Folafikemi:
Kindly help me make this decision good people.

I want to know what kind of phone I can buy from Nigeria that can support Canada network.

Am thinking of Samsung or Nokia. Pls help

Samsung galaxy higher than note 5 should be fine.
My note 5 could not work with freedom , it could only work with Public Mobile which is actually hoisted on Telus

Folafikemi:
Kindly help me make this decision good people.

I want to know what kind of phone I can buy from Nigeria that can support Canada network.

Am thinking of Samsung or Nokia. Pls help

Not too sure. With my samsung s8+ it works well on freedom mobile. But till date my location has not changed to canada. So i have a lot of restrictions on canadian apps from playstore. For instance i cant use uber, other bus apps. It will keep saying not available for d app. Meaning its still recognising 9ja as my fone location. Took it to freedom mobile and they cldnt help. Asides that its working fine. I can call and text n use google map

Folafikemi:
Kindly help me make this decision good people.

I want to know what kind of phone I can buy from Nigeria that can support Canada network.

Am thinking of Samsung or Nokia. Pls help

Don't sha buy techno and the likes, my phone has not seen 3g network since I came here. It didn't even see any network in US.

Had to buy a new phone here.

lolarde:


Not too sure. With my samsung s8+ it works well on freedom mobile. But till date my location has not changed to canada. So i have a lot of restrictions on canadian apps from playstore. For instance i cant use uber, other bus apps. It will keep saying not available for d app. Meaning its still recognising 9ja as my fone location. Took it to freedom mobile and they cldnt help. Asides that its working fine. I can call and text n use google map

This was also a problem for me until very recently when I managed to change the location. Open google play and swipe right or tap the three bars at the top left to pull up the sidebar menu, then select "Account". Under "Preferences" tab, you should see a sub-section called "Country and profiles". You can change the country there to Canada.

In order to verify that you are really in Canada, the app may request for your Canadian debit card details.

Hi guys!
How una dey? Una wey dey load PPR, I pray for speedy processing *halo smiley*.
On a lighter note now guys...we've all come here to better our lives and our tomorrow. We all know Canada is a credit society and every damn thing including buying Sim cards revolve around credit ratings. Let us ensure we keep our credit records pristine. Nothing beats Transunion and Equifax. I sat on an appointment where a guy's credit card application was declined due to a phone bill be probably had forgotten. Also, I know we all have different capacities and family size but think of it in Naija terms; didn't we live within our means? I'm not against credit as you can't escape it here. All I'm saying is that you avoid unnecessary credit. See your credit card as a tool to improve your credit score and not as some sort of loan. We get paid at work so we would still survive if we didn't have the credit card. The rates are crazy and before you know it, you start sinking into debts. Don't max out your credit card limit as it sends wrong signal to the credit bureau guys. It tells them you rely heavily on your credit card for survival. Generally, it is advisable to keep it below 30% of your combined limit. Credit cards are revolving credit and not managing it well will affect your chances of getting other revolving credit in future e.g Line of credit or Home line plans. Even if you have a good credit score, they will be more willing to grant you a fixed term loan. Also, save for retirement. Every penny counts and the compound interest is unrivaled in things like this. RRSP vs TFSA...both have their advantages. Try to max out your RRSPs for tax returns which you can also invest or spend on other things.
Summarily, be very close to your bankers. Banking is very different here to what we have back home. Bankers are trained to look more after your interest here.

Be careful of doing business back home... enough fraud stories dey. Besides, the naira isn't helping your real return on the investment.



May Canada favour us all *halo smiley*

lolarde:


Not too sure. With my samsung s8+ it works well on freedom mobile. But till date my location has not changed to canada. So i have a lot of restrictions on canadian apps from playstore. For instance i cant use uber, other bus apps. It will keep saying not available for d app. Meaning its still recognising 9ja as my fone location. Took it to freedom mobile and they cldnt help. Asides that its working fine. I can call and text n use google map

You location is not dependent on the phone but on your play store account

https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/7431675?hl=en

WoodcrestMayor:
Hi guys!
How una dey? Una wey dey load PPR, I pray for speedy processing *halo smiley*.
On a lighter note now guys...we've all come here to better our lives and our tomorrow. We all know Canada is a credit society and every damn thing including buying Sim cards revolve around credit ratings. Let us ensure we keep our credit records pristine. Nothing beats Transunion and Equifax. I sat on an appointment where a guy's credit card application was declined due to a phone bill be probably had forgotten. Also, I know we all have different capacities and family size but think of it in Naija terms; didn't we live within our means? I'm not against credit as you can't escape it here. All I'm saying is that you avoid unnecessary credit. See your credit card as a tool to improve your credit score and not as some sort of loan. We get paid at work so we would still survive if we didn't have the credit card. The rates are crazy and before you know it, you start sinking into debts. Don't max out your credit card limit as it sends wrong signal to the credit bureau guys. It tells them you rely heavily on your credit card for survival. Generally, it is advisable to keep it below 30% of your combined limit. Credit cards are revolving credit and not managing it well will affect your chances of getting other revolving credit in future e.g Line of credit or Home line plans. Even if you have a good credit score, they will be more willing to grant you a fixed term loan. Also, save for retirement. Every penny counts and the compound interest is unrivaled in things like this. RRSP vs TFSA...both have their advantages. Try to max out your RRSPs for tax returns which you can also invest or spend on other things.
Summarily, be very close to your bankers. Banking is very different here to what we have back home. Bankers are trained to look more after your interest here.

Be careful of doing business back home... enough fraud stories dey. Besides, the naira isn't helping your real return on the investment.

Lastly, if you are or know anyone coming into Edmonton, I'm your plug for all your banking needs. Send me a message so I can book you in for an appointment a couple of days ahead. I sit at the ice district branch just before the escalator going up to the city of Edmonton office- you can't miss it. We currently have a campaign running for newcomers and your banking fee is waived for one year and you also get up to 2k credit card unsecured.Everything starts with a banking account here. If there's anything too advanced for me to help you with, I will gladly refer you my team of expert partners (mortgages, financial planning, invest and retirement planning...etc)

May Canada favour us all *halo smiley*

To add to what this brother has said,
1) Move small recurring payments like phone bills, Home internet et al to your credit card. That way you never default.
2) If you are paid every two weeks, pay your credit card bills every two weeks. You would most likely never go over the 30% recommended limit.
3) Identity theft is real, Card fraud is real, never check your bank accounts or sensitive apps via public wifi and check your accounts at the minimum every week. If possible, use a password manager and enable two factor authentication.
4) With access to credit, don't go shopping for things you don't need. Take a second to think if you really need that second TV( I think i really do ).
5) There's no shame in making money legally. Do what you have to do(LEGALLY) to survive/hammer/............

gogedda:
Thanks for this timely and insightful reply, I must say that I really appreciate it. I read that Project management, IT and Construction are good and booming sector in Calgary right now. I have taken my time to check out some courses that are related with PM & Construction and others that I am interested in SAIT. These are some of it.

- Applied project management certificate of achievement

- Geomatic Engineering technology (Diploma-2 yrs)

- Civil Engineering technology (Diploma-2 yrs)

- Bachelor of Science Construction Project Management (Bachelor degree- 4 yrs)

- Bachelor of Applied Technology Geographic Information Systems (Applied degree- 2 yrs)

(1) What do you think about the above courses?
(2) Do you think the certificate of achievement courses generally can get one a good job?
(3) Do you know of any Co-op Program or those with internship in Calgary or Alberta generally?
I kindly await your response and also contribution from our other seniors in Calgary.

- In addition, does anyone has close and personal contact or link to any Realtor based in Calgary. I might also consider this too. I would like to ask some questions. Thanks

If you’re interested in project management and do not have project management experience for PMP, try CAPM. The certificate of achievement you refer to will not do much. Course costs about $11 on Udemy , buy the PMBOK guide for about $50 (or get this in pdf for freewhen you register and pay to be a PMI member) and then take the exam for about $300.

JESUnifemi4eva:
If you are using MTN, go to a service centre and request for 'keep my number'. It costs N1,200 for a 3-year cycle. I don't have the details for other service networks. Your MTN Sim will work here but bear in mind that roaming charges are horrendous. It's approximately N200-N300/min to call, and N70/min to receive calls. You are also charged about N50 if you receive text messages, but you can always recharge your phone using online banking platforms or even short USSD Codes depending on your Nigerian Financial Institution.

If you are an airtel subscriber you may use ×848# to activate your airtel "park my cell" feature.

Its N500 annually and is set on auto-renew. So you should always have N500 around the point of renewal.

WoodcrestMayor:
Hi guys!
How una dey? Una wey dey load PPR, I pray for speedy processing *halo smiley*.
On a lighter note now guys...we've all come here to better our lives and our tomorrow. We all know Canada is a credit society and every damn thing including buying Sim cards revolve around credit ratings. Let us ensure we keep our credit records pristine. Nothing beats Transunion and Equifax. I sat on an appointment where a guy's credit card application was declined due to a phone bill be probably had forgotten. Also, I know we all have different capacities and family size but think of it in Naija terms; didn't we live within our means? I'm not against credit as you can't escape it here. All I'm saying is that you avoid unnecessary credit. See your credit card as a tool to improve your credit score and not as some sort of loan. We get paid at work so we would still survive if we didn't have the credit card. The rates are crazy and before you know it, you start sinking into debts. Don't max out your credit card limit as it sends wrong signal to the credit bureau guys. It tells them you rely heavily on your credit card for survival. Generally, it is advisable to keep it below 30% of your combined limit. Credit cards are revolving credit and not managing it well will affect your chances of getting other revolving credit in future e.g Line of credit or Home line plans. Even if you have a good credit score, they will be more willing to grant you a fixed term loan. Also, save for retirement. Every penny counts and the compound interest is unrivaled in things like this. RRSP vs TFSA...both have their advantages. Try to max out your RRSPs for tax returns which you can also invest or spend on other things.
Summarily, be very close to your bankers. Banking is very different here to what we have back home. Bankers are trained to look more after your interest here.

Be careful of doing business back home... enough fraud stories dey. Besides, the naira isn't helping your real return on the investment.

Lastly, if you are or know anyone coming into Edmonton, I'm your plug for all your banking needs. Send me a message so I can book you in for an appointment a couple of days ahead. I sit at the ice district branch just before the escalator going up to the city of Edmonton office- you can't miss it. We currently have a campaign running for newcomers and your banking fee is waived for one year and you also get up to 2k credit card unsecured.Everything starts with a banking account here. If there's anything too advanced for me to help you with, I will gladly refer you my team of expert partners (mortgages, financial planning, invest and retirement planning...etc)

May Canada favour us all *halo smiley*

Thank you for this.God bless you

Shokoloko:


If you are an airtel subscriber you may use ×848# to activate your airtel "park my cell" feature.

Its N500 annually and is set on auto-renew. So you should always have N500 around the point of renewal.

Please what about etisalat/9mobile?

Landed in Toronto yesterday. Will update with my landing story shortly.

WoodcrestMayor:
Hi guys!
How una dey? Una wey dey load PPR, I pray for speedy processing *halo smiley*.
On a lighter note now guys...we've all come here to better our lives and our tomorrow. We all know Canada is a credit society and every damn thing including buying Sim cards revolve around credit ratings. Let us ensure we keep our credit records pristine. Nothing beats Transunion and Equifax. I sat on an appointment where a guy's credit card application was declined due to a phone bill be probably had forgotten. Also, I know we all have different capacities and family size but think of it in Naija terms; didn't we live within our means? I'm not against credit as you can't escape it here. All I'm saying is that you avoid unnecessary credit. See your credit card as a tool to improve your credit score and not as some sort of loan. We get paid at work so we would still survive if we didn't have the credit card. The rates are crazy and before you know it, you start sinking into debts. Don't max out your credit card limit as it sends wrong signal to the credit bureau guys. It tells them you rely heavily on your credit card for survival. Generally, it is advisable to keep it below 30% of your combined limit. Credit cards are revolving credit and not managing it well will affect your chances of getting other revolving credit in future e.g Line of credit or Home line plans. Even if you have a good credit score, they will be more willing to grant you a fixed term loan. Also, save for retirement. Every penny counts and the compound interest is unrivaled in things like this. RRSP vs TFSA...both have their advantages. Try to max out your RRSPs for tax returns which you can also invest or spend on other things.
Summarily, be very close to your bankers. Banking is very different here to what we have back home. Bankers are trained to look more after your interest here.

Be careful of doing business back home... enough fraud stories dey. Besides, the naira isn't helping your real return on the investment.

Lastly, if you are or know anyone coming into Edmonton, I'm your plug for all your banking needs. Send me a message so I can book you in for an appointment a couple of days ahead. I sit at the ice district branch just before the escalator going up to the city of Edmonton office- you can't miss it. We currently have a campaign running for newcomers and your banking fee is waived for one year and you also get up to 2k credit card unsecured.Everything starts with a banking account here. If there's anything too advanced for me to help you with, I will gladly refer you my team of expert partners (mortgages, financial planning, invest and retirement planning...etc)

May Canada favour us all *halo smiley*

Hi WooodcrestMayor, I see you are a banker now. Congrats on your new assignment!
I got a question for you. You mind if I send a PM? Regards.

Hello, Please do you get the PTA immediately or it still takes 2weeks from application date.

opeyemmmy:


Stanbic N358.5/$

Onyeenyeh:
Landed in Toronto yesterday. Will update with my landing story shortly.

Congrats Man. Waiting for the gist bro and remember to give us key info

Happy Birthday einsteino! More wins.

Wellmanned:
Hello, Please do you get the PTA immediately or it still takes 2weeks from application date.

Immediately. However, you can't apply earlier than two weeks before your travel date.

Thanks.

opeyemmmy:


Immediately. However, you can't apply earlier than two weeks before your travel date.

But her name is Onyinye tho

Folafikemi:



Congrats Man. Waiting for the gist bro and remember to give us key info

Thanks boss

Please go ahead!

cochtrane:


Hi WooodcrestMayor, I see you are a banker now. Congrats on your new assignment!
I got a question for you. You mind if I send a PM? Regards.

Anyone looking to take the CBAP certification exam soon?

Bsbabe, please may I send you a PM? I have read your post and have a couple of questions.

Onyeenyeh:
Landed in Toronto yesterday. Will update with my landing story shortly.

Aww congratulations! Welcome home

gogedda:
Thanks for this timely and insightful reply, I must say that I really appreciate it. I read that Project management, IT and Construction are good and booming sector in Calgary right now. I have taken my time to check out some courses that are related with PM & Construction and others that I am interested in SAIT. These are some of it.

- Applied project management certificate of achievement

- Geomatic Engineering technology (Diploma-2 yrs)

- Civil Engineering technology (Diploma-2 yrs)

- Bachelor of Science Construction Project Management (Bachelor degree- 4 yrs)

- Bachelor of Applied Technology Geographic Information Systems (Applied degree- 2 yrs)

(1) What do you think about the above courses?
(2) Do you think the certificate of achievement courses generally can get one a good job?
(3) Do you know of any Co-op Program or those with internship in Calgary or Alberta generally?
I kindly await your response and also contribution from our other seniors in Calgary.

- In addition, does anyone has close and personal contact or link to any Realtor based in Calgary. I might also consider this too. I would like to ask some questions. Thanks

All the programs listed are good except for maybe the bachelor's in BGIS and the applied certificate in Project Management. For the former, you will need experience to back up that qualification to easily get a job. Experience in programming or Geomatics.
The latter like a lot of certificates do not carry much weight. Having a PMP, degree or diploma is better than the applied certificate (s) or certificates of completion.

Several colleges and unis in Alberta have co-op programs. you will need to narrow your search to the course you are interested in. cheers

daks02:
But her name is Onyinye tho

Funny how my brain always reads it as onye enyeh

Guitarlife:

Hi brother, could you please reach me on ayonaira@yahoo.com with your whatsap/contact I am in Calgary and I would love to ask you a few questions?

sent an hello.

Good morning travellanders,
I've been a silent reader and guest for some time now.

Decided to join this morning to ask for your advise.

I'm trying to make a life changing decision here on whether to start the process of moving to Canada permanently now or wait till four (4) years time.

Here is a little background about me:
I'm 41 years old, married to a 32 years old lady and blessed with two kids (6 & 4 years old)
I'm a pharmacist working in a local government, my wife is a nurse (university lecturer).
My wife wishes to go for her PhD in South Africa next year (because it's relatively cheaper and it's a 3 year program), though she prefers doing it in Canada, but PhD is more expensive and it's 4-6years. She doesn't want a long thing as 'Nigeria' has shown her pepper during her MSc days.

The issue at hand:
Can we start the processing now and she continues to plan for her PhD in South Africa or we wait till she finishes her PhD hopefully in 4years time considering our ages?
If the process becomes successful before she finishes her PhD, that shouldn't be a problem.
She likes her job (I.e. lecturing) and wishes to work as a lecturer or in a research institute in Canada. Reason for considering her having PhD before making the move.
As for me, I can do any legal job that will bring food on the table.

Kindly advise on the best time to start, the average time it takes from making the move to landing in Canada (nothing has been done, not even IELTS), the average COST needed for a family of 4 (very important)
NB: We will surely use an agent ( I have my reasons)

Thank you.

elejoka:
Hello everyone, silent reader here. Please I need your advise on a couple of questions.
Currently, I work in the oil and gas production sector (working on a FPSO) in the Gulf of Guinea as a production Technician. Checking on www.alis.alberta.ca I fall in the category of “field production operator”. Now my questions are
1. What are the chances of getting a job as a field production operator/technician. (Even if it’s a land location). I have been working in the O&G production line for about 7yrs+
Oil price is not encouraging O&G companies to go into new ventures right now but I believe production will still go on now matter how small.

2. Is it advisable I start working on getting EIT for APEGA (I have a petroleum engineering background), ASET (since the job I have experience in is more of a technician role) or I focus myself on getting a power engineering certificate.

Any inputs will be appreciated as I’m just trying to prepare adequately while awaiting PPR. Thank you.

Field operations technician jobs are still fairly okay. You can hit the ground running quicker. its blue collar so you might have to move up north. Edmonton and up.

Getting at least a 4th class power engineering certificate will help. Their are field operator programs as well with level 1 to 3 or 4. cant remember exactly. You might be able to get credits with ABSA or the regulatory bodies for the field operator programs.

Nothing stops you from pursuing your EIT on the side, but you might need to get an engineering job (not tech) to make any sense out of it. And chances of getting a FPO jobs is higher than an engineering in this current markets condition.

yinka78:
Good morning travellanders,
I've been a silent reader and guest for some time now.

Decided to join this morning to ask for your advise.

I'm trying to make a life changing decision here on whether to start the process of moving to Canada permanently now or wait till four (4) years time.

Here is a little background about me:
I'm 41 years old, married to a 32 years old lady and blessed with two kids (6 & 4 years old)
I'm a pharmacist working in a local government, my wife is a nurse (university lecturer).
My wife wishes to go for her PhD in South Africa next year (because it's relatively cheaper and it's a 3 year program), though she prefers doing it in Canada, but PhD is more expensive and it's 4-6years. She doesn't want a long thing as 'Nigeria' has shown her pepper during her MSc days.

The issue at hand:
Can we start the processing now and she continues to plan for her PhD in South Africa or we wait till she finishes her PhD hopefully in 4years time considering our ages?
If the process becomes successful before she finishes her PhD, that shouldn't be a problem.
She likes her job (I.e. lecturing) and wishes to work as a lecturer or in a research institute in Canada. Reason for considering her having PhD before making the move.
As for me, I can do any legal job that will bring food on the table.

Kindly advise on the best time to start, the average time it takes from making the move to landing in Canada (nothing has been done, not even IELTS), the average COST needed for a family of 4 (very important)
NB: We will surely use an agent ( I have my reasons)

Thank you.

If you were my brother, I would tell you to start now. Immigrant programs are not going to be here forever. once they reach whatever quota targets they are aiming at, the door would close. Then migrating would become more difficult like it is in the UK. There is so much people that the infrastructure can sustain e.g the healthcare system here is already getting strained. Government can change and policies can change e.g the USA. In addition, you are not getting any younger. The younger you are, the easier it takes to successfully integrate into the system. Your wife can always transfer or restart her phd program in Canada. I have seen Nigerians even moving from Province to province to restart a phd program so what is South Africa. The Phd program from South Africa would also not open a lot of doors here anyway.

I do not know about cost of application and timeline questions. Maybe someone here can help you on that.

voguemum:


Waina maker is commercially sold as a "vitumbua maker", It is a non stick electrical appliance use to fry vitumbua also known as waina or masa in the Northern part of Nigeria.

"Waina" or "Masa" is a popular delicacy amongst the Hausas. The dish is basically made from a slightly fermented rice meal and it is similar to a pan fried rice cake which is paired with pumpkin or groundnut soup. And of course it is highly nutritious.

Below is a picture of the vitumbua maker a.k.a waina maker.

So sorry for the distraction...*runs away*

Please when you have prepared your masa with kulikuli pepper, let me know so that i can come and greet you. I can also manage it with vegetable stew.

yinka78:
Good morning travellanders,
I've been a silent reader and guest for some time now.

Decided to join this morning to ask for your advise.

I'm trying to make a life changing decision here on whether to start the process of moving to Canada permanently now or wait till four (4) years time.

Here is a little background about me:
I'm 41 years old, married to a 32 years old lady and blessed with two kids (6 & 4 years old)
I'm a pharmacist working in a local government, my wife is a nurse (university lecturer).
My wife wishes to go for her PhD in South Africa next year (because it's relatively cheaper and it's a 3 year program), though she prefers doing it in Canada, but PhD is more expensive and it's 4-6years. She doesn't want a long thing as 'Nigeria' has shown her pepper during her MSc days.

The issue at hand:
Can we start the processing now and she continues to plan for her PhD in South Africa or we wait till she finishes her PhD hopefully in 4years time considering our ages?
If the process becomes successful before she finishes her PhD, that shouldn't be a problem.
She likes her job (I.e. lecturing) and wishes to work as a lecturer or in a research institute in Canada. Reason for considering her having PhD before making the move.
As for me, I can do any legal job that will bring food on the table.

Kindly advise on the best time to start, the average time it takes from making the move to landing in Canada (nothing has been done, not even IELTS), the average COST needed for a family of 4 (very important)
NB: We will surely use an agent (I have my reasons)

Thank you.

Now is the best time to start bro. Your wife has a Masters degree and she's 32, meaning she should be the primary applicant. Look no further, everything you need to know about the process can be found here. If I may also suggest, it would be nice for you to share your reasons for intending to use an agent so you can be guided accordingly.

salford:

Field operations technician jobs are still fairly okay. You can hit the ground running quicker. its blue collar so you might have to move up north. Edmonton and up.

Getting at least a 4th class power engineering certificate will help. Their are field operator programs as well with level 1 to 3 or 4. cant remember exactly. You might be able to get credits with ABSA or the regulatory bodies for the field operator programs.

Nothing stops you from pursuing your EIT on the side, but you might need to get an engineering job (not tech) to make any sense out of it. And chances of getting a FPO jobs is higher than an engineering in this current markets condition.

@salford
I am new in Canada ( Calgary). I am an engineer with some experience. I am considering getting my PEng from APEGA but don't know how to go about it exactly. Do I go down the EIT route ( I have more than 4 years experience outside Canada in Nigeria) or can I get the PEng directly? Also in the mean time, are there any short courses that I can take to get some Canadian education that will help me to at least get into the market? Your advice is appreciated.

salford:

If you were my brother, I would tell you to start now. Immigrant programs are not going to be here forever. once they reach whatever quota targets they are aiming at, the door would close. Then migrating would become more difficult like it is in the UK. There is so much people that the infrastructure can sustain e.g the healthcare system here is already getting strained. Government can change and policies can change e.g the USA. In addition, you are not getting any younger. The younger you are, the easier it takes to successfully integrate into the system. Your wife can always transfer or restart her phd program in Canada. I have seen Nigerians even moving from Province to province to restart a phd program so what is South Africa. The Phd program from South Africa would also not open a lot of doors here anyway.

I do not know about cost of application and timeline questions. Maybe someone here can help you on that.

Hi Yinka78, if you were my brother I will advise same. Start the EE process, immigration programs are not for ever and even if the program is still on in 4 years, it will be more stringent.
Your kids are also at an easier age to reintegrate them into a new culture and society, in 4 years you will be 45 and your wife will be 36 which will be a bit more difficult.
Also if your wife wants to continue as a lecturer, the best bet is to start that PhD in Canada as she will have more opportunities to be a lecturer assistant or so from her PhD study and graduate into a professoral role. Forget about the duration of the program, it is for a purpose, of what use will it be for her to obtain a PhD from S.A. after three years and still struggle when she gets to Canada to get a job?
Start the process, get your Canadian PR and let Madame start school in Canada as it will be cheaper for her, she will also get more scholarship opportunities.
Sit with Madame and talk this over. Canada looks like a better option right now.
Meanwhile visit the sister thread to get more info on the FSW program and migration.