Permanent Resident Cards

Apparently there are new permanent resident cards being sent out in Canada now.

“Thanks to state-of-the-art security features, this redesigned permanent resident card will help prevent the fraudulent use of Canada’s immigration documents and protect the integrity of our immigration system,” said Minister Kenney. “The new card contains security features that comply with international standards for travel documents. Technology is continuously evolving and it is important that our standards keep up.”

Read more about these enhanced security features.

One Year Ago

One June 5th, 2007 I became a landed immigrant of Canada - nearly 4.5 years after deciding that was what I was going to do...

Immigration definitely was not a short journey as I look back to January of 2006 in my post about immigration and already a good 4 months into my application at that time.

It's been 4 years since I've left Switzerland.

4 years since I've been back in North America and not a day has gone by that I wished I could move back to my previous dwelling a la Suisse.

And 3 years and counting since I started this blog and planning my first trip with P to Switzerland.

And so I figured why not put a photo up from 4 years ago, only one month after returning from Switzerland.

Decision Made

As you know I haven't had too much faith in my Canadian immigration case. Since I'm getting impatient about my case because of personal issues and needs, I haven't been up for looking at the status of my case.

Well today, I logged into my account and found a big DECISION MADE sign to click on. They updated the news very oddly, stating they had made this decision way back before they told me I got my initial Approval in Principal. So obviously there's a mistake there.

This is what it read.

We sent you a letter on November 28, 2006 to YOUR ADDRESS, British Columbia, Canada, about the decision on your application. If we have sent the letter to the wrong address, please contact us... (please note this is a flat lie and or mistake because we never got this letter!)

So, what's next? I hurry up and wait for about 2 weeks until the letter arrives. Hopefully it was mailed from Vancouver which means I will get it much faster. I'm willing to guess it's telling me to come in for my final immigration interview for landed immigrant.

What else might it mean? We might be able to go to Seattle in May still if I can get my entries in before the deadline. And once I get things finalized, then I can travel again...

Holding onto hope, but not holding my breath yet.

Immigrating to Canada

I know there are a few of my readers out there who are actually going through the same process as me or might be considering immigrating to Canada. I'll let you in on a few secrets and facts.

• First off, the outrageous immigration fee proposed back in the 1990's was done by Paul Martin because at the time there was a deficit in the budget. The landing fee doesn't go towards any type of improvement in the process or benefit immigration at all. Martin now wants to completely abolish the fee in 3 years (if elected).


• You have to take at least one medical exam by a Designated Medical Practitioner (DMP). The exam usually is only valid for one year, so know when you will apply for immigration. Here's the link to the immigration guide, where you'll find more info.
  


• You need finger prints for your police clearance from every country you have lived in for more than 6 months. Since I needed one from France and Switzerland, I really had to search to find the correct links for police clearance. Most charge a fee which you should call to clarify as they are changing. You'll need to get your fingerprints done on stock card. I used the RCMP which is acceptable for even FBI prints.
  


• Request to expedite your finger prints if you know you will need them in less than 3 months by the time you apply for immigration. I did not and I've had to wait too long for my prints to come back. The FBI took 3 months from time of postmark.
  


• I joined the yahoo Canada Immigration group which has been so helpful answering my questions.
  

Knowing that I could have benefited from a blogger who told me some good links and steps to get through immigration, I'm happy to help out where I can.