I will assist with a PR application for one person for free

[singaporeflyer]

No, I mean that the cover letter is not so helpful if the fundamental qualities that the ICA are looking for aren't already present (consistent with your understanding as well).

It's fine if the applicant doesn't wish to share their contact details, that's why I said above that I can review a cover letter instead (and they can redact their details). But of course they are always free to do it themselves, I'm not suggesting otherwise.

In my view, if a person is applying for PR via the PTS scheme, he should be able to get a simple cover letter done by himself. just my view.

[sundaymorningstaple]

mimib, your approach is sounding more like a bait & switch business behind the cover of 'trying to be helpful'. We don't condone the soliciting of business via PM. I cannot stop you unless a member complains of being solicited via PM. In your initial post you said "I will assist with a PR application for one person for free" Now why would anybody say something like that on an expat forum noted for helping people? Then you close with "Please post a brief description of your profile in the comments and I'll select one person to help out" Now you are offering to help out another (via PM). We help our members openly on the board so all can benefit.

I want our members to be aware of anybody trying to solicit business under the guise of being helpful is not doing so with the approval of this board. Do so at your own risk. We accept no liability if you give said person any identifiable information that subsequently ends up in other hands.

Moderator

[mimib]

I apologise if it sounded like an ad; it was a genuine offer since I'm conscious that a lot of people do struggle with writing the cover letter and that a lot of agencies do charge a lot for it. I'm happy for you to delete the post if you are uncomfortable with it.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Sadly, today, cover letters are really not even considered which is why they aren't required or requested (in the case of them wanting additional docs). It's not like the days of manual submissions. (I got mine around 1994/95 so I know why you think that way). Lots of things have changed. Sadly, your initial come on is just like the fine print in the consultancies if you hunt for it. They retain the right to not take you on as a client - the reason they do it (as I assume you already know), is that's the way they can keep their advertised "approval" rates high. They selectively take on clients who would get approved in any case with or without the consultancy being the "form filler" which is all they are - they cannot put down anything that the applicant doesn't give them.

Yes, I am uncomfortable with it, however, by giving you this warning, you will know that if I get one complaint from a member about this via PM, I will ban your account. I just want to be clear as we have had other instances in the past in various industries (Immigration, Fitness, Real Estate and so forth) so we try to keep the board as clean and safe as possible. Thanks for understanding. You are more than welcome to dispense advice here on the open board so all can benefit from your experience, however.

Moderator