Hi everyone, Would want to know the landing experience for some that traveled beginning Feb 3rd 2021. What are the new changes arriving at the airport. Would appreciate your kind response. Thanks

Congratulations bro! Good news for everyone hopefully !How were you able to pay the courier return fees for your passport? I should be expecting mine soon too. Cheers and happy new year!

miolad20:
LANDING GIST

Firstly, I want to tell you that I am grateful to God for this journey. It has been His grace and mercy all the way.

Preamble
The decision to relocate was borne out of my frustration about Nigeria, the stress at my work and so many uncertainties. I used to think Naija forever but I just got tired and it all happened very fast.
Took my first IELTS in 2018, had LRWS 7.5, 9, 6.5, 8, started WES evaluation same year. My CRS score was 398 and cut off was around 445 at the time but my IELTS score was low and I did not even have enough money for the POF and other associated costs at that time. So I decided to enrol for OAU's executive MBA while I started putting some money aside in savings (the money was very small anyway, but I was determined). Finished MBA in December of 2019 and started evaluation around February 2020 - was completed in April. My second IELTS was in March, just before the lockdown. My wife (then fiance) also wrote the test on the same day in another city - we had the same scores LRWS 9,9,7.5,7.5 MOD - I used ieltsliz and ieltsonlinetests to prepare.
We had our introduction and court wedding in July when the lockdown was eased and jumped into the pool next day CRS - 482. ITA came and we submitted our application on the 30th of August 2020.
PPR came as a shock - Nov 9 - we found out via webform that our VO was the dreaded Accra.

VFS Drama
Sent passports to Lagos VFS - Nov 11
Passport got to AVO - Nov 24
Approval and counterfoil - Dec 10
Booked flight for Dec 28 LOL. I know
I got VFS notification that our passports got to Lagos - 18 Dec, I paid the ₦11k courier return fee immediately without waiting for their prompting.
I had to reschedule the flight as VFS showed how crazy they are.
Dec 29 - UPS delivered passports

Ready to Go
I and my wife had resigned from our jobs in preparation for our passports and visas to come back from IRCC Ghana through Lagos VFS.
Got to Lagos on Wednesday to complete packing and weighing them. Half of our luggage allowance was food - garri, elubo, poundo, egusi, beans, frozen palm oil, maggi, spices, ground pepper, ground cray fish, golden morn, milo, can't remember if there's more. We took shea butter too for skin, some malaria medications also.
Thursday, we went to buy winter jackets, gloves, head-warmers and thermal wears at Tejuosho, the guy has a page on IG - winternigeria.

D day, Friday, January 01 2021, we woke up pretty early to do a final check on our luggage - all the boxes weighed approx 23kg. Moved to the airport and got there within 20 minutes - thanks to everyone that stayed home to enjoy the new year holiday.
There was a queue at ET's desk. We waited and checked in our boxes after which we went to grab breakfast with our loved ones that came with us to the airport. Took some pictures, hugged everyone and it was time to move to departures at 11 am. Almost all the officers kept wishing us a happy new year while using style to ask for money. Oh, Agric people collected 2k and gave me one quarantine receipt like that because we had foodstuff.
We had a long walk to our boarding gate. That was how the ET staff checking the boarding passes said they had an issue with one of our check-in luggage, something to do with liquid content - I guess they saw the bottles while scanning. My wife met the person in charge and told them it was frozen palm oil and well packed. They threatened to tear the bag to remove the bottles, but they did not after all.
We boarded the plane a few minutes after 1 pm and the plane took off at 1:40 pm, right on time.
Lagos to Addis was cool, we enjoyed the rice and chicken and their snack pack. The in-flight entertainment was okay too. The airport at Addis - oh man - please shoes that you can easily remove (or don't tie your shoe-laces too tight). If you can go beltless too - nice. This is because you'll go through security twice and have to remove your shoes, belt, watches etc. We spent most of the 2 hours layover time passing security and on queue to board the plane to YYZ.
Flight to YYZ was loooonnnnnggggg. We had a 45-min stop at Dublin to refuel. Saw some movies and listened to music for a good part of the time - You can make a playlist of Wizkid, Ycee and Anqelique Kidjo songs. Had some time to sleep too. The flight was long, so time dey. ET provided us with socks, light blanket, toothpaste and brush. I did not enjoy the food on this second flight tho (pasta and something like chicken sauce - I'm a village boy abeg), so I just ate bread and cream and biscuits from their snack box. Had some tea too. Yh, there's red wine also. They gave us 3 forms to fill (customs, COVID 19 information and Quarantine details)
At last anyways, we touched down at Toronto Pearson Airport at 7:10 am and waited for almost an hour before we could disembark. The captain said there was parking spot congestion - something like that.
People rushed off the plane and I was wondering why - we were just doing our 'waka jeje' and taking pictures, apparently there was a long queue at Immigration. As fate would have it, one officer came to break the queue from about two people in front of me and wifey, OMO! I was so happy. That was how we got to be attended to on time before the Usain Bolts. LOL. He asked if it was our first time and also about the kind of house where we would be staying for the 14 days quarantine. Wrote some things on the customs card and directed us to another place for people landing for the first time.
Here, we waited for some time on the queue - they attended to people with kids on time tho. When it got to our turn, the lady asked us if we have any dependants. She asked us to wait and called us after some minutes to sign our COPR and she said: "Congratulations, you're now permanent residents of Canada". She returned a copy of the COPR, got our address and told us that our PR cards would be ready in about 3-4 months (due to COVID situation). She gave us a form to use should we need to change the address for PR card delivery and a flyer on SIN application.
Next was to get our check-in boxes and take pictures then we proceeded to border control where we submitted the customs card. The guy directed us to another place. Because we ticked that we have a fish product (ground cray fish o), the officer opened our GMG bag and I had to explain what palm oil is; what it is used for and what it is made from. She was confused and just decided to leave the matter. LOL. We gave her our list of accompanying goods (2 copies) and goods to follow - I made the list on excel and included estimated values in CAD. They issued us a document that we can present while bringing in the goods so that as not to pay customs duty on them. She walked us to the door, congratulated us again and said "Happy New Year"! - wow! that was the first 'Happy New Year' I heard in Canada. At MMIA, it was all the officers that were greeting us - just so to get a tip.
We waited for about 30 minutes for our ride (family friend to arrive), the cold slapped my face immediately I walked out of the exit doors. Chai! And they said it's not even so cold now.

Day 1 of quarantine was for some WhatsApp calls, MacDonald's and a Chinese meal - because the poundo yam someone ordered for us was cancelled *angry*. We were jet-lagged, so we slept very early and woke up in the midnight - luckily it was right on time for my Nigerian church service, I just joined the New Year thanksgiving service on YouTube.

Yesterday, I optimized my LinkedIn page and did more calls - telling Canny people that I have come o - I need all the connection and advise now.
Stepped into the snow today, chai! Me, a village boy o. LOL
P.S. the pounded yam and egusi soup got delivered last night.

Thank you for reading.

Canny land seniors, I greet una o. Please point me to any group for people in Durham region, Ontario. Thank you

Lastly, you must present a covid 19 negative test certificate which is compulsory for all travelers landing in Canada. This is the latest news by the Canadian government as at this evening.
Cheers

WeAreDLucky1s:



Hello Flakeyy,

Congratulations on your PPR.

Many have responded to this already, however I wanted to quickly draw your attention to "safe time to fly" for pregnant women. Please note that the internationally recommended is 32 weeks. Although some airline - specific - may allow up till 35 weeks but must include a "fit to fly" from your GP or reliable hospital. Please put this in mind as you search for the airline also enquire about their options for pregnant women.

Secondly as regards the OHIP, yes you can get help right away when you land, in fact I will advise you to contact a midwife since that is most likely what you'll be using as a resident without Health Insurance Card - surely you dont want to pay when you can be on insurance. As such, start browsing the closest midwives association closest to your choice of residence.

Also do not forget the 14day quarantine period, meaning if you have to wait to 35 weeks before flying, you'll be almost due at 37weeks.

Kindly put the above 2 factors into consideration when deciding when to fly, I sincerely wish you haven't booked yet, because as you said, please do not consider birthing in Nigeria...please do not! My wife and I even got a placement early this year with 2 midwives and had interviews and zoom sessions already without landing yet or even PPR self only for our hopes to be dashed...well as you know corona and Ottawa change hand for us...baby is now 4months and we still dey naija..lol

See the link to the Ontario midwives page, use the search option to find the closest to your choice of destination /residence.

HERE

Lastly, although I no b Accountant o, but from what I know, seen, researched and heard, please do not go for M.Sc unless you want to consider it for the grant or if you'll get scholarship. The reason is that Canada is more concerned with what you can deliver not the paper you have. Indeed, many take the Masters route to get the right Network or connection, but do not consider it as an alternative to your Professional Certification. And, don't be surprised if your Line Manager or supervisor only hold a Diploma. Infact, soft skills they say, will take you further, remember most migrants in Canada are professional from their home country. But soft skills isn't learnt in schools in many foreign countries Nigeria inclusive.

PS: please, consider the airline's "fit to fly" options and the 14days quarantine requirements.

_{I sincerely hope this is helpful, and I'll like to thank you for reading.}

Hi Flakeyy, i presume you are traveling with your family. Do you have an AL (authorization letter to travel ) or you are just taking the courage to travel irrespective. I am taking the boldness to travel in 2 months time after seeing some encouraging messages here. cheers

Flakeyy:
Hello everyone. Compliments of the season. I just got my PR and we're planning to land next month. Please I have a few questions and I'll appreciate if you guys can put me through.

1. I'm pregnant. We plan to land in Toronto, and I'll be about 35weeks gone by then. Does Ontario still do the 3 months wait before we're eligible for health insurance?? If yes, please which province issues health insurance within a week??

2. I'm an accountant, practiced a little with my degree, but I've been in the banking sector for the past 1year. I want to practice with my degree and do the CPA. But I don't have ACCA or ICAN, and all I've read on the first thread are for people converting their ACCA or ICAN to CPA. I would like to know which is easier and cost effective. Do the CPA exams from the scratch, or do a diploma or Masters that covers some or all of the CPA courses
I would be grateful if I can get clarification from a landed senior.

Thank you

Hello bro, a big congratulations to you! I want to ask a question on ADR for record of government employment. Did you feel in any government related job under work experience.? Why i am asking is because I filled in NYSC as govt but under personal history.(what i have been doing in the last 10years. My work history has no government related institutions. Do you think i will get an ADR or there would be no need. Thanks

SirKastic:
Silent reader PPR alert *Tearssssss shirt* for special effect!!

Decision to travel - Since I was old enough and realised our leaders will not allow Nigeria harness her full potential.

I initially wanted to go for my Msc in Canada but opted for UK cos of family ties there. After my MSc in UK (2013), I moved back to naija to resume at my job from study leave, and within the first few month being back, I knew I had made a mistake coming back to this country - It was depressing sometimes, especially if you've lived in a developed country where the system works. January 1st 2018, I decided to stop complaining and do something about it. Spoke with a friend who had just moved to Canada with his family and he gave me the load down. I booked IELTS in March 2018 and this marked my battle to pass 'common english' test (imagine),I kept falling short of .5 in listening - aced it at the 4th attempt with 8778. While battling IELTS, I did WES for my Msc - this bit was easy as it was a UK uni.

ITA

Armed with 8778 and CRS of 456, I was confident as ITA scores was still within 440s - ITA came April 19th, 2019. Got PCC for UK and Naija (Abuja) - pretty straight forward. Did medicals with IOM - they gave me a mini scare asking about HIV and if im sexually active (for my mind I say so na so all my sins & village people wan take finally get me now) but thankfully, everything came out clean (E b like say make i photocopy the result hang for my parlour). sigh of relief.

POF

Had some bread saved up and while discussing with my father to update him of my decision to relocate, I mentioned POF and he decided to give me POF -correct guy. Got a gift deed and notarised it, bought T-bills and added my own savings as a buffer.

EMPLOYMENT

I have over 10 years experience in HR but claimed points for the last 3 years in and added the following:
Employment letter
Confirmation letter
promotion letters
Reference letter
Pay stubs
Bank statement ( highlighted salary inflow)
T-Bills from my personal savings (buffer)

AOR: May 25th 2019 then the journey began.....

I hoped this would be speedy as I noticed February AOR got PPR within 3 months. My rent was getting due and i really didn't want to renew it so this got me tensed at some point. You see, patience had never been one of my virtues but this process taught me a lesson - there's nothing you can do about it than to just chill and live your life. I couldn't make immediate plans, buy certain stuffs, or commit to things cos I was waiting for golden mail (na wa!). At some point you start questioning your application and if you filled everything right.
I made a conscious decision not to order GCMC notes or call. However, I raised a CSC on the 5th month to find out my VO. they responded about a week later - Ottawa CPC. Got invited to May AOR group on Telegram ... there were lots of jokes and it helped take the pressure off although eh, Inidan people can worrrryyyyyyy.. loll. I gave in to small pressure and mailed Ralph to ask about my application as I read he's usually helpful - the man nor even answer me, I later learnt he lost his re-election bid.. so I nor blame am. The wait continued.

November 13th I got a mail for ADR for Record of Government Employment, I responded same day and then long silenceeeeee. After hanging out with my colleagues on December 24th, I got home and later at night i lazily checked my mail only to find Ready for Visa email staring at me.. jaw dropped... Christmas came early for me.

Ive been on this Nairaland page mostly as an observer but I learnt alot. The depth of info I gathered from here was amazing, reading other people's story and being happy when they announced their PPR kept me going and knowing my turn will come one day. I'll just like to add that what ever stage you are at now, keep pushing and taking it one step at a time. Set a time frame to get things done and you'll get there too. cheers to you all and I wish we all get to our destination and live a fulfilled life.


AOR May 25th
Med Passed July 5th. silencee
Raised 2 CSC - 1 know VO - Ottawa and the other after the 6th month for application update
ADR Nov13th - Government Employment Records
PPR December 24th
Single Guy ...maybe the LOML is inside the Canada sef waiting for me..lol

Season greetings to you all!!

Hi Everyone,

Please could someone put me through quickly on the requirements for Australian immigration procedures-(Assessment requirements)

I discovered that my occupation falls on the skills occupation list and would need to be assessed by the Institution of Engineers Australia .

However i have discovered that my qualification from universities in Nigeria is NOT a full signatory to the Washington accord, Dublin accord etc hence the need for an assessment under competency demonstration report pathway (CDR)

So far i have evidence of employments from my former companies, university documents/cert, professional qualifications etc and currently preparing a CPD report (continuing professional development), essay etc.

Is it compulsory i send in tax clearance ffrom my former company i worked for in over 10 years or need an Official Contract Document from the Ministry of Labour etc.. (indicating your wage, title and employer’s name). ??

Please someone should kindly help out.
Thanks a lot