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8/10/2015 Topic: Citizenship Delay after Change of Address Moderator	Hello, Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us. You may want to call CIC directly again at: 1-888-242-2100 (In Canada Only) to find out what the options are specifically for you. It may be busy but it is possible to get through to speak to an agent. We hope the others can share their experiences 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
8/10/2015 Topic: Requesting my Refund for Citizenship Payment Moderator	Hello, Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us. We suggest that you may want to call CIC directly at: 1-888-242-2100 (In Canada Only) to find out the status of your refund. It may be busy but it is possible to get through to speak to an agent. We hope that others who may have been through a similar experience can share their suggestions and comments 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
8/11/2015 Topic: Accompanying Goods and Goods to Follow Form Moderator	Hello, Thank you for sharing your situation and questions with us. We have some really helpful information on how to complete these forms and what can be included in some of our previous Settlement.Org discussion threads here: List of goods bringing to Canada Description of Goods Jewelry Appraisal You may also want to contact the Border Information Services directly for specific information and a definitive response. You can contact them here: Border Information Services (BIS) from outside of Canada (long-distance charges apply): (204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064. Additionally, you can also find some helpful information in our Settlement.Org I am immigrating to Canada. How do I bring my belongings with me? article. Here is an excerpt, If you need more space to list your goods, you can type out your own list or fill out form B4A Personal Effects Accounting Document (list of goods imported) [PDF] . 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
8/11/2015 Topic: Study by Correspondence Moderator	Hello A.Kh, Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us. You can find some information on which document authentication processes are used among organizations and institutions evaluating international credentials. You can find some information regarding recognized institutions and distance education in the Best Practices for Obtaining Authentic International Educational Credentials (PDF) Guide that was developed by “World Education Services” in collaboration with Ontario Professional Licensing Bodies. Here is an excerpt, "Academic credentials are authentic when they are issued by legal entities that are authorized to issue academic credentials and/or conduct examinations and/or teaching. Therefore the process of establishing credential authenticity is concerned with confirming that the credential in question was issued by an entity authorized to issue academic credentials (recognition of institution process), and secondly, that the credential in question originates from the issuing authority (credential authentication process). Before accepting a document as valid, the following questions must be addressed: •Does the institution that issued credential in question exist? •Is it recognized or accredited in its home country? •Does the institution offer the program that is indicated on the document? •Does the candidate’s educational chronology support the credential in question?" and "7.2. Recognition of Institutions Every country has laws and regulations that govern the establishment and recognition of academic institutions within their jurisdiction. It is essential that credential evaluators be familiar with those regulations and how they are applied. While public (state/government funded) institutions are generally recognized, the status and recognition of private institutions can vary from country to country. The following are examples that illustrate the rules that apply in different parts of the world: •Private institutions are allowed to operate but cannot label themselves “university” (i.e. India) •Private universities may be allowed to offer academic programs but without the authority to award recognized degrees (i.e. France) •Institutions are physically located in one country but they are accredited in a third country (i.e. American University of Paris which has US regional accreditation). •Specific programs and degrees are recognized, but the institutions themselves are not recognized (i.e. Mexico). •Newly recognized institutions may have issued credentials before they were recognized (i.e. former communist countries in Eastern & Central Europe) Online and distance university programs have become very prevalent in the past decade and enroll thousands of students worldwide in their programs. Because the Internet is unregulated, anyone can set up and market courses, programs and even entire online institutions. It is absolutely critical to track down and establish the status of online or distance education providers in their country of origin." You may want to try and contact WES directly. We have received some clarification and some procedure information directly from WES regarding how to contact them if you have already tried or submitted documents. Here it is, Pre-Application Process •Call your local agency serving immigrants and find out when a WES representative will deliver an info session and attend the info session to learn not only how to apply to WES , but also how to use your evaluation report effectively to gain recognition from employers, academic institutions and professional licensing bodies •Check WES website http://www.wes.org/ca/info/calendar.asp regularly to learn about upcoming WES Seminars for internationally educated individuals Submitting Application for Evaluations •If you still have questions about the WES evaluation application submission, submit your questions at www.wes.or/ca/contact •The fees are based on the two types of evaluations WES provides: basic Document-by-Document ($115 Canadian) and detailed Course-by-Course ($210 Canadian). For the distinction between the two reports, visit WES website http://www.wes.org/ca/fees/evaltypes.asp •ICAP service, which stores your verified academic transcripts, and send them to institutions at your request, costs an additional $35 per application. •Submission of incomplete or incorrect documentation is the main reason your evaluation report might be delayed; we urge you to review Required Documents for your country of education (http://www.wes.org/ca/required/index.asp) and submit all the required documents. After Receiving Your Evaluation Report • WES is one of the very few evaluation services which has a “free” appeal process. For questions about your evaluation report, please write to (always state your WES Reference Number): Manager of Evaluation World Education Services 2 Carlton Street, Suite 1400 Toronto, ON M5B 1J3 Fax: 416-972-9004 www.wes.org/ca/contact WES has limited office hours for walk-in service, and we urge you to use our on-line or telephone service for assistance. The telephone service is available 9 AM to 5 PM from Monday to Friday. 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
8/11/2015 Topic: Want to Sponsor Son Born Outside Canada to PRs Moderator	Hello Nur, Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us. We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this situation. We suggest that it may be helpful to contact a Lawyer who is familiar with Canadian immigration issues for some assistance with 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
8/11/2015 Topic: Decision Made Non-Routine Application - Questions Moderator	Hello, Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us. It sounds like you have done all you can to try to contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) directly for information specific to your application. In this case, we hope that others who may have experienced something similar can share their suggestions and comments 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
8/11/2015 Topic: Citizenship - Minor Form CIT 0003 (06-2015) Moderator	Hello Julyleon, According to the Guide CIT 0003 - Application for Canadian Citizenship - Minors (under 18 years of age) Instuction guide it states, If your child was 14 years of age and older and present in any country, other than Canada, for at least six (6) months (cumulative) in the past four (4) years, you will be required to obtain a police certificate for your child issued by that country. As you can see it states, If your child was 14 years of age. 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
8/11/2015 Topic: Citizenship Ceremony - Documentation Required Moderator	Hello Leif, According to several CIC representatives, it should be whatever documents are listed in the Application for Canadian citizenship under subsection 5(1) – Adults 18 years of age and older (CIT 0002). Here is an excerpt, 1. Immigration documents -Record of Landing (IMM 1000), or -Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688), and -Permanent resident card (PRC) if you have one. Immigration documents that prove your status as a permanent resident (landed immigrant) of Canada. Permanent resident card: you must provide a photocopy of both sides, if you have one. Note: You must provide all of these documents in your possession. If any of these documents are no longer in your possession, please explain why. 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
8/11/2015 Topic: Full-time definition for OHIP coverage Moderator	Hello, Thank you for sharing your friend's situation and question with us. We have contacted ServiceOntario representatives and according to them they consider a 35 or 40 hour per week work week as full-time employment. They stated that it should be possible for her to apply for OHIP based on that information provided. We suggest that you contact the ServiceOntario INFOline directly and speak to a few representatives to confirm this information. Call the ServiceOntario INFOline Toll-free: 1-888-376-5197, 416-314-5518 (Toronto only) TTY toll-free: 1-800-387-5559 Core Hours: 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
8/12/2015 Topic: Citizenship - Minor Form CIT 0003 (06-2015) Moderator	Hello, We suggest that you may want to confirm with CIC by calling 1-888-242-2100 (In Canada Only). Please try calling them to see what they say. If you could let us know the outcome that would be helpful. 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
8/12/2015 Topic: Citizenship - Minor Form CIT 0003 (06-2015) Moderator	Hello JulyLeon, We can appreciate that you would be concerned. The fact that they have refused to clarify the guidelines or application questions is a very difficult situation. All we can state is what the Instruction Guide states: If your child was 14 years of age and older and present in any country, other than Canada, We hope that others can share their comments 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
8/13/2015 Topic: Loud Music - What are my Rights? Moderator	Hello, Thank you for sharing your situation and questions with us. We suggest that you may want to contact the nearest Community Legal Clinic for some assistance and information regarding what your rights are in this 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
8/13/2015 Topic: Educational Credential Assessment - Appeal? 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 need to contact the credential evaluation service directly for some information regarding what their appeal process is. You can find some contact information regarding the different evaluation services in our Settlement.Org Where can I get my international credentials evaluated for employment? article. You can find some information specific to complaint and appeal processes with WES in this previous Settlement.Org Evaluation service - How do I resolve this issue? 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
8/13/2015 Topic: Sponsorship - Passport is Missing in Pakistan Moderator	Hello Khan, Thank you for sharing this situation and your questions with us. We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this. We suggest that you may want to contact a Lawyer who is familiar with Canadian immigration related issues. 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
8/14/2015 Topic: Which Grade will I be Placed in? - Assessment Prep Moderator	Hello, Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us. It is great that you are looking into this type of information before arriving in Canada. It is difficult for us to say which grade you will be accepted into. As you already know, in secondary school, students usually take an assessment so that they can be placed in the right grade. Generally, secondary school students who have recently arrived from other countries may have an initial assessment before they can enter a school. Unfortunately, it is difficult for us to tell you how to prepare for this assessment. However, you can find more information on enrolling in Secondary School here: Newcomers' Guide to Secondary School - Public School Board You may also find some helpful information in our Settlement.Org Which grade will my child enter when we move to Ontario? and How is my child assessed to start school in Ontario? articles. You may also get some additional information on our NewYouth.ca website. NewYouth.ca is your first link for accurate, accessible and easy-to-understand information about issues important to you - as a newcomer in particular, but also as a young Canadian. 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