New Brunswick Information Session Sign-Up

It is Tuesday. I am still overwhelmed with the news regarding Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program. 

My husband doesn't need to do IELTS retake, and in mid-February his TOR will be out and ready to be sent to WES. I know he just need to have a job offer from a designated employer from the one of the  four atlantic provinces. But how can we have that offer? I searched the internet and it directed me to New Brunswick Information Session. I could not believe it as NB immigration staff will be in Manila for four days from February 16-19 and will have two sessions each day! I am feeling lucky now! Yesterday, I've got the big news for AIPP and now I'm signing up my husband for February 18 afternoon session.

I believe this information session is different from the previous sessions they had wherein they give Expression of Interest to eligible candidates. This coming sessions are more on presenting the AIPP. 

(Source: NB Information Session News)

 After signing up for the session, my husband received a confirmation email.

Now, we are hoping that my husband's incentive trip won't fall on February 18. 

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

It was 3:30 am when I checked my phone for any immigration news. I  chanced upon this new program and I suddenly sit on the edge of my bed to read the full article from CanadaVisa. I could not contain my happiness so I text my husband right away.

(Source: CanadaVisa Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program News)

This program gives us so much hope as it has requirements that are different from Express Entry. First, it is employer-driven. The principal applicant should have a valid job offer from a designated employer to be eligible and when you  already have that offer, you already have a job once you landed! Second, it accepts job under NOC level 0, A, B AND C. Third, it only requires CLB level 5 in English. It means that my husband doesn't need to take another IELTS test! Fourth, a completion of at least high school is needed and an ECA is required for this. Lastly, the settlement funds are way smaller than the required for EE. For us who are a family of four, we just need CAD 5714 (Php 215000+) under AIPP since it is employer driven but we need CAD 22858 (Php 860000+) for EE. It is really a BIG relief for us. 

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program will start receiving application in March 2017. 

(Source:Proof of Funds: AIPP

(Source: Proof of Funds: Express Entry)

I believe this is God's way of saying that we should not lose hope. We got disappointed with my husband's IELTS result but then we found our way to this new program. 

TOR Request and Diploma

I've sent my husband's photocopy of diploma last January 8 since he already has a personal copy of it. Remember, the applicant should be the sender of the diploma and the reference number should be written on the envelope and sticker form. It cost Php 1300 thru LBC and after five working days WES received it.

(Source: LBC)

It took me awhile to request my husband's TOR because he needs to fill-out the Academic Records Request Form (together with an authorisation letter as I will be the one who will request his TOR) and to do that I need to send it in CDO and wait for it to be sent back to me. 

Finally, after sending back and forth the form I was able to request his TOR from San Sebastian-Recoletos in Manila. The registrar already knew what to do as many applicants have been requesting the same thing. So after filling out the request from, paying fee, handing the academic records request form from WES and submitting his 1x1 ID, I'll receive his TOR after 20 working days.

I've asked the registrar if they can send it directly to WES and she told me that they can do it just like with other applicants. She just need Php 1300 for the courier fee (LBC) then she will have it delivered same day and she will email me the tracking number for reference OR I can send it myself to WES and just write the registrar's name with the college address as the sender. Well, I still have 20 days to think how I want it delivered.

We received this email from WES confirming that they've received the diploma sent to them.

WES Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

HAPPY 2017, EVERYONE!

A new year, a new beginning for all us. Wishing you all a healthier, happier and lovelier year.

I decided to start our year right by registering to WES (World Education Services) for my husband's ECA. It is needed when applying as a FSW to know the equivalent of your credentials in Canada.

About ECAs From WES:

• World Education Services (WES) is designated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to provide Educational Credential Assessments (ECA) for degree(s) earned outside of Canada.
• An ECA is required to apply for certain IRCC immigration programs.
• Your Express Entry profile is valid for one year from the date you submit a profile to IRCC. If you have  not received  an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence after one year and still want to come to Canada as a skilled immigrant, you will need to complete and submit a new profile.
• Please note your WES ECA is valid for five years from the date of issue, and you can continue using your ECA when you submit a new Express Entry profile.

It was an easy 3-step process as shown below:

Here are the step-by-step procedures in obtaining ECA:

1st STEP: Know WES process and the documents needed.

Carefully review all the documents needed to submit and how to submit each. In my husband's case he needs a photocopy of his college diploma and original transcript of records.

2nd STEP: Make an account and pay to get your reference number.

Click on Apply Now for the ECA Application for ICC then it will direct you to making an account.

(Source: WES)

After creating an account, a personal info, education, ECA package, Delivery and Confirmation Order tabs will be shown. At this point, payment is needed thru credit card and a fee of CAD 322.05 will be charge to your card. After payment, a reference number will be given.

Print the application page for your reference.

3rd STEP: Form to go with your TOR and sending of documents.

This Academic Records Request Form should go with your TOR when sending it to WES. It can be downloaded from Documents to Send menu.

Remember, the photocopy of diploma and TOR should NOT be sent together. The sender of the diploma should be the applicant while the sender of the TOR should be the college/university attended. 

Be sure to write your reference number on both documents you are sending.

You will receive emails from WES for any updates and feedback.

I will make another post on how I request my husband's TOR, fees and courier.