bigmove:
Good day all, I have been a guest reader on the thread for a few days and I say weldone to everyone.

** Long post alert**

I have learnt a couple of things but my story is different from what's being mostly discussed, so I need your inputs and thoughts....

My husband secured admission for MBA into Rotman, Toronto last month to start Sept 2018 and end 2020. The plan was to join him after study;myself and child(ren). But last week he suggested we all going together because a couple of his friends hinted that as that would be better for the family and all. This depends on the level of preparedness and to some extent, available cash flow to take care of the family. With determination, it is doable. I know one family here, the wife found me via Canadavisa.com a while back. She used to be a banker while the husband was a business man. They came over, hubby got into U of T while the wife was caring for their young son and taking her time to study the job market here. They got a 2 bedroom town house for about $1,500.00 monthly and a car which was within the budget they had prepared for them selves. A year later, the lady is working in a bank here, son is doing fine in elementary school and hubby is done with school and swimming in the job market, finding his place. The lady ofcourse opened her she had her fears all along when they trying to settle down but staying in touch and listening to positive testimonies gave her hope. The hubby is the 'we will make it as others have made it type', he was always asking questions, staying hopeful and had a similar plan like your hubby. We all came with the fear in our hearts but fear never stops a woman from carrying her pregnancy successfully. It's doable and in your own case, the success within you will be birthed. Just carry it with hope till it bursts forth

the thing is this, arrangement has been made for his study and for us too back home (rent; check, feeding; check). I'm presently out of job but slated for msc 2018. Hubby is saying pulling all the resources together will get us by in Canada till hes done with study i.e feeding money plus rent we'll collect and sale of other properties. Also that i can get something doing to help with bills.

with the change in plans now I'm scared of it all, I dnt wanna be stranded in Canada but hubby is going on and on about how its all gonna work out and that i should give my support and not be a killjoy. I'm to go renew my passport and also get for our baby. Reminds me of when we got HSMP visa back in 2009 and I sent my family ahead to London. By 2010, I decided that UK was not for me (personal convictions please) and I asked her to come back to Naija. By 2012, the bug to move was back so I faced Canada. I guess I had more confidence in Canada seeing as they weathered the global melt down better than most other countries. This time when PR came, there was no question of 'send family ahead', I was ahead of the train and we all came down, 5 man strong. I give God all the glory as the 5 man team is doing great. I got a job in my field at my same level, wifey who got a job before me is doing so well, she trains other new staff now in her group. The kids are semi-Canadians now, doing so well in school, teachers keep saying it must be because they are Nigerians, that Nigerians are like that. They come in, they take over. Was I ever scared after we came? Ofcourse I was, my blood is red and I'm only human. Did I consider going back? Capital NO, that bridge was burned so that my mind could focus on the task of making it here. How did I do it? I held on to the belief that He who gave me PR will give me life abundant and He came through. Did I sit on my ass waiting for dreams to turn to reality? Nope, I was out of the door everyday, taking my journey on my feet and my steps were ordered beyond my expectations. Can you do it too? Big yes, even better than how we that are here have done it because you come with your knowledge and our experience at your finger tips. Just don't stop asking questions and learning. Knowledge acquired is knowledge that can be utilized

So, good people, how's the plan and arrangement? is it feasible? any idea on cost of living for a month? rent for a 2 bedroom per month in Toronto? Rent can run from $900 to $2,500 for a 2 bed place, depends on your budget and taste. You could even consider getting a place in the suburbs and hubby takes the train to school downtown. Just to spread your options, whichever works for you feeding for 3 per month? This can run from $400 to however your taste and pocket dictates. It's just like Naija, different families, different tastes, 'cut your coat' as it fits your situation other miscellaneous? Used car [color=#990000]Lots of used car dealerships and checking kijiji.ca, autotrader.ca etc now can give you a sense of what is available. When you land, people will introduce you to car dealers that can be trusted[/color] getting a job for myself? With a bit of time and focus, you can get a job you'll be happy in. Some people are able to land something fine in a relatively short period, for others it takes a bit of a while. I know another guy, after getting PR, he began to hunt via LinkedIn for job opportunities. I've mentioned him before, the guy with experience in electrical power systems. He landed an interview before even landing here. Once they knew he had PR, they set a date and he got his interview a day after he landed while still living in a hotel with his family. As God does things, the guy got the job. My wife got hers 3 months after we came, I got mine 6 months. My case was helped in that I attended a training program for foreign trained professionals. We all have different stories, dfiferent journeys but it can't be a journey if you don't venture out. Just do it with faith. Just as some of us get PR in 6 months and some got it after 2 years, the point is we applied and we eventually got it. There is no 'first position' for success. Remember what Nike says, Sometimes you have to just 'do it' any job? Noting wrong in doing what your hand finds to do. If you find something below the level of what you were doing before, take it till you get something better. If you want to focus on finding something commensurate with your skills, the ball is in your court. What matters most is you are ready to take the plunge do I also get my certificates verified as I've read? The verification already done (ECA) is sufficient though some employers like mine will independently verify if they have the need to. But if you haven't done it before and you know your Nigerian school is 'one kind' please, sort out your certificates and transcripts now, let your school file be in order. Once you leave Naija, it becomes super stress to sort those out. I had to settle a relative of mine to go to my school and sit down there till they sorted out my wife's file back when I was applying for PR. No time for stories. That's CNN's job, to be broadcasting issues of life how to go about settling down? Settling down is landing, activate your PR, get your SIN, open bank account, get a phone line, get an accommodation, fix your kids in school, get a car, focus on getting a job. It can happen in any order convenient for you, but that is all settling down is about. The rest is to take it one day at a time and keep your trust in God, He perfects all these things in His time child care? Depending on the age of your child. If she/he's above 4years now, they are set for elementary school and ,ost of the public school's have before and after school care programs where you can also register the child. That way, when you start working, you can drop your child there on your way to work and pick up after you're done with work for the day and things I cannot think of now....
pls and pls help a sister

cc blackbuddy, salford1, vcole, Ballerz, impish and others.....

Hi, please see above for what I could think of now. If you need any more clarification, just ask. I'm sure we here can assist to refine your research as things move along. All the best.

Blackbuddy:


Hi, please see above for what I could think of now. If you need any more clarification, just ask. I'm sure we here can assist to refine your research as things move along. All the best.

You're just a superstar!

Blackbuddy:


Hi, please see above for what I could think of now. If you need any more clarification, just ask. I'm sure we here can assist to refine your research as things move along. All the best.

this is very helpful.. u too much
**baby is just above a year

I will keep asking as the need arise...

bigmove:
Good day all, I have been a guest reader on the thread for a few days and I say weldone to everyone.


So, good people, how's the plan and arrangement? is it feasible? any idea on cost of living for a month? rent for a 2 bedroom per month in Toronto? feeding for 3 per month? other miscellaneous? getting a job for myself? any job? do I also get my certificates verified as I've read? how to go about settling down? child care? and things I cannot think of now....
pls and pls help a sister

cc .....

I know someone who packed his family with him as he went to study. They are all fine. So I guess you should be fine too if u are focused on the "prize"

pauloverdi:
Greetings fellow Canadians (and wannabes... lol na play I dey ooo)

I finally departed lagos via Ethiopian airways last friday (22 sept). Had 8 bags for a family of 4 and 6 hand luggages. All this stuff after repeatedly warning the packing crew (madam and family) to limit the weight to recommended levels. Well we made it tru without much hassle. All the official's didn't give us any hassle after they saw my little terror squad (kids) already terrorising us. Nobody checked our food stuff. At Toronto customs they just collected the declaration card and asked us to proceed. Got me wishing that I had brought more stuff. The food served on the Ethiopian airline flights was just there. Na only d rice make sense joor. And please try to eat if u have time to before joining a connecting flight in canada. On my connecting flight within Canada they were only accepting credit cards as payment for food (air canada). well I made it to a warm bed by 11pm, Vancouver time on saturday, but it was around 9 am on Sunday in nigeria. We thank God for his grace. On Monday we went out to look at some apartments and get sin numbers. We also registered for medical insurance. We couldn't get service BC Identity cards because we needed our pr cards as part of the two id''s to present. They wanted our passports and our pr cards. So we will need to visit again for that. Have found the town we r in to b nice and quiet. Well that's all for now. Lemme face my daddying duties. Omo na now I appreciate my kids nanny!!!!! I ALSO MISS SPANKING THE KIDSS!!! ARGHHHH! lol. This tough daddy has been humbled by laws. It seem's my kids (4 & 6) were just waiting to come here ooo. They have become "AWARE" like skynet. Thank God the Lil one has a yr to wait before he starts school. God will help us to adjust.

Hi Paul, please what was your POE using Ethiopian airline. Am concerned because I noticed that the wait time btw Dublin and the next connecting flight is just about 1hr. Will this be sufficient. Any immigration check at Addis too?

Secondly house, I intend to fly on the day my infant clocks too. I hope he will not be reclassified as a child. I need your inputs please

Thanks for sharing this.

teeoba:
@ Yimiton and teewhy1
Passport delivered to Accra on September 19th. Sent the an email (to Ottawa, London VO and Accra) on Tuesday to ask for update and expedited processing. Got a response from London Visaoffice:

Thank you for your email.



Please allow a minimum of 4 weeks for the return of your passport.



Kind Regards,



BWJ
Immigration Section/Service d'immigration

High Commission of Canada/Haut-commissariat du Canada

Canada House | Maison du Canada
Trafalgar Square
London | Londres
SW1Y 5BJ

United Kingdom

Still keeping my eye on the CIC profile for changes though.

Ehrnie:


Hi - I started after I got my PR. I will summarise the steps below;

thanks alot for this.

BTW I visited APEGA and it seems I would be mandated to take the National professional Practice Exam, did you have to ? the NPPE is not even pocket friendly, cost almost $400

Thank you for your detailed answer. My husband is a Geologist and we just realised that he also needs to ne registered with APEGA too. Cheers

Ehrnie:


Hi - I started after I got my PR. I will summarise the steps below;

Online application - This is located on the APEGA website. Just google APEGA and the route you are inquiring about is EIT.

yokus:
I sent you a PM.

Hi dear,
Many many thanks... Been on high expectations mode

Good day all,

Please I need some advice as to the best way to change money from naira to Canadaian dollars.

-Is it possible to open a bank account with a bank in canada from Nigeria and what is the best way to transfer funds into the account?

- Alternatively, I have a UK bank account, but I am worried that using that account/card in canada will attract some extra charges...

-I don't know if opening a dorm account in Nigeria will be OK. But I am also not comfortable with that as I think Nigerian banks charge a lot for transactions

Any suggestions from those who have successfully moved their cash from Nigeria?

kemmytino:


Hi Paul, please what was your POE using Ethiopian airline. Am concerned because I noticed that the wait time btw Dublin and the next connecting flight is just about 1hr. Will this be sufficient. Any immigration check at Addis too?

Secondly house, I intend to fly on the day my infant clocks too. I hope he will not be reclassified as a child. I need your inputs please

If you input the right date of birth and was classified infant still by the airline, u r good to go.

unless the date u used is different from the passport then wahala dey be that

MostBlessed:
Good day all,

Please I need some advice as to the best way to change money from naira to Canadaian dollars.

-Is it possible to open a bank account with a bank in canada from Nigeria and what is the best way to transfer funds into the account?

- Alternatively, I have a UK bank account, but I am worried that using that account/card in canada will attract some extra charges...

-I don't know if opening a dorm account in Nigeria will be OK. But I am also not comfortable with that as I think Nigerian banks charge a lot for transactions

Any suggestions from those who have successfully moved their cash from Nigeria?

Carry cash or if u don't feel comfortable with that, do western union or money gram in ur name, when u reach Canny, u redeem

@blackbuddie you are just a superstar!!!
Can you kindly bold your contributions in posts you respond to, pls. I dont want to miss out any of your detailed responses... pls indulge me

@dupyshoo GREATEST GBA GBA!!! Awon ti Oba University *thumbs up*, so I am asking you and @ehrnie, I got from a friend that you can't register or proceed much wt APEGA registration until you land, is this true or there are ways to go about it?
Kindly clarify. Thanks

Oyamade:
@blackbuddie you are just a superstar!!!
Can you kindly bold your contributions in posts you respond too, pls. I dont want to miss out any of your detailed responses... pls indulge me

@dupyshoo GREATEST GBA GBA!!! Awon ti Oba University *thumbs up*, so I am asking you and @erhnie, I got from a friend that you can't register or proceed much wt APEGA registration until you land, is this true?
Kindly clarify. Thanks

That's so not true. Dupyshoo (as she stated) has completed her APEGA licensure...and she hasn't landed. I am in the assessment queue and I have not landed...so, I'm not sure what your friend means.

nkigirl:
Thank you for your detailed answer. My husband is a Geologist and we just realised that he also needs to ne registered with APEGA too. Cheers

Ah okay @ geologist. Once you get to the APEGA page you'll see guidelines for geologists (this is separate for engineers).

All the best!

einsteino:



thanks alot for this.

BTW I visited APEGA and it seems I would be mandated to take the National professional Practice Exam, did you have to ? the NPPE is not even pocket friendly, cost almost $400

No...I didn't have to write any exams (or maybe I haven't been notified yet). I think there is a requirement to write exams for PEng status...but I think this is post EIT (not sure so please don't quote me on that).

@bigmove just to clarify, your husband would be applying for a student permit while you would apply for a spouse open work permit aka sowp and your child on a dependent visa right?
If this is the case then please go online as well as the Canada student visa thread on nairaland to ensure that you have as much info as you could possibly have to ensure that you turn in a visa application that is devoid of errors and stands a good chance of getting approved.

All things being equal, you would be fine. He'll go to school while you'll work at getting a job or staying at home dependent on your choice. It'll also be a good idea to start the process for permanent residency via express entry soon after you land. That way in about a year or so if all goes well , you could all change status and you would be able to go back to school for less than you would pay as an international student. Otherwise after he graduates, he'll be eligible for a post grad work permit which I think would be valid for 2yrs.

@Triv, I don't know much about Varsity apart from the fact that it's in the NW and close to Dalhousie. However the NW of Calgary is alright.

Ehrnie:


Hi vcole - many thanks for your input...always appreciated. So, I've got a question Re: Proof of Address (PoA).

I always thought I could purchase a phone line and use the bill processed for that as a PoA to open a bank account. But now, if I truly need a PoA to purchase the phone line, how do you suggest I go about this - considering the fact that I wouldn't have my own accommodation asap and I intend to open a bank account asap for my PoF?

Hi Ehrnie, to be honest I can't remember if I showed the cell phone provider my lease agreement as proof of address. I do remember that I took it along. Maybe others who have landed in recent times and purchased cell phone lines could chip in here?

Changes to Citizenship Requirements

On October 11, 2017, some changes to the Citizenship Act as a result of Bill C-6 will come into force. Here are some of the changes that you need to know about before applying for your citizenship.

1. Physical presence: You must be physically present in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years with no minimum number of days per year, before applying for citizenship.

Previously: You had to be physically present in Canada for 4 out of 6 years, with a minimum of 183 days in each of the 4 years, before applying for citizenship.

2. Days spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident (as a temporary resident or protected person) within 5 years of applying for citizenship, count as ½ days, up to a maximum of 1 year (365 days).

Previously: The time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident did not count towards the physical presence requirement for citizenship.

3. Language and Knowledge: If you are between 18 years old and 54 years old, you must: Meet language (English or French) requirements and take the Citizenship Test

Previously: If you're between 14 and 64 years, you had to meet the language and knowledge requirement for citizenship.

4. Income tax: You have to file Canadian income taxes (if required to do so under the Income Tax Act) for 3 out of 5 years, matching the new physical presence requirement.

Previously: You had to file Canadian income taxes, if required to do so under the Income Tax Act, for 4 out of 6 years.

All the changes take effect on October 11, 2017

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/improvements/changes-citizenship-requirements-2017.asp

bigmove:


this is very helpful.. u too much
**baby is just above a year

I will keep asking as the need arise...

Please note I replied with the belief you're coming as permanent residents which means you can work and are job ready. If this is the case and considering that your child is young, you can consider jobs that entail working from home. If I may suggest to you and others in similar situations, check out this link for stay at home customer care/support work, alpineaccessjobs.ca/recruiting/reg/login/

A few of our sisters here are using that to get income and gain Canadian experience.

Ehrnie:


That's so not true. Dupyshoo (as she stated) has completed her APEGA licensure...and she hasn't landed. I am in the assessment queue and I have not landed...so, I'm not sure what your friend means.

That one needs a PR card at least to register...

I don’t want to derail the thread any further but I really wonder if it’s so hard to write in a polite manner in order not to offend others....

[/b]*YOU CAN GET YOUR POINT ACROSS WITHOUT BEING RUDE, CONDESCENDING OR INSULTING*[b]

If you cannot, then you do not have to comment. I really don’t see anything wrong with moving on if a particular post does not apply to you. You can easily move on to the next post that applies to you. Wakapass tinz....

Please let’s start learning how to relate with one another, a lot of us are about to make the move to an extremely diverse country. If you cannot communicate effectively with your fellow Naijas, how would you be able to relate with the very different cultures in Canada. The Indians, Chinese, Parkistanis, etc.

It’s so funny that the major culprits are the supposed ainit IJGBs.

Okay so back to Canada matter.....

MostBlessed:
Good day all,

Please I need some advice as to the best way to change money from naira to Canadaian dollars.

-Is it possible to open a bank account with a bank in canada from Nigeria and what is the best way to transfer funds into the account?

Any suggestions from those who have successfully moved their cash from Nigeria?

@Maziude opened one before landing. Below is his post:

"For those who wants to open a Canadian bank account, you can also try National Bank of Canada. I got my account number on Monday. I only filled the online account opening form for new comers on Sunday and by Monday afternoon, I got my account number and instructions on how to wire funds should I need to. As usual, I can't withdraw unless I arrive Canada".

Caveat: "If the account opening process is not completed within three months of your account opening application, your account will be closed. To recover any funds in the account, you will have to comply with all of National Bank's requirements, including identification by an agent (you will receive the necessary form and additional information by email at that time), and assume the applicable fees".


Cc: @Professor Mazi

Canadianfly:

£20 is like $100 to a UK person. In fact I remember my single days, dating in the UK...guys will spend £20 on Nandos dinner for you and will be acting like they put your entire family on payroll.

How many people have cars in the UK? The ones that do, drive the Vauxhall like it's a beemer LOL

Gold help you you work in McDonalds in the UK....you have failed in life!

Punchlines!!!

Wura27:

I don’t want to derail the thread any further but I really wonder if it’s so hard to write in a polite manner in order not to offend others....

[/b]*YOU CAN GET YOUR POINT ACROSS WITHOUT BEING RUDE, CONDESCENDING OR INSULTING*[b]

If you cannot, then you do not have to comment. I really don’t see anything wrong with moving on if a particular post does not apply to you. You can easily move on to the next post that applies to you. Wakapass tinz....

Please let’s start learning how to relate with one another, a lot of us are about to make the move to an extremely diverse country. If you cannot communicate effectively with your fellow Naijas, how would you be able to relate with the very different cultures in Canada. The Indians, Chinese, Parkistanis, etc.

It’s so funny that the major culprits are the supposed ainit IJGBs.

Okay so back to Canada matter.....

How will they move on when their destiny is tied to it (pun intended).....na play i dey o ....*picks race*

Landing Experience:

We travelled on Monday Oct 2nd via BA (was already in the UK for a short visit). It was a long but very smooth flight. One of the passengers fell, so takeoff was delayed for an hour while they boarded the passenger and his luggage. We landed in Toronto around 4.30 PM local time. The airport has adopted a new system of using machines to collect information first before you meet any immigration officers.

The queues were long because of this, everyone had a little struggle using the machine as it has to scan your passport, take a picture of you, answer a few questions and then print of a sheet with your picture (and all accompanying travellers). We stood on that queue for 45 minutes give or take. It seemed like forever. From there we progressed to another queue where they check if we declared funds and food. We declared both, we were ushered to the immigration officers queue, that took another 40 minutes or so. The process with the immigration officer was smooth as well. They asked us to sign on our COPR, collected our address and wished us good bye. Off we went to get our SIN and welcome pack from a man of eastern descent. I struggled to hear his accent, I think it might have been the pressure of the air plane cabin. We were directed to pick our bags, it was only our bags and a few others left beside the carousel. We picked them, loaded it on the trolley and headed out. Another official checked our tracking sheet (the one that was printed earlier) and told us to go to another hall were we signed forms for the money we brought in, he asked casually what food we brought in and I replied dried cassava and groundnuts. He asked if there was any meat or poultry, I said no, he didnt search our bags (thankfully) as I was exhausted already.

We walked out, bought a phone line, took a taxi and landed at our temp accommodation (air bnb). We were well received by our host and proceeded to fall asleep amongst 12 bags (6 checked in and 6 hand luggage). Word of warning: if you can , please travel light with your hand luggage. It is an exhausting experience!!!! But I must say BA is gracious with hand luggage, we were allowed 2 pieces of 23kg per hand luggage.

Next day we went to the bank, met a super nice lady who opened our accounts and generally helped to get us started on this Canadian journey. Since then it has been house hunting (which is a bit more tiresome here). I have found been upfront with agent or landlord has worked for us with regard house hunting. We say we are recent migrants and dont have credit reports or employment ref yet. Some are elusive and say they cant help, others are more willing once they meet you in person. For the places we like, we say we are ready to offer 6 months rent in advance and post dated cheques. We should know by the end of this week if this pays off. All in all it has been a good but tiring experience. Mobility is an issue, especially as we have an under 5. He says he is tired of walking many times. Maybe car hunt after the house.

Weather is excellent. we have gone out without jackets all week.

Thats all folks!

Oyamade:


That one needs a PR card at least to register...

There was a question about my residency status (can't recall the exact wording) & I ticked yes that av got a PR status. That was all...wasn't asked for details of PR card or anything related.

vcole:

Hi Ehrnie, to be honest I can't remember if I showed the cell phone provider my lease agreement as proof of address. I do remember that I took it along. Maybe others who have landed in recent times and purchased cell phone lines could chip in here?

Thanks sis...I really do hope I don't need a PoA for the phone purchase.

Any one is the house that can help clarify this...? Thanks

einsteino:


16 exams for just EIT? lol thats all the exams i sat for in a whole academic session bk in the university! btw pls i would like to add a question, it may sound funny sha. Does having a COREN by any chance ease the APEGS licensing path for us?

COREN does not help.

bigmove:


with the change in plans now I'm scared of it all, I dnt wanna be stranded in Canada but hubby is going on and on about how its all gonna work out and that i should give my support and not be a killjoy. I'm to go renew my passport and also get for our baby.

Madam. Obey your husband or follow his heart desires. You would survive in Canada. Aslong as you are in the country legally, you would be fine.

Adiahabasi:


In other news,what's up with London VO o? Their snail speed is beginning to grate on my nerves. But while we wait, can anyone that has lived in both Regina and Calgary kindly gist us comparatively about the pros and cons of each city?

Calgary:
Pros. warmer weather, larger Nigerian community, more multicultural, stampede, close to banff, real international airport, very good transport system (ctrain), no pst, a little lower income tax, easy access to tranacanada highway, calgary zoo.

cons: lots of police and traffic cameras..very easy to get traffic tickets lol, crime rate has risen, schools are becoming overcrowded (the city is fast developing), longer wait times at hospital emergency ward,

Regina
Pro: less traffic, lot of government jobs, easy access to transcanada highway, less populated, easier to get jobs, cheaper housing, summer is warmer, car insurance is cheaper (government owned), phone bills and internet are cheaper(government owned). People are friendlier.

cons: Winter is colder, nightlife is poor, not many places to shop, property taxes are high, 6% PST, beer is more expensive.lol

cisco123:
@ Salfold1

Many thanks for your numerous contributions, pix and openness. I was going to send you a PM but thought others like me may also benefit from our discussion.

I'm Saskatchewan bound and wish to continue with my engineering practice (electrical) when I arrive. I've applied to APEGS for EIT but unfortunately I was assigned to write the confirmatory exam.
I've reviewed the said exam and I find sitting for about 16 exams for just EIT tough. I am considering the options of writing the APEGA NCEES FE exam or enrolling for a M.Eng program at UoS as better alternatives. Please kindly advise and I would really appreciate if you can link me with a study group.

16 exams!. Msc/Meng is definitely better in that case. If yiu have an Msc, you would most likely get your EIT straight way plus the additional canadian education which would open many doors for you. I dont know of any study group at the moment. Feel free to send a pm.
There are lots of info on the thread titled:

"Advice for "engineers" applying to Professional Engineers Ontario for P.Eng." on canada visa forum. Google it.