How to Apply for a Temporary Work Visa in Canada

For faster processing and for proper compliance with Canada’s immigration regulations of both employers and workers, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) issued guidelines in obtaining temporary work permit applications in Canada.

The processing of temporary work permit for Filipinos who wants to work in Canada will be based on a first come, first served basis so it is beneficial if you know the following information:

Tips and Guidelines
Prepare and submit all requirements listed below:

·         National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance

·         Immigration medical examination certificate (issued by designated clinic or medical practitioner)

·         Evidence that you intend to go back to the Philippines upon the expiration of the temporary work permit

Work permit application costs: CDN$150 (more or less Php 6,768).

Note: It is advisable to pay in Canadian dollars. If ever your visa is denied, the money is not refundable.

In filling up application forms, it is important to provide adequate, true and complete information on the applicant’s mode of recruitment (e.g. agency-hired or name-hired), selection (e.g. thru interview, written examination, etc.), and the applicant’s qualifications and expertise (education, job experiences, etc.). The Embassy also demands fluency in the English language.

The Temporary Foreign Workers in Occupations Under Pressure Program will only be valid for two years in Canada. The POEA advisory also informed that academic qualifications and good command of either English or French language are some of the major basis of a Canadian employer in choosing potential employees. Knowledge of English or French language is required to ensure that applicants will be able to perform the job satisfactorily and to effectively function in Canadian society.

If the applicant fails to meet the language or education criteria, a letter (from the employer) that affirms his/her qualifications is required. The letter must contain the reasons why the worker is essential for the employer’s business operations.

Manpower agencies are not allowed to collect any recruitment fees from the applicants. The applicant’s employer must shoulder the travel cost. The Canadian human rights legislation states that both Filipino workers should enjoy the same salary as what their Canadian counterparts are getting.

Embassy of Canada (Philippines)

9th Floor, Allied Bank Center

6754 Ayala Avenue

Makati City, Metro Manila

Telephone: (63-2) 867-0001

How to get a US Visa

Visa is one of the very important requirements in entering the United States. However, having a US visa does not automatically permit you to enter the country. Holding a visa means that U.S. consular officer at an American embassy or consulate has reviewed your application and you are eligible to enter the country for a certain purpose. A US visa has two categories; immigrant and non-immigrant visa. People who want to live permanently in US are required to secure immigrant visa, while those who want to stay in US temporarily, for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work or study should have non-immigrant visa. Securing a US visa Applying for a visa would take you about several weeks or longer since there are lots of processes you need to undergo with; filing ofapplication, interviews, name checking, etc. Here are some basic steps that would be helpful in applying US visa. Make an appointment to visit the US Embassy, through phone call, email or in person. Waiting for appointments may take you long, so make sure that you will ask for an appointment as soon as you know you’re going to travel in US. Ask the fees you need to pay and how to pay for it. Remember, fees are non refundable and must be paid before the appointment. Prepare all the necessary documents like; passport, application forms, documents to support the application detailing the employment, reason for travel and financial status. Submit your application together with the documents mentioned above. The process includes interview and collection and cross-checking of names in a highly sophisticated inter-agency database. The US Embassy will then review your application. If your name or a close variation indicates security concerns, the process will be delayed. Additional steps will vary from requests for additional interviews and information to official registration and fingerprinting. Find, thus reviewing ofapplication may take several weeks. If you are a student applying for a visa to study in the U.S., talk to the U.S. academic institution or exchange program sponsoring you to obtain all the forms you will need to present with your application. You may be informed by the consular office before leaving your country if you will be subject to special clearance procedures. Some travelers may be directed to private workstations in the arrivals hall, where special registration, photos and electronic (ink-less) fingerprints will be taken. Additional interviews and verification processes will also be conducted. For more information about visa application please visit www.unitedstatesvisas.com.

How to get a Japanese Visa

Every foreigner, except shipping and airline crews, who wish to enter in Japan, whether to work or visit, needs to secure a visa at an embassy or consulate. This visa will be stamped or attached to the passport. If you do not have the necessary visa, you will not be granted to enter in Japan.

A visa is different from landing permission. Landing permission is stamped in the passport by the immigration officers at the airport or seaport where he or she goes through immigration procedures. Landing permission serves as the legal basis of that the foreigner can stay in Japan. A visa is only a recommendation and does not automatically guarantee landing permission.

Visa Application

When applying for a Japanese visa, you must submit an application in person to a Japanese Embassy or Consulate.

Requirements

When applying for a Japanese visa you are required to submit:

• passport
• two 45mm x 45mm passport-type photos taken within the previous six months (stateless persons must submit three photos)
• two official visa application forms, available at the embassy or consulate
• documents certifying the purpose of the visit (refer to table below)

 For short-term stay

Status of residence	Supporting documents
Temporary Visitor	1.      A ticket for boarding an airplane or a vessel to leave Japan, or a written guarantee issued by a transport company. 2.      A valid passport which enables the foreign national concerned to enter foreign countries out of Japan. 3.      Documents certifying that the person concerned can defray all expenses incurred during the stay in Japan.

For Work or Long Term Stay

Status of residence	Supporting documents
Diplomat/Official	Note verbal and/or documents issued by the foreign government or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his or her purposes while visiting Japan.
Professor	Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned.
Artist	1.      Documents certifying the activity, its duration, and the position of the person concerned. 2.      Material showing the achievements of the artistic activity of the person concerned.
Religious Activities	1.      Documents from the foreign religious organization, certifying the duration of stay, position, and remuneration of the person concerned. 2.      Material showing the outline of the foreign religious organization which is sending the person concerned, and the recipient Japanese religious organization. 3.      Documents certifying the position and career of the person concerned as a religionist.
Journalist	Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned.
Investor/Business Manager	1.      In cases where the person concerned intends to commence the operation of international trade or other business, or to invest in the business, the following materials are required. a.      A business plan, copies of the company registration, and a statement of profit and loss. b.      Material showing the number of full-time staff except the foreign national concerned, and in the case where the number of the full-time staff is two, copies of resident cards or certificates of alien registration and documents regarding wage payments of the staff concerned. c.      Material showing the outline of the business office. 2.      In cases where the person concerned intends to engage in management of international trade or other business on behalf of the foreign national who began or investedthe business concerned, the following materials are required. a.     A business plan, copies of the company registration, and a statement of profit and loss. b.     Material showing the number of full-time staff except the foreign national concerned, and in the case where the number of the full-time staff is two, copies of resident cards or certificates of alien registration and documents regarding wage payments of the staff concerned. c.     Material showing the outline of the business office. d.     Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned. 3.      In cases where the person concerned intends to engage in management of international trade or other business on behalf of the foreign national who began or invested inthe business concerned or is engaged in management of the business concerned which was begun or invested in Japan, the following materials are required. a.      A business plan, copies of the company registration, and a statement of profit and loss. b.      Material showing the number of full-time staff except the foreign national concerned, and in the case where the number of the full-time staff is two, copies of resident cards or certificates of alien registration and documents regarding wage payments of the staff concerned. c.      Material showing the outline of the business office. d.      Documents certifying the career of the person concerned and his or her certificate of graduation with a major in management or administration. e.      Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned.  Status of residence Supporting documents Legal/Accounting Services 1.      Documents certifying that the person concerned is qualified to do the activities under the status of residence of "Legal/Accounting Services" provided for in Annexed Table 1 (2) of the Immigration Control Act. 2.      Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned. Medical Services 1.      Material showing the outline of the recipient organization. 2.      Documents certifying that the person concerned is qualified to do the activities under the status of residence of "Medical Services" provided for in Annexed Table 1 (2) ofthe Immigration Control Act. 3.      Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned. Researcher 1.      Material showing the outline of the recipient organization. 2.      A diploma, a personal history, and other documents certifying the career of the person concerned. 3.      Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned. Instructor 1.      Material showing the outline of the recipient organization. 2.      Documents certifying the academic career or a copy of an educational license of the person concerned. 3.      Documents certifying the professional career of the person concerned. 4.      Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned. Engineer 1.      Copies of the company registration and a statement of profit and loss of the recipient organization. 2.      Materials describing the business undertaken by the recipient organization. 3.      A diploma or a certificate of graduation with a major in the subject regarding the activity of the person concerned, and documents certifying his or herprofessional career. 4.      Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned. Specialist in Humanities/ International Services 1.      Copies of the company registration and a statement of profit and loss of the recipient organization. 2.      Materials describing the business undertaken by the recipient organization. 3.      A diploma or a certificate of graduation with a major in a subject relating to the activity of the person concerned, and documents certifying his or herprofessional career. 4.      Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned. Intra-company Transferee 1.      Documents certifying the relationship between the business office in a foreign country and the business office in Japan. 2.      Copies of the company registration and a statement of profit and loss of the business office in Japan, and material describing the business activities. 3.      Documents certifying the details of his or her duty and its duration at the business office in a foreign country. 4.      Copies of the company registration of the business office in a foreign country, and material showing its outline. 5.      Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned. 6.      A diploma and documentation certifying the career of the person concerned. Skilled Labor 1.      Copies of the company registration and a statement of profit and loss of the recipient organization. 2.      Materials describing the business undertaken by the recipient organization. 3.      A personal history and documents issued by the official organization which is certifying the career and the qualification regarding the activity of the person concerned. 4.      Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned. Long-Term Resident 1.      A copy of the family registration, the marriage certificate, the birth certificate, and other documents certifying the status of the foreign national concerned. 2.      Documents certifying that the person concerned can defray all expenses incurred during the stay in Japan. In cases where the expenses incurred during the stay in Japan are defrayed by another person, documents certifying the income of the person who intends to defray all expenses. 3.      A letter of guarantee by a person living in Japan. Visa Fees Foreigners who obtain a visa for Japan must pay a visa fee. 3,000 yen = Php1358.9501 for a single-entry visa, 6,000 yen = Php 2717.9002 for a double-entry or multiple-entry visa, and 700 yen= Php 317.0883 for a transit visa In the case of applicants from countries with reciprocal arrangements relating to visa fees with Japan, fees are reduced or exempted in accordance with the arrangement.

How to Handle Your Visa Interview

Of course, no one can “guarantee” that a visa will be issued to anyone, regardless of how a person feels or conducts himself or herself at an interview.  Only a Consul can issue a visa after being fully satisfied that all the legal requirements have been met by the visa applicant.  However, here are a few tips, which might help in proving your eligibility for a visa at the interview.         

1.  You should resist the temptation to tell your whole life story and family history to the Consul in response to every question he asks.  Consuls are extremely busy and have a lot of interviews to conduct throughout the day.  They don=t have time to listen to a long story in response to a short question.  When Consuls ask questions, they are simply trying to determine your eligibility for thevisa, per the requirements set forth in the US immigration laws.       

2.  Stick to the subject and get straight to the bottom line in your answers. Sometimes, the Consul will ask a question calling for a “yes” or “no” answer.  If that is the case, then answer the question directly, and don=t go around in circles with answers that do not address the questions being asked.  In other words, be brief with your answers, but make sure they address and satisfy the Consul’s concerns.  Of course, if an answer requires an explanation, then you should provide that explanation, but make sure you get to the point.            

3. Listen to the Consul’s question before you start answering.  If you start talking before his question is finished, you may be answering a question he is not even asking, and rather than speeding along theinterview, you actually will slow it down. 

4. Make sure you understand the question. If you do not understand the question, courteously advise the Consul, so he can ask it again, using simpler terms or even get an interpreter for you. The Consul does not want you to answer a question you do not understand, and he won't know you don't understand a question unless you tell him.   

5. Don't guess. If you do not know an answer to a question, or if you can't remember, tell the Consul.  The Consul does not want you to guess, if you don't know the answer.        


6. Tell the truth. I know of many people who were lawfully entitled to visas, but lied to the Consul, thinking it would be better for their case. The Embassy quickly discovered the fraud, and the person was banned for life from going to the US. Had the person told the truth from the beginning, and satisfactorily explained the circumstances, they would have gotten the visa.  If you have something suspicious about your case (i.e. date of marriage on your illegitimate child's birth certificate), it is better totell the truth and explain what happened than try to hide it, by filing a late registered birth certificate, showing a birth at home, etc.    


7.  Present only documents which are true, genuine and authentic.  Presenting fake or altered documents is considered fraud, and would be grounds for denial of your visa. The Embassy, which now has one of the largest and most sophisticated Fraud Prevention Units, will check out those documents and will discover your fraud.       


Again, these tips will not “guarantee” a visa, but I think they will help in increasing your chances of a successful interview.

Guide in Getting a UAE Visa

The procedures for getting a visa to enter the UAE are relatively simple and hassle-free. And if all documents are in order, then the visa is issued within 72 hours. In urgent cases, visas can also be issued within a day.

Two Types of Visas
For tourists, there are broadly two types of Visas - Visit Visas and Transit Visas - and they are issued depending on the duration of stay requested.

1. Visit Visas
A visit visa applies to tourists who desire to stay more than 14 days in the UAE, whether to visit relatives or for business purposes. The categories given below identify whether an individual requires avisit visa before arrival or whether one can be issued at the airport or entry point.

• AGCC Citizens - Citizens of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia) do not need a visa.
• AGCC Residents - AGCC expatriate residents may obtain a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival.
• UK Citizens - Residents of the UK with the right to abide in the United Kingdom may obtain a free visa on arrival, which is valid for 60 days and can be renewed for an additional 30 days for Dhs. 500 ($137).
• 33 Privileged Countries - Like the UK citizens, there are 33 countries that can also avail of a free UAE visa. These include the citizens of France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States (US), Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. However, a new law was passed on March 31st 2003, stating that the citizens of these 33 countries can only obtain a one-month non-renewable visit visa on arrival, which costs Dhs.100 ($28). Though the government officially passed this law, it is not implemented at all times.
• Other Nationalities (Tourist Visas)
  Citizens of countries that are not mentioned above require the sponsorship of a UAE resident (relative or friend), hotel, travel agency, or company, in order toobtain a visit visa. This type of visit visa is also known as the tourist visa. For a relative or friend to sponsor a tourist visa, he or she must earn over Dhs.4,000 per month and hold a valid residence visa. A hotel can sponsor a tourist visa, only if you are a staying at the hotel, and they will hold your passport until all hotel payments are cleared. Procedures involved in issuing atourist visa require that you provide your sponsor with your arrival details and a photocopy of the first few pages of your passport. With these details, the sponsor can apply for atourist visa, which will cost Dhs. 100 ($28) and take around 7 days to issue. Your sponsor must deposit your tourist visa at the airport immigration at least one hour before your flight's arrival, which will cost Dhs.10 ($3) to process.

2. Transit Visas
A transit visa is a 4-day (96 hour) visa, which is issued by sponsorship of an airline operating in the UAE. This can only be issued if you have a valid ticket for an onward flight nevertheless, the issuing of these are free of cost.

Other Visas

There are two other types of visas issued by the U.A.E. government. The first is a 14-day visa, also known as an Entry Service Permit. This visa must be sponsored by a U.A.E. company or hotel and will take 2 weeks to issue.

The second is a Multiple Entry Visa, which is useful for individuals who frequently visit the UAE and who have a relationship with a reputable company in the UAE. Valid for six months from date of issue, each visit must not exceed 30 days in total. This visa costs Dh1000. The visitor must enter the UAE on a visit visa and obtain the multipleentry visa while in the country.

German citizens (both tourists and business visitors) may apply to the UAE embassy in Germany for one or two year multiple-entry visa. No sponsor is required. The maximum duration of stay should not exceed three months a year. The visa fee is Dh1500.

US citizens may apply to the UAE embassy in the US for one to ten year multiple-entry visas. A sponsor is required and the visa will be granted free of charge. The maximum duration of stay should not exceed six months per visit.

Renewals

The Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department (DNRD) renews the Visit Visa at its expiry date if the sponsor so decides. Renewals can be made by exiting and re-entering the country to gain an exit stamp and a new entry stamp on the passport or by paying the extension fee of Dhs 500 (US$137) at the DNRD. If you overstay your visit visa, there's a ten day grace period in which to leave the country. After that period, each day overstayed will attract a fine of Dhs. 100 (US$28).

Overstaying
A penalty charge of Dhs.100 ($28) per day is imposed on visitors who overstay. If the overstay extends to a significant amount of time, then a court hearing is issued and the judge will decide what penalties shall be given.
Issuing Authority

The Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department (DNRD) is the sole administrative authority of the Ministry of Interior that deals with issuing visas to foreigners visiting the country. Most visas issued in the UAE are issued through the Dubai International Airport and are sometimes mistakenly referred to as a Dubai visa. Most Dubaivisas are issued during the various events sponsored by the Dubai government, including the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises. With this, the visa requirements are minimized and obtaining one is a lot easier.