Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (H1B Holders) CIC Process

[kangster]

Anyone Who APPLIED for the Strategic Recruitment Stream pilot program For H-1B Holders Category and got their Nomination certificate and have applied to or going to apply to the CIC may post their experience in this Forum. There is another forum here too

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/strategic-recruitment-stream-alberta-pnp-t9132.0.html

but that is getting little crowded, with Pre-Assessment, PNP Ceritificate and CIC process so I thought this new forum can focus mainly on the third and final process with CIC, Like dates timelines etc...Even people who have landed can give their inputs here....

IN OTHER WORDS THIS FORUM CAN BE UTILIZED FOR THE LAST AND FINAL PROCESS AND BEYOND.

[/b]

Good Luck Everyone!

[toledoresident]

this is great, I will be active participant of this after getting my nomination.

and by the way, I submitted my papers for nomination on sept 3 so nearby you... keep in touch & let me know whenever you get nomination

[ingegarcia]

Thanks kangster! this is a great idea... I'll be participating once I get my approval :)

[olusolalekan]

ok this is nice. the other thread, our dear thread, has been taken over by new applicants. not that i have any problem with that. In fact i suggest we still check that thread to help others to get to our stage too.

I also understand that i am still waiting for the certificate and will join you fully when i get to CIC stage.

[dnataraj]

kangster and all,

I am also here.

Today, I called my lawyer to withdraw my FSW. He was asking me to wait for two weeks, and if my AOR comes by then, I can inform CIC to convert my case to PNP. In fact the letter from PNP also suggests to convert the existing FSW.

This is what I did.
I called PNP office (the program officer who signed the approval letter) and asked him whether I can withdraw my FSW and apply fresh. He said I can do that but however, conversion might save some time.

This is what I feel.
If I wait I am losing time. I applied for FSW on July 4th and on trackitt I saw the last person who got conditional AOR had applied on 18th June.

If I wait and and if AOR comes, I am not sure whether I need to pay CIC fee again. Its 550x2 CAD.

And if AOR comes, I have to pay the lawyer his fee (CAD 3500 of which I have paid 500 already).

I am just waiting to collect some documents and probably submit to CIC by 20th of this month.  By then I will apply for Police certificates (I need from 3 countries apart from FBI). However I will not wait for police certificates.

For proof of funds I am submitting the valuation of my property (home) in my home country. Hope this should be fine. If they need liquid cash I will have to arrange in 2-3 months time.

Any tips?

-dnataraj

[kangster]

dnataraj,
In case of PNP Candidates, about the proof of funds my understanding is you do not have to submit that with your app with CIC You only have to fill that one form thats asks the amount you money you have to move to canada but they Will need to see those funds when you land in Canada, Immigration officer will ask for those funds upon landing 100%....I say submit the application without proof of funds and by the time they ask for the funds (If they Do) it will be 2-3 months already thats gives you enough time then to arrange in anyway.

I say there is not much difference between the person who applied on June 18 and got AOR and you who applied July 4, Maybe your is on the way already.... you have to make a decision quick.....I say withdraw FSW Application and go for the fresh start... but do consult an attorney for sure. I think if you withdraw your fees is Refundable. But honestly if I were you I would Call Buffalo and speak to someone about your situation and ask about what your options might be because they deal with these scenarios on daily basis I am sure... they will give you an answer i am sure.

Inge, Olu, Dnataraj and Toledo: Thanks guys for understanding the need for this new post... I personally think that forum helped everyone but a forum like this was needed for different stages.... both have their equal importance depending on what stage we are. Someday I would love to meet you guys in Alberta for a Drink and a Hockey game when all this is over.... and laugh about it too....

[harivenkat]

Thanks kangster and all members.... a seperate thread  to discuss issues post nomination was needed.

[yrinaldy]

Inge:

Did you get a file number after you submitted application for your PNP nomination?

Thanks kangster! this is a great idea... I'll be participating once I get my approval :)

[dnataraj]

yrinaldy,

This forum is for post PNP stage at CIC. That means in this forum we shall discuss only CIC process.

So please post your questions to
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/strategic-recruitment-stream-alberta-pnp-t9132.0.html

-dnataraj

[ingegarcia]

Hey dnataraj ..... I am going to do the same with the house I have in my home country...... :) hopefully they'll approve it as a proof of funds...
As a matter fo fact I am traveling to my home country in December to get that document and also the police certificates because I am planning to apply in January to the CIC...... I already got the FBI police certificate and I'll need to request other police certificate from Mexico. However I read that I do not have to submit the Mexican certificates with my initial application but they'll ask for them later in the process......

As for my application I am still not sure where to submit my application. There are layoffs in my company and today 1300 people got layoff. My company is expecting to continue layoffs first quarter of next year. I am not sure what to do yest because my H1b is over 7 years, it will expire in July next year, I still do not have LC approved...  so I other words I am at the mercy of my company.

If I file my CIC forms in Buffalo it will take 5-6 months to get the PR , however if I am layoff I am not sure what will hapen with my application. If I do it from my home country it will take a year......

Do you guys think if I initially file my case in Buffalo, am I going to be able to move it to my home country if needed?

Any opinion I welcome !

kangster and all,

I am also here.

Today, I called my lawyer to withdraw my FSW. He was asking me to wait for two weeks, and if my AOR comes by then, I can inform CIC to convert my case to PNP. In fact the letter from PNP also suggests to convert the existing FSW.

This is what I did.
I called PNP office (the program officer who signed the approval letter) and asked him whether I can withdraw my FSW and apply fresh. He said I can do that but however, conversion might save some time.

This is what I feel.
If I wait I am losing time. I applied for FSW on July 4th and on trackitt I saw the last person who got conditional AOR had applied on 18th June.

If I wait and and if AOR comes, I am not sure whether I need to pay CIC fee again. Its 550x2 CAD.

And if AOR comes, I have to pay the lawyer his fee (CAD 3500 of which I have paid 500 already).

I am just waiting to collect some documents and probably submit to CIC by 20th of this month.  By then I will apply for Police certificates (I need from 3 countries apart from FBI). However I will not wait for police certificates.

For proof of funds I am submitting the valuation of my property (home) in my home country. Hope this should be fine. If they need liquid cash I will have to arrange in 2-3 months time.

Any tips?

-dnataraj

[dnataraj]

Hey dnataraj ..... I am going to do the same with the house I have in my home country...... :) hopefully they'll approve it as a proof of funds...
As a matter fo fact I am traveling to my home country in December to get that document and also the police certificates because I am planning to apply in January to the CIC...... I already got the FBI police certificate and I'll need to request other police certificate from Mexico. However I read that I do not have to submit the Mexican certificates with my initial application but they'll ask for them later in the process......

As for my application I am still not sure where to submit my application. There are layoffs in my company and today 1300 people got layoff. My company is expecting to continue layoffs first quarter of next year. I am not sure what to do yest because my H1b is over 7 years, it will expire in July next year, I still do not have LC approved...  so I other words I am at the mercy of my company.

If I file my CIC forms in Buffalo it will take 5-6 months to get the PR , however if I am layoff I am not sure what will hapen with my application. If I do it from my home country it will take a year......

Do you guys think if I initially file my case in Buffalo, am I going to be able to move it to my home country if needed?

Any opinion I welcome !

ingegarcia,

I am sorry to know about your company situation. However, if I were you my thought process will be..

1. you will get your PNP nomination next week (I am sure looking at the time lines).
2. I will contact someone in my home country to do valuation of my home and get it here at the earliest.
3. As police certificates are not necessary at the beginning, I will apply with all other documents as soon as I get PNP
4. If I am lay-ed off I will goto my home country and inform CIC. They will transfer the application to local visa office.
5. Even in Mexico, for PNP it is not one year. It is much less. I heard maximum for Provincial nominees is six months anywhere.
7. Meanwhile, here in the US look for alternate job even if it pays less as a stop gap. And file for I-140.
8. Finally, I am not sure how it works but I will beg/barrow/ my company HR to protect me at least for six months. As you rightly said we are at their mercy.

Let me know what you feel. I think we can figure out a solution.

I want all you buddies in Alberta!!

-dnataraj

[ingegarcia]

Hi dnataraj, I thought that the police certificates were mandatory at the time of filling the application with CIC, but I am not really familiar with the process :))

I am going to follow your advise. I am going to request the valuation of my home, birth/marriage certificates right away so I can file ASAP!!

BTW do you think I can show the 401k as an additional proof of funds? The money will be available by the time I go to Canada :)


Thank you!!!
I hope we all can meet next year in Alberta!!!

[dnataraj]

What I heard from my Lawyer (when I was processing FSW) that it is better NOT to include police certificates in the beginning as they have an expiry date. Looks like, for PNPs CIC will send AOR with request for Medical, Police certificates and any other documents they need.

Yes it is a better thing to get birth/marriage house evaluation asap.

I am not sure about 401k as I never had one or I don't know if I have one!!

-dnataraj

[cchabert]

When you quit your job Ingegarcia the 401 goes with you, with penalty and tax involve check this:

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/401k-t11890.0.html

[ingegarcia]

Thanks dnataraj, cchabert!!!

[olusolalekan]

ingegarcia,

401K is ACCEPTABLE. It is even acceptable that the value of your property. Sometimes it is hard for them to establish any loans on the house.

I was asked 2 weeks ago to submit proof of fund again even though I put in my house valuation and loan balance. the difference is my home equity but they still ask for statement of funds.

I sent them my 401K, house valuation and deposit accounts. My friend used a print out from the 401k.com and it was accepted.

olu

[dnataraj]

ingegarcia,

401K is ACCEPTABLE. It is even acceptable that the value of your property. Sometimes it is hard for them to establish any loans on the house.

I was asked 2 weeks ago to submit proof of fund again even though I put in my house valuation and loan balance. the difference is my home equity but they still ask for statement of funds.

I sent them my 401K, house valuation and deposit accounts. My friend used a print out from the 401k.com and it was accepted.

olu

Olu,
I am planing to give my home valuation. I have no loans. But how to prove that I don't have loan if they ask?
Also, Kangster mentioned that for PNP proof of funds is not necessary. I am visiting my country in Jan end and selling my house. If I bring in that money, do they need to see the deposits for a certain amount of time? I am just lost on this.

[ingegarcia]

Thank you olusolalekan!!, that's a great news... BTW did you continue with the AINP process or with the FSW?

ingegarcia,

401K is ACCEPTABLE. It is even acceptable that the value of your property. Sometimes it is hard for them to establish any loans on the house.

I was asked 2 weeks ago to submit proof of fund again even though I put in my house valuation and loan balance. the difference is my home equity but they still ask for statement of funds.

I sent them my 401K, house valuation and deposit accounts. My friend used a print out from the 401k.com and it was accepted.

olu

[rascojenkins]

OLUSOLALEKAN

YOU ARE THE MAN.I AM RIGHT BEHIND YOU MY BROTHER.PLEASE HOW LONG DID IT TAKE FOR THEM TO GET BACK TO U AFTER U SUBMMITED YOUR PROVICIAL NOMINEE CERTIFICATE? DID YOU WITHDRAW YOUR FEDERAL HAVE THEY SEND BACK THE old APPLICATION AND THE FEE YET?

[ingegarcia]

Thank you olusolalekan!!, that's a great news... BTW did you continue AINP or are you in federal?

ingegarcia,

401K is ACCEPTABLE. It is even acceptable that the value of your property. Sometimes it is hard for them to establish any loans on the house.

I was asked 2 weeks ago to submit proof of fund again even though I put in my house valuation and loan balance. the difference is my home equity but they still ask for statement of funds.

I sent them my 401K, house valuation and deposit accounts. My friend used a print out from the 401k.com and it was accepted.

olu

[ingegarcia]

Hi All,
FYI I sent an email to buffalo asking if they transfer the case to another visa office...... Here is their reply.......

Visa offices are not required to transfer applications upon the request of an applicant or their designated representative, but will transfer files only if that transfer would enhance program integrity. You have the option of withdrawing your application at our office and re-applying for a permanent resident visa to a visa office where you have been lawfully admitted for at least one year or to the visa office that is responsible for your country of nationality.

[olusolalekan]

I am still waiting for my PnP certificate. I have not yet withdrawn my FSW because doing that without a PnP nomination in hand will be foolish.

My FSW has been transferred to Detroit and Detroit has completed my IS subject to the statement of funds they requested. they only issue is I do not have the medical and FULL IA yet. usually Detroit sends the IA and medicals requests a couple of weeks after you send them the item delaying your IA.

The letter from them reads....we have now completed your IA but needs the following document to proceed with your application...blah blah....they gave me 60 days to submit the statement of fund but it is already with them as at this morning (fedex tracking).

If I get the medical request in 2 weeks and the request for RPRF, I will forget about the PnP because it takes the same time to get the PR from that stage. CIC stage of PnP takes 4 months on the average and IA to PR on the FSW route takes 4 months on the average too.

Note - You will only get your fees back if you withdraw the application before IA.

[olusolalekan]

ingegarcia,

I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TO BUFFALO. The rule is that you must have the required status as at the point in time that you are applying. Do not take the risk of applying at those other offices with long queue!

Your friends in the US can help with the communications/letters even if you were fired and had to relocate.

That is the rule per Alberta Immigration office.

olu

[olusolalekan]

HOUSE WITHOUT LOAN AS A PROOF OF FUNDS.

To prove that you do not have any loan against your interest in your house, you need a lawyer to give a representation that he has done a title search and that there are no lien against your interest in the house. If there are any lien(loans), then he will state the amount. The difference between all lien(which is zero if you have no loan) and the current value is your unencumbered fund in the property. same for land.

I did not include a lawyer representation because the deposit account I have and my 401K is good enough. The house thing was just a buffer.

olu

[apply2can]

I know this thread is for CIC process. But you guys will be in better position to answer my question. I already got invitation package and is in the process of mailing supporting documents. Need inputs from people who have already received their nomination from alberta.

The invitation package has the following requirement:
 
A job description from your current employer in the United States, indicating the job title, the main duties of the job, education and work experience necessary to do the job.

Is this letter any different from a standard experience letter. Because there is another requirement of "Proof of employment from your current employer".

How are these 2 any different. Any idea?

Thanks