Anything worth doing is worth doing right. We at the IVC Immigrant Visa Center understand this and are committed to assisting our corporate and individual clients in a timely and professional manner. As an immigrant advocacy firm based in the Philippines, we consider ourselves global mobility advocates, helping people who need more extensive guidance through a variety of comprehensive migration services. One part of our services is outbound migration and we file applications for nonimmigrant visa applicants, skilled immigration or family sponsorship to Canada, USA, Australia, NZL, Ireland and select European countries. We also assist individuals who wish to study, retire, and invest in the Philippines.
Crispin Aranda
CHIEF VISA OFFICER
Currently serving as Chief Visa Counselor of IVC, KaVisang Cris was the lead paralegal of the San Francisco-based US Immigration Services Network with Atty. Norma Molinar. He is well-known in the Philippine migration industry as the main host of Amerika Atbp. TV show, which ran from 2000 to 2011. Still an active immigrant advocate, KaVisang Cris writes a column for The Manila Times, a Philippine daily broadsheet that comes out every Monday. He is also a regular guest of the following AM radio stations: Manila Broadcasting Company DZRH 666kHz (Tuesdays 2PM to 3PM); Radio Mindanao Network DZXL 558 kHz (Wednesdays 12NN to 2 PM); and a co-host of Global Pinoy on Aliw Broadcasting Corporation DWIZ 882 kHz (Saturdays 7PM to 8PM).
Articles Written / Contributed to
In November 2018, there were 314,299 applicants from the Philippines waiting for their immigrant visas in the various Family-sponsored categories. How many immigrant visas are actually issued every month at the U.S. Embassy in Manila?
How to meet the requirements of the Australian government and be issued a student visa - including the most recent changes for 2019.
U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees are most affected. Check which services are likely to be eliminated or taken over by the State Department
Check the cut-off CRS points for every draw from April 2018 to January 2019 and read tips on how you may improve your chance of being invited to apply for permanent residency under Canada's Express Entry system.
Skilled workers and professionals intending to migrate to Australia based on their occupation must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. Draws are made regularly based on the subclass categories and the occupation limits within a specific subclass.
Being issued a visa is not the end but the beginning of an intended journey to the country of destination such as the United States. Know your obligations at a port of entry and even after being allowed into the country.
If you are in the U.S. or would be in the U.S. mainland or territories, the U.S. CIS issued a reminder that starting March 22, 2019 the new Form I-539 must be used. Failure to do so could result in refusal and deportation order.
The migration landscape of these countries are changing: doors open and close depending on the federal, state, regional or provincial needs. Take a quick self-assessment.
Similar bills have been introduced in the past. If enacted into law this year, IT workers from which countries would benefit?
Construction workers with at least 2 years experience, fluent in English or German and can get 55 points will qualify.
Now you can compare the criteria of the five countries with permanent migration programs and check which country fits your skills or conversely which skills are needed in the country you intend to migrate.
See how processing times moved, improved or otherwise and have a clear idea of how long you may have to wait for specific petitions and applications filed with the USCIS.
Proficiency in the German language or willingness to undergo training in the employer's language is a must.
Add to your CRS points to be one of thousands of candidates invited to apply for permanent residency and be among the million immigrants under Canada's Immigration Plan for 2018-2020.
Until the combined Houses of Congress come up with a spending bill that U.S. President Donald Trump will sign, there is a wall of uncertainty. Fear not, we have obtained a plan of action.
With 6 million petitions and applications received every year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services transfer cases when a particular office simply cannot cope with the workload. A transfer is then made. Check if your case is among those affected.
The changes include reducing the current eight (8) criteria to just eight, but a 3-stage orientation may not be as easy as it counts.
Check when you should have your interview schedule based on the FINAL DATE chart and know when you should have started submitting documents to start your visa application from the FILING DATE chart.
The H-1B visa lottery as we know it is no more. Instead, the new rule is a preference or priority selection system that gives applicants with Masters or advanced degrees the edge.
Check how the priority dates moved from last month, November 2018, from December last year and 5 years ago.
Despite the 14th Amendment guaranteeing birthright citizenship, President Donald Trump and the Republican Party peddle fish stories to the consciously gullible
You may watch our broadcast by clicking on the link below and also how priority dates affect you in my regular Monday column with the Manila Times
Before you send payment to a job offer you received by email from a "Canadian employer" know the steps to determine if this is a scam, or genuine employment.
Unlike the previous lists, candidates whose occupations are considered in demand in Saskatchewan now will be selected based on points scored, instead of first come-first served.
Starting September 11, 2018 if you do not have a complete or completed petition or application form, the USCIS can simply refuse your petition or application without requesting for further evidence.
If you intend to apply for a Non-Religious Worker Nonimmigrant Visa and Immigrant Investors, these two visas are expiring soon. Get the official info, below.
Unless the Canadian government fine tunes Express Entry this year, here are the tips you need to improve your ranking in Canada's Skilled Migrant selection system.
Are you worth your weight (skill, education, experience) in gold, peso or dollar by government and business standards? Find out how you may tip the scale.
Redefinition of public charge and public benefits could cause refusals of applications for immigrant visas and permanent residency outside and inside the U.S.
The changes take effect from 26 November 2018. Find out the length of time you can work after completing your studies under the new rules.
Check both the FINAL and FILING Dates of your immigrant visa application and see how fast your category moved within a year and from last month's date.
It's best not only to find out you (as sponsor) meet the minimum income requirements (updated table included below) and that your parent/ grandparent would pass the medical, criminal and other admissibility tests.
Find out how to apply for a student visa to the UK after the Brexit vote and beyond.
July has been a very busy month for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - issuing policy guidance, and memorandum that affect nonimmigrants and immigrants alike.
Instead of just checking your priority date monthly, it is best to check how your specific preference category moved over a period of time, in this case for six years.
Calling the visa fees charged by the Home Office for immigrants and their dependents, Members of the Parliament have called for an inquiry to determine the fairness of the charges. For Philippine applicants we have compiled the current visa fees for easy and immediate reference.
Finally the July 2018 visa numbers are out, albeit late. But here they are nevertheless. We have compiled the July visa numbers since 2014 so you could check how fast your category has moved in 4 years,
Which countries may participate in the Au Pair placement in the UK?
Filipinos and other internationally educated/trained Nurses usually pursue work or migration to the five countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK and the U.S.A. We have checked the most current requirements and are sharing this with our RN friends at no cost.
When the program started, how candidates are selected, what changes were introduced since January 2015 and how to qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
How a skilled worker from overseas may qualify as a permanent resident: history of the selection system, how the criteria changed up to the present.
The results of the May 30 Express Entry draw focused on Provincial Nominees and Skilled Trades applicants.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected an increase of 11 .5 million jobs over the 2016-2026 decade. The unemployment rate in the U.S. has gone down to 4.1% and America has more jobs than workers. The basic question: how to get there.
Still wondering what type of Australian visa you may be qualified for? Worry not. We have compiled the subclasses for you.
The current list of eligible occupations published by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) - and being shared with our Friends in the migrant community at no cost - to assist you in determining which visa to qualify and apply for.
Commercial drivers are in demand. Be sure to check if you could meet the requirements of a commercial driver in the State where you either have a potential employer or referral from family, friend, or workmate. Read below for more details.
Whether Skilled or Temporary Worker, a non-Economic European Area (EEA) National must have a verified job offer from an employer listed in UK's Tier 2 Registry
We are bringing you the latest immigration headlines from New Zealand to keep you aware of what’ available or not and avoid being victims of job and migration scams.
How PNP started and applying now either through paper-based processing or Express Entry.
Which province would be your match? Under what stream or category could you qualify? When should you submit your application?
Despite the rise of many study destinations, the United States still remains the top choice for international students. However, while there has been an overall increase, colleges reported decline in enrollment.
ABF Call: Anyone with information about attempts to exploit Australia’s visa program should contact Border Watch by visiting Australia.gov.au/borderwatch." Informants "can remain anonymous.”
Whatever’s your reason for visiting Australia – climbing the Harbour Bridge in Sydney, diving in the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, watch the extraordinary landscape of desert plains and sacred sites in the Red Desert you need a visit visa to get there.
Today the USCIS announced a new policy on how F1, J1 and M1 visa holders in the U.S. would be considered unlawful - and therefore deportable. The guidance will go into effect on August 9, 2018.
If you have waited years for your visa interview, it would be sad to have your visa petition cancelled simply because you were not able to get your visa interview date on time.
Study your options because while you wait, you add years to your age which reduces the points and preference to pursue permanent work and residency.
Just patiently waiting for your priority date to be current would be a mistake. The State Department has started publishing two charts to let visa applicants when they should start preparing documents.
Compare your age, education, qualifications, English proficiency, work experience and marital status to an applicant who could be issued an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
We are sharing the latest announcements direct from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for the benefit of our readers and the viewing immigrant public.
This official information as of March 21, 2018 is being shared with our readers and the migrant public as access and resource at no cost or obligation.
Live and play in the largest state of the world's sixth largest country - Australia. Live life. Sea life. See what you need to be nominated in this official information being shared for the benefit of our readers and the migrant public at no cost or obligation.
Check the requirements, especially for ICT occupations and how to submit your application for nomination. We are sharing the official information for the benefit of our readers and the migrant public at no cost or obligation.
Check the 10 reasons why being nominated in Queensland is good for a Skilled Migrant - official information being shared for the benefit of our readers at no cost or obligation.
If your occupation is not on the list, you may still apply for Northern Territory Government nomination. We are sharing the official details with our readers for their benefit at no cost or obligation.
NSW's nomination for Subclass 190 has been announced and is being shared for the benefit of our readers - at no cost or obligation.
ACT Nomination Guidelines issued January 2018 being shared for added and fast access to the guidelines,
The U.S. admits about 1 million immigrants yearly, a situation that President Donald Trump and the Republican Party considers unacceptable. A bill has been proposed to cut legal migration in half.
What effect will the change of Secretary have on visa allocation and issuance? Visa allocation, none. Issuance is another matter.
A Canadian employer is required to hire locally and only when there are no available Canadians or residents for the job could they recruit from overseas. The top 10 in-demand occupations locally and 11 occupations from overseas are shown here.
With a established and permanent program in place allowing international students to experience working and living in Canada while studying in preparation for a successful career or migration pathway. Filipinos have been moving North of America.
Announcement made by Canadian Immigration Minister during Valentine's Day period
For visa applicants whose petitioners are elderly or in advanced age, the Filing Date chart should be monitored closely. Knowing when you can start processing is crucial especially if the petitioner's health and well being is compromised or the petitioner wants to return to the Philippines.
Discover which Canadian provinces are aggressively competing for applicants to nominate as permanent residents.
As a popular destination of international students, Australia merged several student visa subclasses into one. With the simplified structure, apply for a Subclass 500 Visa if you want to study full-time in an education institution.
January 22, 2018 is the first working day and the date that would experience the first significant impact of the government shutdown. Will your petition, application, interview dates be affected?
Big winners are the F1 category: Over 21 unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens and F2A Spouses and minor children of green card holders.
There are tens of thousands of jobs for registered nurses according to UK's Department of Health and approved orders on the POEA website. Yet vacancies remain unfilled in years. Why?
Learn the J-1 visa basics, how the program works, who may apply, what you can and cannot do while in the U.S.
"Have money will travel" : This might as well be the motto for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents. Find out how.
Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents may sponsor a parent or grandparent to immigrate to Canada.
The agencies under the U.S. President in charge of immigration and visas - temporary or permanent - now require additional documents, verifying information provided and taking more time before making a decision.
Within a year of taking office, U.S. President Trump issued orders banning travel to the U.S. from certain countries and purportedly supported proposed law to reduce legal migration. How do you get the visa you want under the current climate?
Could an Internationally-educated, licensed RN qualify for a work visa? If applying for an immigrant visa, how long would be the wait? Are the procedures the same or different for both visas?
Ready to fly or would you be on stand-by? Priority dates have advanced and retreated in previous months. If you are among the lucky ones, have a safe flight and start your immigrant journey.
Manitoba’s Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart announced the renewal of the program, “restructuring its economic immigration program to provide new pathways to permanent residence for international students and entrepreneurs.”
How may you assure yourself of getting the specific work or immigrant visa to the U.S.? Read the official and comprehensive procedures.
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program selects internationally trained and experienced workers who have skills needed by Manitoba employers. Check if your occupation is on this year's In-Demand Occupations List.
Manitoba Renewal of nomination system starts January 2018. See how it will impact those applying for or are already in Manitoba as students and temporary workers.
For Partners, Parents and Temporary Visa Subclasses.
Retrogression strikes on Christmas. Merry Christmas next year?
Still confused on why the Visa Bulletin issues two charts on the Visa Bulletin every month? Read the official statement of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of State. Ready? Get, set, document!
Want to save time checking out the specific and latest information on how to practice - and subsequently become a permanent resident - in Canada? Have a pleasurable and rewarding reading.
Good French skills and having siblings get you extra points and now, tie-breaker for candidates with the same score.
Before you can put on a Nursing Cap in New Zealand, you must pass the CAP - Competency Assessment Programme as part of your registration as an International Nurse in NZ.
Immigrant visas to applicants in the Family and Employment-based categories are subject to monthly distribution within the per-country limits yearly. Check how many visas are issued in your specific category and check the visa movement for November 2017.
On July 1, 2017, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection completely revised the list of occupations eligible for skilled migration. Previously skilled migrant may apply if their occupations is on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) or the Consolidated Skilled Occupations List (CSOL), Not anymore, Check which skilled visa program you may apply.
Want to know how fast you visa date is moving each year when U.S. fiscal year starts? Read on. We looked back at the dates for you so you can find your way through the thicket.
Voters in the Rust Belt States helped get Donald Trump to the White House, largely because of claims that immigrants are draining the U.S. economy, taking away jobs and using benefits they are not entitled to. This Global Cities Report show otherwise.
For Visa Watchers – those waiting for their love ones, family members to join them after that long awaited visa interview – the priority dates for September could finally end the “daily nights of being alone, and writing or emailing” as both petitioner and beneficiary maintain a long-distance relationship.
Immigrants are better off filing petitions now before getting another year older (and therefore less points) - especially for parents of U.S. Citizens - while improving one's English proficiency, obtaining a higher education or qualification.
With American businesses facing closure or significant losses for shortage of American workers applying for temporary, seasonal or one-time occurrence jobs, the Department of Homeland Security has authorized the issuance of additional 15,000 H-2B visas for foreign workers in addition to the existing 66,000 authorized by Congress.
Yes, we do provide a tally of how fast or slow priority dates moves in each of the Family and Employment-based categories. You may have to have a pen, pencil and writing pad or note ready to make some calculations or notes.
Ontario has released the list of occupations in the ICT field - professionals and skilled workers who get best chance of being selected from the Express Entry Candidate Pool.
Canada's Live-in Caregiver is Dead. (Program has been discontinued). Long live Caregivers! Check out the answers to the frequently asked questions about the Live-in Caregiver Program and what replaced this work to migrant category.
More than a million foreign nationals ;pursue studies in the United States. The countries with the largest number of students studying at U.S. colleges in 2016 were: China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada. Colleges and universities are hoping the travel ban will not affect the U.S.' attractiveness to international students.
Check the equivalent scores for the various official English exams recognized by the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada - shared with the immigrant community as part of Immigrant Visa Center Inc. advocacy.
Borders.gov of Australia, the official website of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection emphasizes that the DIBP "retains the discretion" to determine the language proficiency of international students.
Okay, our title might confuse non-English speakers, but there is a certain way British English is spoken. And when applying for a Tier 4 Student Visa, English proficiency is an immigration requirement.
Like the United Kingdom, the English proficiency of a student visa applicant is required under the immigration rules of Ireland. Specific English language requirements, however, apply to the academic programs an international student intends to enroll in.
The Ombudsman - independent agency watchdog of the Department of Homeland Security released its findings on how the Department is performing - or not performing - its tasks despite continuing price increases.
The State Department clarified which visas and visa holders could be affected by the Supreme Court ruling. The Department of Homeland Security still has to update its own guidelines. The March 2017 Frequently Asked Questions meanwhile - shown below - is a good indication of how implementation would be.
Read the official release from the State Department.
Before you dive into the migration waters, check which stream you need to choose. In the case of students it is the Study Direct Stream. Find the whys and how.
Prime Minister Theresa May announced today plans to allow EU citizens living in the UK to remain here as residents following Brexit designed to put their "anxiety to rest".
At least a million foreign skilled workers intend to leave the UK after Brexit. Is that good or bad for Overseas Filipino Workers? Find the fine print and details of the current rules in place. (Be warned that the policies are fast-changing due to the pace of the Brexit negotiations)
Claiming the student visa program had been abused, the UK Home Agency and Border Agency impose restrictions on the entry of international students, among them those taking up courses leading to registration as UK RNs. Then Brexit came, UK voted to close its borders and the orders remain open.
The old Skilled Occupations List (SOL) for skilled independent migrant applicants and the Consolidated Skilled Occupations List (CSOL) allowing Australia's States and Territories to nominate a skilled worker for permanent residency has been abolished. This is the new list.
When Australia changed the list of occupations eligible for temporary and permanent migration, applicants in specific occupations were affected. See if your occupation is one of them.
Previous list of occupations abolished, replaced in both the temporary and permanent migration visa programs. Find out which list to use when applying for a specific Subclass category.
The U.S. State Department's list of immigrant visa applicants for November 2016 and two years before that show immigrant visa applicants from the Philippines had been declining. What could be the reasons why?
How to apply for temporary or permanent employment in the United States of America.
Canada beats the U.S. on spousal abuse and family reunification.
Why does it take so long for an immigrant visa to be issued? How many others are you competing with? We look at the official figures from the Department of State.
When economic tectonic plates misaligned with migration programs, skilled migrant applicants feel the tremor. To know how you may absorb the shocks or stay away from faults, we are sharing the official information from the New Zealand Immigration Service website.
Knowing where to go, how to get there and having a clear idea of how long your journey would be are essential ingredients for a migrant's journey. For skilled migrants wishing to migrate to Australia, here's the timeline.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection announced the changes are effective immediately and will be completed in March 2018. Start your search and find what you need nowl
Question from a reader/viewer of our Facebook account - “My son is applying for work in Canada. May I inquire what the requirements for a Canadian work visa are? He already has an employer and we are just waiting for the LMIA and contract. What are the next steps to process our visa?”
8 steps to qualify for immigration to Canada through Express Entry.
Two visas in one! Student visa for the principal applicant and work permit for the spouse or partner. Yes, that is a benefit for student visa applicants with partners or spouse. Details, below.
A U.S. consul may only refuse your visa application. The consular officers cannot revoke the visa petition in the case of study or work visas. The appeal or request for reconsideration may only be submitted to the agency that approved the petition - in this case the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
With orders from President Trump to increase and expand the scrutiny of U.S. visa applicants, knowing how to successfully navigate the U.S. Embassy visa application process is crucial. Bon voyage!
During the campaign period for presidency, Donald Trump said he wanted to clean up America's visa mess and return the legal immigrant visa numbers to the previous 400,000 level as opposed to the one million permanent resident cards the U.S. issues every year. That is good. Will the future years be?
The Schengen area: 28 different European countries. some of which are not members of the European Union and some which are outside the European continent. As it can be a tad confusing, consider this your one-stop site for the contact information of Schengen countries that have an embassy or consulate in the Philippines. Links to the appropriate Visa Centres have also been included whenever applicable to help you with your Schengen visa application.
If you are a graduate in any of the colleges and universities on this list, you may save time and money by not having to undergo an individual assessment from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
The Supreme Court has ruled that controversial minimum income rules for non-EEA spouses set by the Home Office, which campaigners say have split thousands of families apart preventing British citizens bringing their foreign spouse to the UK, are lawful "in principle". - Guest blog from Charles Kelly, UK Managed Migration Specialist and Marketing Consultant.
POEA job orders for RNs to UK show unlimited number of registered nurses needed. Why has it remained unfilled for so long?
Job offers from eligible New Zealand employers must be accredited by Philippine Labor Attaches to verify employer status, manpower needs and abilty to pay the required wages by the New Zealand government. Employers need to recruit through POEA-licensed agencies in good standing.
As the world's third most popular destination of international students in the world, Australia continues to provide innovative programs for both domestic and international students.
Yes, the visa allocation for this month – and for the remainder of the year – would still remain the same, despite the threat of President Donald Trump to bring down immigrant visa numbers to its historical figures – 400,000. Check whether you should have received your interview schedule for next month.
Instead of challenging the 9th Circuit Court suspending the Muslim ban, President Trump orders the Department of Homeland Security to expand the existing rules on express deportation of the undocumented in the U.S. and those with suspicious documents or demeanor at ports of entries
The U.S. Presidency - and the country's policy directions - lie with Donald Trump. Which countries continue to remain open and hospitable to immigrant workers and their families? We provide varying shades of optimism.
Check how the visa dates for your specific category - Family-sponsored or Employment-based - have moved in the last five years. This would give you an idea of when you should start preparing documents, or prepare for the interview or prepare for another five-year wait.
The tax is part of the Kingdom's plan to cut its budget deficit resulting from the drop in oil prices which is expected to continue despite a slight increase after OPEC announced cuts in oil production. The US has increased its production and some OPEC members have not complied.
Basic knowledge of the German language is required in addition to meeting the qualifications and requirement for the occupation. And - whether being hired directly or thru an agency, be sure to check the POEA requirements for overseas recruitment for employers and agencies.
Austria and Germany have published a list of occupations that each and both EU countries need. Here's an overview of what occupations are in short supply and where to apply.
If you do not meet the minimum points to migrate to Australia, Canada or New Zealand or you are not eligible for the U.S. greencard, Europe offers the Blue. Here's the updated overview.
The Guide to apply for registration as an RN in Saskatchewan provides the underlying procedures and requirement. The steps needed, time frame and outcome of your assessment, application and potential outcome are discussed here.
2016 was not migrant-friendly. Fear of immigrants occupying space and taking away jobs from a host country's citizens and legal residents saw migration in the spotlight- then turning into a bulls-eye. So, where to migrate in 2017 temporary or otherwise?
The December 2016 list from the UK Home Office shows what jobs are available, the academic and experience requirements needed, how to apply and who can get in first.
If you have a college degree in health, sciences and finance– and, if your degree is considered equivalent to the U.S. counterpart – 8 of the 10 fastest growing jobs for college graduates in the U.S. are in the health are in these fields, however...
Is a visa petition by a U.S. citizen for a spouse - like love - forever, living on even after death?
You must nominate an occupation from the Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (CSOL) if you are nominated by a State or Territory Government, a direct entry stream Employer Nomination Scheme visa, a Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) or a Training and Research Visa (Subclass 402).
These Occupations were added to the SOL from 1 July 2016: Orthotist or Prosthetist (ANZSCO 251912) and Audiologist (ANZSCO 252711).. Check the occupations removed.
Submitting an old or previous edition of a form could result in unnecessary delay or even refusal. Check the newest edition, below.
Will the current rules on visa applications change in the next 6 months? Not likely. But do not hold your breath for the remainder of next year.
With the UK's status as a member of the European Union in question - only a matter of when, not if - Ireland is the better alternative as the Filipino RN's destination to practice nursing and explore benefits of being able to visit, work, or reside anywhere in the European Union. Also links to RN jobs in Ireland.
We are providing consolidated information on applying for registration with the College of Registered Nurses in British Columbia) as a public service to our readers, viewers and friends – and as part of our advocacy to provide the latest and more information from the official source with least time involved.
Read the latest instructions from the Nursing Council of New Zealand on how to apply and complete your registration as a Registered Nurse in NZ.
The hamburger is probably the most popular food in the world. You can find spicy burgers in India, kangaroo burgers in Australia while the Japanese munch on 'hambaagu'. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-1197009/The-perfect-burger-experts-Seven-chefs-reveal-secret-hamburger-recipes.html#ixzz4Sip2Kfpx Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
If you feel that waiting for your visa interview date is like going through the eye of a needle, and you either have to shrink in size or get a giant size needle to know how long your wait would be, we have the answer: the Visa Bulletin movement for two years is here.
OFWs are considered de-facto global talents, desired by employers worldwide. While millions are mired or stranded in the Middle East, the best in their trades while enduring the worst of work conditions and human rights violations, Canada wants them.
Each State or Territory of Australia has its own list of occupations in demand. Find out where you are needed - and wanted.
New! Alberta has created the Alberta Opportunity Stream; Saskatchewan has replaced the first-come, first selected basis for applicants meeting the occupations in demand requirements - and more. See the updates as of August 2, 2018.
Newfoundland and Labrador is a dynamic and vibrant province that distinguishes itself as one of the best places in the world to live, study, work and play. More than a thousand years ago, the Vikings came and transformed as Newfoundlanders. Today, Newfoundland and Labrador offers the best of Europe and North America - an abundance of clean air and fresh water, a low incidence of violent crime and a comfortable population density. It is one of the friendliest and safest places in the country to live.
Two days before Christmas and fees for filing petitions as well as applications for U.S. benefits go up. And Donald Trump is not yet officially the President.
Official government announcement by the Canadian government published in the Canada Gazette
Will the Visa Bulletin processing dates change for the better - or worse? Check December 2016 visa bulletin and the rest of the story.
The pass mark to qualify for permanent residency to Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker category (FSW) remains the same: 67. But starting May 4, 2013, three new essential changes will be implemented. Read on.
The Visa Bulletin Cut-off Date has become more complicated since October 2015. Get to know which cut-off date applies to your immigrant visa petition.
A likely reason is that RNs with the skills, experience, English proficiency required by the UK Home Office and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) have several more attractive, less costly option to work and become permanent residents elsewhere, such as Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
Set your search to solve your immigration jigzaw puzzle on which province in Canada to live and work. Consider Prince Edward Island: where Canada was born - and began.
With 10 to 12 million Filipinos overseas – half of them as permanent residents – it’s no wonder there are tens of thousands of tourist, work, student and immigrant visas. Why are there many refused admission at ports of entry even as they hold valid visas?
It took 8,000 years before the Vikings of Europe landed in Newfoundland. Today, Newfoundland Labrador is cherishing the old and welcoming the new, especially young immigrants of working age who could keep social services flowing.
If you are just getting ready to submit your application (without a prior review of what occupations would be in demand in Saskatchewan and how to qualify) the program has closed. The good news? It will open again.
Commuters in traffic-challenged cities around the world chart their routes through Waze™ and find so many routes to travel. Unlike that popular app though, there is no reliable visa-priority-date/traffic charter because no one can predict what may happen to other countries and the U.S. And remember, political and economic developments in and outside the U.S. affect the availability of visa numbers.
Changes are being implemented for those who intend to apply as Skilled Migrants to New Zealand. We are publishing the complete news release from the New Zealand Immigration as a public service and part of our immigrant advocacy.
New Zealand Immigration Service announced the suspension of accepting residency applications for parents in NZ. This update is being provided - as announced - as public service and part of our immigrant advocacy.
If you are a graduate (diploma, degree holder of any of the college or universities listed below, then your qualification is considered as the equivalent of a New Zealand degree. As explained below, you may then pursue further education or apply for skilled migration (permanent residency) without the need for assessment by the New Zealand Qualification Authority.
423 occupations. Check what's available in Saskatchewan. From a total of 423 occupations, 79 have good prospects, 303 with fair (balanced or average) and 41 with limited job prospects based on current and anticipated economic conditions.
In a few weeks from now, filing a petition for your spouse, child, parent - even a fiancee wil cost more, including the fee for issuance of your green card which is paid with an immigrant visa application.
If you get married and kept it secret, will it affect your petition and visa application even if you marry a second time and make this marriage known instead of the first?
One of the provinces in the Maritime region, Nova Scotia offers a high quality of life to its residents. As a new immigrant, there are a variety of free services you may avail of to help you settle in the province.
With a population of less than 760,000 and low cost of living, the Province of New Brunswick may afford new opportunities for new immigrants.
Thirsty for news for next month? As a public service to our Friends, Viewers and Clients, we are publishing the Final and Filing Dates for September and October this year.
What occupations will each or all of Australia's States and Territories will remain in place and which ones will exit?
Starting a new chapter in one's life as a Working-Student Mom in Manitoba is not as hard as it seems, especially when your spouse - in fact, the whole family's with you in this journey.
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program offers an economic immigration pathway for in demand foreign workers and experienced entrepreneurs who can contribute to the economic development demands of the province.
Employers or agents must meet Canada's LMIA requirements and comply with POEA procedures if recruiting Filipino workers.
No sponsorship necessary but you need 60 points to qualify and processing takes longer than State or Territory Nominated and Employer Nominated.
Like many countries with skilled migration categories, Canada selects permanent residents based on their ability to settle in Canada and contribute positively to their economy. Permanent residents may live, work and study in Canada permanently and enjoy the additional benefits of access to government-subsidized education, healthcare and the insurance and pension benefits if employed. And as a permanent resident, you may enjoy an opportunity to sponsor eligible family members to join you in Canada.
If you have worked in Canada as a temporary foreign worker or on a postgraduate work permit, you might be eligible to apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class (or CEC).
More people are dying than being born in three of four provinces but in the push to attract immigrants to Atlantic Canada, the region’s governments must assure those who are left behind that migrants are not taking away their jobs.
Not a program but a system, Express Entry has made applying as an immigrant under an economic immigration program more systematic and faster - and now after November 19, 2016, more competitive and open to overseas applicants.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers are authorized to conduct random checks and interview arriving passengers all of whom should have valid visas. If the answers to the questions are not be consistent with those given during the visa interview, that could spell trouble.
What NZ needs are students and migrants in the construction, engineering (30,000), health and social services, ICT (1500) and electronics, and areas such as teaching, chefs, trades and heavy truck driving (500)"
New Zealand has a study program in place that allows international students to work while studying, get a job search visa after graduation and proceed to the legal pathway to residency.
An average of 500,000 students in the Philippines graduate from a four-year degree program every year. They were the ones who were able to cross the enrollment to commencement bridge. The next bridge, commencement to employment (local or overseas), can be a little tricky or rickety depending on when you get to it.
Employers and headhunters in Germany are going to areas with high unemployment rates looking for welders, fitters and other tradespersons. Porsche on the other hand needs engineers to outrun the competition
We are posting the official information from the Belgian Embassy in Makati as service to our viewers and eReaders. For more info, log on to http://philippines.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/visa/visa-belgium
Before the European Union implements regulations on migration, details of the rules are presented during plenary sessions conducted in Brussels, Belgium.
For visitors staying for 3 months or less, there is the Short Stay Visa (Schengen visa). For long-stay visa applicants, the specific requirements depend on the type of residency visa desired.
Yes you need basic proficiency in French. So save up and instead of spending on french fries, pay up for French language lessons In the meantime, here's an overview of how to go about applying for a visa and what to expect before you leave.
The original song is "I'll See you in September, when summer is gone." by the Tempos in 1959. September signal not just the end of summer but also the last month of the U.S. government's fiscal year. October is when a new set of visa numbers are allocated. It is best to monitor your preference category so as not to miss your visa interview.
1.2 Million college and technical education students graduate every year. Almost the same number of applicants in 3,686 job fairs conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment. Only 30% got hired.
For the sons and daughters of petitioners who obtained their U.S. citizenship through military service in the U.S. during World War II, you can apply to be with the Petitioner now instead of waiting for years under the Advance Parole program of President Barack Obama.
Finishing the race to the finish line is like swimming against the tide for Filipino applicants seeking to become permanent residents to Canada. A preferred swimming lane is reserved for those already in Canada as students or workers.
The list of occupations eligible for permanent residency and employment in New Zealand had been released after the NZ government review in December 2015. Find out if your occupation is on any of the lists.
Right on the heels of Brexit and the emergent call of Scotland, France and other EU member countries about remaining or breaking away from the European Union, Canada has initiated a nationwide consultation on how Canada's immigration program should define Canadian citizens and residents 150 years from now.
This updated lists of occupations for each State or Territory in Australia show which occupations are in demand or hard to fill. For Skilled Migrants and their families, we dedicate this page for fast, easy access to information that will help you decide where to seek nomination, where your occupation is in demand and how to qualify. Good luck.
If your occupation is not included in the list of Essential Skills in Demand (ESD) in New Zealand by December, you would have to wait for another year. Find out what occupations are hot, which ones are not.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics warns that less than 3 year from now, the U.S would be needing an additional 1.2 million RNs to meet the demands of the workforce and the $2.9 trillion healthcare industry. Yet, there has been no action to actively recruit nurses from overseas.
If last year was any indication, approximately 4,000 candidates will be invited to apply for permanent residency through New South Wales' nomination program. Find out if your occupation is on the list, below.
If only your eyes have hands, maybe they will try to move the priority dates faster. Since that is not the case, you may cast your glance to other options if your wait would be at least another 10 years.
The detailed instructions are shown as part of our advocacy program. If you need additional information or assistance, please call 02-634-8717 or call text 0917-529-8472 or email us your concern or case at chiefvisaofficer@visacenter.org. You may also watch the USCIS Video of USCIS Director Leon Rodriguez.
Next month's cut-off dates from the State Department came out a day after the rules for Advance Parole processing were published by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. How are these dates and rules related?
New procedures in place. Do not be on time. Be early! Use your money. Not Uncle Sam's1 Register to Receive. Do not be in line. Be online! Do not be copy. Be original.
Domestic worker visas are still being issued, but not Au Pair visas. In all cases, work permits to the UK must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK registered employer authenticated by the Philippine Labor Attache.
Instead of waiting 15 to 25 years under the F1 or F3 category, qualified applicants may now apply to join the petitioner parent (World War II Veteran) with their minor children.
What factors have affected the ebb and flow of visa movement the last five years? Amidst the ethnic conflicts, threats of nuclear war the 60's maxim of "Make Love Not War" seems to be the best solution.
Get ready to pay more to sponsor your spouse, children, parents, brothers, sisters as well as workers being sponsored on temporary or permanent basis.
So, it's the weekend and you have a visa or migration question. Get the specific and detailed answer you need - FREE. Just Pay attention.
Despite the slowdown in the Chinese economy resulting in the decreased demand for oil, certain industries in Canada predicts increased hiring. All the links - from Employer's responsibility to the role of the Philippine government - are provided as part of our immigrant advocacy.
Beware of job offers through the internet. Do not get caught in the web of scams. U.S. employers intending to recruit foreign workers must comply with U.S. labor and immigration laws. A simple "job offer" direct to the applicant is not enough.
The 65,000 H-1B visas and 66,000 H-2B visas could face drastic changes, or at least stringent requirements if the incoming Trump administration makes good on its campaign promises to prioritize U.S. citizens and workers.
Three years after announcing the opportunity to work and migrate to Germany for Skilled Worker (with completed Vocational Education and Training), the demand and shortage remains. Three reasons why.
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz announced Germany's need for 200,000 - and the countrys preference for Filipino Nurses. Here's what you need to qualify.
America is losing the battle for the hearts, minds and pockets of international students and the Department of Homeland Security has to move fast to save the sinking ship of the U.S. international education market.
The first day of April is barely a month away, but don’t let the proximity fool you – if you are filing for a U.S. working visa (H-1B) or waiting for your immigrant visa schedule and interview. Beware of offers too good to be true. We have the official visa dates for April 2016, and even a look back from 10 years ago.
Three months into the second year of Express Entry, the minimum points required to be invited to apply for permanent residency to Canada had been cut in half. But that’s not the whole story
If your priority date is NOT yet on CHART B, do not start obtaining documents in support of your immigrant visa application. You could end up paying twice to keep your documents current and qualify you for a visa interview. Dance on.
In 2015, international students contributed more than $30.5 billion to the U.S. economy, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce; a record $17.5 billion to the Australian economy for the 12 months to the end of March 2015; $8 to 10 billion to Canada and more billions of tuition fees to educational institutions in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. So, if you were to choose, what would be your reasons to spend your (or your parent’s) funds?
A recent report by Manpower Group (Talent Survey 2015) shows employers globally are experiencing difficulty in filling job vacancies despite the availability of skilled workers and professionals worldwide. Read the reasons why.
Jobs that employers find hard to fill amidst the glut of skilled workers worldwide is a reminder of the Mariner's Rhyme - "Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink."
You may call us for the fastest moving, the crawling categories and how each classification moved from last month (January) and from February of last year.
If your love one pledges to follow you to the end of the Earth, he or she must be referring to New Zealand.
With December Priority Date applicants processing their documents over the holidays, it’s time to think ahead and be prepared for our January Petition holders. US Priority date petitions have seen movement for the month of January from last month’s dates.
If you dilly-dallied on whether to apply for Canadian permanent residency through Saskatchewan's Express Entry program, you're just in time - for the next round of selection. Yes, this year's intake had been filled except for those with job offers.
For 2015 - 2016, Australia shall issue up to 190.000 permanent migration places available in 2015-16 including 128,550 Skill stream places; 57,400 Family stream places and 565 Special Eligibility stream places. At least 3,485 Child places will be available outside the managed Migration Programme. The wait may be from 8 months to 2 years.
The Philippines is believed to have an oversupply of competent and licensed healthcare workers. Yet, the country does not have a working healthcare system that takes care of the citizen's wellness. Canada has - especially for the children.
It is a Welcoming New Year (2016) for all Family-sponsored categories for the Philippines.
Unless you are in, you are out. Most of the candidates in the Express Entry Pool invited to apply for permanent residency were already in Canada.
Have you warmed up yet to the new system of reporting by the Visa Office on the priority dates each month? Check what you have to bridge before your time to cross comes.
The 19th Express Entry draw raised the threshold from the lowest (450 during the 17th and 18th draw) to 489 in the latest selection.
The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation changed Regulations expanding the list of occupations eligible of issuance of employment permits and after 5 years - permanent residency.
Know the updated requirements and the 4 steps to apply including requirements, payment and processing time.
The list of Skilled Visas and processing time for each category including the Temporary - Visas as of May 15, 2018. Processing time is updated monthly.
UK is a leader of the European Union but is not a signatory to the Schengen Agreement allowing mobility and free travel within member European countries. Here are the transient to settlement options.
Current and upcoming changes for studying in Canada. We did the homework so you won't.
The dilemma of completing a process to be in the incomplete line.
1,530 applicants issued invitations to apply. Most of them already in Canada as international students or foreign workers.
Consuls at the U.S. Embassy in Manila discuss the myths and truths about applying for U.S. tourist visas. The annotated version is available here. The complete episode is available on YouTube.
50 years after Philippines and Asians leading source of immigrants. Mexico's improved economy reduced Mexican immigration.
An alien abductor would be a subject of an A not an X-File.
There are approximately 12-15 million illegal or undocumented immigrants in the U.S. including those who have overstayed their visas. Waiver is available but applying for one is better inside instead of outside the U.S.
Like taxes, avoiding is punishable. Evading is.
A green card holder who has stayed outside the U.S. for more than 180 days or more could be considered as inadmissible. Permanent residents staying outside the U.S. for more than a year without a re-entry permit could be subjected to airport-to-airport proceedings.
Deportation is different from Exclusion. One is deported after being admitted into the U.S. after inspection at a port of entry. Exclusion is not being allowed to enter the U.S. at a port of entry.
An RN for example must have passed not only the NCLEX but also have the VisaScreen Certificate.
The petitioner must submit an Affidavit of Support - whether receiving little or no income at all - and get a joint sponsor to overcome this inadmissibility.
Membership in or support of a terrorist organization is one of the most common reasons.
Waiver - or asking for consideration is available for certain applicants.
Most common and serious reasons? Not disclosing previous visa applications or stay in the U.S.; petitioner's status; civil or marital status, admission of charges all of which could have been prevented or waived.
6 Days after our posting, the 1,000 applicants in various occupations in demand had been reached. What can you do to be on the next round?
Petitioners in the U.S. who are sponsoring their family members are required to submit a completed and signed Affidavit of Support - and report their latest , official tax returns not fish-wrap - to prove that the sponsored immigrants will not be receiving public benefits.
The expanded version -After announcing the posting of two priority dates for each of the Family and Employment-based categories starting October this year, the State Department's Visa Office revised the next month's cut-off dates.
1,000 applications to be considered for nominations (for qualified candidates). But hurry! These slots usually get filled up fast especially for applicants who have already secured their language proficiency test and credential evaluation.
Today will be tomorrow's yesterday. Today will become history. Time will not wait. So will the 1,000 quota for Saskatchewan's Occupation in Demand leading to Permanent Residency for qualified applicants.
Saskatchewan is the place. Thousands of occupations in demand and opportunities to be in Canada's
Limbo rock and roll comes to mind with Chubby Checker chuckling as candidates aim high to get the lowest threshold score for Canadian permanent residency.
Did you make it to the 16th Express Entry Draw last September 8, 2015? If your answer is no, or not yet, find out when you could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Proposed changes will favor those who are already in the U.S. - lawful or not.
Seven months after introducing Express Entry - the new selection system for permanent residency – the Canadian government still needs 266,050 qualified applicants go to meet its high target immigration levels of 285,000 economic migrants for 2015.
Education is a great equalizer. In a country where the playing field is not level, getting up a career ladder and achieving your full potential is extremely difficult. Studying abroad evens the odds, regardless of your religious affiliation. Watch testimonials from Filipino students taking up courses in New Zealand with the Cornell Education Group.
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