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Thesoj's Posts

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Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 4:20pm On Dec 03, 2015
Yay!!!! Based on the quality of your posts I figured you would put together an excellent application, and I had been optimistic about your app. Congrats in advance bro, and thanks for sharing.
EmmaMsc:
Thanks bro.
Got passport request yesterday. I just sent my passport by UPS return courier today

1 Like

Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 7:55am On Dec 03, 2015
@EmmaMSc, how far with your
TRV app bro? Wishing you a swift & positive response from CIC.

2 Likes

Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 6:18am On Dec 03, 2015
I very much agree with this post. If need be, transferring the money to your account is a very credible way of showing your sponsor's commitment to funding you. I personally would only recommend paying tuition if you have been denied for "insufficient funds" and if it is also difficult for your sponsor to transfer the money to your account (e.g. a sponsor abroad who doesn't want to transfer the money to a Naija account or a sponsor who doesn't trust you with his/her money in your account lol).

Having said that, it doesn't hurt to pay tuition if you want to. That is what we did for both my siblings' applications (my sis initially got denied for insufficient funds so we found it preferable to pay her tuition instead of transferring to her Naija account due to the sponsor's location abroad). For my bro's app, we paid tuition to the school and transferred living expenses funds to his domiciliary account.

Nonetheless, there are several GCMS files I've read in which the VO does not believe the applicant is a genuine student even though the applicant paid tuition already. In one case, the applicant had already paid two years tuition, yet the VO still did not believe s/he was a genuine student; the applicant was denied for Purpose of Visit and its accomplices.

So yeah. Good advice by Ayo.
cc: princeade09

Edited: if your sponsorship is very credible (e.g. parents) and with a good cash or brokerage balance, then no need to transfer money to your account or pay tuition.

ayooluwatoni:


I honestly don't always support making financial commitments such as paying tuition / accommodation fees, or purchasing air ticket etc, before getting TRV. It is safer to show proof that the money has already been given to you; either by a deposit made to your Nigerian account in the name of your sponsor (which will be reflected both in your statement of account and your sponsor's) or by a deposit made to an account (in your name) for you in Canada by your sponsor, with proofs.
PAYMENT OF TUITION FEES DOES NOT GIVE MORE WEIGHT TO YOUR APPLICATION, except if it is a condition for your admission (I.e. the school gave you a conditional admission, upon payment of tuition or acceptance fee).
It is true that payment of tuition fee may show a little bit of commitment on the part of the applicant or the sponsor, but it is not a determinant at all. We've had lots of people on this thread in the past that paid tuition yet were refused visa, and in fact if you check the application guide, it was directly discouraged.

However, if you insist, I think it's good you pay full tuition fee for a year.

I wish you good luck.

2 Likes

Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 5:13pm On Dec 02, 2015
Time to pop champagne! grin
onyxpebbles:
Yes ooo, I just got my approval mail... I am so excited!!
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 10:25am On Dec 02, 2015
Okay, thank you!
ussd:

FirstBank
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 10:23am On Dec 02, 2015
I would.recommend that you have someone else read your SOP, to confirm that it is indeed strong.

Also, it is likely that the VO assumed your program was four years long so s/he may have been expecting a larger balance. You will need to clearly and repeatedly emphasize the length of your program to the VO. In any case, I would recommend your sister's SOA be at least N7-8m though the VO may want to see N10m if s/he assumes your program is four years long.

Also, I have an issue with your assertion that you can get this SAIT BSc in two semesters or two years. I hope you didn't present this ambiguity to the VO. You need to be clear.

I still insist that you read the thread closely, several people have repeated discussed TRV delays such as yours multiple times.

I would recommend you make every aspect of your application as perfect and ambiguity-free as possible.
dmines22:

Thanks so much bro.... I submitted a strong SOP to explain things to the VO but i will follow ur piece of advice.... Like how much can my sis have in her SOA next time am applying and that will be march 2016.... GOD willing.
Plus have been a silent reader of this forum
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 10:13am On Dec 02, 2015
Thank you. We have deliberately been avoiding GTB for now due to their unfavorable FX rates.
opendurs:
You can try GTBank. But you will have to be patient due to scarcity of FX.
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 9:35am On Dec 02, 2015
First of all, I would strongly recommend that you read the thread (at least read from page 1 of Part 9 and digest it all) and don't rush to reapply. Ideally, I would also recommend you read Part 8 since you would likely be deferring your admission. The reasons for several of your refusal reasons were all very easy avoidable.

Your delay can be summarized into the categories of "Insufficient Funds" and "Purpose of Visit".

Insufficient Funds
A conservative estimate of your total annual costs is about $30kCAD (~$19k tuition + $10k room & board + $1k misc), which translates to N4.5m. Your sponsor's bank account of N5m is barely enough for one year and would barely have enough remaining to cover your transportation to Canada. Also, you won't expect the VO to believe that your sister would empty her bank account and live in penury to send you to Canada. Ninety-percent of the time, an application with your financials would be refused for insufficient funds. You will notice the the VO selected three "insufficient funds" boxes for this obvious reason. (Btw, the VO didn't think you were going to Canada with your family, that generic line is on every denial letter.). Please read the thread over the next month so that you can better prepare your next application.

Purpose of Visit
You already have a BSc and you are going for another BSc; this is not a big issue as long as you can justify it to the VO. Without justification, the VO would think "Why does this applicant with a BSc want to go to Canada to get another BSc in a very similar subject? Something looks fishy here!". Your document list doesn't show that you presented an SOP to explain your reasons for pursuing this second BSc, your reasons for going to Canada, your plans for when you come back to Naija, etc. The VO likely saw your application to enter Canada using a second BSc as a ploy to flee Nigeria. The burden of proof is on you, VOs are not mind readers. Please read the thread to learn how to present your case correctly to the VO. (Or you can read all of the posts of one or more any of these monikers: @ayooluwatoni @Team12 @tnuola hayqinsbFX @Khalesi @thesoj, etc).

In short, you need to read the thread (or simply think like a rational VO) and put together a much better application next time. Don't make it so easy for the VO to delay you.

dmines22:

Chemical Engineering Oau graduated 2013.
Sait polytechnic.... Barchelor of applied petroleum engineering technology (2 years but can be completed under just 2 semesters) and internship for 6mnts or so
NYSC 2013-2014 october
Started working in a local content oil n gas producing firm since 2014, September
Sait school fees is $18940

2 Likes

Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 9:18am On Dec 02, 2015
ussd:

For First Bank, PTaA sales have been stopped. She could use a Naira Master card linked to her naira account however the rates are high.
Thanks. We understand that she could use her Naira Mastercard but this is a last resort.

ussd:

2. It is possible to send funds for her living expenses.

Requirements

1. ADMISSION LETTER
2.SCHOOL BILL FOR LIVING EXPENSES
3.EVIDENCE OF PAYMENT OF TUITION FOR CURRENT SESSION
4. STUDENT BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS I.E.ACCOUNT NUMBER, BANK NAME,SORT CODE.
5. LETTER OF AUTHORITY FROM APPLICANT

THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THAT CAN BE SENT IS THAT STATED ON THE SCHOOL BILL. THIS ALSO DEPENDS ON THE TUITION THAT AHS BEEN PAID. I MEAN IF HALF OF TUITION HAS BEEN PAID, THEN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THAT CAN BE SENT FOR LIVING EXPENSES IS HALF OF WHAT IS STATED IN THE SCHOOL BILL.HOPE THIS HELPS
I know that this is possible, but my question was which bank allows it? Thanks.
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 8:58am On Dec 02, 2015
Tenaj123:
Good Morning Guys,
Please I have a serious question for my aunty.

She graduated from Uni in 2005 with a 2.2 in computer science. Since then she has been working in banks (No gap year)

She would like to apply to a Canadian university for a masters in computer science with the hopes of moving there with her Family.
Please are there any suggestions on programs she can do with a 2.2 in computer science?
Do you suggest she goes for PGD? Wouldn't that affect her visa processing?

We have tried to research on University of Regina, Memorial university of Newfoundland University of Winnipeg, university of ottawa and its not quite clear if they would accept her 2.2. I would appreciate if I can get first hand experience from you guys.

I look forward to any help I can get.

P.S its almost 11 weeks and still no visa for me. God is in control.
You just sent me a PM, so I'm responding to this on here so others can benefit.

Most Canadian universities accept 2:1 and above for masters. However uOttawa does accept 2:2, and there may be other schools too. Your aunty may have to email different Computer Science MSc program coordinators to ask them directly.

My frank opinion is that if her bank job is unrelated to computer science, the probability of her getring admitted to a CS MSc program with a 2:2 is very very low (esp given that she's been out of school for ten years). But she should probably email program coordinators to find out directly. A program that may be a good idea for her is the Electronic Business Technologies MSc at uOttawa.

Admission to a PGD program would be more straightforward for her. It shouldn't affect visa processing if she is able to convince the VO why she specifically chose her course and why she is doing a PGD.
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 8:35am On Dec 02, 2015
Sorry about your delay.

Share your profile. You didn't provide your course of study, UG or PG, length of program? Your most recent education qualification and when it was obtained? What you've been doing since then? Your program's tuition? etc. We can't help you tackle your delay in a vacuum.

dmines22:
Hi all....
Thanks to GOD even for the refusal of my Study Permit.
My Timeline...
... Please help me tackle this
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 8:29am On Dec 02, 2015
Questions: Abeg I need people to help me with these two questions, preferably anyone who recently got PTA or used Form A to transfer funds to Canada (within the past month).

1. Which bank would anyone on here recommend to get PTA from?The four banks that my sister made inquiries from have run out of dollars.

2. Which bank allows you to transfer living expenses funds using Form A to your personal bank account in Canada. So far, a number of banks have told my sister that they would only transfer her money to her school account, but we have already paid tuition so it makes no sense. We want to transfer her personal funds to her Canada account (once she gets there) for living expenses.

I ask any person(s) with insights (or relevant contacts at any bank) to please help. Thx.

1 Like

Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 8:14am On Dec 02, 2015
Nope. That "professional" may need his/her title revoked. Most Canadian schools specify their requirements for international students using each country's grading scale. For Nigeria, as an example, most schools require a Second Class Upper (i.e. 3.5/5.0), though some schools like University of Ottawa may accept a Second Class Lower as a minimum. They don't require you to convert your CGPA to their system in most cases, their criteria evaluates your Naija CGPA the way it is.

In the future, I would recommend you use Google to confirm any such claims. Just go to the website of any of your schools of interest to find out.

Having said that, some people on here have used WES to convert their CGPA to a 4.0 scale to see if it makes their 5.0-scale CGPA look better. But this is not required by almost all Canadian schools.

ussd:
Hello Fam,

I would like you to advise me please. Some schools request for a minimum of a second class upper which for us in Nigeria is 3.5/5. I was just advised by a "professional" that I have to convert it to a scale of 4 and it must be a minimum of 3/4 for one to qualify as a second class upper graduate to gain MSc admission in Canada. Please how true is this ?

Thank you.
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 9:14pm On Dec 01, 2015
Ok, your sponsor needs to write a very strong sponsorship letter justifying why he is sponsoring you. He can have $100m on his account statement but your app could still get denied if the VO isn't convinced that he would indeed sponsor you. Also, hope you included in your application evidence of his source of funds. Also, in the sponsorship letter, he should specify exactly how much he will be dropping every year. This number should be at least equal to (or more than) the "Total Annual Costs" amount you write on your study permit form.

You should create a spreadsheet or table to itemize/describe how you arrived at your funds available. My suggestion is for you to multiply the annual amount your sponsor specifies (in his letter) by two, and then add to that number your own N3m. This total number would be "Funds Available". In the spreadsheet, you would mention that this amount exceeds what you would need for the first two years. CIC doesn't expect you to have the funds for all four years, but they need to know that your sponsor has good cash flow or continuous source of funds.

princeade09:
my sponsor is my uncle but a far uncle I mean extended family member even tape rule no fit measure the distance wey dey between us.

3 Likes 2 Shares

Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 9:05pm On Dec 01, 2015
Bros, you are so helpful on this thread. It seems though that CIC doesn't require UG applicants to have the funds for all four years at the time of TRV application. Several UG applicants on this thread have gotten their TRV with about a N10m balance, which is a "Funds Available" amount less than the amount sufficient for 4 years in many cases.

See this link (scroll down and click on Financial Sufficiency) to read the relevant aspect. It says "Students are required to demonstrate financial sufficiency for only the first year of studies, regardless of the duration of the course or program of studies in which they are enrolled." I do agree though that a Nigerian UG applicant should have more than one year of funds in the "Funds Available" box. It seems N10m in sponsor accounts balance is the minimum sweet spot (based on previous UG applicants) for Nigerian UG applicants. @princeade09 hope this helps you.

ayooluwatoni:

don't get it wrong, available funds is not money required for a year in Canada, but the total funds available for your study in Canada.if you'll spend 4 years, funds available must be the total funds that will cater for your prog for the 4 years.
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 8:52pm On Dec 01, 2015
It depends. If your sponsor is a parent, then available funds would be the total N8m+N3m (~73,900CAD).
If not, I don't think I have a straightforward answer... but my suggestion would be for the "funds available" amount to be at least twice your total annual costs (given that you are a UG applicant). Is it possible for your sponsor to transfer some of the money into your account (if the sponsor is not your parent or sibling)? Who is your sponsor?

princeade09:
bro thesoj, God go bless sha.... in fact I appreciate, the available fund part to dey confuse me oo, my sponsor has 8million for closing balance, and I have 3 million since I am going for 4 years bachelor of arts and social science, how much should I write as available fund?
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 8:39pm On Dec 01, 2015
princeade09:

bro thesoj , I wrote what was written on my admission letter I mean tuition 7784$
living (off campus residence and food) 9900
other (differential fee) 8448$

that was written on my admission letter and I wrote the same on the CIC form

Hmm, no... you didn't fill it correctly.
Tuition should be 7784$+8448$ (because the differential is the international student portion of your tuition/fees, not "Other" ).
Room & Board of 9900 is ok!
Other should be at least $100 in order to meet the $10,000 living expenses minimum per CIC. You could write something like $2,000 for "Other".

In other words, you could write:
Tuition: 16232$
Room & Board: 9900$
Other: $2000

Total:$28,132

@Edited: Since you are going for UG, a rule of thumb is your sponsor should have at least N10m (or more) in his/her account.
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 8:29pm On Dec 01, 2015
QueenOfQueens:
Thanks Onyeoma3 and Thesoj
I looked at Queens Uni, but didn't know they were ' worth it" grin Their website design turned me off. Lol. Anyways, I'll take a shot at their business program. Although, my goal is career advancement towards higher level management positions with relevant international exposure as an add-on. To succeed in the U.S., you need a specialty degree and one that comes with certifications or actual projects is a bonus!!
What course do you want to study? Why Canada? Why not study it in the US? (PS: I live in the US and did all my studying here, including grad school.) Also, don't be turned off by website design... grin

QueenOfQueens:
^^Thesoj
Should I apply for study permit after I've been granted admission or prior to admission? (Just in case it works simultaneously)
You can't apply for study permit before admission. It works sequentially, not simultaneously.
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 8:04pm On Dec 01, 2015
In the study permit form, make sure that you write at least $10,000CAD total for "Room and Board" plus "Other". Writing $9,900 is less than the number that CIC requires for yearly living expenses (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how-documents.asp#doc3). What were the amounts you wrote for "Room and Board" and "Other"?

princeade09:
good day to everyone and wishing a blessed month of December to us all... This month of December will not swallow you and your family, but will vomit out your riches that other months have swallowed in Jesus name. Amen

...got denied on 12th Nov.... insufficient fund and job prospect. therefore I have deferred to may '16...

1 Like 1 Share

Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 7:59am On Dec 01, 2015
https://www.nairaland.com/1475467/travelling-canada-part-5/72#19290079

https://www.nairaland.com/2557850/travelling-canada-part-9/110#39588116
Mojolagbe:
Hi all,

I need help concerning online application ....

Can I zip related files together before upload or what?

1 Like 1 Share

Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 7:33am On Dec 01, 2015
QueenOfQueens:
No vex abeg!! I know I've been asking lots of questions. I have 2 degrees in the U.S. and spent over decade here so hit me up if you've got U.S-related questions, but I NEED LOTS OF CLARIFICATION on this PhD-Canada-migration process.

1. Can I go ahead and apply for TRV without admission? Is 'study permit' a study visa? ... or a permit to apply for a visa?

2. I know there's a difference between formal ranking and street credibility. Would these schools 'carry weight' in the job market (In Canada & on return to the U.S.?) Univ. of Toronto, Univ. of BC, Wilfred Laurier Uni, University of Manitoba, Univ. of Windsor & Ryerson Uni.

3. Do I need to pay tuition in full?

4. How do I find/apply for assistantship?

Gracias ...

@Onyeoma3 already gave some good answers to your questions but let me see if I can add anything:

1. If you are US permanent resident, you may not need a TRV and could get your study permit at the Port of Entry if you have your admission documents and proof of funds documents with you. (I read this on some CIC page but can't find it anymore... pls do some research and confirm). But, CIC still gives you the option to apply for it online. @QueenOfQueens Edited: if you are a US permanent resident you may still need to apply online in order to receive study permit approval and an electronic travel authorization (eTA) from CIC, though you will still not need a TRV.

4. https://www.nairaland.com/2367106/travelling-canada-part-8/28#34729512

Also, view this post: https://www.nairaland.com/2557850/travelling-canada-part-9/110#39588116
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 11:06pm On Nov 30, 2015
Sending you a PM
berexio1:
Any student looking for accommodation around Kitchener-waterloo axis of Ontario?
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 11:06pm On Nov 30, 2015
My bro didn't receive the approval mail. He only got the passport request letter and picked up his passport after the visa was issued. The approval mail will probably show up on the CIC online portal soon, I suppose.

Is it possible to email or call VFS to ask them?
nam16:
Hi soj, please how does it take for the passport to b ready for collection after approval mail. Its 12 days now. Thanks. Tracking showing dispatch on 23 nov.
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 6:01pm On Nov 30, 2015
Open the approval mail PDF with Adobe Reader on a laptop or PC, not a phone or tablet.

Also, approval mail usually comes before the passport dispatch mail.

Lboogy:
Hello House! I just got a mail with an attachment saying my application to study has been approved but the doc does not have my name or uci number on the letter itself . I only just did my medicals on Thursday and I called the hospital today and they said I should call back at the end of the week that it usually takes 6 days to send. Also the status on my passport in vfs says it's still being processed. Please gurus in the house kindly explain I'm a bit confused and shocked ?

1 Like

Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 4:26pm On Nov 30, 2015
My bro's app update:

PGD program
Online route. Upfront medicals.

Submitted Oct 5
Biometrics Oct 6
Medical Passed Nov 6
Passport Request Nov 24
Passport Submitted Nov 25
Visa-Stamped Passport Collected Nov 30

Will summarize his application and document list soon.

13 Likes

Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 4:23pm On Nov 30, 2015
You are welcome to send me a PM and I will respond.
honax:
thesoj please kindly send your email to me, there is something I want to discuss with you thanks.
Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 4:22pm On Nov 30, 2015
Bros, my weekend was great.
About my bro's SOP: I'm sorry I no fit share am. I however would be willing to help review your SOP.
ganiyuadeoye:
@thesoj .......Can I also get a copy of the SOP ganiyu.adeoye23@gmail.com.
Thanks and how was your weekend?

2 Likes

Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 3:31am On Nov 30, 2015
I agree that we should stop the theological argument.
But abeg see the bolded text below; your claim that the fraudulent applicant's success was due to God's "favor" is distasteful and unethical in itself; s/he wasn't "favored" s/he just happened to not get caught. Period. Once we, as Nigerians, become a nation of ethical critical thinkers, we will have a chance. So far, we are too quick to use God as a crutch. And we wonder why Naija is backward. We are a religious nation with ungodly people.
olamitunposi:
What will you say of someone that said he/she used a F**e SOA and still got Approved?
he/she wasn't faithful with the App but yet he was favored... What will you say about people that got approved without medical request? We all can't believe in the same thing but we need God in all our doings.. That's my opinion... GOD over everything

8 Likes

Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 10:33pm On Nov 29, 2015
olamitunposi:
I still believe it's God that do all thing... I will give you an example. A close friend sis went for an interview at the US Embassy in May. While on the que to be screened for interview, The VO who has been scrutinizing everyone's documents has been denying the applicants visa, but on getting to her turn, guess what, he didn't checked any of her documents just the name of her Fiance because she is going on a K-1 visa. Guess what she was given 10 yrs on her green card... Are you still going to say that isn't God's work?
What ever the case might be when it comes to VISA aspect, We all need God's grace, mercy and favor in all things and most important part is Faith.
I wish all TRV expectant Success including myself. And to all that are yet to apply, Package your App very well and Trust in God. Que Sera Sera
The bolded cannot be true, the person must have told you a beautifully embellished story or you misunderstood it. There is a separate process and application for getting a Green Card, and it is absolutely NOT possible to get a Green Card during a K-1 visa interview. I repeat, not possible. It is like saying that someone went to apply for an H-1B work visa and got a Green Card #notpossible. Or someone went to apply for B1/B2 visa and got an H1B work visa #notpossible. If such mistake is made the visa will be cancelled/modified at the port of entry. I am intimately familiar with the US immigration system and this story is a "cool story"!

Nonetheless, I disagree with your larger point that you get a visa due to favor from God. You can read my prior posts for my fleshed-out thoughts.

Apologies to everyone for derailing the thread.

5 Likes 2 Shares

Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 9:54pm On Nov 29, 2015
Pinkcandy97:

thats why I said faith without works is dead. You can't compare Nigeria to this TRV situation because Not every Nigerian is truly serving God or even trying to keep his commandments . God destroying Sodom and Gomorah for their sins doesn't mean everyone there was bad. It just means that a larger majority of the people were corrupt and can't recieve blessings from God. That my last message is not for people who are running to God for TRV alone. I mean people who are truly serving him. He can never fail. Of this I'm sure. All you need is to pray and believe it's done. (Matthew 6:7&8 ) You might believe God has little to do with it but I know it's only God that does it. He's created the VOs minds so why are we getting all worked up . Dare to believe guys. People only receive these things by faith.
@bolded: Nope, not true. You don't have to be religious or pious to get a visa.

Pinkcandy97:
Let's just try trusting God for once and see how it goes. As for those who believe they did it on their own,I pray you realize now so that God doesn't make u learn through another situation that we can't do anything on our own. Also lets not forget not to doubt because, doubting God is an insult to him. He is more than competent only if u believe
You are preaching the prosperity gospel, which is heavily focused on materialism. Plain and simple. God is not a vending machine. You do realize that before the last two centuries (in the 1800 years since Christianity started), a nontrivial percentage of Christians (and of everybody else) in the world died of epidemics and devastating diseases; why didn't prayer or piety fix these problems? Would you contend that they weren't pious enough?

A C.S. Lewis book called "The Problem of Pain" discusses these problems deeply and extensively; the author is a revered 21-st century theologian/professor (he wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, and other works). The theological questions of pain & suffering & natural disasters in the world are not easy to answer, but I think statements like "all you need is to pray and believe it's done" are often quoted out of context and subsequently trivialize the true complexities of suffering, Christianity/God, and human action/inaction.

Getting visas is NOT a theological endeavor. It is a completely rational endeavor that is partly affected by another human's whims (i.e. the VO).

1 Like

Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 7:00pm On Nov 29, 2015
@Pinkcandy97
While it is fair to thank God for every outcome, getting your TRV has little to do with God.
Nigeria is one of the most religious countries in the world and we have been praying for our dear country for decades upon decades, yet our economy is still in the dumps. Our prayers have not changed our economy. Why? This is because you can't expect to reap where you did not put in intelligent hard work!

Getting your TRV is the same thing. True, a perfect application doesn't guarantee a TRV, but it increases the probability considerably. Night vigils won't considerably increase your chances (except maybe give you psychological confidence), in the same way as our endless prayers haven't fixed Nigeria's economy so far. Having good governance and strategic thinking (irrespective of if we pray or not) considerably increases the likelihood that we will have a better country. Same for visas. You don't have to be religious to have a successful visa application, or to have a good economy.

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Travel / Re: Travelling To Canada Part 9 by thesoj: 5:16pm On Nov 29, 2015
It IS your documents and the way you package your application that for the most part gets you your TRV. I don't see the point of over-spiritualizing everything. There are many theological problems with your statement, but I won't go further in the interest of not derailing the thread.
senarthor:
Hello house, please is there any Winter January semester 2016 MUN bound student in the house? Wishing all the Medical and TRV hopeful a non controversial good news.... Always remember that only God can do it, not your dad SOA or your documents

2 Likes

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