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8/18/2016
Topic:
Looking for Subsidized Housing

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

You can find some detailed information in our Settlement.Org How can I apply for subsidized housing? article.

As you may already know, there are waiting lists for subsidized housing across Ontario.

Unfortunately, in some areas, the waiting list is more than 10 years. In other places the wait is shorter.

If you require assistance in finding information regarding housing and possible solutions while you wait for subsidized housing, you may want to contact the nearest Housing Help Centre.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
8/18/2016
Topic:
How can I apply for Financial Help?

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be interested in this type of information.

You can find some helpful information in our Settlement.Org I am a refugee claimant. Can I study? article.

Here is an excerpt,

In most cases, refugee claimants will have to pay international fees until they have been designated as a refugee or protected person; you should check with your school for their rules. You may be eligible for certain scholarships and grants, but the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is limited to Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents and designated refugees and protected persons.


You may be able to find some helpful information regarding financial assistance in our Settlement.Org I am an international (foreign) student. Can I get financial assistance? article.


I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
8/18/2016
Topic:
Stolen Birth Certificate

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be very concerned about this situation.

The Service Canada website suggests that if an important piece of identification is lost or stolen, and if you suspect any fraudulent use of your personal information, contact your local police services. Do not dial any emergency number. Refer to your local telephone listing for the phone number.

You can also find some information regarding what steps to take when your Ontario birth certificate is lost or stolen in our Settlement.Org What if my Ontario birth certificate is lost or stolen? article.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
8/18/2016
Topic:
OHIP - Coverage for Second Opinion?

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this situation.

Unfortunately, we do not have detailed information regarding specific services that OHIP covers.

You can find some general information on the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website in the What's Covered by OHIP? section.

For more details and information about specific treatments, you may want to contact the nearest ministry office.

To find out information about specific treatments and services you may also want to try and contact ServiceOntario directly at:

ServiceOntario INFOline
1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only)
TTY 1-800-387-5559.

In Toronto, TTY 416-327-4282

Hours of operation : 8:30am - 5:00pm

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
8/18/2016
Topic:
Issue with Optometrist and Glasses Purchase

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this situation.

It sounds like you have already taken several steps to try to rectify this situation.

In terms of any other additional steps you can take, you can find some information in our Settlement.Org How do I make a consumer complaint? article.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
8/18/2016
Topic:
Permanent Resident Card - Not Received Yet

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be very concerned about this situation.

We suggest that you may want to contact the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Call Centre directly to see if they have any information regarding the whereabouts of your PR card and for some additional information.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
8/18/2016
Topic:
Can I get my PR status back?

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing additional question with us.

You may be able to find some helpful information and suggestions in this previous Settlement.Org Am I Still A Permanent Resident? discussion thread.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
8/18/2016
Topic:
PR Residency Obligations

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your additional question with us.

Unfortunately, we cannot provide any definitive information regarding this section. However, from the information we have previously received from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Call Centre, you may want to try and include documents such as leases in your (applicant) name with proof of payment of rent, e.g., cancelled cheques, receipts for cash payments etc.

They have previously stated that you should try to include as much as you can.

It may be best for you to have someone to contact the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Call Centre from Canada for some clarification regarding this section.

If you would like to contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, we have had some of our users previously state that they have been able to contact IRCC from abroad by dialing 1 613 944 4000 . Listen to the options to get to IRCC.


Some have reported that it is no longer working.

You may want to give it a try. If you do decide to call, let us know the outcome.

Long distance charges will apply.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
8/18/2016
Topic:
PR living abroad with Canadian citizen for 9 years

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your additional question with us.

Unfortunately, we cannot provide any definitive information regarding this section. However, from the information we have previously received from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Call Centre, you may want to try and include documents such as leases in your (applicant) name with proof of payment of rent, e.g., cancelled cheques, receipts for cash payments etc.

They have previously stated that you should try to include as much as you can.

It may be best for you to have someone to contact the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Call Centre from Canada for some clarification regarding this section.

If you would like to contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, we have had some of our users previously state that they have been able to contact IRCC from abroad by dialing 1 613 944 4000 . Listen to the options to get to IRCC.


Some have reported that it is no longer working.

You may want to give it a try. If you do decide to call, let us know the outcome.

Long distance charges will apply.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
8/18/2016
Topic:
Tax on personal effects

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your additional information with us.

It may be best if you contact the nearest Settlement agency and speak to a Settlement Worker to see if they can help you determine what you are required to do in your situation.

You can find the nearest settlement agency/settlement worker by using our Settlement.Org Services Near Me tool.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
8/18/2016
Topic:
PR Cards not Received Yet

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be concerned about the whereabouts of your PR card.

It may be best for you to contact the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (CIC) Call Centre directly.

You mentioned that you really need to come back to Canada. If you are outside Canada, you may also be able to contact the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (CIC) Call Centre. We have had some of our users previously state that they have been able to contact CIC from abroad by dialing 1 613 944 4000. Listen to the options to get to CIC.

Please note though that some have reported that it did not work for them or that it is no longer working.

You may want to give it a try.

If you do decide to call, let us know the outcome.

Long distance charges will apply.

If you need to return to Canada immediately and still have not received your PR card, you may have to apply for a you may have to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) in order to return to Canada.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
8/18/2016
Topic:
Best way to Transfer Household items from India

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

Unfortunately, we cannot provide any suggestions regarding this type of situation.

However, we hope that others who have had a similar experience can share their suggestions with you.

If you require information regarding completing the BSF186 - Personal Effects Accounting Document, you can find it in our Settlement.Org I am immigrating to Canada. How do I bring my belongings with me? article.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
8/18/2016
Topic:
Travel To USA before receiving the PR Card

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

In terms of what you options are in this situation, you can find some information on the CIC website in the I am outside of Canada and do not have a PR card. How can I return to Canada? section.

Here is an excerpt,

I am outside of Canada and do not have a PR card. How can I return to Canada?

Canada’s entry requirements are changing

Permanent residents (PR) of Canada must carry and present their valid PR card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) when boarding a flight to Canada, or travelling to Canada on any other commercial carrier. If you do not carry your PR card or PRTD, you may not be able to board your flight, train, bus or boat to Canada.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your PR card is still valid when you return from travel outside Canada, and to apply for a new PR card when your current card expires.

Returning by private vehicle

There are other documents you can use to enter the country.

When you return to Canada, apply for a PR card if you plan to travel outside Canada again.

Some examples of private vehicles include, but are not limited to: a car, truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle that you own, borrow, or rent, and that is not available for public use.

Returning by commercial vehicle: airplane, bus, train, or boat

You must apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD), valid for one entry. Otherwise you may not be able to travel to Canada.

You can apply to replace your PR card when you return to Canada.


Regarding your second question,

If applying for travel document is the only way, Can i apply for the travel document in advance now from India for those dates(November 2016) and Where should i apply


You do not become a Permanent Resident until you land in Canada. Unfortunately, you cannot apply for a Permanent resident travel document ahead of time.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
8/18/2016
Topic:
Am I still a PR?

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for your question. I understand that this situation can be confusing.

We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this.

As you may already know, a person does not lose their permanent resident status until a final determination has been made.
This means that your PR status needs to be formally removed. You can find some information on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, Here is an excerpt,


Losing your permanent resident status does not happen automatically. You cannot lose your permanent resident status simply by living outside of Canada long enough that you don’t meet the residency requirement. Unless you have gone through an official process, you have not lost or given up your permanent resident status, even though you may not be eligible to return to Canada as a permanent resident.
You may lose your permanent resident status if:
You may lose your permanent resident status in one of the ways described above if:
  • you do not live in Canada for two out of five years;
  • you are convicted of a serious crime and told to leave Canada; or
  • you become a Canadian citizen.
You do not lose your permanent resident status if your PR card expires.


Additionally, according to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) ENF 23 - Loss of Permanent Resident Status manual,


It is important to note that a permanent resident does not lose their status under A46(1)(b) until there is a final determination of the decision made outside Canada that they have failed to comply with the residency obligation under A28.

Permanent residents are not finally determined to have lost their permanent resident status until the right of appeal has been exhausted.


It also states in relation to the process of loss of permanent residency,


5. Departmental Policy

When an officer believes a permanent resident has failed to comply with their A28 residency obligation, then that officer should report the permanent resident under the provisions of A44(1) and recommend the issuing of a departure order.

The form Questionnaire: Determination of Permanent Resident Status (IMM 5511B) has been developed specifically to assist officers in making decisions regarding the permanent residency obligation, keeping in mind that the questionnaire alone is not sufficient to determine compliance with the residency obligation, and a detailed interview including examining humanitarian and compassionate criteria under A28(2)(c) is needed.

Furthermore, the officer cannot seize the person’s documents (such as the IMM 1000, Immigrant Visa and Record of Landing and the IMM 5292B, for example) despite writing an A44(1) report and issuing a removal order unless the officer believes there are reasonable grounds to do so in accordance with A140. The rationale behind this is that the person has a right to appeal the removal order and, until final determination of status, they remain a permanent resident and are the lawful owner of said documents.


Additionally, we have previously received some information from one of our legal researchers related to being in Canada after not meeting the residency requirements.

According to their research, the five-year time frame set out in the Refugee and Immigrant Protection Act is not static. Rather it is a moveable window that is dependent on the time at which a visa officer examines your situation. Therefore, if you cannot fulfill the two-year (730 day) requirement for the five-year time frame starting from when you became a permanent resident, you should remain in Canada until you can satisfy the requirement for another five-year time frame.

The IRCC’s Permanent Residency Status Determination Manual states:

For persons who have been permanent residents of Canada for more than five years, the only five-year period that can be considered in calculating whether an applicant has met the residency obligation is the one immediately before the application is received in the visa office. A28(2)(b)(ii) precludes a visa officer from examining any period other than the most recent five-year period immediately before the date of receipt of the application.


Since the officer cannot choose any five-year time period for consideration, but must always assess the most recent five-year time period (the one immediately preceding examination), you may still have the opportunity to satisfy the two-year “in Canada” requirement.


Regarding your question about applying for a PR card, you are not required to have a PR card in order to remain a permanent resident. It is required to re-enter Canada. Additionally, as you may already know, the PR card's expiry date has no correlation between whether or not you have met the residency requirements.

We suggest that you speak to a Lawyer who is familiar with Canadian immigration issues for additional information regarding your situation.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
8/22/2016
Topic:
SIN Processing

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your question with us.

You can find some detailed information on the including which documents and supporting documents are required on the Service Canada website in the Social Insurance Number section.

Here is an excerpt,

To apply for your SIN, to obtain a confirmation of your SIN or to amend your SIN record, simply gather all the required original documents and take them to the nearestService Canada office.


If everything is in order, you will get your SIN during your visit and you will not need to part with your documents.

Special measures are in place to accommodate individuals who cannot apply in person at a Service Canada office.



I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org