In my opinion only, qualifiers that the government will look for are:
(a) ownership of a house and land in the DR
(b) a "professional" job that pays close to what we'd expect to earn in Canada - meaning doctor, successful lawyer, dentist, business owner, etc. They would also need a contract, if they are working for someone else, stating that they are expected to return to their position once returned to the DR
(c) money in the bank to sustain oneself while in Canada - not opened and deposited yesterday, but bank account open and active with sufficient $$$ over several years
(d) family in the DR (such as spouse and children) to return to
I cannot say for sure, but I would say his chances are not good. They are very quick with the "deny" stamp, especially if they think they will be going to visit a girlfriend (not saying you are his girlfriend) in Canada. These are the ones who don't normally leave.
Now, if I may offer a little advice...do you know of a business owner that requires a welder? It is not hard to prove to the government anymore that the need for foreign workers is great. If you can petition a business to think about hiring a Dominican, have them do up a job offer contract, and offer your friend a job. Once confirmation has been received by the business owner from the Government that he qualifies to bring in foreign workers, your friend can then apply for a work visa. It costs $130 US (plus $4400 RD for a medical if approved), and he will need sufficient funds in the bank to show that he will have money to return if the contract doesn't work out (the business owner may have the onus of providing two-way transportation, depending on how the contract is written). He will also need letters of reference from previous employers stating that he is qualified to fill the position. The whole process takes a couple of months, I believe, from start to finish. My husband's cousin is in wait of a visa at this moment. See this thread for more info:
http://www.dr1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49470
Rina2 said:
So what do you think,Trina?-I have a friend who will be applying for a Visitor's visa shortly but he owns no property or business. He does, however, have a job doing welding and some electrical (no formal training/education in that field) with a friend who owns the business. It is basically the two of them. What do think are his chances. Any advice? He has his passport and a bank account open.