A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies - Vancouver

MY FIVE NEW BOYFRIENDS

2010-01-04T15:38:00.000-08:00

Humour - found at:
http://oakridgeseniors.com newsletter.

I am seeing 5 gentlemen every
day.

As soon as I wake up, WILL
POWER helps me get out of
bed,

Then I go to see JOHN.

Then CHARLIE HORSE comes
along, and when he is here,
he takes a lot of my time and
attention.

When he leaves, ARTHUR RITIS
shows up and stays the rest of
the day.

He doesn’t like to stay in one
place very long, so he takes
me from joint to joint.

After such a busy day, I’m
really tired, and glad to go to
bed with BEN GAY.

What a life!

Oh, yes, I’m also flirting with AL
ZYMER,and thinking of calling JACK DANIELS or
JOHNNY WALKER to come and keep me company.

So when I’m having this much
fun, I can only think good thoughts, laugh at myself, and every day
I count my blessings !!

Dhalla nanny affair should prompt assessment Live-in Caregiver Program

2009-05-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

Advocates once again calls to scrap the Live-in Caregiver Program.

Read The Georgia Straight Article Here

After working as a Live-in Caregiver - what next?

2009-05-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

The Perfect Business

Learn How to start a cleaning business Click Here!

Learn How Start and Run Your Own Nanny Agency Click Here!

Vancouver Balikbayan Box Philippines

2009-05-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

For your reading pleasure - sorry could not be translated - it would lose it's flavour.

Registered nurse si Maria sa Canada. Kasama nya ang kanyang ina na nagpagamot din doon. Namatay ang ina nito. Dahil sa kamahalan ng pamasahe pabalik sa Pilipinas, nagtipid si Maria. Pinauwi na lang niya ang kabaong ng kanyang ina na mag-isa.

Pagdating ng kabaong, napansin ng mga kapamilya niya na dikit na dikit ang mukha ng bangkay sa salamin ng ataul. Nagkomento tuloy ang isang anak, "Ay, naku! Tingnan mo 'yan... hindi sila marunong mag-ayos ng bangkay sa Canada!" Upang ayusin ang itsura ng bangkay, binuksan ang kabaong Aba! May sulat sa dibdid ng ina. Kinuha nila ito at binasa. Ang nilalaman ng liham na mula kay Maria?

Mahal kong tatay at mga kapatid,

Pasensya na kayo at hindi ko nasamahan ang nanay sa pag-uwi riyan sa Pilipinas dahil napakamahal ng pamasahe. Ang gastos ko pa lang sa kanya ay mahigit $10,000 na Ayoko nang isipin pa ang eksaktong halaga. Anyway, ipinadala ko kasama ni nanay ang mga sumusunod...

Nasa likod ni nanay ang dalawampu't apat na karne norte. And adidas na suot ni nanay ay para kay tatay. Ang limang pares ng de-goma ay nasa loob ng dalawang asul na Jansport na backpack na inuunan ni nanay. Tig-iisa kayo. Ang iba't-ibang klase ng tsokolate at candy ay nasa puetan ni nanay. Para sa mga bata ito. Bahala na kayong magparte-parte. Sana'y hindi matunaw ang mga ito. Ang Pokemon stuffed toy na yapos-yapos ni nanay ay para sa bunso ni ate. Gift ko sa first birthday ng bata Ang itim na Esprit bag ay para kay Nene, Ate, nasa loob ng bag ang pictures ni inay, mga japanese version ng Pokemon trading cards at stickers.

Suot ni nanay ang tatlong Ralph Lauren, apat na Gap at dalawang Old Navy t-shirts. Ang isa ay para kay Kuya at tig-iisa ang mga pamangkin ko. Maisusuot ninyo ang mga iyan sa fiesta. Suot din ni inay ang anim na panty hose at tatlong warmer para sa mga dalaga kong pamangkin. Isuot nyo ang mga ito sa party.

May isang dosenang NBA caps sa may paanan ni nanay. Para sa inyo, itay, kuya, dikong, Tiyo Romy. Bigyan nyo na rin ng tig-isa 'yung mga pamangkin ko at yong isa ay kay Pareng Tulume Ang tigdadalawang pares ng Nike wristband at knee caps na suot-suot din ni nanay ay para sa mga anak mo, diko, na nagbabasketball. Tigdadalawang ream ng Marlboro Green at Winston Lights ang nasa pagitan ng mga hita ni nanay. Apat na jar ng Skippy Peanut Butter, dalawang dishwashing liquid, isang Kiwi glass cleaner at tig-aanim na Colgate at Aqua Fresh ang nakasiksik sa kilikili ni nanay. Hati-hati na kayo, huwag san kayong mag-aagawan. Isang dosenang Wonder bra na gustong-gusto ni Tiya Iska, suot-suot din ni nanay. Alam kong inaasam-asam nyo 'yan, tiya. Ang Rolex na bilin-bilin mo tatay, suot-suot ni nanay. Kunin mo agad, tatay. Ang hikaw, singsing at kuwintas (na may nakakabit pang anim na nail cutters) na gustong-gusto mo, ditse, ay suot-suot din ni nanay. Kunin mo na rin agad, ditse. Isang Ray Ban ladies sunglass na pabirthday ko kay Ninang Berta, hindi ko ba pinasuot kay nanay. Isiniksik ko na lang sa may bandang ulunan ni nanay. Nasa pink na plastik na maliit. Mga Chanel at Champion na medyas, suot-suot din ni nanay. Tig-iisa kayo, mga pamangkin ko. Mga pampers, panty liners, cotton buds, cotton balls, table napkins at mga scotch brite na may foam ay natatakpan ng mga puting bath towels...yon bale ang pinangkutson ko sa kabaong ni nanay. Marami- rami rin iyon Parte-parte rin kayo.

Marami pa akong ipinagsisiksik kung saan-saang parte gaya ng cafe, coffee creamer, ilang vienna sausage na de lata, Barbie dolls, toothbrush, paper cups, plastic spoon and pork, paper at styro ! foam plates, perfume, cologne, ballpens, stationaries, envelopes, bar soaps, Matchbox toys, used t-shirts, hand towels, CD, VHS tapes, padlock, tools gaya ng screw driver, plais, long nose, atbp. Hindi ko na na-itemize ang mga ito dahil nagmamadali ako. Marami pa sana akong ipaglalalagay kaya lang, baka mag-excess at si nanay pa ang maiwan. Basta parte-parte kayo, tatay, kuya, ate, dikong, ditse. Para sa inyo lahat ito.

Bahala na kayo kay nanay. Pamimisahan ko na lang siya rito. Balitaan ninyo na lang ako pagkatapos ng libing. Paki-double check ang lista kung walang nawala sa mga ipinadala ko.

Nagmamahal,

Maria

P.S. PAKIBIHISAN ninyo agad si Nanay!

Agonizing wait for OFW on Taiwan death row

2009-04-29T01:13:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines— (UPDATE) The next five days would be the most agonizing for Cecilia Alcaraz and her family, including sons Jherome and Efhraim Alcaraz, as they await the verdict of a Taiwan court.

On May 4, the Taiwan Appellate Court is scheduled to hand down its decision on the appeal of Cecilia, a teacher who hails from Liliw, Laguna, who pleaded innocent on the murder of her job broker in September 2007. If found guilty, she would be sentenced to death by firing squad.

Another OFW left to fend for themselves? Common story -- "no one available" yet these OFW's pay the Philippine Government in order to get out of the Country to work outside.

Read article here

Background info here

ONTARIO ACTS TO HELP TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKERS

2009-04-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

Telephone Hotline And Fact Sheet To Aid Live–in Caregivers
April 25, 2009

NEWS
A new toll free telephone hotline, outreach team, and information fact sheet will help employees who are part of the federal Live–in Caregiver Program address issues regarding their employment rights.

The Ministry of Labour hotline will provide these employees, often called nannies, with information on their rights under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). The hotline will be supported by a specially trained team to assist them in filing claims and link them to dedicated investigative officers.

The ESA fact sheet for live–in caregivers provides information on wages, hours of work, overtime pay, and other rights under the ESA. It also explains that employers cannot punish or threaten them for asking for their rights under the ESA.

The measures announced today are part of Ontario’s strategy that will also include introduction of legislation later this year that will, if passed, ban placement fees and begin targeted enforcement of agencies that breach Ontario’s labour laws.

QUOTES
“We are taking action to help protect vulnerable employees who are in Ontario under the federal Live–in Caregiver Program. The new telephone hotline and information fact sheet will assist these employees while we move forward on a made–in-Ontario solution to address broader concerns.”

– Peter Fonseca, Minister of Labour

“Women working in Ontario under the federal Live–in Caregiver Program will now be safer. The hotline and fact sheet will ensure more women know their rights under the law and can take action when their rights aren't being respected.”

– Deb Matthews, Minister Responsible for Women's Issues

QUICK FACTS
The new toll free information hotline will be 1–866–372–3247. The hotline will begin receiving calls on April 27, 2009.

There were approximately 18,000 employees in Ontario in 2007 that were part of the federal Live–in Caregiver Program.

LEARN MORE
Read the new ESA fact sheet for employees in the federal Live–in Caregiver Program
Find out more about the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA)

Probe sought into Filipina maid’s death

2009-04-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

Probe sought into Filipina maid’s death Saturday, April 25, 2009-->
Web posted at: 4/25/2009 3:28:11Source
::: THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Advocacy group Migrante has called on the Philippine government to seek a thorough probe into the death of a Filipina domestic helper who allegedly jumped out of her employer’s car here last month.

John Leonard Monterona, Migrante Middle East coordinator, said in a statement that an investigation was needed into the death of the 24-year-old woman, Noliza Leynes, and the Philippine Embassy in Qatar should make proper representation on behalf of her family.
The Philippine Embassy in Qatar is following up the case.
According to reports, Leynes jumped out of the car she was travelling in on March 22. She died of head injuries on March 28 at Hamad Hospital, exactly three months after she arrived in Qatar, on December 28.

“We are also worried (about the case),” Monterona said. He said Leynes’ death could have been prevented if the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Overseas Labour Office in Doha had acted swiftly to rescue her.
The mother of the deceased, Corazon Magnaye, had earlier sought help from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs after being informed by her daughter’s recruitment agency that she was comatose at
the hospital.

Magnaye expressed fears there could be suspicious circumstances behind her daughter’s death.

Pasalubong Sa Inyo: online sari sari store now open!

2009-04-23T03:22:00.000-07:00

If you have family located in Pangasinan or surrounding area -- http://www.pasalubingsainyo.com/ is Canada's newest friendly neighborhood store for Filipino-Canadians on the Web. Created by MAR Media Consulting - the online Filipino store is now open and ready to take your orders anytime and anywhere you are in Canada or the world!.

http://www.pasalubingsainyo.com/ , makes it easier for Fil-Cans to send gifts to their loved ones in the Philippines. Simplified packaging, practical products - delivered within 24hrs. (Province of Pagasinan and surrounding area only)

http://www.pasalubongsainyo.com/ has one key service offering: Pre-packaged Balikbayan Box. Reduces your head-ache. Packages are available for most occassion. Save TIME - save MONEY save ENERGY

Example: Holiday Specials Family Pack Special Care Pack Big Party

Balikbayan Boxes that contain popular goods and items - ready for delivery to loved ones in the Philippines.

http://www.pasalubongsainyo.com/ has also partnered with the best suppliers the Philippines to offer its customers the best products and services possible. Soon to come, flowers, food and electorinics.

Visit them online: http://www.pasalubongsainyo.com/

Great Maid Debate

2009-04-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

Thousands of Filipinos marched through Hong Kong last weekend in protest against a local magazine columnist who described The Philippines as a "nation of servants" in a satirical article that has sparked an international race row.

But even as the protest march was going on, some influential Filipino groups were admitting that The Philippines has indeed become a country of overseas domestics.Media in The Philippines said that many migrant groups, including the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA), Kanlungan Center Foundation, and Migrante International, have bashed the columnist for spouting this "racial slur" while at the same time lamenting that the "servant" tag for the nation’s overseas workers fits because of the government’s labour export policy.

Read full article here

Our condolence to the family of Juana Tejada

2009-03-19T23:23:00.000-07:00

Saddened by Loss of Caregiver Rights Activist: Juana Tejada The Driving Force Behind Campaign to Change Law

This article can be found at: http://www.usw.ca/program/content/5660.php

9 MARCH 2009 - Steelworkers Saddened by Loss of Caregiver Rights Activist: Juana Tejada The Driving Force Behind Campaign to Change Law Msgr. Charles Owen Rice-->
Juana Tejada signing the first iWorkers membership card last summer. Juana passed away Sunday, March 8, 2009 at age 40.

TORONTO – United Steelworkers (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser said Monday that the union is deeply saddened by the loss of Juana Tejada, the live-in caregiver whose struggle to remain in Canada under the federal Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) sparked a campaign to change immigration law and ensure a fair process to workers seeking permanent residence under the LCP.

Known as the Juana Tejada law, the changes are being championed by NDP MP Olivia Chow, who met Juana last summer and worked on her behalf.

An amendment to section 38(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) would include members of the Live-in Caregivers Class on the list of foreign nationals exempted from the “excessive demand” ground of inadmissibility.

Juana Tejada came to Canada after passing a rigorous medical exam but was refused permanent residence and ordered deported after contracting the cancer that ultimately resulted in her death Sunday at age 40. Juana was denied permanent residence twice by Canadian immigration authorities before finally being allowed to stay permanently following a vigorous public campaign.

The proposed amendment would recognize that, if a caregiver has done her work and paid her taxes, she should be entitled to permanent resident status under the Live-in Caregiver Class after at least two years of working here, no matter what her medical condition is. The current immigration laws must be changed so that they do not disqualify hardworking caregivers from becoming permanent residents, only because they develop a medical condition that is clearly beyond her, or anyone’s control.

“Juana Tejada is a true hero and was a fighter for the rights of workers like herself,” said Fraser. “She was a reserved person but was prepared to have her illness and her situation made public if would serve the greater good.

“She was a founding member of the Independent Workers Association, now known as iWorkers, because she felt live-in caregivers needed a stronger voice. Her wish was to have the immigration law changed in her lifetime. Now, it is in her memory that the USW urges Parliament to pass these changes as quickly as possible so that no other caregivers have to face the challenges that Juana did.”

iWorkers is a collaborative effort of the USW and community-based Migrante Ontario
CONTACT: Peter Leibovitch 416.278.4123 Wayne Fraser 416.243.8792; 416.577.4045

New Live in Caregiver Advertising Requirements! - January 1, 2009

2009-02-11T14:06:00.000-08:00

As of January 1, 2009, new advertising requirements must be met by agencies or families who seek to hire a foreign live-in Caregiver to work in Canada.

The HRSDC has eliminated all Occupation Under Pressure lists previously utilized by employers to facilitate the temporary entry of foreign workers into Canada. Prior to this date, employers seeking to hire foreign workers whose occupations were listed as being “in demand”, benefited from minimal or no advertising requirements for the provision of an HRSDC approval. Following January 1, 2009, advertising for foreign national employees that would have fallen into this beneficial exception has become mandatory and significantly more involved. This change significantly impacts families seeking live-in Caregivers and live-in Caregiver agencies across Canada.

Minimum Recruitment Requirements

For Canadian families in need of a live-in Caregiver in Canada, these changes mean significantly greater requirements. Service Canada now requires that the following minimum recruitment requirements be met before it will approve an application for a Labor Market Opinion for Live-in Caregivers:

• Advertise on the national Job Bank; and
• Conduct similar recruitment activities consistent with the practice within the occupation in the three (3) months prior to applying for a LMO; and
• Demonstrate reasonable ongoing recruitment efforts which include advertising directly to communities that traditionally face barriers to employment.

As families seeking to employ live-in Caregivers are often subjected to time constraints, these recent changes, which add a minimum of three (3) months to the application process, are of significant importance. We invite you to contact us to secure further information regarding your live-in Caregiver and other immigration needs.
http://www.a-procare.com/ E-mail: admin@aprocaregivers.com

USEFUL LINKS - Provincial - Federal

2009-01-28T16:57:00.000-08:00

FEDERAL

Human Resources Development Canada

Human Resources Development Canada offices nearest you Live-in caregiver program - Human Resources Development Canada

Human Resources Development Canada - How to fill out a Record of Employment

List of Service Canada Centres that process Foreign Workers

Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Live-in caregiver program - Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Citizenship and Immigration Canada Visa offices Application for work-authorization

Canada Customs and Revenue agency

Canada Customs and Revenue agency - Main menu

Canada Customs and Revenue agency - How to request a business number

Canada Customs and Revenue Canada- General payroll information

Canada Customs and Revenue agency - Fact sheet T4 filing

Tables on diskette for Windows - WinTOD

Childcare expenses deduction form

PROVINCIAL - BC

Employment Standards
B.C. Employment Standards Branch - Homepage

Info for Domestic Workers and Employers

Domestic Workers and Employers Guide

Health Care Insurance Plans

Medical Services Plan

Worker's Compensation

Contacts for WCB of BC offices

Work Safe BC

Registering of Coverage

Caregivers - should not marry until they have status in Canada

2009-01-07T01:52:00.000-08:00

A client had emailed me over the holidays.

Q: I always read your blogs and articles on the net and noticed that you have been a blessing to a lot of people who need assistance and advice. Now I am writing this letter to seek some. I am under the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) and soon will acquire my landed status. I have a fiancé overseas. What is the best, right and fastest way to be reunited? Thanks a lot. God Bless.

A: Congratulations on your engagement. Since you are under the LCP you are entitled to apply for permanent residence from within Canada after completing two years of care giving here. Your fiancée cannot be included as your dependent in your application until you are married, or in a common law or conjugal relationship, as defined under our immigration laws.

Family members will be processed concurrently if they are included “at the time the application was made”. Applicants must list all family members in Canada and abroad, and indicate which ones they wish to have processed concurrently for permanent residence. Family members may not be added to an application once processing has begun (i.e. passing the initial evaluation stage).

You absolutely must notify immigration authorities in writing of any changes in your marital or common law status before you are landed. If you marry after applying but prior to landing, make sure that you have confirmation that CIC has received your notice and ensure that your spouse is examined before you are landed. If he is not examined prior to your landing, you will not be able to sponsor him later as your spouse. Furthermore, an undisclosed marriage prior to landing will be treated as a material misrepresentation and could lead to deportation proceedings, if discovered. CIC usually catches these misrepresentations when a sponsor includes a marriage certificate that pre-dates their own landing as a single person.

It is unimportant where you marry. However, the biggest reason for you to avoid getting married before you are landed is that if your husband is medically or criminally inadmissible both of your applications will be refused. A newly wedded nanny can see 2-3 years of hard work go down the drain because of their grooms’ undisclosed drunk driving conviction or previously undetected medical problem.

He can apply for a visa to visit you here but there is no guarantee that it will be approved. He should be truthful about having a fiancé/spouse in Canada even though it may make it more difficult for him to get the visa. Any lack of candor may come back to haunt you later when you sponsor him.

Of course, this will result in a longer separation from your partner, but this may be better than risking your hard work and future in Canada

iRemit Global Remittance Canada Vancouver (Broadway/Main)

2008-11-19T11:04:00.000-08:00

iRemit Global Remittance - iRemit Canada, Vancouver: Send your money fast and safe thru iRemit Visa card, Bank to Bank, Door to Door, Remittance Pick-up. Pick up your money to Megalink and Bancnet ATM.

iRemit Mission: To Be the Ultimate Choice Remittance Service Provider Globally. iRemit commits to provide excellent, innovative and fast remittance services to our OFWs and their beneficiaries.

A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies an iRemit - Vancouver, affiliate centrally located at:
2510 Watson St, Vancouver (Broadway/Main)
Juvy Lim - Office Manager
Tel: 778-319-2776

Iremit Vancouver - Main/Broadway Hours of operation:
Mon - Fri: 10am - 8pm
Sat - Sun: 9am - 8pm
Bus #'s 3, 9, 99, 19, 8

iRemit Vancouver, Remittance Services, iRemit Promos,iRemit Visa Card , Bank to Bank Remittance, Door to Door Remittance, Notify to Pay, Remittance Pick-up, iRemit Payment Services, iRemit Latest News, Vancouver iRemit Promos, iRemit IPO, iRemit Press Releases, Online Remittance Tracking, iRemit Delivery Locator, iRemit Service Fees, iRemit Forex, iRemit Visa Card Locator, ATM Locator, iRemit Careers

Hong Kong: Treatment of Domestic Helpers Studied

2008-09-13T16:00:00.001-07:00

It is very encouraging to see the recent comments on the importance of knowing your rights, even though not having to defend them would be a much more hopeful scenario. Still, the reality of being a domestic helper in Hong Kong is not always promising.

For those of you who have the time, an easy to read academic study of how Filipino domestic helpers in particular are treated in Hong Kong Hong, including social attitudes towards them and how the justice system treats them, has recently been made available free online.
Estelle Kennelly’s ‘Culture of Indifference: Dilemmas of the Filipina Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong’ covers the situation until 2007, but mainly focuses on the period from mid-1999 to early 2001. Kennelly worked with and around migrant women’s shelters, including those associated with the Mission for Migrant Workers.

Her major finding, which is obvious to many but should be stated openly, is that a culture of indifference towards foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong fosters abuse.

HONG KONG: Work Permit Application Procedures

2008-08-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

CANDIDATES in HK - you must have employer support - read through before contacting our office,

Click here for Application procedures and requirements for Live-in Caregiver applicants.

Click here for Photo Specifications (Photos which do not meet these specifications will be rejected)

Click here for Instruction - Use of a Representative

Click here for Application kit if applying in Hong Kong

Click here for Processing Fee

NEW OPENING HOURS FOR VISA SECTION EFFECTIVE 15 JULY 2008

Monday to Thursday 08:00 - 10:00:

The Immigration Post will accept in-person temporary resident visa, student visa, temporary work permit and permanent resident travel document applications.

Applications will be accepted ONLY if the person submitting the application is the applicant.

Monday to Thursday 13:15 - 14:00:

Pick-up of in-person applications ONLY. Application result will be returned ONLY if the person picking up the result is the applicant.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Work permit, study permit or immigrant applications, status enquiries, submissions/pick-ups or additional document submissions by agents will NOT be accepted at the window in the Immigration Section at the Consulate. Kindly note, submitting your application directly in Hong Kong will not reduce the processing time of your visa.

APPLYING FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE: Live-in Caregiver Program of Canada

2008-08-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

You need to complete at least two years of employment as a live-in caregiver to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Please note that the two-year requirement does not include any extended time away from Canada. For example, if you go away on vacation for three months, that time will not be included as part of the two years of employment. In some countries, you may need to reapply for a visitor visa to return to Canada. If you leave Canada for more than one year or if your employment authorization has expired, you will have to reapply to the overseas visa office to return to Canada under the Live-in Caregiver Program.

Program participants who wish to leave the Program and return permanently to their home country are free to do so at any time. However, adequate notice should be given to the employer.

Your application for permanent resident status could be cancelled if you misrepresented your education, training or experience to the visa officer when you first applied under the Program.
If you apply to stay in Canada, you must complete an application for permanent resident status.

At that time, you must prove you worked as a full-time caregiver for two years. To do this, you can use a statement of earnings or T4 slips as well as any other documentation you believe would help to prove your work record. If you changed jobs since your arrival, you should have a record of employment from each of your former employers. You will not have a ROE for your present job. If you have used your ROEs to apply for employment insurance, HRC staff can help you get copies if you need them.

Your application for permanent residence in Canada will not be assessed on the basis of your financial situation, skills upgrading in Canada, volunteer work, marital status or the number of dependants you may have back home. However, you could be found to be ineligible for permanent residence if you, your spouse or any of your dependent children have a criminal record or a serious medical problem.

FORMS CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Forms are available at the office:
http://www.a-procare.com/
Contact Us today!

Direct Hiring Process of Domestic Helpers for Hong Kong Employers

2008-08-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

This section aims at helping current employers in Hong Kong to submit applications direct to the Director of Immigration HK for an entry visa for a new Helper.

Please follow the procedures step by step. Omitting a step may result in delay or refusal of the application:

Step 1. Arrange with the Helper to complete the Visa/Entry Permit Application Form [ ID (E) 936A), the Declaration of Applicant [ID(E) 936L], the Declaration on Applicant’s working experience [ID(E) 936F], four copies of the standard Employment Contract (ID407) and the Undertaking form (ID 407L)

Please note that :
(a) The Visa/Entry Permit Application Form [ID(E) 936A] and the Declaration of Applicant [ID(#) 936L] should be completed and signed by the Helper. A photograph of the Helper has to be affixed to the Visa/Entry Application Form [ID(E) 936A].
(b) All four copies of the standard Employment Contract (ID 407) should be completed and signed by the employer and then forwarded to the Helper for his/her agreement and signature. The completed standard Employment Contract (ID 407) should be distributed as follows :
• one copy each for retention by the employer and Helper ;
• one copy for the consulate concerned in the HKSAR; and
• one copy for the Immigration Department for the purpose of applying for a visa for the Helper. (c) When submitting the application, the employer has to enclose :
(i) photocopies of the Helper’s travel document containing his/her personal particulars, its date of expiry, details of any re-entry visa to his/her place of origin held (if applicable) ;
(ii) an original copy of the standard Employment Contract (ID 407) which should have been notarized by the appropriate consulate in the HKSAR if so required by the relevant consulate ; and
(iii) a completed Acknowledgement Card (ID 813) if the employer wants the Immigration Department to acknowledge receipt of the application.

Note : The Helper’s signatures on all the forms mentioned above and the standard Employment Contract (ID 407) are to be the same as that on his/her passport.

The Helper must hold a valid national passport. Any given permission to stay in Hong Kong will expire on a specified date which in any case shall not be beyond one month prior to the expiry of the passport.

Step 2. Complete the Application for Employment of Domestic Helper from Abroad Form [ID(E) 407K](a) Please complete every item ; and(b) Remember to sign.

Note : The employer’s signatures on all the forms mentioned above are to be the same as that on the standard Employment Contract (ID 407).

Step 3. Complete two Mailing Labels (ID 839) in English or Chinese in full

Step 4. Enclose the following supporting documents :

(a) A copy of the employer’s Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card/Hong Kong Identity Card. If the employer is not a Hong Kong permanent resident, please make a copy of the travel document showing the employer’s personal particulars and the latest Hong Kong Immigration stamp.

(b) Evidence showing that the employer is financially capable of employing a Helper after his/her household expenditure has been deducted. In general, for every Helper to be employed, the employer must have a household income of no less than HK$15,000 per month or assets of comparable amount to support the employment of a Helper for the whole contractual period.

Examples of such evidence are :

If the employer is an employee of a company
(i) Latest notice of assessment and demand for tax issued by the Inland Revenue Department ; or
(ii) Bank passbook/statement showing auto-payment of the monthly salary for the last 3 months ; or
(iii) Salary statements/slips issued by the employer’s company for the last 3 months ; or
(iv) Evidence showing that the employer is in control of substantial assets such as a recent properties tax assessment, fixed deposits/bank savings statements for the last 6 months (with an aggregated amount of no less than HK$350,000), etc.

If the employer is self-employed or a company director
(v) Latest notice of assessment and demand for tax issued by the Inland Revenue Department ; or
(vi) Company profit tax assessment return together with evidence to show the employer’s connection with the company such as Certificate of Business Registration/Return of Share Allotment [Form 1(b)] ; or
(vii) Bank reference letter showing banking facilities granted to the employer’s company or evidence showing that the employer is in control of substantial assets such as recent properties tax assessment, fixed deposits/bank savings statements for the last 6 months (with an aggregated amount of no less than HK$350,000), etc.

(c) Proof of the employer’s residential address as reported in the standard Employment Contract (ID 407), that the latest demand for rates not or water/telephone/electricity etc. utility bills within the last 3 months.

If the contractual address refers to a flat in a housing estate run by the Housing Department/Hong Kong Housing Society :
(i) Letter of consent from the Housing Department/Hong Kong Housing Society, granting permission for the Helper to reside in the premises ; and
(ii) Copies of page 1 to 4 of the tenancy agreement with the Housing Department/Hong Kong Housing Society showing the address and personal particulars of the family members.

If the documentary evidence is not in the employer’s name, please provide additional proof to show the relationship, such as copy of birth certificate, marriage certificate, company’s annual return, Return of Share Allotment [Form 1(b)], etc.

(d) Testimonial of the Helper showing that he/she has at least two years’ working experience as domestic helper. The testimonial must contain the name and address of the writer to facilitate verification.

Step 5. Please send all the required documents above by post or in person to the following address :

Director of ImmigrationThe Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Receipt and Despatch Unit
2nd Floor, Immigration Tower,
7 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Please ensure that the following documents have been enclosed by putting a “tick” against each box as appropriate :

Visa/entry Permit Application Form [ID(E) 936A]
Declaration of Applicant [ID(#) 936L]
Undertaking by the Helper (ID 407L)
An original copy of the standard Employment Contract (ID 407)
Application for Employment of Domestic Helper from Abroad Form (ID(E) 407K)
Photocopies of the Helper’s travel documentCopy of the Helper’s Hong Kong Identity Card (if any)
Copy of the employer’s Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card / Hong Kong Identity Card/passportProof of the employer’s financial position
Proof of the employer’s residential address
Declaration on Applicant’s working experience [ID(E) 936F]
Testimonial of the HelperAcknowledgement Card (ID 813)
Two Mailing Labels (ID 839)

Note :(i) Unless asked to do so, please do not send in originals of the supporting documents (except standard Employment Contract (ID 407)).
(ii) It is an offence to make false statements or representations to an immigration officer. A person who knowingly and willfully makes a statement or gives information which he/she knows to be false or does not believe to be true shall be guilty of an offence under the laws of the HKSAR and any such visa issued shall have no effect. Any aider and abettor in such offence is also liable to criminal prosecution.
(iii) An application with incomplete supporting documents will not be accepted and will be returned to the employer or his/her representative.

Additional Information

1. Notwithstanding that the employer has sent in all the supporting documents, the employer may still be required to attend an interview in connection with the application. Furthermore, other documents in support of the application may be required by the processing officer in individual cases.

2. If the application is approved, the employer will be notified by letter to collect the visa at the Immigration Department. The employer will be required to pay a visa fee of HK$ 135 and the Employees Retraining Levy upon issuance of the visa.

3. If the application is rejected, the employer will be notified in writing.

4. It normally takes about four to six weeks to process an application for the employment of a Helper upon receipt of necessary documents. Please do not make enquiries about the progress of the application unless it is absolutely necessary as it may delay the processing of the application.

5. With effect from July 10 2008, the minimum salary payable to foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong should not be less than HK$3,580 per month. The employer should provide the helper with free furnished accommodation with light, water and food. If food is not provided, an allowance of normally not less than HK$300 per month should be paid.

Hiring overseas: no longer an affordable option

2008-07-24T16:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Clients –

There are several disturbing trends occurring with respect to government policy related to the live in caregiver program. We want to make you aware of these changes, in the event that you would like to communicate with your government representatives about your family’s need for access to overseas foreign caregivers.

In recent months, the government has repeatedly slowed processing times in Hong Kong, which is the best source of live in nannies in the world. We have gone from a processing time of 4 weeks to 6 months or longer within the span of one year. At the same time, it has become more difficult for the caregivers to submit and follow up their applications in Hong Kong. This is unacceptable, particularly in light of the shortage of local caregivers in our current economic environment. The changes have very negatively affected many hundreds of Canadian families desperately waiting for help.

We have received word that Citizenship and Immigration Canada is about to make it even tougher for Canadian families to hire caregivers from overseas. Within the next four months, proposed changes to the program include the following:

Employers will be required to pay all fees associated with the caregiver finding employment in Canada and associated with preparing their immigration applications.
Employers will be required to pay airfare for the caregiver.
These two changes alone will result in approx $3000-$5000 of additional up front expense for your family when it is time to hire your next caregiver. You will have to pay these fees before she even sets foot in your door, and without any guarantees that she will stay with your family or that her job performance will be satisfactory.

The intention of the government is that the caregiver will not make any financial investment in her efforts to work in Canada. This is a bad policy and will ultimately harm the Canadian families who so desperately need help. When a caregiver has nothing invested in the process, she has no motivation to ensure it is successful. This creates several implications for employers. With nothing invested, she could quit the process while still overseas after you have already waited several months, and you will have to start over again. She could land in Canada and disappear, having made other arrangements with her friends elsewhere. She could work for your family for a month or two, and then give her notice that she is moving elsewhere. And you are the one who will be left to foot the bill.

Canada provides the highest wage rates and the best working conditions for caregivers worldwide. Caregivers also have the opportunity to apply for Permanent Residence after working for two years – other classes of immigrants pay up to $120,000 for that privilege. This is a great place to work and live and is considered the ultimate destination for overseas caregivers. The caregivers should contribute to the costs of obtaining these opportunities for themselves and their families.

What can you do? Write to your government representatives. Tell them how important it is that your family has access to timely and affordable live in care. We will email you a form letter that you can fax or email to the various government departments. We suggest sending it to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Human Resource and Skills Development Canada, your local MP and your local MLA.

Pass along this information to any friends who also have a caregiver. Our government needs to look out for our interests.

We know you are busy, but please take the time to communicate with the government about these planned changes before it is too late. Together we can make a difference.

Please contact our office, preferably via email, and we will be happy to send out the materials for you to use as you see fit. Our government needs to serve the interests of Canadians. Canadian families need faster access to live in caregivers, and should not be asked to incur all expenses upfront. Let’s work together to ensure that the program stays accessible for all Canadian families.

Email: info@aprocaregivers.com http://www.a-procare.com

PROTECTION FOR CAREGIVERS EYED

2008-07-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Sun Internet Edition Hong Kong Mid-July 2008

By Daisy C.L. Mandap

Filipinos abroad who are applying to work as caregivers in Canada may soon be asked to submit their work contract for verification at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) at their host country. This was disclosed by Bernardino B. Julve, former labor attache to Hong Kong and now consular officer in charge of labor in Western Canada.

In an exclusive interview with The Sun in Vancouver, Julve said initial talks have been made with Canadian officials to bring into line agencies and individuals who have been taking advantage of a strong demand among Filipinos for work in Canada.

These include agencies which are currently recruiting Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong to work as caregivers in Canada, and are known to charge "placement fees" of around HK$30,000, exclusive of medical fees and air ticket.

The practice of hiring Filipino workers from HK has been largely unregulated because the recruiters are not licensed by local labor authorities, and are not required to submit to prior screening by POLO.

But this may change soon, if the Philippines gets Canada's nod to draw up uniform guidelines on hiring Filipino workers, wherever they might be. "The response that we have received so far has been positive," says Julve.

Not only will the work contracts be submitted to POLO for verification, but the Canadian employers would also be required to bear all the costs of importing a Filipino worker, including paying for the air ticket.

This is precisely what is provided for in separate memoranda of agreement recently signed by the Philippines with three western provinces in Canada-- British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba--with a fourth one with Alberta already in the pipeline.

"Canada itself insisted on requiring that no fees are charged to Filipino workers," says Julve. "Thus, makalusot man sila (agencies) sa Manila, hindi pa rin sila papasa sa Canadian embassy."
A case in point, according to him, was the recent rejection by the Canadian Embassy in Manila of a Filipino's application to work in Canada, after he admitted to paying a fee to the agency that recruited him.

"It may sound harsh to some, but that is the only way we can ensure that our agreement is followed strictly," says Julve.

On his part, he says he has been strict in checking the background of potential employers, to see if they really have the financial capability to bring in workers from the Philippines.
Under the agreements, potential employers are required to secure a labour market opinion (LMO) from an agency called Service Canada before they could hire workers from overseas. But even with this, Julve insists on looking into the employer's background. "I have ruffled a lot of feathers because of this," says Julve, "but this is the only way we could prevent cases where our workers were left stranded in Canada because the company or individual who hired them had become bankrupt."

Sadly, he says Filipino-Canadians appear to be the biggest perpetrators of scams to recruit Filipino workers into Canada, in exchange for large sums of money collected as placement fee.
With Western Canada opening up its labour market to overseas workers ahead of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the Philippines is expecting tens of thousands of Filipinos to start flocking in. This was why Julve was tapped to man the second POLO to be set up in Canada, nearly 40 years after the first one was established in Toronto.

But Julve says that although he has been busy meeting with Canadian officials and members of the Filipino communities at his various posts, he continues to keep an eye on extending the protection provided for under the agreement to caregivers. "That will come in due time," he promised.

Response to The Province Article

2008-07-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

Will be posted here shortly

Response to CBC News Report & Article

2008-07-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

This situation is stemming from a gross misunderstanding, and A-PRO's lack of communication with the family. A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies adheres to reguations pertaining to Employment Agencies as set out by Employment Standards of BC.

Bingclaire Castillo submitted her application for services to a Relocation Service and is not operated by EL APOSTOL or A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies.

The Klose family and Nanny are waiting for VISA to be issued by Immigration Canada Singapore Post. A-PRO has completed it's first stage and is now waiting for the nanny to complete her end. Second stage, once nanny arrived at YVR -she gets picked up and completes a 3day orientation before being delivered to her family.

The article failed to mention - that the nanny has submitted her application for a Temporary Resident Visa at Immigration Canada - Singapore Post; and that there is no need for A-PRO to contact her, as A-PRO is waiting for updates from the nanny.

Excert from article:

Klose said she then heard nothing from the company for several weeks, despite
repeated calls and e-mails.

Unfortunately, the time frame that the family was needing me, I was out of town, and nanny was told if there was any developments in your application, call the family as well. BOTH family and nanny have access to each other.

"Desperate for child care, she began talking to Castillo directly about bringing her to Canada without the agency's involvement."

The agency's first phase -- is done. We are only waiting to deliver the nanny - which is dependant on the issuance of Visa. Immigration Processing time is out of A-PRO's control.

Castillo's information sent to CBC is wrong. Castillo delayed her application submission by 1month... it was not till pressure came that she admitted to submitting it late.... adding more time to the processing.

Bringing Castillo into Canada independently? There's nothing for the family to do only to wait for Immigration Canada - majority of the work needed has already been done.

After all this, I hope that the nanny appreciates what the Klose family is doing for her, and that she stays to complete her contract with the family. As some nannies - just grab opportunities and are two-faced.

EL APOSTOL
Centre Director

A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies

Media enquiries, please email EL APOSTOL directly at: el@elapostol.com

=============================

*** Have found defamatory comments on blogs and forums. Unfortunately, all have been signed "anonymous" where's the credibility in that? If it's truely your fight - why hide?

WAGES of Nannies/Caregivers in Vancouver

2008-07-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

What are the current salary for Nannies/Caregivers?

Salary will depend on the experience & education that a Nanny/Caregiver brings.

But before wages can be discussed - what is the nanny/caregiver expected to do?

First a nanny is responsible for care and the safety of your children, plus childcare related duties AND if time permits, she does light housekeeping. But what's considered light housekeeping? With the introduction of the Live-in Caregiver Program -- We're seeing nannies doing more heavy duty extras.

What about the situation when the mom is at home? and the nanny/caregiver is still responsible for the children and the household?

A housekeeper in Vancouver earns anywhere between $12-18/hour.

-- Live-in Caregivers can earn between $1400-1800/gross per month - Live out Nannies/Caregivers between $1800-$3500+ per month.

A broad range of wages -- with broad range of responsibilities.

So how does a family figure out what to pay their nanny?

If you were in their shoes, how much would you like to get paid for the duties that they are expected to perform?

ELDERLY Crossing the road -- (funny)

2008-07-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

CAREGIVER Movie - starring Sharon Cuneta

2008-07-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

OFW's who have seen this movie, please post your review here. Bravo to the writer/s who made Sarah stronger - and able to stand up for herself, rather than the usual - "never mind, I give up" response that we see often from DHs/Nannies/Caregivers.

Live-in Caregiver Program applications HK- post

2008-07-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

Note: Application Forms are not available in the Canadian Consulate and must therefore be downloaded from the website.
http://geo.international.gc.ca/asia/hongkong/immigration/nivisa-en.asp

Work Permit Applications for Live-in Caregiver Program
http://geo.international.gc.ca/asia/hongkong/immigration/twapp-en.asp

Third Party submissions will not be accepted. Applicant must submit in person.
Effective July 15, 2008, new office hours will be:

Monday to Thursday: 08:00am to 10:00am
Friday : Closed
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

Non - Immigrant Application:
Visiting Canada
Studying in Canada
Working in Canada
Photo Specifications (Photos which do not meet these specifications will be rejected)
Fee Schedule

A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies:

2008-07-01T19:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks To All Who Again Made Our Annual Picnic A Success.

This year, Multicultural Helping House Society's "WE CARE" Settlement Support Services for Caregivers - came out to network with us, Vice-Pres, Felomina Piano, thank you for introducing yourself and the organization.

Special thanks goes out to Mr. Lito Orayan, for the delicious BBQ and chopping the Lechon. Sandy for organizing the games.

If anyone have photos they would like posted here - please email it to info@vancouvernannies.com

--------------------------------------------------------------

A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies - 7th Annual Picnic

2008-06-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies -7th Annual Picnic -along with Vancouver Area Nannies -social & recreation group will be June 28, 2008. We start out with a picnic at Stanely Park - Second Beach (Pool Area) There is eating, socializing and lawn games through the afternoon. The picnic begins at noon till 5:30pm.

Watch for a white tent RSVP by June 26,
Sandy: 778-319-2776 or
Email: info@vancouvernannies.com

It is a potluck with A-PRO providing the Lechon.

Then in the evening you get to work off the lechon and pancit with a dance and laraoke that evening at Pondok's 950 W. Broadway. Second Flr. The dance is 9PM till 2:am.

Hiring direct from the Philippines is high risk and costly!

2008-05-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

Lately, there’s been a lot of media coverage on the Foreign Live in Caregiver Program (LCP). The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Toronto has outlined changes to the Employer-Employee contract for live in caregivers (LIC).

To read more click on link below:
http://www.immigrationhour.com/new-lcp-contract-scares-canadian-employers-away/

If you are 30 or older you will think this is hilarious!!!!

2008-04-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tearswith their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning ... uphill BOTH ways

yadda, yadda, yadda

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up,there was no way in hell I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it!

But now that I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia!

And I hate to say it but you kids today you don't know how good you've got it! I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have The Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the damn library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!!

There was no email!! We had to actually write somebody a letter ...with a pen!

Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there!

There were no MP3's or Napsters! If you wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the damn record store and shoplift it yourself! Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the DJ'd usually talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up!

We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal, that's it! And we didn't have fancy Caller ID Boxes either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your mom, your boss, yourbookie, your drug dealer, a collections agent, you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!

We didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation videogames with high-resolution 3-D graphics!

We had the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'asteroids'. Your guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination!! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!

When you went to the movie theater there no such thing as stadium seating! All the seats were the same height! If a tall guy or some old broad with a hat sat in front of you and you couldn't see, you were just screwed!

Sure, we had cable television, but back then that was only like 15 channels and there was no on screen menu and no remote control! You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on!

You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off your ass and walk over to the TV to change the channel and there was no Cartoon Network either!

You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little rats!

And we didn't have microwaves, if we wanted to heat something up we had to use the stove or go build a frigging fire ...imagine that!

If we wanted popcorn, we had to use that stupid Jiffy Pop thing and shake it over the stove forever like an idiot.

That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled. You guys wouldn't have lasted f ive minutes back in 1980s!

Regards,

The over 30 Crowd

Change in China Visa Applications for PRs and other foreign nationals

2008-04-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have started to experience or have heard about the change in visa applications to China.

In short, the Chinese government will not issue anymore multiple entry visas since last Monday March 31st. This will stay in effect until the end of the Olympics. To quote the SCMP page one article yesterday: “Travelers are now restricted to single- or double-entry visas valid for 30 days. Multiple-entry visas that have not expired are still valid.”

THIS AFFECTS PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG AS WELL. Don’t think you’re exempted. DH exiting to China for the purpose of going back the same day -- this may not be the best strategy -- check Macao entry requirements instead.

Travel agents were informed, but the rest of the business community has been hearing about it as they found applications for multiple-entry visas were being denied. Some believe the ban could last well into October.

Also, pricing has been changed (raised). Now:

Single entry/Double entry
British nationals: $850 / $1,050
Australians, Canadians, most Europeans $500 / $600

Some are also reporting longer processing times.

So please do be aware and check with your travel agent well in advance of traveling to China to ensure less hassle when traveling.

POEA suspends memo on employers’ $5,000 repatriation bond

2008-03-07T00:28:00.000-08:00

By Veronica Uy
www.INQUIRER.net

Posted date: February 14, 2008

MANILA, Philippines — (UPDATE) The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has suspended a circular requiring employers to pay a $5,000 repatriation bond and direct-hire Filipino workers to post a performance bond equal to three months’ pay.

Memorandum Circular (MC) 04, series of 2007, was suspended after a directive from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, POEA Administrator Rosalinda Baldoz said.In a phone interview, Baldoz told INQUIRER.net the suspension will remain in effect pending discussions by the POEA governing board on Monday.The suspension means direct-hires will be processed under POEA rules in effect before MC 04 was issued.MC 04 received a lot of flak from overseas Filipino workers’ (OFWs) organizations and advocacy groups when it took effect January 16 this year.

The OFWs complained the additional requirements would either be passed on to them by their employers or make them unattractive to employers abroad.But Labor Secretary Arturo Brion, who heads the POEA governing body, said the additional requirements were meant to protect the workers. Baldoz said discussions will center principally on professionals who will be adversely affected by the order.“We will review the order to see if there is a need for a more relaxed policy pertaining to professionals and countries with a long track record of workers’ protection,” she said.The POEA chief foresees a very lively discussion on Monday, particularly on the definition of professionals.The new order would “relax” the rules for direct-hire “professionals, those to be employed by reputable companies already providing adequate protection, and similarly situated employers.”Earlier, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) backpedaled on the controversial order and said it would consider exempting countries with verified protective mechanisms.Some two weeks ago, Brion said of the 35 countries with a high concentration of OFWs, the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in Italy, Geneva, and Hong Kong have so far confirmed that employers have been complying with the requirements guaranteeing repatriation assistance and payment of salaries.

Nannies: Posting Unprofessional online Profiles...

2008-01-28T14:12:00.000-08:00

"It may seem private but an unprofessional online profile can damage your chances in finding your next family," warnes EL APOSTOL Centre Director of A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies Inc -a childcare & household staffing agency in the Vancouver area - A suggestive e-mail address or revealing post on a Myspace profile - Facebook or Friendster can kill a person's chance of landing a job. "We've seen it happen to a number of nanny candidates, and it's why we're raising the red flag."

Apostol recounts the story of one set of parents that did an Internet search on a nanny they wanted to hire. It was a rude awakening when they found her Friendster account with details of drunken, all-night parties on her most recent long weekend. But the real deal breaker was that she had written at length about the family she used to work for, listing things she didn’t like about them and the job.

APOSTOL says her agency has added one more thing to its screening process - an Internet search of each potential job candidate’s name. “We will not represent candidates who have an unprofessional online persona. We advise them to keep their private lives private.” Candidates who make it through A-PRO’s screening process are reminded to mind their online P’s & Q’s forever.

Here are the tips A-PRO gives to the people it sends out for job interviews:

If your e-mail address is suggestive or otherwise unprofessional, change it.
Make sure your voicemail greeting has only a brief, professional message during your job search.
If you have an Internet page or profile, make it private and available only to pre-approved viewers. (It’s a simple setting on MySpace, Facebook, hi5 or Friendster.)

FAQ's by Families

2008-01-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

1. Why Choose Us?

EXPERIENCE - A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies Inc enjoy an excellent reputation, we know the players, we know the rules, and we have the necessary practical experience to support our services. We're experienced in handling both your stress and issues when choosing the best care possible.

CREATIVE, PRACTICAL and ACCURATE ADVICE - Knowing the regulations and meeting the families is the easy part of our job. The more difficult aspect is balancing the two in creative and practical ways, to achieve our Families' short and long-term objectives. We take pride in our ability to meet this challenge. Before we give an opinion, or make a recommendation, the legal and practical implications are always considered. The result is that you are put in the position of making an informed and pragmatic decision.

PROACTIVE SOLUTIONS - We encourage our Nannies/Caregivers to seek our advice before problems arise. By helping them take a proactive, preventative approach to Immigration and employment issues, we can save the families time, money and aggravation. We endevour to keep you up-to-date with the current processing times as it becomes known to us.

PERSONAL APPROACH - Our staff are committed to providing individual, personalized service. We take the time to get to know our clients. Once we understand the needs, we tell the client about their options, and our recommendations.

ACCESSIBILITY - We are easily accessible in person (where applicable), by e-mail, or by telephone Mon-Fri 10am-2pm Pacific Standard Time. Extended hours are available by appointment.

VALUE - Our clients need to be able to forecast and control their expenses. Our fees are clearly set out in our Engagement of Services and in our Fees & Refunds Schedule.

NETWORK - Our clients benefit from our good working relationships with many other professionals including lawyers, accountants, realtors, employment or business consultants. We can quickly put you in the hands of other advisors if the need arises.

2. How does A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies (A-PRO) find quality candidates?

Our organization has been successfully bringing together employers and candidates since 2001. A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies represents a diverse group of experienced, skilled and professional private service professionals from around the world. We are proud to work with candidates who refer their sons, daughters and grandchildren to us for placement. Our marketing, advertising and referral programs combined with our established network, allow us to work quickly to fill clients staffing needs with quality candidates.

3. What kind of experience do A-PRO candidates have?

Since 2001, we have been successfully placing experienced candidates. Many candidates have a long term relationship with us. Each time their job comes to an end they return to us for a new position.Candidates are required to have verifiable previous work experience in a home or similar industry. For many years, candidates interested in working in a home could only learn the trade by on the job training. In the past 10 years, schools have opened that now train nannies, and household managers, Candidates will also have transferable experience and training from fields such as education, hospitality and health care.As the employer, your job description will determine the type of experience and background a candidate needs to meet your requirements. Based on your information we will execute a search to match your requirements. Candidates that are not authorized to work in CANADA are not eligible for placement through A-PRO.

4. How Does A-PRO screen candidates?

A-PRO requires all candidates to complete a rigorous pre-screening, personal interview, reference verification and independent background check process. Initially, candidates are pre-screened for work eligibility in CANADA (Overseas caregivers), work history, skill assessment, communication skills, attitude and job preference. If the candidate passes our initial screening they are personally interviewed and individually assessed. Each candidate completes a 12page application which provides us with their personal and work history, work style, education and work preferences.Upon completion of the interview, the candidate's references are checked by phone. You will be provided with detailed reference summaries for review. Local candidates: Criminal background checks are performed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. As there are fees involved for these background checks, they are conducted after a job offer has been made and accepted. Additional background check - driving record when applicable.

5. Does A-PRO have a Registration Fee/Retainer Fee?

NO, A-PRO does not charge a Registration Fee/Retainer Fee to begin your search.

6. What is your agency fee? The fee for our service is due if a candidate is hired, directly or indirectly by an employer who has listed their job opening with our firm. Our placement fee is $1200. Our fee is due upon submission of Service Canada (HRDC) Foreign Worker Job Validation Application to A-PRO. Fees for pre-employment background checks are included in our placement fee after a job offer has been made and accepted. If you're interested in these services prior to hiring a candidate you will be required to pre-pay the fee for these services.

7. Indirect fee: Employers who introduce candidates who have been introduced to the employer by our firm to another employer will be responsible for payment of the placement fee. Our services include an initial phone consultation or on-site consultation.

8. What are the current salary for Nannies/Caregivers? Salary will depend on the experience & education that a Nanny/Caregiver brings. Live-in Caregivers coming from outside Canada can be between $1400-1600 while others who are available locally, between $1500-$1800. Live out Nannies/Caregivers between $1800-$2500+ (View salary)

9. How do I know if the person I hire is the right person for the job?

When you list your job opening with us, your consultant will spend time going over your family needs assessment form. Your consultant will begin formulating a job description, the required personality profile to compliment the household, preferred experience and other details. We will identify and present appropriate candidates for your consideration.

10. Where will A-PRO staff candidates for employment?

Currently we are staffing Live-in childcare and household employees in the British Columbia area only. Geographic placement is concentrated in Vancouver, North Shore, Burnaby and select locations in the South Surrey area, and East to Mission.Nationwide we staff Live-In Nannies and Domestic Helpers by request.

Please fill out our family needs assessment form: your first step.

A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies Inc. Site Links:

HOME
ABOUT US
TESTIMONIALS
CONTACT US
FAMILY REGISTRATION
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LTO announces new policy on driver's license renewal for OFWs

2008-01-22T23:04:00.000-08:00

The Philippine Consulate General is pleased to inform the public that Filipinos overseas whose Philippine driver’s licenses have expired may now renew their driver’s licenses through an authorized representative in the Philippines.

This privilege is extended to Filipinos who had valid authentic Philippine driver’s licenses at the time of departure from the country and who are currently staying abroad.
Click here to download a copy of Administrative Order No. RIB-2007-011 issued by the Land Transportation Office, Philippine Department of Transportation and Communications, which details the procedure for the renewal of the driver’s licenses for overseas Filipinos.

Email us if link above is broken.

Driving School/Training Link

Nanny Agency in Vancouver
http://www.a-procare.com

FILIPINO NATIONALS - in Vancouver needing to renew passport

2008-01-22T22:59:00.000-08:00

*** IT WILL TAKE 6WEEKS for passport renewal --- cheaper if you can do it in the Philippines. Plan your trips!!

What documents should you submit if u wish to renew your passport?

The regular requirements for the renewal of your passport (for holders of green passports) are:

A. Your original old or expired passport;
B. Accomplished passport application form (affix left and right thumbmarks on spaces provided for) and affidavit of immigrant status;

If you cannot appear in person, you must have your application form notarized by a notary public or barrister.

C. Three (3) recent photos (45mm x 35mm) taken in a photo studio or professionally taken within the last six months before application;
D. Photocopy of passport data page;
E. Photocopy of permanent resident card, work permit or record of landing; and
F. The passport processing fee of Can$ 57.50 (Can$ 69.00 for a 64-page passport)

If you’re holding a brown passport, you should submit the documentary proof of your complete middle name (original and one photocopy) in addition to requirements A to F.

You may present your birth certificate, baptismal certificate, landing papers or you driver’s license as the documentary proof of middle name.

Applicants who applied in person but who want their passports/visas/documents mailed back to them should also submit a self-addressed Canada Post registered mail or ExpressPost envelope along with the regular requirements.

PASSPORT FORMS:

Please print documents on legals size paper. All forms in Word format unless specified.
Passport Application Form (Word Format) and Requirements for Passport Renewal/Application
Affidavit of Immigration Status Affidavit of Loss of Passport Affidavit for Use of Maiden Name Request Form for Passport AmendmentReport of Birth Form (PDF Format)Report of Marriage Form (Word Format / PDF Format)
Parental Consent Form
Last Updated ( Monday, 07 July 2008 )

If the above forms return a dead link - please email us with subject: Dead Link on Blog

Vancouver - Nanny - Caregiver OFW's
http://www.a-procare.com/

Another Child Killed

2008-01-18T19:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=bb9a55e6-c33f-4c1c-a1b4-8ae4e94efd89&k=85900

A father has been arrested after a one-year-old girl was found dead inside the family's North Delta home early Friday. Police have not confirmed the identity of the suspect or his relationship to the victim, but neighbours say the girl was the youngest daughter of Lakhvinder Kahlon and his wife, Manjit.

A close friend of the family, Surinder Johal, said Kahlon had been depressed for the last five or six months over the birth of another girl. According to Johal, Manjit walked her two older daughters to school and came back to find that the baby girl had been stabbed multiple times with a kitchen knife. Delta police spokesman Const. Paul Eisenzimmer said officers were called to a possible homicide in the home in the 7800-block 116th Ave. just before 9 a.m.

Eisenzimmer confirmed the child was "apparently murdered," and that police arrested one man. Eisenzimmer wouldn't confirm the exact age or sex of the child, nor the relationship of the suspect to the victim. But he said more information would be available at a media briefing at 1 p.m. Friday.

I believe that culture should enter into this discussion.

The facts are this:

Traditionally Indians have valued baby boys higher than baby girls.
This father was depressed because his baby was his 3rd consecutive girl, when he wished for a boy.
His cultural norms reinforce his belief that boys are more desirable. The baby would likely be alive today if it had been born a boy.

Because of these traditional beliefs still held by many, it is imperative that the Indian community strongly condemn this murder and take further action to ensure that girls are valued and protected.

I have met so many smart and strong Indian women that I'm puzzled why these traditional values still persist.

It is such a disappointment to see a baby murdered in Canada by her parent just because she happened to be the wrong gender.

Tonight I will light a candle for her.

EL APOSTOL
http://www.a-procare.com

15mins Cleaning routines

2008-01-18T14:48:00.000-08:00

CLEAN OUT YOUR CAR -- a good rule is to clean out your car when you fill up. You do not have to be on EMPTY to fill up.

Do you have room for your children? Check your childrens' car seats to make sure they are securely fastened to the seat.
Do you have UFOs that could become a hazard if you had an accident? Clean them out. Does stuff fall out when you open the door?
Do you smell something bad and can't find it?
Are there 2 changes of clothes and a couple of sweaters in your car?
Do you still have boxes of items waiting to be dropped off?

Let's go out there and empty our cars of clutter. Drop off the stuff that needs to be given away.

Nannies: An affordable option

2008-01-07T00:35:00.000-08:00

When most families need a nanny or caregiver they shop the old fashioned way. Some will spend two to three hours calling different agencies from the phone book. Others will place their own ads and then have to deal with many unqualified applicants.

This is where A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies, a nanny agency based in Vancouver, comes into the picture. The company’s goal is to help you focus your search and take the worry and frustration out of the selection process. For most of us, free time is often in short supply. A-PRO will do the legwork for you so you can spend the time doing what you enjoy instead.

"Most families who opt to hire a live-in nanny aren’t even aware of the tremendous advantages that a nanny can bring," says El Apostol, owner of A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies Inc. "A nanny can have a positive effect on the time saved by families."

The advantages of hiring a live-in nanny include:

Not having to deal with the politics of using a relative;
Set daily routine of pick-ups and drop-offs;
Child stays in familiar surroundings;
Mornings will be less stressful;
Scheduling is more flexible with a nanny than a daycare centre;
Household chores can be done during the week, leaving your weekends free.

A-PRO helps families find the best in childcare, eldercare or special needs. For more information, call 604-568-7099 or visit http://www.a-procare.com/

***TIP: Deal locally - you'll get better service when you deal with an agency in your Province.

3.5 Mistakes Families Make when choosing childcare

2008-01-01T12:58:00.000-08:00

Choosing someone to care for your child is a big responsibility one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. That's why it's important to avoid making any of the following all-too-common mistakes:

Not understanding what makes for a good childcare arrangement: Most parents spend more time researching car purchases than they do in educating themselves about what makes for a good childcare arrangement. Before you start evaluating various childcare arrangements, you'll want to arm yourself with the facts. Find out what options are available. Analyze what you want for your child and for yourself. Know health and safety features you should be looking for when you're evaluating a childcare center or home daycare; and what makes for a fun and stimulating childcare program. >> Live-in Nannies: an affordable option
Leaving your search until the last minute: Childcare spaces are always in short supply, so it pays to start your childcare search as soon as possible especially if you're looking for childcare for an infant. A rule of thumb, you should have your search well underway by the end of your second trimester of pregnancy. In the case of hiring overseas – 3-5month lead time is required. Keeping in mind Immigration Canada processing times differ from country to country.
Neglecting to consider your family's long-term needs: Changing childcare arrangements is hard on both you and your child. That's why it's important to consider your family's long-term needs before settling on a particular arrangement. Will the quiet home daycare environment that is ideal for your sleepy newborn be an equally suitable setting when she becomes a rambunctious toddler? Will your child's space in the company daycare center disappear if you decided to change jobs? Is the nanny you're thinking of hiring committed to your family for the long term or for just a year or two? These are the types of questions that you need to consider before settling on a particular childcare arrangement.

3.5 Failing to understand your responsibilities: - as an employer in the event that you decide to hire a nanny: The moment you hire a nanny or other in-home caregiver, you automatically become her employer; at least in the eyes of Canada Customs Revenue Agency (CCRA). That means that you are responsible for finding out whether she's legally entitled to work in Canada; paying her the minimum wage and complying with other provincial and federal labor laws; withholding EI and CPP, and federal income tax from her pay checks; carrying Worker's Compensation Insurance (where applicable); and notifying the BC Employment Standards Branch that this person is working for you.

Just a quick word of warning: you shouldn't assume that you're off the hook if your caregiver happens to work for you on a part-time basis: even if she makes less than $1000 from you per calendar quarter, the government might still consider her to be your employee.
While there are plenty of other issues to consider when you're choosing childcare for your child, you'll be well on your way to making a good decision if you manage to avoid making these 3.5 mistakes.

Good luck!

EL APOSTOL - Centre Director www.a-procare.com

6.5 Safety Tips: Vancouver Nanny Job Search

2008-01-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

Whether you are answering an ad on Craigslist, on a local newspaper website or through one of the big nanny recruiting sites you need to be cautious and smart. Just think of it this way, if you were answering a personal ad for a potential date, would your first meeting be at his house? NEVER! The same should hold true for a first time meeting with an employer. Here are more common sense tips for safely using the internet to find a nanny or babysitting job.

*** A telephone interview is your first screening. Treat the interview - not just for the family to know a little bit about you, but for you to know them. Ask for references - if they have hired before ask to speak to previous nanny or babysitter.
If reading the ad, seems strange -- vague, and lack the genuine feel of need - lack information on childcare needs - don't go on the interview.

Read the ad carefully. If it seems strange - vague - lack the genuine feel of need - lack information on childcare needs - MOVE ON....
Stay away from services that are completely free to families. Online nanny databases that charge a subscription fee and monitor their subscribers will help weed out the less scrupulous.
If you had posted the want ad, and the responder seems to have answered the wrong ad, don't reply. They just want your contact info. Families who are seriously searching for a nanny do not make these mistakes. Be choosy about who gets your phone number. It only takes seconds to do a reverse search.
The location of the nanny job - if it sounds strange, don’t go on the interview. Trust your gut.
Do a reverse check on http://www.canada411.ca/ both for addresses and telephone numbers. Verify the name and phone number/address match.
If the family is a two parent household and you have only dealt with Dad, ask to speak with Mom. If there are excuses for her absence, do not pursue the job any further.
If you are meeting only a “father”, request that the children be present. Ask a friend to accompany you to the nanny interview and have them wait in the car.

6.5 Keep track of what the family has told you in previous conversations and make sure their answers are consistent.

EL APOSTOL -Centre Director www.a-procare.com

Nanny Killed answering Craigslist ad -- Oct 2007

2007-12-27T15:43:00.000-08:00

24yr old Sought Nanny/Babysitter Job
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=268354

A Minnesota woman was killed after answering a nanny job advertised on Craigslist. It is the first murder on the site, which offers free classified ads hawking just about anything you can imagine.

Katherine Ann Olson, 24, was found dead in the trunk of her car late Friday night at a park about 15 miles south of Minneapolis. She was last seen on Thursday morning, when she went to meet what she believed was a couple who recently relocated to the area and was in need of a babysitter, according to news reports.

Police have arrested a 19-year-old man they believe placed the ad. They have declined to identify the suspect except to say he worked at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. He was arrested there Friday night.

Like a lot of online bazaars, Craigslist has its fair share of illegal activity. Prostitutes have long advertised their services there, and it's also been used by fraudsters pushing 419 schemes and other types of scams. It's the first known time the site has been used to lure a victim of murder.
"I can't recall a single case like it," Craigslist founder Craig Newmark told KARE 11 News. "I'd like to express my condolences. This is a real tragedy and we're more eager than ever to help deal with the bad guy."

Olson had landed two previous nanny jobs through Craigslist, including one in Turkey, according to reports.

Earlier on Friday, Olson's purse had been found in a trash can not far from where her body was recovered. Police later found a blood-soaked towel in the same can. Police haven't disclosed a cause of death.

Nanny/Caregivers read the post on Nanny Job Search Safety

http://www.a-procare.com/

Tel: 604-771-4159

Email: info@aprocaregivers.com

Vancouver Nanny - Caregivers WELCOME | to our blog

2007-12-27T15:30:00.000-08:00

A-PRO Caregivers & Nannies Inc. is an up and coming national player in the caregiver placement industry. Established in 2001, A-PRO has helped families in British Columbia (BC), and across Canada find the finest in in-home childcare, eldercare or special needs.

We are based in Vancouver, BC Canada - we mainly place Live-in nannies/caregivers under the Live-in Caregiver Program of Canada.

We believe that the difference from one agency to another is in their service commitment. We have focused majority of our service finding the top 5% of Nannies or Caregivers. Those who are:

1) Honest/Ethical,
2) Accountable/Responsible,
3) High Performance Standards
4) Enthusiastic/Positive Attitude and
5) have initiative.

We educate and support them so they can better anticipate the needs of their employer. Happy Nanny + Happy Employer = MORE word of mouth and repeat business for the company.

This blog has been set up to provide information to families and nannies. Our goal is to give you the most up-to-date information on hiring/working under the the Live-in Caregiver Program of Canada.

Visit us online:
http://www.a-procare.com

Email us:
info@aprocaregivers.com

Call us:
1-604-771-4159