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Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 / Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant / Living In Australia/life As An Australian Immigrant (2) (3) (4)
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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by salford1: 3:00am On Dec 30, 2018 |
jelmusboy:Oya manage this one 16 Likes
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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by cochtrane(m): 3:03am On Dec 30, 2018 |
TheCongo2:I agree with most of the points you are making. But you should know homosexuality or being queer is not Canadian or western culture. That's not the right way to look at it. 5 Likes |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Godbpraised: 4:01am On Dec 30, 2018 |
cochtrane: lol, very funny. what culture is it then ? 4 Likes |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Blackbuddy: 4:31am On Dec 30, 2018 |
mikedimeji: This is really strange as I've received messages from others but not yours. I'll try to initiate the PM from my end. |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by sistaj: 4:39am On Dec 30, 2018 |
Settlement journey. Pardon my long post...... Always lots to share when I come around to it. I have been staying with my crew in Apple Hill, Ontario where our family friend lives. Apple hill is a small community of primarily farmers about I hour drive from Ottawa and Montreal. It is really a small suburb which has no primary school or major grocery store. I believe every family here owns a car to get around. Grocery shopping is done in neighbouring towns like Alexandria and Cornwall. It is very common to see families having 8 children and I learn it is usually to help on the farms. Staying in a place where people have a lot of kids certainly makes one catch baby fever lol . It is subconsciously making me have babies on my brain and just the other day hubby was like- how about we have one more kid and I was very pleased it wasn't coming from me given that the thought has seriously been on my mind coupled with the fact my daughter begs for a baby sister everrryyy day. We have received so much winter clothing and if I had known,I wouldn't have spent money buying the few I bought on arrival. We even got christmas presents from an anonymous person. The show of love has been immense. We desire to settle in Ottawa and a few days after arrival and doing the basics, we began to drive down to Ottawa to inspect apartments after online searches, calls and appointments booking. I wanted a two bedroom apartment or townhouse for a family of five for a start. I was shocked by the apartment sizes after reading on here that apartments in Canada were much bigger than that of UK and I wonder now how small Uk apartments must be. In sydney, apartment sizes are much bigger and I still complain and tell anyone that cares to listen how the apartments in Canada(where I haven't stepped foot) are much bigger and join the complaints crew. It reminded me of the naughty boy poem . We saw a couple that we liked and asked about the application process and we were given forms.We explained our status as new immigrants and they said we must have a co-signor who will be our guarantor since we had no jobs yet. We explained we had money to cover a full year's rent and could spread cheques to cover that and that I worked overseas and would provide payslips but the manager said a guarantor was needed. We collected the forms and left. Now our host was not eligible to be our guarantor because he is not a resident and was on a special visa but he rallied round to help us find someone who could be our guarantor. He got me to ask someone(a Nigerian) he had earlier introduced me to but I was not very willing and told him my reasons. She has lived in Ottawa for a long time and promised she would send me a list of areas to avoid in my househunt and after several reminders to that effect,she didn't send it. I was now wondering how someone who didn't send something like a list would agree to guarantee me but my host was adamant it was not that a big deal and she would do it. I asked her to please everyone and not to be labelled strong headed and she very swiftly and readily agreed without even asking questions and that was a redflag and I knew she wouldnt do it eventually.I told my host my observations which my husband corroborated but he still said nahhh, she understands and would.Long story short...she didn't. I began to look for prospective guarantors.Hit up a few people which didnt work out. I still continued my apartment inspections and explaining my situation to the real estate people. The main issue was not dealing directly with landlords because with landlords, the decision is theirs to make but with the management companies, there are protocols to follow and most times, the people on ground are not the ones to access your application. The people who are accessing you have not met you for you to upsell yourself and it is just a matter of ticking checkboxes.At another showing after I explained what we have been going through and the struggle to get a co-signor,the lady said if we had significant funds in a Canadian bank account, that that could waive the need for a co-signor. If we are to require a guarantor however,the person has to fill out a separate application with her/his details just like us and I wondered why it had to be so but she said it was their policy. At this point, we had gotten someone in BC who agreed to be our guarantor and provide payslips. I wasn't sure the person would want to fill a new application in his name though instead of just signing as a guarantor. Now given that I have seen a place that I was told money in the bank would waive the need for guarantor, my hopes were high. I had other appointments and went for more showings. I saw a really nice place with two bathrooms and was told to go to the office downtown to apply. Throughout the inspections, we were attended to by the nicest courteous people. On this trip downtown, we also met a very nice receptionist who called the person in-charge and immediately he came out, I noticed him withdraw and become uncomfortable. He was obviously an immigrant(only the aborigines aren't lol) but not caucasian. He was very uneasy in our midst I am not a body language analyst but when you encounter certain people, you can correctly put labels like racist after interacting with them and you would not be wrong. I told him what we were here for and he asked who will be occupying the apartment.I told him my husband and I plus three children and he said sorry,the maximum no of occupants is 4. I asked him if he had other apartments in other buildings and 3 bedrooms but he said they are all the same rules.We thanked him and left. So far, that has been our only experience with someone being visibly uncomfortable in our presence even in their own space. Usually, applications are made with a deposit of last month's rent and I have been wondering the consequences if someone applies at two places and both get approved if the person can get one deposit back. We went to another showing and finally a spacious space(from experience) because one measured 880sqft and I have seen some as small as 640sqft. I told the lady our situation and that we were a family of 5-because of my experience at the previous place and she said she doesn't care about that. I also asked the question of what happens when two applications are approved and she told me that the one I don't choose is not obliged to return my money because usually,during the application the apartment is removed from the market and held for you until a decision is made. I explained our situation to her and she said it doesnt matter as long as we show evidence of good money in our account for instance 50k. I knew it was just an illustration. Now my hopes were higher than ever and she said she would send the application to my email as they do theirs online. She did and I applied showing POF over her illustration. However, it was in multiple currencies, CAD,AUD and Naira which I converted on xe.com showing the CAD equivalent. My hopes were really very high because in this case, the same lady was in charge of vetting the application. Now given when we landed, all these things were happening close to the holidays and this final application fell into the xmas holiday window. We were asked to come in again just before the holidays to sign some forms and bring first and last month's deposit. I also asked when a decision will be made and we were told by the 27th of dec. On 27th I waited and had to call and I was told our application has been sent to the lady's manager in Toronto.I began to feel that this thing don get k-leg o.Otherwise why would something she usually does be sent up the ladder. Alas, the email came and the application was denied and according to them,it was company policy not to disclose reasons for declining an application. I was given the option of getting a guarantor who would fill out an application,provide id and payslip and sign the guarantor form. At this stage, based on the no of people we reached out to the first time for guarantorship,more people were ready to guarantee us. I had a problem however with anyone having to fill out a new application in their own name and I wasn't sure anyone would want to do that. I reached out to them and they provided needed documents sans new application explaining it wasn't the norm. I totally understood. One of them gave me very good and legit reasons and was very angry with the ontario system saying it wasn't so in his province and asking us to move to another province. I understood his frustrations. I was tired too. I emailed the building manager telling them getting someone to apply in their name was proving very hard and I was told they can't make any exception. I will go and pick up my money orders(money orders were made in the company name for the deposits) next week. I began searching and booking appointments again and the next one is for Jan 2. Two of the ones I already viewed are still vacant but I am sceptical to apply because of the apartment size. I hope to get a better sized one. I am commuting from apple hill to Ottawa and not eligible to receive some settlement services because I don't have an Ottawa address even though I explained my apple hill stay was temporary. I am no longer enjoying having to commute to Ottawa to search for apartments and I decided to call emergency shelter services in Ottawa. I have an appointment with them next week. I want to be in the city where I can continue my search for a place as well as have an address to enable us access settlement services and most importantly enrol my kids in school. If it wasn't for the kids school in january, I wouldn't be fazed. I would remain in apple hill until I get a place but I don't want them to miss school anymore because they didn't complete this school year. I don't know if I can though(the school) with a shelter address. I only intend to stay for a few days though lol. I dont really know if we will stay until I am given a place and I deem it fit because I know shelter accomodations are not ideal places. I am currently chilling with my crew in a big house where we have 3 large rooms to ourselves and free rein to other parts of the house but because I am not holidaying, I must face the fact we can't be here forever. One of the real estate people told me this is a very tight period to get a place because a new university year commences in january with a lot of students coming in and getting a townhouse will be even harder because that is my first choice. Tips for people yet to land- If possible have your POF in CAD. I think the application may have been approved if our POF was all in a canadian account. Be mentally prepared for the housesearch if you have no one on ground to help you arrange one before you land. It can be draining I remember @Glitteringstar2 had sufficient amount in a Canadian account. Stay in the city you want to obtain services from or at least have an address in the city you can use. Getting a casual job as soon as one lands too will enable one provide a letter from place of work or payslips in which case no guarantor will be needed. There are no jobs in apple hill otherwise we might have gotten one. Typing this now because I don't know how next week will be and if I will be in the shelter accomodation and if there will be wi-fi there. Lets see how it pans out. 56 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Trikings2000: 4:59am On Dec 30, 2018 |
pretyveecee: I will advice you go for this master membership online IELTS training. As part of the package your writing sample tests are accessed and you are given constructive feedback. I did as well 18 months ago. https://www.ieltstestonline.com 2 Likes 1 Share
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Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Jasmine17(m): 5:39am On Dec 30, 2018 |
sistaj: Quite an effort you have put in there and i truly feel for you. But like they say, it will all end in praise. I had to read your write-up twice to be sure i am not missing out anything and I am appalled that it is filled with "I did, I did, I did". Initially thought you landed alone, then i noticed your DH in the additional baby part and corroboration paragraph. Its is suppose to be a team thing and being the African man, it is his duty to be doing all this house hunting wahala. Yours is to choose and decide if its ok for the family, then contribute money if need be. Moving into a shelter so quick is not advisable even though it is a cheaper option but it is the beginning of accepting defeat in Canada, more so as a newcomer. It will have a psychological effect on you by the time you are done. My humble advice is to take a backseat and let the man fulfill his God-given role of tilling the ground for his family. Trust me, you will see how fast your lot will change. God's grace to you and your family. Gracias. Ps everyone: Do not like this post, even if you appreciate it. Thanks 3 Likes |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Nobody: 5:48am On Dec 30, 2018 |
sistaj: Wow! This is serious. Have you tried Minto? They are usually not so strict. You can also contact Paramount properties, Primecorp and CLV group. 16 Likes 6 Shares |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Nobody: 6:02am On Dec 30, 2018 |
KINGTELLER: iaatmguy: Both of you are not serious. 1 Like |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by vcole: 6:29am On Dec 30, 2018 |
@sistaj, you would find a place. Just keep searching. Most people won’t want to co-sign a lease with you unless you already have a personal relationship mostly because of the implications if you happen to default. Try kijiji and other rent apps, maybe reach out to other landed immigrants if there is an Ottawa whatsapp group. I dont think you should fret about your kids and school. They can enroll and start anytime. I wouldn’t recommend staying at a shelter though. 5 Likes |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by hayor2014(m): 6:30am On Dec 30, 2018 |
Guitarlife: Why not get your PR and do soft landing, finish up on your developer program, you will still be making money in Nigeria in the process, you can then move finally to Canada, with more POF and knowledge to hit the IT market... My opinion though |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Nobody: 6:33am On Dec 30, 2018 |
TheCongo2: Oh really! Read Mr. Einsteino's post you quoted, I am sure you skipped the part he wrote "Inshort in some parts of the GTA, if you no be indian to see house rent go hard you small." Does that strike you as equal rights? Don't confuse equal rights with freedom to express your culture, some cultures don't permit equal rights and that's where the problems arise. You are already saying a Canadian culture does not exist which is not fair to the native Canadians. I hope you know that country has natives? Would you be happy if a foreigner claims your culture does not exist? No? You just did it to Canadians. To wrap it up you said freedom of speech and opinion is a fundamental right... and some of your fellow posters here have ticked me off as rude and opinionated Wonderful. 4 Likes |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Ibadanboy2015: 6:39am On Dec 30, 2018 |
Good morning all, Please I am in a dilemma . I am a guy who immigrated to Canada through Manitoba PNP route; My sister who's a PR in Manitoba actually sponsored me . After spending a year there , I got a decent job in Nova Scotia and I left for it . I am currently working in Nova Scotia now. My worry now is that this is going to affect her sponsoring other family members of ours . I don't want to lose this Job and I don't wanna block other members of the family who want to come to Manitoba through PNP. This has really given me sleepless nights and unhappy moments. I am sad . Please elders, what can I do ? What is the way out ? Thank You. Hayor2014 Glitteringstar2 oohunt smslive2 Jasmine17 |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Nobody: 6:45am On Dec 30, 2018 |
Jasmine17: .....And this is one of the reasons why some people will be so reluctant to share their landing/settlement experiences or stuff about themselves. I don't think it is proper for you to tell them how to manage their home. By the way, she used "we" so many times in the post. 74 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by JennyKadry2: 6:46am On Dec 30, 2018 |
@sistaj Maybe you should step aside and let someone else try-do you have friends or relatives that can try? I don't know how it works over there, so just asking. Sometimes when people hit road block like this,they need to take a step back and let someone else try(in that person's own way) and see if they can get good result. You are thinking of staying at a shelter. You need to let someone else try this house hunt of a thing. You don't have to control everything I wish you God's favour 2 Likes |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by behati: 7:21am On Dec 30, 2018 |
Jasmine17:It is not proper to tell a stranger on the internet how to run her home or what gender roles should be adopted, esoecially when she did not ask for it. She stated in her post that they were a family of 5, why didn't you ask who was minding the kids when she went house hunting? How do you know he's an African man? Everyone does what works for their family and we should all respect that! 58 Likes |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Hotstepper(f): 7:32am On Dec 30, 2018 |
why do u want to settle in Ottawa? sistaj: 1 Like |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by maternal: 7:45am On Dec 30, 2018 |
Ibadanboy2015: I hope you know if you don't fullfil all the pnp obligations you may get deported? What can you do ? Follow the rules and go back if you have too. This is bigger than you. A jamaican national almost got deported because of this recently. https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4933401 16 Likes |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by 55emem55: 7:50am On Dec 30, 2018 |
Bro, its 2018 going on 2019. You don't need to quote the entire post mahn. Please modify your post. Hotstepper: 8 Likes |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Hotstepper(f): 7:55am On Dec 30, 2018 |
nd cuz.it is going to 2019, what should now happen? btw, I am a woman plz 55emem55: 2 Likes |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Jasmine17(m): 9:19am On Dec 30, 2018 |
JennyKadry2: God bless you |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Jasmine17(m): 9:26am On Dec 30, 2018 |
GlitteringStar2: If others didn't share, i guess you would have made such progress as you did in so short a time. I'm not telling her how to run her home. We are all looking out for one another here and i advised based on her predicament. I am only suggesting she takes a back seat. Maybe this particular task has been destined to be achieved by the hubby. Struggling it out will only wear her and the family out. It is your prerogative to share or keep your story. I for one will not beg or ask you to share. Don't see it as a favour ok? |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Jasmine17(m): 9:30am On Dec 30, 2018 |
behati: After all your rant, i didn't see your golden advice that will give her a house or stop her from going to the shelter. What does that say about your personality? 3 Likes |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Jasmine17(m): 9:36am On Dec 30, 2018 |
Ibadanboy2015: Bro. Guess you know the answer already but it is just hard for you to accept. From what i have read, this is a double edged sword. You will have issues renewing your PR or applying for citizenship. Your sister will also be flagged and might not be able to sponsor any body again. My advice: Go and complete the PNP requirements before leaving Manitoba. Gracias 15 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by austino677(m): 9:37am On Dec 30, 2018 |
Jennypharb1:Hi with 4million naira i can get myself into Canada? |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Nobody: 9:59am On Dec 30, 2018 |
hayor2014:Hi bro thanks for your suggestion, but the longer I stay away the longer it takes to get the citizenship. |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Jasmine17(m): 10:04am On Dec 30, 2018 |
Estac: sistaj: Alternatively, you can relocate to Edmonton and use Estac's contact to get a house asap. But don't stay in that shelter. 4 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by TheCongo2: 10:11am On Dec 30, 2018 |
greyham: With respect to the bolded, this is where the Ontario and the Canadian Human Rights commissions come into play. Are you familiar with those agencies? You can't live in Canada with a culture that doesn't permit equal rights. They will be consequences. From your post, it seems like the natives are the only Canadians. I hope you know that Canada is a melting pot of different cultures just like Australia, the US or SouthAfrica. It is no longer the land of the native alone. We are all part of this great nation. We are all Canadians. As for the freedom of speech or opinion, it is also involved mutual respect. You can't be rude or condescending to people just because you have the freedom to Express yourself. By the way, where are you located? 9 Likes |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Eman007: 10:28am On Dec 30, 2018 |
Eman007: Anyone please? |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Nobody: 10:42am On Dec 30, 2018 |
25 Likes |
Re: Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant by Nobody: 11:11am On Dec 30, 2018 |
Eman007: Hello, you can read the following posts. https://www.nairaland.com/3617393/living-canada-life-canadian-immigrant/77#60204840 https://www.nairaland.com/3617393/living-canada-life-canadian-immigrant/77#60206868 https://www.nairaland.com/3617393/living-canada-life-canadian-immigrant/77#60212307 2 Likes 4 Shares |
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