Olalacious:
Hello my people,

LONG POST ALERT!!!

Weldone and thanks to everyone keeping this thread alive

I don dey read this thread for the past two weeks (from page 1 oh), in fact the page is permanently opened on my browser and i just keep reading in my spare time plus taking a lot of screenshots for future reference
Like someone said, this thread should be a taking and also giving back thread (Not only taking without sharing your experience), I will start sharing my experience as it goes and will keep on updating as I progress on this journey.

In 2015 I applied for US tourist visa and got a 2year entry. At POE in US told CBP i was also going to have my baby in the US along with the vacation. Baby came, all bills paid got zero balance from doctor and hospital. Fast forward to 2017, myself and hubby wanted to renew the visa, VO said why didnt we declare in the first interview that we wanted to have baby in the US. Told the VO that the initial VO who interviewed us did not ask any question on that and the plan was only to visit. He would have any of our story. Long story short, he denied us the visa.

Then I decided to try the Canada route. Read this forum like crazy to understand how to go about the application especially when you have been denied a US visa. After a lot of reading and digesting, myself and hubby summoned courage to apply for the TR visa. Plan was that we would travel for a visit in December as a tourist and then use that opportunity to see if we could scout for a doc/Gynae/settle accommodation plans etc and then next year when baby is due will travel for child birth. We submitted the application (via Paper route) went to VFS to submit all the requested supporting docs. This was on 22nd Oct. Exactly 10 calendar days after submitting the application, hubby got a call from the Canada embassy. Basically he was asked for the reason why we were refused a US visa. He then clearly explained to the Canadian VO that we were not no sufficient ties back home. He also mentioned that we had our baby there as well but all the bills were paid in full. Apparently the Canadian embassy had also called the US embassy people to find out why we were not given the visa but they did not give any convincing answer to the Canadian embassy hence the reason the Canadian embassy called us to find out further. Also during the convo, the Canadian VO then asked my husband if I was currently pregnant. My husband said yes and that we plan to also have the baby there next year but the reason for the initial visit was for tourism. The Canadian VO was like it is not illegal or a crime to go to Canada to give birth. If you have sufficient fund to cover it, you would most likely be given. They even called my husband’s company HR manager to confirm if salary certificate which we provided was correct (no be small thing).

Long story short, he told us to send receipts of our medical bills in the US as well as the refusal document which was received from US embassy. We sent all the details to him and even put the US hospital and doctor’s contact info to call them if they have any doubts. Exactly one week after sending all the details, we received a mail from the Canadian embassy to come and drop our passports. Got our passports back today. Mine stamped Multiple entry till 2021 hubby till 2019 as passport expires in 2019.

My peace of mind is that I have clearly declared to the VO that I would be giving birth so I no get fear for POE issues.
In my opinion, Canada Embassy processes your VISA in a fairer manner than US. They take time to review your documents properly and then make a decision based on that. But US ehn, its like before you even show up at the embassy, they have already made a decision without checking your docs..

Now unto the next stage of preparation, Accommodation /OB GYN/Hospital to use. As I no get family for Canada, Ontario will be my best bet as I can see from people’s review on this thread that it seems to be a relatively less expensive to birth there. I will start contacting the hospitals and docs now.

@Hotstepper, please help a sister out. How can you assist with accommodation options available and which city do you recommend I stay in (Brampton or Toronto)? Which is easier to move around in? Do you have anyone I can contact in arranging accommodation for a 2 month period. Also I have contacts of Dr Ayodele and Dr Abou of Brampton hospital and I have the Dr Grace contact of humber river. I just need to understand if I should call the doctor first or the hospital first or do I have to first get a Family Doctor who will then refer me to the hospital/Doctor. As I don’t have family doctor, please help if you can refer me to someone. Thanks a lot and look forward to your feedback.

Any other preggy mama bound for Ontario around April/May 2018 who doesn’t mind sharing accommodation? I need to plan this waka well in advance.

Thanks a lot to everyone and wishing every mama out there a safe one!!!

Olalacious:
Hello my people,

LONG POST ALERT!!!

Weldone and thanks to everyone keeping this thread alive

I don dey read this thread for the past two weeks (from page 1 oh), in fact the page is permanently opened on my browser and i just keep reading in my spare time plus taking a lot of screenshots for future reference
Like someone said, this thread should be a taking and also giving back thread (Not only taking without sharing your experience), I will start sharing my experience as it goes and will keep on updating as I progress on this journey.

In 2015 I applied for US tourist visa and got a 2year entry. At POE in US told CBP i was also going to have my baby in the US along with the vacation. Baby came, all bills paid got zero balance from doctor and hospital. Fast forward to 2017, myself and hubby wanted to renew the visa, VO said why didnt we declare in the first interview that we wanted to have baby in the US. Told the VO that the initial VO who interviewed us did not ask any question on that and the plan was only to visit. He would have any of our story. Long story short, he denied us the visa.

Then I decided to try the Canada route. Read this forum like crazy to understand how to go about the application especially when you have been denied a US visa. After a lot of reading and digesting, myself and hubby summoned courage to apply for the TR visa. Plan was that we would travel for a visit in December as a tourist and then use that opportunity to see if we could scout for a doc/Gynae/settle accommodation plans etc and then next year when baby is due will travel for child birth. We submitted the application (via Paper route) went to VFS to submit all the requested supporting docs. This was on 22nd Oct. Exactly 10 calendar days after submitting the application, hubby got a call from the Canada embassy. Basically he was asked for the reason why we were refused a US visa. He then clearly explained to the Canadian VO that we were not no sufficient ties back home. He also mentioned that we had our baby there as well but all the bills were paid in full. Apparently the Canadian embassy had also called the US embassy people to find out why we were not given the visa but they did not give any convincing answer to the Canadian embassy hence the reason the Canadian embassy called us to find out further. Also during the convo, the Canadian VO then asked my husband if I was currently pregnant. My husband said yes and that we plan to also have the baby there next year but the reason for the initial visit was for tourism. The Canadian VO was like it is not illegal or a crime to go to Canada to give birth. If you have sufficient fund to cover it, you would most likely be given. They even called my husband’s company HR manager to confirm if salary certificate which we provided was correct (no be small thing).

Long story short, he told us to send receipts of our medical bills in the US as well as the refusal document which was received from US embassy. We sent all the details to him and even put the US hospital and doctor’s contact info to call them if they have any doubts. Exactly one week after sending all the details, we received a mail from the Canadian embassy to come and drop our passports. Got our passports back today. Mine stamped Multiple entry till 2021 hubby till 2019 as passport expires in 2019.

My peace of mind is that I have clearly declared to the VO that I would be giving birth so I no get fear for POE issues.
In my opinion, Canada Embassy processes your VISA in a fairer manner than US. They take time to review your documents properly and then make a decision based on that. But US ehn, its like before you even show up at the embassy, they have already made a decision without checking your docs..

Now unto the next stage of preparation, Accommodation /OB GYN/Hospital to use. As I no get family for Canada, Ontario will be my best bet as I can see from people’s review on this thread that it seems to be a relatively less expensive to birth there. I will start contacting the hospitals and docs now.

@Hotstepper, please help a sister out. How can you assist with accommodation options available and which city do you recommend I stay in (Brampton or Toronto)? Which is easier to move around in? Do you have anyone I can contact in arranging accommodation for a 2 month period. Also I have contacts of Dr Ayodele and Dr Abou of Brampton hospital and I have the Dr Grace contact of humber river. I just need to understand if I should call the doctor first or the hospital first or do I have to first get a Family Doctor who will then refer me to the hospital/Doctor. As I don’t have family doctor, please help if you can refer me to someone. Thanks a lot and look forward to your feedback.

Any other preggy mama bound for Ontario around April/May 2018 who doesn’t mind sharing accommodation? I need to plan this waka well in advance.

Thanks a lot to everyone and wishing every mama out there a safe one!!!

Godsgoodness:
My people, I am back. Visa denied. To think that they kept my passport for 11 weeks (paper application).
Purpose was visit.
I kinda feel my application was abandoned somewhere and later found with maybe missing items. Their reason for denial is that 'they don't think I will return' meanwhile I visit US, UK, Dubai very frequently and I have my family here.
Maybe online would have been better so I jeje upload my documents by myself who knows?

Congrats to the latest mamas and visa recipients!

Omodadi2:


This is sad. But I see you prepared well before applying. However, did you indicate the purpose of childbirth/medical?
And also, I think the proof to return really lies in the LOE that we put with applications or what do you think? cos I av seen ppl with good jobs and properties being denied on the same reason.

Godsgoodness:



My purpose was Visit (I had an invitation letter). In my own case, maybe I should have just used hotel reservation (abi if you don't have a permanent place to stay, will you run away?).
What's LOE?

lovingT:

Hello Olalicious seems I can tap inspiration from your story though my question is also open to the house.
I am a first preggy lady already 12weeks gone...
Hubby and I applied for the US tourist visa and like you said got denied even before I realised we were interviewed. Now I was asked if I was pregnant in the interview and said YES.... big mistake.... anyway no documents were check or anything ..... was heartbroken cos the plan was to get the US tourist VISA for his nieces wedding in Dec then travel in April/ May for the birthing process.....

Since that wasn't possible decided to try the Canadian route. We have a relative there and wanted to apply for the tourist visa.....

Upon reading this thread however, I realised that US and Canadian embassy communicate and seems I cannot hide my pregnancy anymore in my visa application.

Oh plus I have Zero travel history .... I mean Zero so that's also not in my favour........

Well my question is Do I have any hope?? Cos I really want this

Thanks to anyone who reads and replies

Hotstepper:


Congrats. PM me

Olalacious:


Hi Hotstepper,

I tried sending you a PM but not sure how it works.

Please let me know if you receieve my message. I need your help as soon as possible. Thanks a lot

Thespecialist:
Hello everyone...someone refered me to this forum

Shout out to Hotstepper and to everyone that have contributed and reached out towards helping and easing the process of giving birth in Canada.

I live in Oshawa...moved to Oshawa from Toronto...I have been living in Toronto for the past 14 years.

I have assisted families with child delivery in Toronto and in Oshawa...

I will gladly answer any questions, provide information and assistance that anyone might need regarding coming to Ontario to deliver.

My experience and knowledge is kinda limited to Toronto and Oshawa as these are the places I have been directly involved in assisting families with delivering babies in Canada.

Thank you


Is this going to be a paid service? if yes means this post stands as your advertisment right?

Omodadi2:
Is this going to be a paid service? if yes means this post stands as your advertisment right?

OmoBendel24:


That's a good question there @Omodadi2.... Will join to ask OP to declare intention in clear terms, actually want to have the post reported and pulled down, hopefully there wouldn't be need, hopefully.

Thespecialist:


Is this a paid service...absolutely not.
It is just like I stated earlier...I will be happy to answer any question one has regarding the process to the best of my knowledge and to provide assistance as much as I can.

Koolmum:
Hello All,

Am new on this platform. Pls is anyone travelling for birthing purpose in Dec but due January 2018?kindly contact me on justskoolchibabe@yahoo.com if you wuld be travelling to Toronto or Calgary for birthing purpose. I know it's late but d change came so late and unexpected.kindly bear with me

Or anyone who wishes to rent out a part of dier apartment for 2months,kindly pm or contact me on the above email.
Thank you

Thespecialist:


Is this a paid service...absolutely not.
It is just like I stated earlier...I will be happy to answer any question one has regarding the process to the best of my knowledge and to provide assistance as much as I can.

deonu:


Hello Koolmum;

I will arrive in Calgary also in mid of January with my mom and will stay about 2 months, we are looking places to stay during this time as well, so we may keep in contact if you still need someone to share a place in the mid of January.

kingyemi28:
@ Hotstepper hi, My wife is currently in Edmonton and she needs a contact at Nigerian Embassy for the processing of Naija traveling document for the baby. (My e-mail is Kingyemi28@gmail.com)

Omodadi2:
Good evening people, please do I need to get doctors correspondence and add to my documents when applying for medical visa? The doctors are only giving me information on phone.

Koolmum:


I have actually been waiting for someone's response but all to no avail.I already have a place i intend staying in Manitoba as i learnt it's a Nigerian family and I would have company since I wuld be stayIn in dier own Ouse .Wish I had seen you earlier,reli appreciate.If anything changes, would let u know.
Thank you

deonu:
Hello Everyone;

I am also new in this topic, and i have read the full conversations 54 pages, really useful info, thanks to everyone that shares.
I am planning to come to Calgary on mid of January at my 34th week of pregnancy,
And hoping to find a doctor and hospital that is affordable, what i found out from this forum about calgary hospitals and fees as below so far.
But i wanted to check if anyone has more updated info, or had info about other hospitals or birth centers fees in Calgary.

Also i need info to find a rental studio furnished room, do you have any idea about the websites where i can look for such kind of accomodation?

Appreciate if you share your experiences, and knowledge.

Have a wonderful day to every mama out there.

@ peter lougheed hosp.
dr D igras kulach.
Baby : 1080
Me: 3900 per night
Dr: 1500
epidural I paid: 1250

Hotstepper:
didnt recieve it...nnemadumelu@yahoo.com

deonu:


Hello Koolmum;

Ok glad that you have found a place to stay, and appreciate if you can inform us for all your experiences ahead.
Doctors, hospital fees, etc. And keep in touch if you need to share a place after january.
Hope you the best of luck and have your baby in a good health.

Thespecialist:



For info on renting accommodation, search this website....www.airbnb.ca
Narrow your search to Calgary and to the postal code of the clinic and hospital you intend to use (to save you Uber charges).
Best of luck

deonu:
Hello Everyone;

I am also new in this topic, and i have read the full conversations 54 pages, really useful info, thanks to everyone that shares.
I am planning to come to Calgary on mid of January at my 34th week of pregnancy,
And hoping to find a doctor and hospital that is affordable, what i found out from this forum about calgary hospitals and fees as below so far.
But i wanted to check if anyone has more updated info, or had info about other hospitals or birth centers fees in Calgary.

Also i need info to find a rental studio furnished room, do you have any idea about the websites where i can look for such kind of accomodation?

Appreciate if you share your experiences, and knowledge.

Have a wonderful day to every mama out there.

@ peter lougheed hosp.
dr D igras kulach.
Baby : 1080
Me: 3900 per night
Dr: 1500
epidural I paid: 1250

Koolmum:


But it's usually difficult to get a rented accommodation for a period of 2-3months except she intends to share.
My advice is if shes nt a PR cos dat was d reason I wanted Calgary or any state I can get instant healthcare for free, she can go with Oshawa since its been proven cost effective and you 'thespecialist' who gave info abt it could prolly help her with an accomodation,my 2cents tho.

Koolmum:


Hi Deonu,

Am thinking if you're not a PR cos dat was d reason I wanted Calgary or any state I can get instant healthcare for free, you can prolly go with Oshawa since its been proven cost effective by 'thespecialist' who gave info abt it and I'm thinking she could also prolly help with an accomodation or someone who knows sthg abt t,that's if you want sthg cost effective.

Then for accomodation it's usually difficult to get a rented accommodation for a period of 2-3months except you intend to share,my 2cents tho.

Thespecialist:


Doctors correspondence i believe will give you an edge to obtaining medical visa( though some people have been granted medical visa without dr’s correspondence).
To get a correspondence from an obgyn(obstetrics/gynaecologist), a family physician must 1st refer you to an obgyn.
My 2 cents is to arrange for a referral by a family doctor to get you to thru to an obgyn. Then request for a note from the obgyn to include in your package for visa application.

If you have friends or relations in canada, they can assist you with the family physician referral to an obgyn.

Best of luck in your visa application

Thespecialist:


Hello koolmum...
I deduce from your post that the reason you are going to Calgary is cos you get instant healthcare for free since you are PR...well just thought you should know that with your PR, you get free healthcare anywhere in Canada.