How to register for CIIP:
I received few emails after my MR with subject "Get help before arriving in Canada – FREE Pre-arrival services funded by the Government of Canada". Those email had links to various agencies who offer CIIP session. Below is a excerpt from such an email.
Experience:
The above mentioned link (
www. cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/before-services ) has a list of many CIIP session providers. I joined "Planning for Canada", as they had in-person session option, which they held in Bangladesh earlier. But right now, they don't have any such session planned for Bangladesh. So, I was forced to join their online program.
For registering I had to fill-up a form online, which required my UCI number & many other details, which takes 15-20 minutes. You will need to upload the email from VO which invited you for CIIP program. Alternatively, you can provide your MR email or some other specified document also.
1st part is a day long online session, (9:30 AM to 4:00 PM BD time) with 150+ slides & lecture by multiple speakers. We interacted via chat/polling options. We had to install a software in our PC. They provided the link via email, few days before the session. Along with a 40 minute lunch break & few 5-10 minute breaks, the session was kinda interesting. ( Some ppl seemed to know very little about Canada. They asked weird questions ! I guess the session was much more interesting for them ;-) ) It's called a
GO (General Orientation session). Main agenda's were: Intro, Discovering Canada, Working in Canada, Living in Canada, Becoming Canadian, next Steps etc.
They will arrange a one-to-one
MAP (My Action Plan) session in next few days, with a duration of 90 minutes. In that session they will ask for my resume & provide me with a list of FPP (Focal point partners).
"CIIP Focal Point Partners (FPPs) are key immigrant-serving agencies and colleges in each province that are the first point of contact for CIIP clients, who are strongly encouraged to reach out to these organizations as early as possible pre-arrival to begin the settlement process. These organizations also act as hubs, making onward referrals to other education institutions or organizations that serve immigrants depending on the individual needs of each CIIP client."
The 1st session can also be accessed via android phone or tab. I checked the option but sound quality was low & interaction was tough. You don't need microphone for it, but a speaker is must. I'll provide more update after the MAP session in Friday.
