary visa they keep referring to in the article. If she is in her home country, why does she need a termporary visa? Also, don't you have 6 months once approved for PR to come to Canada? I must be missing something as it does not make much sense to me  ???
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Brasscasing on January 18, 2011, 09:57:34 AM
I am confused as to the temporary visa they keep referring to in the article. If she is in her home country, why does she need a termporary visa? Also, don't you have 6 months once approved for PR to come to Canada? I must be missing something as it does not make much sense to me  ???

Yeah, something's missing. Maybe she returned to her native country to wrap up personal affairs(?)

Also, if it was the immigration lawyers who had been representing the couple up to that point, it seems logical that's where the CIC would have sent the paperwork (regardless of the time frame involved).

The comments section under the article is telling. There are a lot of frustrated people out there.

Brass
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Voyager on January 18, 2011, 01:32:41 PM
I am confused as to the temporary visa they keep referring to in the article. If she is in her home country, why does she need a termporary visa? Also, don't you have 6 months once approved for PR to come to Canada? I must be missing something as it does not make much sense to me  ???


I didn't understand that either.  ???
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: froid on January 19, 2011, 08:48:45 AM
She had a temp visa...therefore was IN country at some point.  Did an inland application of course since she was in the country already.   Then...despite there being warnings all over the place to NOT leave the country during an inland application she leaves.  Then...even though her temp visa is about to expire, she does not make arrangements to return before then.  DUH! 

They are not too bright and probably should have hired a laywer to help them with the application.

As it stands they hired a lawyer that seems to not take care of his clients. 

If someone asked me to help with an inland application.  I would first recommend they don't leave the country...and if they did...to make damn well sure they CAN get back and get back in time. 
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Rasputin on January 19, 2011, 03:33:30 PM
If someone asked me to help with an inland application.  I would first recommend they don't leave the country...and if they did...to make damn well sure they CAN get back and get back in time.

That is the whole idea behind the inland application: you stay in the country while it is being processed. If you are planning on leaving, it is best that you do not do the inland application as you will at least have the option of appealing a negative decision. Not the brightest bulbs on the porch I take it  (:)
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Voyager on January 19, 2011, 10:33:38 PM
Ok, so we are dealing with idiots here. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Donhollio on June 21, 2011, 10:42:39 PM
 My file was started in January 2011 they sent the letter saying I was eligibile, and is being done in Moscow. From what I gather they have four sections once you log in to view the latest status on the sponsorship. I am currently in the 3rd section, they say they have recieved her medical results.
 Now, the last two sections is the; ''Approval Status Determined''  and the ; ''Permanent Residence Status Determined''
 After that there is the ; Applicant Arrives in Canada and is Granted Permanent Residence.'' That one I understand is completed once she arrives at the airports passport control area.
 My curiousity is what is the expected timeline from the medical reports being recieved, to them telling me I have ''approval status''?
Am I over the biggest hurdle, or does this slow right down?  Can anyone give me some idea if it's getting close?
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: welder on June 22, 2011, 06:49:18 AM
Don my experience with Canadian embassy in Kiev was about 30days maximum.  From the time they upgraded our file from medical report received to approval status determined we had already been called by the embassy to come pick up the visa.

If I were in your shoes I would be prepared for feedback within the next few weeks.  Don the Kiev embassy gave us a short window, 3 months, to get to Canada from the time the visa was placed in the passport.   We were not living in Kiev at the time so the wife had to fly to Kiev pick up the passport/visa, ensure it was correct before we booked tickets.  Time will fly when she gets the visa so best make some preliminary plans, check flights etc.

The entry into Canada was a breeze.  If you go to the CIC website you can download the appropriate lists required for items she is bringing with her and the items which come later.  You don't have to do this but it definitely helped greatly expedite the time spent going through customs and immi.  Honestly I couldn't have asked for better service entering Canada.  All the folks were very very helpful and informative.  I'd say we took no more than 30 minutes getting processed.  They will mail you the permanent resident card to your home address within 4 weeks of arrival. 

Once she arrives you can apply for her social security number with the entry visa...no need to wait for the permanent resident card.  Go to your local government services office and it is easier than getting a bank card.   Within three weeks she will have her social security card, again mailed to your home address.

I just finished this process in March so I believe the info I am passing along should be accurate.

Good luck, hope it goes smooth.

Jerry
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: BCKev on June 22, 2011, 03:13:17 PM
Hi Don!

My experience was similar to Jerry's. Within a month of receiving the medical results in Kiev, they sent out a letter telling Arina to go to the embassy to pick up the PR visa. So you're close!!

You may want to look into medical insurance. Every province has its own rules. In Alberta, Arina was covered from the day she arrived. As Jerry mentioned, the entry into Canada was a piece of cake, just make sure she has the address to have the PR card mailed to!

Kevin
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: froid on June 24, 2011, 07:40:57 AM
Waiting sucks Don.  I feel your pain.

If you need to keep busy come to Toronto in August and help me move. :D 
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: fireeater on June 24, 2011, 09:48:27 AM
Waiting sucks Don.  I feel your pain.

If you need to keep busy come to Toronto in August and help me move. :D

Sounds like someone got what she wanted.  :innocent:

I can recommend a good movers, fast, efficient, and do what you ask. Have used them before and will be using them myself soon. Much better to sit and have that beer, while they do the lugging.  :BEER:  Save your energy for the unpacking afterwards, and for how many times you have to adjust the furniture till she is satisfied.  :laugh: 
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Donhollio on November 21, 2012, 09:38:24 PM
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2012/2012-10-26.asp



 In an ongoing effort to deter people from using marriages of convenience to cheat their way into Canada, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) introduced a new regulation that requires certain sponsored spouses live in a legitimate relationship with their sponsor for two years or they risk losing their permanent resident status.


 The above link contains the full press release. It's a step closer to getting things cleaned up, but its still lacks enough teeth to really fix this sad system we Canucks have when sponsoring a spouse.
 I suppose those 'marriages' that wind up being a sham, (guys fleeing within a day of getting their PR card in the mail) will have a harder time having an easy ride, but I'm sure the years of endless appeals will have little effect on the overall numbers, who abuse the system.  Once the changes to the appeal system are in place, I will then hold out hope.

Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: welder on November 22, 2012, 01:50:06 AM
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2012/2012-10-26.asp



 In an ongoing effort to deter people from using marriages of convenience to cheat their way into Canada, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) introduced a new regulation that requires certain sponsored spouses live in a legitimate relationship with their sponsor for two years or they risk losing their permanent resident status.


 The above link contains the full press release. It's a step closer to getting things cleaned up, but its still lacks enough teeth to really fix this sad system we Canucks have when sponsoring a spouse.
 I suppose those 'marriages' that wind up being a sham, (guys fleeing within a day of getting their PR card in the mail) will have a harder time having an easy ride, but I'm sure the years of endless appeals will have little effect on the overall numbers, who abuse the system.  Once the changes to the appeal system are in place, I will then hold out hope.

Thanks for posting the article Don, had not seen it.  I hope this doesn't open the flood gates for reports of domestic violence.  As it goes for every action there is an equal an opposite reaction.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Donhollio on September 09, 2013, 08:28:08 AM
 I probably should of made this post some months back, however I was thinking it may be just a short strike. It has been since mid June that the officials in charge of handing out visas have been on strike. No visas have been issued, and I'm sure the backlog is only going to continue. So if you have someone who is waiting for their visitor visa to get processed, you'll be in for a wait.

Alert – Strike Action

The Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) union is currently taking strike action. PAFSO union members responsible for processing visa applications have been walking out of offices in Canada and overseas without advance notice.

Posted processing times for both temporary and permanent resident visa applications do not take into account work stoppages. Anyone applying for a visa should anticipate delays and submit their application online as far in advance as possible.

To avoid delays, please submit a complete application. Some countries require additional documents that may not be listed in your application package. Find out if you need to submit country-specific documents by consulting the website of your visa office.

Contingency plans are already in place to ensure all offices remain open and are providing at least a minimum level of service. Priority will be placed on urgent humanitarian applications.

CIC continues to closely monitor the situation.


http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/temp.asp
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: NS1 on September 09, 2013, 10:10:39 AM
At this point it is a rotating strike ( walk outs)  and the wait times of increased not halted ( as of yet)
Visitor visa now 21 days and for permanent it has increased as much as 4 months on wait times.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Donhollio on September 10, 2013, 09:48:52 PM
At this point it is a rotating strike ( walk outs)  and the wait times of increased not halted ( as of yet)
Visitor visa now 21 days and for permanent it has increased as much as 4 months on wait times.

 My MIL's visa has yet to be touched, she sent it in early June. they said it were not going to be processing it anytime soon. That's word from Moscow.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: NS1 on September 11, 2013, 06:20:50 AM
Don could be, not sure about Moscow. From what I checked, they are still processing in Ukraine.
But much slower. I guess I am about to learn much more in coming days.

Not sure if anyone has done recent Documents from Ukraine to Canada.
but any new info would be helpful?
Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: NS1 on September 11, 2013, 04:13:26 PM
Don it appears to have now hit Kiev also.
Canadian embassy is closed. no one knows for how long. :(
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: d672 on September 11, 2013, 05:53:23 PM
At this point it is a rotating strike ( walk outs)  and the wait times of increased not halted ( as of yet)
Visitor visa now 21 days and for permanent it has increased as much as 4 months on wait times.


 Iryna somehow lost her Permanent Resident card somewhere. I just spent the day going through the CIC website filling out the forms to apply to get a replacement one.... what a pain!!!   :'(

 The estimated time for her to get the replacement one is 106 days, but with this strike who knows how long it can take.  :(
 All you guys with Canadian wives with PR cards... tell them to treat them like passports and take good care of them. Trust me, you don't want to go through even more paperwork after finally getting through with all the immigration!
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: Manny on September 12, 2013, 09:20:33 AM
I split off Trev's marriage into a fresh topic: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=19610.0
Title: Re: Canadian Immigration and Citzenship, CIC for short.
Post by: cdnexpat on July 05, 2015, 08:18:35 AM
As an update, we have done a TR tourist visa request online this year, and the turn around time was about 10 days for a rejection, and another 10 days for a subsequent approval.
They have really improved with the online system.