LOCATION
IGCS 2012 will be taking place at:
Vancouver Convention Centre
1055 Canada Place, Vancouver B.C., Canada V6C 3C1
Tel: +1 604 689 8232;
Fax: +1 604 647 7232
LANGUAGE
English is the official language of the 14th Biennial Meeting of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS 2012).
CLOTHING
The dress code for IGCS 2012 is informal for all occasions; please bring walking shoes and an umbrella is recommended.
INVITATION LETTER
Submission of Applications:
Canada does not have a visa office in every country so it is important that participants visit the website of the visa office responsible for processing their visa application for information on how to submit an application for a TRV and the documentation required to support the application. To view a list of visa offices and the countries they serve please go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/information/offices/apply-where.asp
Visa Application Centres (VACs):
In some countries Citizenship and Immigration Canada has engaged the services of a private service provider to assist individuals applying for CIC services.
Visa Application Centres (VACs) agents are available to help applicants fill out their forms and answer questions about the application process. They ensure applications are complete, which reduces the rate of returned applications and ultimately leads to faster processing. This low-cost service lessens the potential for people to fall victim of fraud.
The VAC sends applications to Visa offices and transmits decisions to applicants in a confidential manner.
VACs play no role in the decision-making process. The use of VAC services is completely optional. Applicants can continue to apply directly to the visa office if they prefer.
Participants should be encouraged to submit their visa applications through a VAC if this service is available in their country of residence. They should be invited to check their visa office website (http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/information/offices/apply-where.asp) for information on the services available at the VAC serving their area and the costs.
Instructional Videos on how to complete TRV applications:
CIC has available on its internet site instructional videos on how to complete the TRV application on line. Participants should be encouraged to watch the video to ensure the applications are completed correctly. The videos are available in English French and Spanish at the following link:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/multimedia/video/imm5257/imm5257.asp
Visa Applications Processing Times:
Processing time for TRVs vary depending on the office and the time of the year (i.e. Ankara 2 days, Beirut 28 days based on a complete application). Summer is normally the busiest time. Participants should be encouraged to apply early for their visa, if one is required, and to submit complete applications including all supporting documents.
For your information processing times at the various visa offices are available at the following link http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/temp/visitors.asp.
Other information and helpful links
Refusals:
The global acceptance rate for visitor visas is approximately 80% and in the first quarter of 2011 the rate was 82%.
What to do if an application is refused:
If an individual’s visa application is denied, the applicant will be informed in writing. If there is new information that was not previously considered or if circumstances have changed since the refusal, the applicant may wish to submit a new application. Please note that unless the applicant provides further information that addresses the concerns raised in the refusal letter, the applicant will likely get the same results. Every person applying for a visa must satisfy the requirements under IRPA in order for the visa officer to approve the applications. Applicants are advised to submit complete applications, including all supporting documents, in accordance with the instructions provided in the visa office website.
For additional information on what to do if an application is refused, visit CIC’s website at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/temp-resident-visa.asp
Citizenship and Immigration Canada web site:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp
Information on visiting Canada:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp
Do you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada (see for list of countries):
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
Visiting Canada - Important information for visa exempt travellers (including US Citizens):
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visa-exempt.asp
Visa Offices outside of Canada:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/missions.asp
I also include a site belonging the Canada Border Services Agency for your information.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/ie-ei/menu-eng.html
PERSONAL INSURANCE
We recommend that all participants to the 14th Biennial Meeting of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society take out personal travel and health insurance for their trip.
CLIMATE
The weather in Vancouver in October is expected to be mild. Temperatures range from 0 °C to 10°C. Rain is very likely.
INFORMATION ON VANCOUVER
For further information about the City of Vancouver, please visit the following websites:
www.tourismvancouver.com www.vancouver-webpages.com
EXHIBITION AND SPONSORSHIP
An industrial and pharmaceutical exhibition will take place within the framework of the Gynecologic Cancer Society Meeting.
Details of the IGCS 2012 exhibition and sponsorship opportunities can be obtained by contacting:
Ms. Gabriela SCharf at gscharf@kenes.com
Ms. Leonie Hulstein at lhulstein@kenes.com
IGCS MEMBERSHIP
PO Box 6387
Louisville, KY 40206
USA
Tel: +1 (502) 891-4575
Fax: +1 (502) 891-4576
E-Mail:
adminoffice@igcs.org
MEETING SECRETARIAT
14th Biennial Meeting of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society
Kenes International
1-3, rue de Chantepoulet
P.O. Box 1726
CH-1211 Geneva 1, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 908 0488 x909
Fax: +41 22 906 9140
E-Mail:
igcs@kenes.com