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all messages by user

1/14/2015
Topic:
My employer won't give me my ROE?

Moderator
Moderator
Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your question and situation with us. It is very frustrating that your employer has not given you your Record of Employment (ROE).

You have already taken some of the steps we would recommend such as contacting your employer and Service Canada.

If you need your ROE for the purposes of Employment Insurance, you can also submit a Request for Record of Employment form to Service Canada so that they can obtain your ROE on your behalf.

You may also want to try contacting a community legal clinic for help.

Some people receive electronic ROEs from their employers. If you receive an electronic ROE from your employer, they don’t need to give you a paper one as well.

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.

==
Julia
Settlement.Org team
1/15/2015
Topic:
PR Card expired 8 years ago - Never Renewed

Moderator
Moderator
Hi There,

Thanks for sharing your question and situation with us. We can appreciate that this is a difficult situation.

You may find our article Do I need to apply for my Permanent Resident Card? helpful:


Do I need a PR Card?

It is not mandatory that you have a PR Card, unless you are going to travel and return to Canada on a commercial carrier (by land, sea or air).



And as you have not left Canada you can find the residency requirements in our article What are the residency requirements for permanent residents (PRs)? useful.

Here is an excerpt:

"To meet these residency obligations, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) in every 5-year period."

If you wish to apply for citizenship, please be aware that the rules and requirements are changing. You can find up to date information in our citizenship article.

You may want to contact the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Call Centre for more information to confirm the information provided above.

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.

=====
Theresa
Information & Referral Specialist, CIRS
Your Settlement.Org Team
1/15/2015
Topic:
Questions About Paying Hydro

Moderator
Moderator
Hi There,

Thanks for sharing your question and situation with us. We can appreciate that this is a confusing and frustrating situation.

You may find our article What do I do if I have trouble understanding my electricity bill? helpful for some tips. Here is an excerpt:


If you have questions about your bill, contact your local electricity provider and ask for an explanation of what the bill means and what you are paying. You have the right to understand what you are paying for.
[...]

If you have a complaint about an electricity retailer, contact the Ontario Energy Board customer service centre at 1.877.632.2727


You mention you lease an apartment but there are other tenants in the building. Depending on your type of accomodation you may or may not be covered by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) regarding your utilites.

You may wish to contact the Landlord and Tenant Board and/or a Community Legal Clinic about your specific 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.

=====
Theresa
Information & Referral Specialist, CIRS
Your Settlement.Org Team
1/15/2015
Topic:
Can I land in one city and live in another?

Moderator
Moderator
Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your question and situation with us.

We have had other users ask similar questions in some of our previous Landing in Montreal but destination is Ontario discussion threads

Here is an excerpt from one of our threads related to this topic,


There are 2 different questions here - 1. one about moving to quebec after landing and establishing permanent residency in Canada and 2. landing in Quebec without a CSQ.

One important thing to know is that Quebec has a special immigration process and has more control over the selection, landing, and settlement of immigrants to who to that province. So, in general, if you are not selected under the Quebec immigration process, it is easier to land elsewhere in Canada.

1. Canadian Permanent Residents have full mobility rights.

This means that, unless you are otherwise legally restricted (bail, bond, etc.), you can move to any city or province in Canada and live wherever you wish. However, as a new immigrant you may not have access to some of the Quebec-funded services for immigrants that come to that province via their provincial selection process.

You can find information and contacts for the government of Quebec immigration department here:
http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/anglais

2. Landing in Quebec without a CSQ.

Landing in Montreal without a CSQ
http://www.settlement.org/discuss/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7212

According to CIC, if you do not have a Certificat de Selection (CSQ) or proof of onward transportation out of Quebec, you will most likely have difficulties in "landing" there. The main problem is that this decision is at the discretion of immigration officials at the port of entry in Quebec. If you have indicated a non-Quebec destination but try to land in Quebec, you might have problems at the border, since Quebec has the provincial authority to choose its own immigrants, and has a somewhat different immigration process.

Again, if you do have to land in Quebec without a CSQ, you should be able to show that you are continuing on to a destination outside Quebec.


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.

==
Julia
Settlement.Org Team

1/16/2015
Topic:
Do I need stickers for my recreational vehicles?

Moderator
Moderator
Hello Paula,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

It is great that you are looking into this type of information before going on your trip.

You can find some helpful information on the Canada Border Services Agency website in the Visitors to Canada and other Temporary Residents section.

Here is an excerpt,

Temporary importation of vehicles and private boats

During your stay in Canada, as a visitor or a temporary resident (not seasonal resident), you can temporarily import passenger and recreational vehicles, such as snowmobiles, boats and trailers, as well as outboard motors, for your personal use.

You cannot leave temporarily imported goods in Canada between visits unless they have been properly reported to the CBSA and you were issued a Form E99, CBSA Report. You must display this form on your vehicle, boat or trailer or have it easily available to prove that you imported the goods legally. Remember to watch the expiry date. If you leave goods in Canada beyond the expiry date, and they are not in accordance with CBSA regulations, they may become subject to seizure and forfeiture.


We suggest that you contact the Border Information Service (BIS) directly at 1-204-983-3500 or 1-506-636-5064 (from outside Canada) to confirm this information and for information specific to 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
1/19/2015
Topic:
Percentage of Gas Bill paid by Tenant - Question

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

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

You may want to contact the nearest Community Legal Clinic for information regarding your specific 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
1/19/2015
Topic:
Opening an independant Secondary Credit School

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

You can find some information on the Ministry of Education website.

Here is an excerpt,

Operators of private schools in Ontario are required to notify the Ministry of Education annually of their intention to operate. To obtain the relevant information package, please contact the Ministry at 416-325-2929 or 1-800-387-5514.


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
1/20/2015
Topic:
Documents needed to Pick up PR Card

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

The letter you have received should specify the documents you are required to take in order to be eligible to pick up your PR card.

In most cases, you must bring your existing card with you, along with the originals of documents included in your application.

You may want to try and contact CIC directly to find out information specific to your situation. It is true that it is not possible to access the toll-free number from outside Canada. 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. Then you should be transferred to the CIC Call Centre.

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.

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
1/20/2015
Topic:
Citizenship Timeline Update

Moderator
Moderator
Hello Pascua,

Thank you very much for sharing your timeline and updates with us.

This is very helpful to us and to other users.

Please continue to update us and let us know if you have any questions.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
1/20/2015
Topic:
Sponsorship Questions - Moving from the US

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and questions with us.

We can appreciate that you would want to find the most efficient way to go about your move back to Canada and that you would not want to be apart.

For in-Canada sponsorships, the processing time for first stage is currently 17 months and CIC is currently working on applications received on September 3, 2013.

After that, it would still be several months before you would hear anything or see any updates for your application on-line.

You can see the processing times and which applications CIC is currently working on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.

We have had other users share their In-Canada Sponsorship application process and experience. It may be helpful to read their timelines, experiences and suggestions. They also state how long the process has taken thus far and when they applied for a work permit.

It is difficult for us to provide a definitive response regarding whether or not they will allow your spouse into Canada as a visitor and whether or not they will approve any extensions.

As you may already know, as a Canadian citizen not residing in Canada, you may sponsor your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner and/or dependent children who have no dependent children of their own.

You can find some information on the process in our Settlement.Org How do I sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent child living outside of Canada? article.

The timeline for outside Canada sponsorships can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website. It is important to note that there are two consecutive steps in processing family sponsorship applications. In order to know the total approximate time you must add the times together.

It is true that it is not possible to access the toll-free number from outside Canada. 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. Then you should be transferred to the CIC Call Centre.

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.

Long distance charges will apply.

We hope that others share their experiences and suggestions with you.

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
1/20/2015
Topic:
Questions about OHIP Eligibility

Moderator
Moderator
Hello C. Mulligan,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

It is true that the OHIP requirements are a bit confusing.

You can find some clear and helpful information in our Settlement.Org Who is eligible for OHIP? article.

Here is one of the requirements found in the article,

You have a work permit that is valid for at least 6 months. You also have a formal agreement to work full-time for an employer in Ontario. The agreement states the employer's name, your occupation, and states that you will be working for at least 6 consecutive months.


Ministry of Health staff can help you determine if you are eligible for Ontario health coverage. Call the ministry INFOline:

In Ontario, toll-free: 1-800-268-1154
In Toronto: 416-314-5518
TTY: 1-800-387-5559

Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

You can also email [email protected]

Since you mentioned that you are pregnant. You can find some other information and services for your pregnancy in our Settlement.Org I am pregnant. Where can I find services? and I am pregnant and don't have OHIP. What health care can I get? articles.

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
1/20/2015
Topic:
Sponsorship Evaluation-IMM 5481

Moderator
Moderator
Hello Sayuz,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

According to several CIC representatives, you should include your OSAP amount however, you will need to also include a note stating and explaining that it is OSAP.

According to them, this is necessary because OSAP is not really considered income since it is a loan.

You may also want to contact the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Call Centre directly for information specific to 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
1/21/2015
Topic:
Questions About Being Sponsored as Common-law

Moderator
Moderator
Hello Alan,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We hope that others who have submitted their common-law sponsorship application successfully can share their suggestions with you.

For in-Canada sponsorships, the processing time for first stage is currently 17 months and CIC is currently working on applications received on September 3, 2013.

After that, it would still be several months before you would hear anything or see any updates for your application on-line.

You can see the processing times and which applications CIC is currently working on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website. Here you can compare the timelines for inside and outside Canada.

It may also be helpful to review the IP 8 Spouse or Common-law partner in Canada Class Operations Manual.

Here is an excerpt from section 10.1. Assessment of relationship,

In the case of a common-law partner, documentary evidence should include:

*a statutory declaration of common-law relationship (included in the application package);
* proof of separation from a former spouse if either the sponsor or the applicant were previously married; and
* evidence that they have been living together for at least one year (e.g.documents showing the same address for both).

Evidence may also include:

* documents from other institutions or other government authorities, such as the Canada Revenue Agency, indicating a marital or common-law relationship;
* documents indicating joint ownership of property (mortgages, leases);
* joint bank accounts; and
* insurance policies.


You or your partner may want to contact the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Call Centre directly for some suggestions and information regarding your situation.

You mentioned that the previous application was denied and that also your work permit will be expiring shortly.

It may also be helpful to contact someone who is familiar with submitting these type of immigration applications in these circumstances. You can find some information in our Settlement.Org Should I get help with my immigration application from an immigration consultant or lawyer? 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
1/22/2015
Topic:
I would like to Sponsor my Spouse

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

You can find some detailed information on the sponsorship process in our Settlement.Org How do I sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent child living outside of Canada? article.

You can see the processing times and which applications CIC is currently working on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.

You can also get some additional information by contacting the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Call Centre directly. They are available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., your local time, except for statutory holidays.

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
1/22/2015
Topic:
Easiest Way to Pass Canadian Citizenship Test

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation with us.

Also, thanks PMM for sharing that helpful link.

We also have a new website and app that is helpful. It is called Citizenship Counts.

CitizenshipCounts.ca is a new website and free Android/iPhone app that helps young people study for the citizenship test and learn about the benefits of Canadian citizenship. Although it says it is mainly for young people, the information and quizzes are helpful for everyone.

The website encourages the users to earn “badges” as they complete educational tasks. This motivates users to learn and helps them keep track of their progress. You can also share their badges on Twitter or Facebook, and compete with others to get high scores on the online citizenship quiz.

Again, although it says it is mainly for young people, the information and quizzes are helpful for everyone.

You can also find some helpful information in our Settlement.Org How can I prepare for the citizenship test? 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