bekayy:
I'm great o. We are in the group stuck here coz of COVID. Left here, nairaland and decided to come back after a while. I hope U have landed and is settling well. Kind Regards.

Hi Bekayy, so long! Hahaha, script marking, those were the days huh You should have seen my face light up, seeing your moniker. I've been away for a long time, settling in here. I decided to touch base with my people. How's it going with your application?

bekayy:
Bankyh. Our script marker. Good to see you here again.

That's good to know. The North is cold and nice. We're expecting you!

Liispa:

Its going lool, how's the North?

Hi hi, it's going well. How's it going with your journey to the North?

Liispa:

Hey hey hey, how's it going?

Laghima:
Bro, congratulations on this success story of yours. I hope this serves as the beginning of a streak of success stories in your life.

I want to make an enquiry regarding the WhatsApp group(for newbies) that you mentioned. how can I join the group please?

SunshineD1:

Oinnn... You are doing well. Cheers

oginnite:

Its wonderful to behold. congratulations

lordjonjo:
Congratulations boss and God bless you real good.

pearlbola:
congratulations!!!

Jaybye:

Congrats chief. It must have been frustrating not being able to travel as planned while having resigned also from your job! But then, it was always going to end in praise...It was frustrating...indeed, it has ended in praise.

Lost access to the phone we used to chat on and the WhatsApp line (an old modem SIM) has even been deregistered long before then due to inactivity.
Oh, sorry about that. I'll send you a PM so that we can reconnect.

Thanks for always being there all those times I needed to rant about madam's ordeals. You're welcome bro, it was the lease I could have done. I hope you've had a breakthrough. May the breakthroughs in this new home far exceed your expectations of it. Amen. Amen, thanks bro.

THE WORLD TRULY NEEDS MORE CANADA.

Richdee1:

Congrats Man! Hope to see your thread of everyday life

bankyh1905:
LANDING GIST

Okay so, a little background before I delve into the landing gist. By the second week of March, I was back home in Ibadan after completing my resignation and the 2 months notice period, looking forward to flying by March 21. Alas, on March 18th, the travel ban was imposed because of COVID-19…ah, gobe! For a few days onward, I remained in denial and refused to cancel my Airbnb booking till 24hrs before my scheduled departure (full refund came in a week or two). I also mailed Lufthansa Airlines and the ticket was confirmed to have been left open. So, the wait began!
Fast forward 2 months, I was looking forward to the announcement that the Airports would be reopened (news flash: Nigerian airports are still “officially” closed as I type this). In reaction, by June, I called Lufthansa to rebook my flight and they found a space on a Turkish Airline for June 16 (I was in Lagos to empty my apartment and with friends)…I had shared the supposedly good news until I got back home and the flight was cancelled the next. I had to reschedule my Airbnb booking again (but my host-to-be was quite understanding, she responded with messages of support). At this point, I knew I probably only had one more shot at any booking until COPR expires by July 3, as it was becoming a pipe dream that Nigerian Airports would reopen. Anyway, I was not ready to make any gamble. Lufthansa made the final booking for July 1st, to land on July 2nd…but it was not to be as it got cancelled a few days later. That was the final straw. All the while, it took an effort to keep up my mental stability as I spent most of time around the house. The experience took me away from NL for most of the period (sorry guys). I have since cancelled my Lufthansa booking but still expecting the refund.

At this moment, the chartered flights came back on my radar. You see, I had scoffed at the idea of paying $2500 for a flight when the arrangements began (where the money dey, lol). I probably swore that I would not be the one to pay that humongous amount. Anyway, a friend in my AOR whatsapp group alerted me to a new arrangement between Airpeace and Lufthansa and I started to give it serious thought. I filled a form to show interest and that got my name to a supplementary list (I was kinda late to the party, lol). But you see, I was ready to leave, my bags were still packed (already gathering dust sef, na wa). The search for the extra funds began (as I didn’t want to touch the POF) and I was on my way to Lagos the next day as I learnt the flight was to take off by Thursday.
Oh oh…I just realized that this background story isn’t so “little”. I’ll quickly summarize the rest…I beg your pardon.

- I got a payment advice from Air Peace for 61k – economy class (forwarded from someone who did not respond, paid an extra 37,400 but it has since been refunded). This was what made me leave home in the first place. Lagos gave me a last taste of traffic on Long bridge (for over 3 hrs).
- Got another payment advice for ET, for the sum of USD2,500 (not CAD, lol)…paid it.
- Lodged at Presken hotel (close to MMA), learnt the flight wouldn’t move on Thursday as scheduled, spent one more night at the hotel and spent another 2 at a friend’s place (to save money)…came back to the hotel on Sunday night, anticipating a Monday flight (June 15th) which was confirmed.
Okay so, here we are, finally…thank God! The check-in procedure was hitch-free, my bags were below 23kg, so I was able to skip some people (as directed by an officer). Bags were tagged by ET, passed through immigration, boarding started soon after and the plane didn’t leave Lagos until 12: 14pm (Nigerian time). The flight from Lagos to Lome was the shortest I have encountered, as we landed at 12:42pm (28 minutes). I guess I knew I was going to write this at some point, so I kept a record of flying time. Anyway, it has become a habit when I fly (always had been between Lagos and Abuja).

We didn’t leave Lome until 5:14 p.m. (5 hours after departure from Lagos), as the check-in process was too slow. We got our boarding passes for the flight legs all the way to Toronto. The plane was filled up, no physical distancing, the only notable thing was that everyone was wearing masks. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being the lowest), ET’s service was a 3…there was no in-flight entertainment and no Wi-Fi but the food wasn’t bad. I had avoided using ET and bought a Lufthansa ticket because I wanted better service, only to finally fly with ET, with poorer service. We landed at Addis Ababa at 10:39 p.m. and it was only then I instantly connected to the Airport Wi-Fi to reach out to family and friends. May I add that Addis is much more beautiful at night than Abuja. I took window seat all through, so I took it all in. As we had already wasted much time, there was no layover and we had to board immediately after check-in (we got separated from US-bound people) and other passengers joined. We left Addis Ababa at 1:01 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16th and landed shortly in Dublin for refueling at 9:42 a.m.

After 35 minutes, we took for Toronto at 10:17 a.m. and we were so happy to have landed by 3:57 p.m. We’d been flying for almost 18 hours non-stop; it goes without saying that it was a relief to see the clear blue sky from below and the maple leaf logo on the wings of the idling planes on the tarmac. We were asked to alight 50 persons at a time every 5 minutes, proceeded to immigration, answered the statutory questions…about criminal history, how much cash you brought in and the address you would be isolating and was told I wouldn’t be able to travel until I have my PR card (me sef no plan to travel anytime soon). I had mistaken the funds question for POF. The officer asked if I understood Hausa and I was wondering what it was to him, said something about the address I gave him not being in Ottawa (pronounced Od’wa, lol) but I quickly googled it and said “but Gloucester is in Ottawa”, he then said “yes”. “Congratulations, you have now become a Permanent Resident of Canada…” Song to my hears, balm to my soul.

I went ahead to retrieve my luggage (noticed the one without wheels got torn on one side at the top, the lady at the baggage check-in helped sort it out with tape and a big nylon to enclose it), changed the USD I had with me and booked a 6:50 p.m. flight to Ottawa (DST), got a random gift of USD100 from my friend who informed me about the repatriation flight. On boarding, there was physical distancing, entertainment on the plane with recent movies, with a free pack of face mask, hand sanitizer, gloves and Air Canada branded earpiece. I slept off watching “Salt” (again) and woke up as we landed around 8 p.m. I connected to the Airport Wi-Fi to let my host know that I was around, got into a taxi at 8: 11 p.m. (it took less than 5 mins for one to arrive)…got to the apartment at 8:21 p.m.

I had to endure 14-days of isolation and got over jet-lag and my host has made settling in easier, she has made me feel at home (ordered my first dinner). I couldn’t have asked for a better host. A friend who used to work at my former workplace before I joined and has lived here for over 2 years surprised me within the period with groceries from Walmart. I even got a gift of Jollof rice and goat meat from a special someone all the way from Lagos.
This is my second month in Ottawa, I have been downtown (around the government offices, the buildings are magnificent), Rideau canal and took the bus to places over an hour away. I’ve opened bank accounts, got a local phone line, got my SIN, registered for health card, driver’s license (I wrote and passed the knowledge test this morning), had a few virtual interviews and looking forward to my first job. The scenery and the culture around here are what I expected them to be, I haven’t heard a vehicle honk and the weather is perfect (Yaay, it’s summer). By the way, I got lost using the bus a few times, lol (it is normal, I heard, you learn better that way…and others I know have too). Now, I know my way around (google map works) and the bus system works effectively.

So far, so good; even though the outbreak has slowed things down here too. If you are comfortable with paying direct taxes on all purchases and can see that it works for you, then Canada is the place to be. There are several things I could not possibly describe to you (YOU, who is reading this) in details unless you have a personal experience. There is a Whatsapp group of newbies like me (probably more) and we are helping one another settle in better.

So, whatever your challenges are now…the golden mail is being delayed at OVO or any other Visa office, your application is being delayed at Accra or you’re still expecting ITA or you’re struggling with IELTS or a Nigerian University is delaying your ECA or you are trying to acquire an additional degree or your application has been refused and you’re trying to reapply…whatever the case may be…keep pushing and by the grace of Almighty God, you will be writing a version of this someday (if you wish) and all will soon become history.
Thank you for attending my e-TedX. Pardon all typos and grammatical errors.

NB: the picture was taken in Downtown Ottawa.

La fin!

SunshineD1:

Hope to write mine soon by God's grace.

Make una neva vex o, I go write am, I dey come

MJKJ:
Plenty side eye for those two. They did not give any gist. @ednut1 and @bankyh1905 come and catch ya sub
@kingkhalil don't fall our hand o.

SunshineD1:

Congrats!!!
Waiting for "landing gist" like kilode. I'm still giving @ednut and @bankyh1905 side-eye for not giving "landing gists". If una don give am, Biko tag me make I read. I love reading them. Hope to write mine soon by God's grace.

It happens. Thank you Sis. I'm looking forward to welcoming you.

yemblaze:
Chaii...how did I miss this. I am happy for you bro. Enjoy your new home. Wish you all the best.

SunshineD1:
Yay!!! Yes o, you've been on my mind since last week. Let me allow you settle down before I bombard you with questions. Wow! Thank you bro. Please ask your questions, I'll try my best to answer them, even though it'll take some time before I overcome the jet lag.

Congratulations and may you find favour in Canada. Amen!

Jaybye:
Hey Banky bro! Great news. Finally.. All the best in this new chapter. Remember us in your prayers. We'll be needing all the goodluck.

Thank you, it's good to be seen. I will. Merci.

MJKJ:
We see you o. Congratulations again. Stay safe and healthy.

You're doing well, bro

ednut1:
we are waiting for Buhari to open border

bekayy:
GOD bless you for your helpfulness. I have registered for one and will do for another.

Thanks Sis! Let's keep the referrals coming.

yemblaze:
Nice one...my oga for PPR script marking and movie buddy

bankyh1905:
.... you should take advantage of the free pre-arrival services - SOPA (my fav), AEIP, Planning For Canada and Next Stop Canada - if you haven't done so already.
After registration (whereby you'll be asked to upload your passport request letter), you will gain access to online resources and you can also speak to counselors. They are available to answer any questions you may have about settlement, employment and others. You can find the link on your passport request mail or simply google search those acronyms. Thank me later.

Stencil:
Banky, a man after God's own heart , the email I used for nairaland has been compromised.
I have no access to it. Somebody kept trying to log into it (for whatever reason) so Google did the needful. I've been in a custody battle since then
I will reach out to you with another email (I have your email address from the last time we spoke)

ednut1:
Canada PR journey took me over 2 and half years. Glad it is now over .

Yayy, finally...Congratulations my fellow Canadian! I'm so happy for you.

Stencil:
The Siege is Over!
PPR

Thecannylady:
Thank you very much. I want to put the money in fixed deposit. A certificate of investment in addition to the documents you mentioned should suffice right?
You're welcome! Yes, add that too.

See as my boss dey whyne me. My wisdom is finite sha o, infinite is God's.

PS: thanks winner01

Stencil:
@bolded. wow. Direct her to this thread. @bankyh1905 in his infinite wisdom, armed with PPR, is ready to answer any questions!

Thecannylady:
Good morning everyone. Please do I need my 6 months bank statement when using a gift deed for my POF or will a statement for just that day do? Also, can my POF be in a bank account that I rarely use..although the account was opened at least 3 years ago. Thanks.