₦airaland Forum

Patterns18:
Do they usually ask for new photos before PR card is issued?

If the you get the correct quality of passport photos sent with your passports after PPR, they have no need to ask for new photos.

However, quite often, we perhaps do not go to the right quality of photo studio to get good passport photos done in the correct size.

salford1:
It is better to wait till your circumstances change, but that doesnt mean you would get rejected if you immediately reapply. You might be passed on to a different visa officer who might just approve your visa application without any issue.

StNonsky:
thanks a lot for your input. How long should I wait before I can reapply?

The unfortunate reality is having this rejection does create a bit of a potential dilemma for you. It is normally best to wait till your circumstances change once you've had a rejection because any new visa officer reviewing your application will likely want to know what is different in your situation between when you last applied and when you re-apply.

So if the previous visa officer indicates you've got insufficient ties to Canada, it is very likely whoever reviews your application now will dig in closer on that. He/She may accept your PR is a sufficient tie, but at the same time may also consider that it was part of the consideration when you were previously rejected, so it remains insufficient on its own.

Unless it is absolutely important for you to go, I would default to @salford's comment and advise you put off re-applying for as long as possible. But if there is a pressing need to go, I guess you can re-apply and hope for the best.

kissoflife:
How long does it take to get the PR card.

3 weeks ago, a little over a month of landing I was asked to send new passport photos which I did send and got to them 4 days after and til now no PR card, No update, nothing.

Is this normal?

It does take a while. I think especially when they have to ask you to provide more info or update photos, etc.

Arrived mid January. 6 weeks later with no info on our PR cards, so linked the PR card application to mycic account. 2 days later got an email asking for new passport photos (not saying we got the update because the application was linked, it was probably coincidental). Sent in the passport photos next day and my spouse got the PR card approved and delivered 4 weeks later (altogether about 10 weeks after arrival). I don't understand why, but mine took a further 4 weeks before it got updated to approved on mycic account and delivered in the post.

So, although timelines are sometimes quoted as 4-6 weeks, mine took 14 weeks to get delivered. At the same time, some people have received theirs within the quoted 4-6 weeks.

8alienhead:
First off, i will like to thank you hugely for taking out time to respond, and also SWIFTLY, i appreciate...a lot.

However, my question 1. wasn't really asking "how much money you should bring?" rather it is viability of means of proof of the fund...i.e what means i need to show in order to be allowed entry in what form it is in...say it this way, with a scenario, i use TBill and statement of account for POF pre-ITA and during the PR process...however, at the PORT OF ENTRY, i am informed from the FSW thread, that one can encounter, some overzealous officer, who asked that they show minimum POF e.g they meet the required minimum $19,093 CAD equiv. of 5.4mill NGN [for family of 3] and so on.

so now the question for my situation is, at the Port of Entry, should by any means i meet such case, will my TBill certificate of about 30K+ CAD and other liquid cash of about 5-9K CAD cash in hand, be enough to show, or Do i wait until the TBill is liquidated into a cash/Dollar/dom account before landing? or even convert all the money into cash, declare and then suffer the hurdle of opening an account and depositing as early as in few hours or days of landing...asap, its dreadful even holding that amount around for even to the airport/out of naija self....haha nah naija we dey

Also, i didn't ask that from our sister thread, as i presume, it is more appropriate here rather there...as this question is more targetted to those who now have landed and living there, instead of relating to migration requirement, plans and prospect. abeg pardon my guileless!

ii.
oh, dear me....i messed this up, hahaha abeg pardon the mix up, abeg my Canny I.T guru, how market nah? make unah help me out...
Alberta, Ottawa what are my chances,,,,CCNA+MCP+MSc Info Tech,3yrs+ in Telecom, including 5yrs+ in I.T/Server Mgt, family of 3[i, wife+3yr kid].

ehe, i also heard, dem say dem say, for a regulated profession thingy, my NOC being 2147, i read&hope my assumption of I.T being regulated isn't mixed up? so does that mean i have to wait 1year of internship/pass the exams in order to begin working as a professional, even if by then, i already got my CCIE before landing?

abi them no dey recognize this Cisco/Microsoft certifications thingy or even the holy grail exam at all ni?

cc:
Fusion,
theCongo,
rainazoe

Once again, i like to say, a very big thank you and hope this meet you all well.

Thanks a lot

I think most people will struggle to answer your question on what evidence to have on you as POF at the POE, because it is not actually common for the evidence to be requested, so most people will not be able to answer from experience. I agree it is not impossible for it to be requested, but most times the question asked is "how much cash do you have on you?" and what the entry officer is looking out for is to ensure you have declared funds on hand, if in excess of 10k CAD or its equivalent.

If you are asked to prove your POF, the instruments you have described should suffice or simply a bank statement. The key thing to note is that the request is usually to ensure that you do not get into a jam without cash. So if the cash on hand looks like it can last you a few months while you're making arrangements to transfer more cash, then I expect you will be fine. However, imagine a newly arriving family of the same size saying they have $500 cash on them, you can be certain the immigration officer will ask for proof that you are able to get more money very quickly, because in his mind the $500 is unlikely to last longer than just a few days.

One other little comment, it will probably be easier to get funds in USD from anywhere else in world than CAD, so don't be under pressure to get CAD specifically. Just ensure you check the exchange rates so that you declare the funds if it's in excess of 10k CAD after conversion.

kachikapor:
Hey Guys,

Is there anyone currently using this program to buy their home? or any other program for that matter...I need your input here. Seniors who have bought/are buying their homes in Canada, please share your experiences and opinions here.

Thanks

The details of the program look exactly the same as an RBC mortgage adviser explained to me, so I expect it should also be available via any bank you already bank with.

Maybe if you have specific questions, I might have answers from my discussion with the mortgage adviser.

Otherwise, here is some generic information from the details I picked up on:

1. The rule of thumb is that you could be eligible for 5x(Annual gross), as a maximum mortgage value.
2. You can pay as low as 5% downpayment, however, for a downpayment less than 20%, you need to also pay for default insurance (insurance protecting against potential default on the mortgage due to the low downpayment).The insurance premium can be paid as a one-off payment when you close on the purchase of a property, or can be added to the mortgage principal amount so it becomes extra dollars on your monthly payments.
3. Proof of the source of the downpayment may be required. If from Canadian earnings, it will be obvious in your a/c statement that it's coming from your paycheck. If transferred from outside Canada, it should be in your account in CAD up to 3 months before you apply for the mortgage and you should have proof of the source of the funds (a/c statements, transfer instructions, etc) or confirmation it's a gift.
4. I understand there is a greater tax burden on new build homes versus already built homes. As a general rule, real property transactions are taxable, even when the vendor is a small supplier and/or is not registered for GST/HST. In such cases, the vendor must collect and remit the tax (unless the purchaser is a GST/HST registrant—see discussion that follows). However, the sale of used residential property and certain sales of real property by an individual who is not engaged in a business are generally exempt from GST/ HST. In the case of bare land, if the property has been subdivided into more than two parts, even an unregistered individual must generally collect GST/HST when the property is sold. (http://www.taxplanningguide.ca/tax-planning-guide/section-1-businesses/gsthst-real-property-sales/)

Without going into too much more detail, I will expect your mortgage adviser will provide a lot of the specifics that relate to your particular needs. The mortgage advisor will be able to work out what your interest rates will be, and give an idea of the monthly payments.

Oopsy:
Thanks a lot. Spouse is actually not even ready to leave even if she is accompanying, so we are looking for a way out...

I appreciate.

If spouse isn't ready to leave, I would suggest completing the application with her accompanying still, then she makes a short landing using as much of her annual leave as possible before returning. If she's around long enough to get her PR card, that's excellent. If not, it gets delivered to you and you can hold on to it till you can arrange to get it across to her. She can spend up to 3 years outside Canada while making up her mind one way or the other. And if she decides to come in, she will need to spend the last 2 years of the validity of her PR in Canada, so it is renewable.

Best wishes with whatever decisions you guys make ultimately.

Oopsy:
My people, I need 'moment of truth' info. Want to know the implications of applying with spouse unaccompanying.... positive and negative...

Eyifunmi:
If you apply as unaccompanying, you would have to sponsor your spouse and wait a minimum of twelve months, which is exhausting and emotionally wrecking.
You would deal with Accra visa office, and go through the stress.
Your application would be treated under spousal sponsorship criteria, and it is no joke.
You might get frustrated along the way, and have to make numerous trips to Nigeria?
Are you ready to Count the cost?

honestly, i think it is a struggle to come up with positives for applying with spouse unaccompanying. Even when you spouse is not ready to move yet, if you are the primary applicant, you can land alone first and have your spouse do a short landing at a more convenient time, so long as it is within the validity of his/her medicals and COPR.

Maybe the only positive (depending on how you view it) is not having to pay the fees for the accompanying spouse yet, so less cost to start with.

But things like cost of living (maintaining two homes is expensive and consider also the value of the naira if cash is being sent to you in Canada), and combine that with the hassle described by @Eyifunmi noting also that the current immigration policy is not cast in stone (a change in govt can bring in significant changes that can affect the chances or difficulty of a spouse joining in future).

anaxagoras:
@Asinkwa and other landed seniors.....please I want to confirm if appliances like TV , iron, microwave, etc are advisable to be cargoes from Nigeria. Seeing mattress on kijiji for 500 CAD is scary. Can we also cargo this ? In fact what is cargo-able ?

Thank you guys .

A general comment: Power supply in North America is 110/120V 60Hz, while Europe and most of Africa (inc. Nigeria) is 230V 50Hz. Long story short is that a lot of appliances from Nigeria (particularly items that draw significant power like microwaves and electric irons) will not work here. The sockets here are also not designed to fit the plugs from Nigeria although you can buy adapters. In some cases, you will need a small transformer that comes with an adapter. My personal opinion is that it is not worth it, but hopefully a few seniors will contribute to give alternatives or a balanced opinion.

Per the cost of items, there are loads of options to help out. In Calgary for instance, if you've got a woman in the family, you can always try Women In Need (WIN) for free goods which include mattresses (i believe they have new ones also) and all sorts of items to make a house start to look like a home, and they deliver.

http://www.womeninneed.net/programs/free-goods-referral-program/

I am sure there are similar programs in other cities and provinces, and some that may apply to all people and not just women.

gasplant:
I'd advice you write the IELTS, Academic in particular. I am in same situation and my wife is going to write. You never can know where you would need it. It's better you do that now and get it done with while you are still here,when you get there,you may have less time on your hands

Hope this helps!

why academic?!

cutezain:
Please I dnt understand.

You can take in whatever amount of cash you have available. Just ensure that if it is in excess of 10,000 CAD, you declare it at the point of entry. This would usually just be recording the amount of cash you're coming in with, and be sure you have information on hand to prove where you've got the money from. So if it is from your account, have bank statements to show you had the cash in your account for a while and withdrew it at some point.

No need to look for CAD in Nigeria. USD is just as good when coming into Canada. Banks and BDCs in Canada will change it for you. The general feedback from the thread so far is that you get better rates from the Bank than changing at the airport, so if you need some CAD for transportation on arrival, change just a little bit of your USD at the airport.

Affordablerent:
Thanks but this information is somehow conflicting. You mean if I study French or English in Nigeria, I don't need to write any qualification exams before I start teaching in Canada, is the teaching profession there not regulated like all other major professions? Secondly, are there no full English schools in Canada where knowledge of French isn't a criteria for recruitment(a school where French is not taught or spoken), what are the qualification criteria to become a primary/secondary school teacher there? mentioning one incident or two where Nigerians have become teachers is not encouraging, makes one wonder if there are up to 50 Nigerian teachers in the whole of Canada.

Looking for a house to rent in Lagos? Contact me

I think if people take the pains to come on the thread to ask questions, it really doesn't take much effort to do a little research online yourselves, so you can ask more appropriate questions. @TheCongo2 has already pointed out that you need certification to teach, and a simple google search gives the following for Ontario:

https://www.oct.ca/becoming-a-teacher/internationally-educated-teachers

Of course there are full english schools in Canada, but again @TheCongo2 has simply provided you with specific information on the advantage of being bilingual in Ontario.

KW01:
I did that too in my pre ppr phase.

Landed seniors, please I need your advice, I am arriving in Calgary next month and I am sending some of my stuff through cargo. Can my load arrive in Calgary before me or do I have to land first before my things arrive? I know that we can bring in stuff duty free for one year, what am asking is whether I can send the things ahead of me before I land? It is more convenient for me that way but I don’t want to run foul of any laws.

Please help, thank you all.....

Dammiehar:
I just dropped off my cargo and I had to tell them to wait till i land before sending it, as I am landing soon. This is because I was told they will only hold it in storage for 2 days after which they will start charging for keeping it. Better for it to arrive when you land or after you land.

You should try drop it off the day before you travel, to avoid paying storage charges on the receiving end. You will not be violating any rules by sending it ahead of your trip. Note you may have to pay 89 CAD for handling charges before you can pick it up. I was mildly upset when I had to pay that, because I wasn't expecting it. Also, if the package arrives on a weekend, you'll have to wait till a week day to pick it up. I made the mistake of going to the airport once I got the online alert the cargo had arrived (Saturday), but before they called me to come in for it. Paid 150 CAD each time for a round trip in a taxi. Grrrr.....

Don't forget to include them in the list of unaccompanied goods to follow for sign off at the port of entry, even if the cargo arrives before you do.

geebaby10:
Hello All.

I was the one with the post a few weeks ago. Again thank you all for the many responses that we got.

We have decided to have the baby in Canada. Specifically in Edmonton, Alberta because in Alberta thats where we know a family. Our friends there have even been kind enough to offer us free accommodation for the duration and we didn't even ask. Talk about lines falling in pleasant places.

We have spoken to a family that landed there pregnant last year and they have helped with info on how to get the health card immediately.

But I would like to get some information about getting a doctor on time. It's only about 6 weeks plus from my arrival to due date and I've heard that getting a gynae can takes MONTHS. Please for anyone that lives in Edmonton how can we get a doctor or even a mid-wife that can arrange a hospital birth on time?

Also, please can anybody refer us to a doctor or mid-wife in Edmonton?

Lastly please anyone in the Edmonton area I don't mind making new friends. I can send my Whatsapp number.

Our experience for Calgary was quite straightforward.

Arrived in Calgary 6 weeks before the baby was due. Went to registry to sign up for health care and asked for the Alberta healthcare number immediately, so we had it written down while waiting for the card to arrive in the post within a week (I think it was actually just a couple of days later).

Went straight to sign up with a regular family doctor (walk-in) who immediately made the referral. Scans and tests were requested because the medical report from Nigeria was insufficient. The family doctor did a lot of the initial work. Called various hospitals & maternity clinics till he found one to take us straightaway. In fact, he referred us to the maternity clinic for the same day, and then called us in the evening to confirm we had seen the doctor. At the maternity clinic, they simply booked us in to see a doctor the following week.

Due to the proximity to the due date, at the maternity clinic, doctor asked that we schedule weekly visits. So after every appointment, we scheduled a follow up for the following week. Everything went smoothly, and honestly it was the best experience ever. If you're coming into Alberta, I doubt you will have much to worry about.

Yes to both questions

itzppr:
Thanks a lot. Yours was Accra too right and you also received the bolded clause?

I did not send in the family update form, and the COPR for my family came through just fine.

itzppr:
Please guys, help clarify my doubt.

In sending the my passport and other documents for COPR, do I really need to send IMM008 family update even if nothing has changed in my status? The IMM008 form I saw online seems like a new visa application form asking for all details. Do I really need to fill it (about 5 pages) even as nothing changed in my status?

Those that have received their visa and COPR from Accra should educate me please.

This is an excerpt of the ppr mail:

UPDATED FAMILY INFORMATION: You must advise us of any change in your marital status or family composition. All family members must be listed on your IMM008 and Additional Family Information forms. Failure to comply may result in a delay in the issuance of your visa.

MrsBee:
I have tried all the options. How long after landing were you able to link it?

I believe you should be able to link it immediately after the landing officer has initiated your PR card application when you land. I was planning to do mine immediately we arrived, but I forgot and it only crossed my mind about 6 weeks after we landed, when someone on this thread made a reference to it.

I would double check the information you're putting in, and get someone (maybe spouse) to also double check the information you put in. The slightest changes, misspelt names, etc will make it come up with no record found. Birth Places like Ilesa vs IleSHa or Ogbomoso vs OgbomoSHo, it needs to be consistent with what's been on your PR application.

MrsBee:
I have tried to link severally but I keep seeing no applications found.

I went with the options in the attached screen shots.

For Given Names, use both your first and middle names, if this is what you have consistently used in your applications. All information must exactly match what you used in your applications. Date you became a PR is when you landed and got signed in at the airport.

For us it immediately pulled up both our PR card applications, which I then linked to the same cic account, one after the other.

Blackbuddy:
Hi, there is no published phone number for the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, NS but you can try the Call Centre 1-888-242-2100 for those who are in Canada. Others outside can try contacting the Call Centre +1 613 944 4000 (for an agent: use options 1,2,1,2,1 ...then 0 to skip the recorded message) from outside Canada.

I don't know if you fall under this category but for those who applied for PR more recently (EE/PNP) you can follow the following steps after landing to know the status of your PR card processing. Do note you only have 5 attempts in one day.

1) Login to CIC account.
2) Go to section "Link an existing application to this account". Click on "Link application to this account" button.
3) Select category as PR Card
4) Select "Unique Client Identifier (UCI) and Family Name"
5) Fill required details (please make sure of capital, small, comma etc.)
6) Provide landing date in "Date you became a permanent resident"
7) Click on 'search my application'
after application searched, make sure you submit application else it not link

Once you have successfully linked your application it will show you as "Submitted" status and once it is ready for dispatch it will go into "Approved" status.

The steps above were copied from a post at canadavisa forum, hope it helps.

Thanks. I will try the number. You really are a legend on this thread.

Both our PR cards were linked to the same CIC account as you've described. Last week, one application was updated to approved and the card was delivered today. The other remains still as "Submitted" status.

rainazoe:
Someone dropped a hack on how to mask food smells when travelling. Can anyone remember?

rukaiya:
I can't remember the hack you're referring to but you can mask strong food smells by putting the food in a zip lock or using an air tight container, then use a masking tape to ensure it remains sealed. Alternatively, you can put the food item in an envelope, then cover with cling film.

This will not work against airport sniffer dogs. 100% guaranteed!!

I will assume @rainazoe's original question was with respect to reducing the smell in a travel bag and possibly clothes, in which case, you can try the above.

However, if you're trying to bring in contraband. Don't do it. It's not worth the hassle. And as already noted, if you get picked, you will go into the database and every time you pass through the airport, you will get a very thorough search.

Is there any way to chase for an update on PR cards? Is there an email address I can send a request for an update to?

Arrived mid January, some weeks later we were asked to send in new passport photos. We sent these in and tracked the mail to confirm receipt, and both passport photos (sent via separate envelopes) were delivered and signed for by the same person on the same day. Both our PR card applications have been linked to the cic account to track progress. Last Thursday my spouse's application changed to approved and card has now been delivered today, but there's been no change to my PR card application.

I need to travel soon because of work.

Any info on how to chase for an update is much appreciated.

greggng:
My brother I am known for giving free info but my recent experience has shown that what people receive freely , they sometimes don't cherish. I swear in the name of God that created you and I that I will never dabble into giving wrong info. I earlier told you I 've a name to protect. Some notable people on nairaland 've seen me physically . My friend won't deceive me. To this end three people reading this should volunteer to visit me to verify my claim for free. I can't post all that I discuss with him here. I don't hide under internet to perpetrate evil.mind you the info I 've is only for those already in USA but trying to cross successfully to Canada.

oh shush....and go away!! We've had enough of this crap..... No one is buying your bull...

.

Underwoodd:
Thank you...

Did the Canada immigrant visa come up during your interview?

Yes it came up when I was asked the purpose of my trip. Said I would be visiting a few friends, but that i was also moving to Canada as a Permanent Resident, so I would be delaying the trips till later in the year.

Underwoodd:
Hello A555,

I am about to apply for US visa via dropbox but I am kinda worried that the Canada immigrant visa might affect the application.

Pls did you apply via dropbox or did you go for an interview?
Was your visa application approved?
On the DS-160 form, how did you answer the question of if you are a PR of another country?

My immigrant visa expires in June, I will be landing in May.

Thank you.

Had to go in for an interview because my previous US visa was a student visa, so I couldn't use dropbox. Visa was approved, and for the DS-160 form, I answered no to the question on PR of another country.

Technically, you're not a PR until you arrive in Canada, so your answer should be no.

The only thing I would suggest is that you make sure you apply early enough, so you get your passport back in good time not to affect your May landing plans. I had to reschedule my flights to Canada because my passport came back a day after my original travel plans. And i wasn't happy spending hard earned money to change flight plans when I would have had no qualms getting the visa on this end.

Underwoodd:
Hello All,

Please has anyone applied for US visa after getting their Canada immigrant visa (before landing in Canada)?

Thanks.

Yes. Got a specific question?

Beeea:
Just a piece of information I thought to share: Most stores will at this time be disposing their winter stock at great discounts and you will get good bargains. For parents, you can anticipate what sizes your children will wear next winter and buy those winter materials now. Winter boots and jackets don't have to be an exact fit- can be 1 or 2 sizes bigger.
For adults, you will get long johns and thermals at great discounts.

For adult jackets, I will recommend Mark's Work Wear House. They have good stuff at decent prices. My winter jacket that I bought at less than $100 is five years old and still going strong.

Nice one.....thanks!! Just realised what the Mark's store 2 mins away from my place sells....

.

amindondee:
Good day All,

Please does anyone have any experience in exchanging UK driving license for a Canadian one? I know it is possible, but my question is weather it is compulsory to get a driving experience letter for that.

Province is Ontario.

Thank you

I swapped my UK driving license for an Alberta license, and no driving experience letter was required. I simply walked into the registry gave them my UK license, paid the fees, did an eye test and that was it.

For Ontario I found the following link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/exchange-out-province-drivers-licence

If it is a UK driving license, the issue date is on it, so I don't see why a further driving experience letter will be required.

salford1:
A suicidal cat on a farm.

lol @ suicidal....

....now to plan to go skiing sometime....

Cold beautiful day in Calgary today.... I just love the seeming desolation in the landscape...

Wura27:
Hi guys,

If someone is landing in Calgary via Toronto but layover in Toronto is only an hour, would the person be put on the next flight to Calgary at no cost if the person misses that flight due to immigration/customs/ SIN etc Airline is Air Canada

I think it is very unlikely that you will make the connection with a 1hr layover. We arrived last week, and went with a 3h15 layover, and it was just about right plus we didn't try to get the SIN there. We waited less than an hour to board, after all the other formalities.

Feedback was SIN would take approximately 20mins each (it took a bit less time when we eventually got it in Calgary), and depending on the queue when you arrive, we didn't want to put ourselves under unnecessary pressure. We sorted it next day in Calgary, and it was very straightforward. The advantage of sorting it earlier in Toronto wouldn't have been huge for us. Personally, after travelling so many hours, I just wanted to get a proper lie down and some sleep, so I wouldn't have wanted to take a much later connection.

However, while we were going through customs, the officer did mention that if we missed our connection because of him, there was a flight almost every hour to Calgary and the airline would put us on the next one.