You have been given some good advice. I’ll add a few thoughts.

You need to decide if Law is the profession that you want and hence the career path you want to follow. Finishing a Law degree when it’s not your passion is not of much value and applying for a graduate degree in Law might not be worthwhile. I’m addition, getting into a graduate programme in a different field as your undergrad can be very problematic including the visa issues. So you need to decide.

While you decide and perhaps pursue other options, you do not necessarily need to abandon your current programme until you have obtained an admission and a visa. Bear in mind that getting into a good undergrad programme and obtaining a visa isn’t an easy feat either.

itisco:
Hello there, please I'm quite new on here and would like to make enquiry as regards starting off my undergraduate studies in Canada. I plan on sponsoring myself financially. I need to know what are the things to do and things not to do. All the processes involved... I mean how do I go about studying in Canada? I'm presently 19yrs and a 400lv law student in OAU but really want to start all over again. Please I need someone to put me through. Thanks.

Hi,

I dont think at this stage, you should be reluctant to send them email reminders and be as much forceful as needed. You are expected to make such requests when your application have exceeded the usual timeline. 52wks processing time is ridiculous and while you are living your life, such delay in knowing your next "move" is unfair to say the least. I was once in your shoes (11wks) delay and I had a full funding too. I sent emails, twitter to the high commissioner, and also the MP representing the area I was going to. They all responded at varying times and I dont know if it helped my application to be finalized (I received my passport request a week later). Perhaps you should also send a CSE at https://secure.cic.gc.ca/enquiries-renseignements/canada-case-cas-eng.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

I can feel your annoyance. All the best

jnyuwa02:


Thanks for the advice. No man is an island. I could stand to be forceful and I have just done that today, sent another email been more forceful. But to say I am hurting would not be the truth.To say that might even reek desperation to the VO. I have a great life in Nigeria and could build a bright future here too. I am clearly not hurting. Whenever they choose to process me at this point is their business. I am not going to put my life on hold for them so that if it doesn't work out, I become not useful to my country. I want to avoid that pitfall. My hands are on the plough. One with God is majority. Thanks again and wishing all success. I will come here from time to time to answer questions and dole out nuggets of wisdom I was opportuned to learn throughout the process. Cheers!

True, it is left for the applicant to make that decision. However, while you call it exercising some level of caution.........I can’t help but wonder if perhaps it touches more on paranoia.

jnyuwa02:


I will recommend people pursue their TR and PR application separately not simultaneously to avoid stories that touch. In a world where a VO enjoys almost unfettered discretion, so called stated rules and guidelines are themselves subjective to the VO’s interpretation; to their whims and caprice. The onus is truly on the applicant which advice to take. In the proverbial saying of our people, where one dances and is given money, another dances at the same place at his own peril of been beaten black and blue. Thus the need to err on the side of caution.

it is absolutely subjective since there are no objective reasoning behind it. Applications are denied (or not) based on the a mix of different reasons. If there are conflicting crucial information in both applications then it might raise a red-flag. Other than that, there is no reason whatsoever one should delay a valid application based on reasons that are contrary to stated rules and guidelines.

However, the onus is on the applicant to make the decision on whether to delay their application or not and NOT on us making subjective inferences

jnyuwa02:


Different departments handle PR and TR of the same beauracracy. Information that could easily accessed by any of them at the tap of a button. I am glad you had both simultaneously running and it turned out favorable. All cases are not the same. It is a fact, not subjective proposition that one can be bounced for simply filing both applications at the same time. We have experienced at least two of those on this forum. It is better to err on the side of caution by pursuing both applications separately. Just my opinion.

Hey Guys,

I don't think it is necessary to delay your PR application based on subjective assumptions that both applications might be conflicting wrt fulfilling the requirements as a temporary resident. PR applications can be demanding and time consuming, and it is better to use opportunities like valid medicals once. This is especially when the benefits of studying as a PR is significant when compared to TR (access to more funding opportunities, you can work more hours, health insurance, etc). In addition, my understanding is that different departments handle PR and TR applications.

I had my study permit application and PR application submitted at the same time. Both came out favorably.

jnyuwa02:


All the people whose eligibility of review has begun already have a very good chance of hearing from the VO before resumption and very definitely before deadline for registration closes. My concern is for those whose review of eligibility has still not started yet. But then in some cases, review of eligibility has been known to have been started and ended with a decision all within 24hrs. So all hope is not lost for many fall resuming applicants that have filed months ago and still not experienced any shift in their online status.

I would suggest you reapply and perhaps try and submit a more detailed SOP on how another masters will benefit your career trajectory and add value to the one you're about to complete. You should also add in your justification, issues like the dearth of people with apposite qualifications in your field in Africa and how you hope to head home afterwards to help train professionals in your field, etc. When you live outside your "home country" and in your case; as a student, they need to be convinced that the masters is not another ploy to go to another country as your current programme is ending.

Wheyme:
You are quite right, the resumption is near.
Thanks alot, I will try to repackage and put in a new application by the end of the week and ofcourse with necessary documentations.
Do you mind reviewing my SOP please when I have it prepared ?
I will appreciate it if other gurus can also help me with that please. I'll cry out when that time comes tho.
Many thanks @jnyuwa02

tkObserver:


I decided to check out EXPEDIA, dont know if you are familiar with it. My itinerary shows im gonna depart Lagos for Frankfurt via Lufthansa, and from frankfurt to Toronto via AirCanada, and From Toronto to Bridgetown via the same Airline.
Now my brother, i seek your patience and understanding in attending to me. Like i said, i chose barbados becasue of its visa free policy to most countries, at least from online sources, so i could have a travel experience.
Upon browsing the link https://www.expedia.com/Flights-Search?flight-type=on&starDate=05%2F06%2F2018&endDate=05%2F15%2F2018&_xpid=11905%7C1&mode=search&trip=roundtrip&leg1=from%3ALagos%2C+Nigeria+%28LOS-Murtala+Muhammed+Intl.%29%2Cto%3ABridgetown%2C+Barbados+%28BGI-Grantley+Adams+Intl.%29%2Cdeparture%3A05%2F06%2F2018TANYT&leg2=from%3ABridgetown%2C+Barbados+%28BGI-Grantley+Adams+Intl.%29%2Cto%3ALagos%2C+Nigeria+%28LOS-Murtala+Muhammed+Intl.%29%2Cdeparture%3A05%2F15%2F2018TANYT&passengers=children%3A0%2Cadults%3A1%2Cseniors%3A0%2Cinfantinlap%3AY I decided to settle for the first one, being the cheapest ($3,910)
I then had to speak with a colleague who has been travelling and also assisting people to travel. He told me I do not need to get any transit visas to both Germany (frankfurt airport) and Canada (Toronto airport) since i wont be going into the countries.
That transit is useful for those that would be going into town (outside the airport)briefly. He went on to say that there are differnt immigration routes for those waiting for a connecting flights and those who are disembarking and going into frankfurt/canada. He only told me that if i am sure that Barbados only stamp on one's passport uppon arrival, that i have no issue. He went on to say that our own airport officials would not deny me travelling through the point of exit if truly the end destination (Barbados) is visa free to me. That they would only make sure that I have the right tickets. Please, kindly confirm or enlighten me on this as much as you can. This will be my first travel experience. Thank you
will be having 8 hr 5min stop in Frankfurt, and 15hrs 45 mins stop in Toronto. I will only be within the airport for the connecting flight to Bridgetown in Barbados


I am only waiting for confirmation form Barbadian govt to reply my email on the procedure to getting my passport stamped. I just want to be sure it is from there and not from here. IF there's anyone in the house who has traveled to barbados bfore, pls help

Depending on your passport, you may require a transit visa at Frankfurt (FRA) and Toronto. Are you travelling on a Nigerian passport? if yes, you will definitely need transit visas. Do you have a Canadian visa? Then perhaps you may not need a transit visa. There is a clause where FRA states that you can stay in the transit area in Frankfurt/main. This is ambiguous and you shouldn't risk it. My kid brother over the holidays was denied boarding to Frankfurt because he had a US green card and not a visa. For Toronto, do you have a US visa and travelling via a US airport or Canadian visa? If No, you will definitely need a transit visa.

a bit of advise, don't be in a haste to send them a reminder in 2-3 days. This period (Fall) is grant application submission cycle so many professors are very busy. I would suggest perhaps give them a week before sending out reminders. I would avoid calling as much as possible but hey, I would do that if its my last resort.

MichaelsMadison:


This is what I have exactly done. I've sent a couple of messages to some and just once to others. I don't know how getting them on phone will look like. But I will try to send messages again to professors that I have reached once. And maybe wait 2 to 3 days before reaching out to them on phone. Just like you said, something should work.

I have my research interest which I indicated in my statement of interest but I have not really prepared any proposal on them.

Thanks.

Adding a little bit to what @GlitteringStar wrote, Most career opportunities in public health are inter, trans, or multidisciplinary so you will find people with MSc, MPH, MComm, etc, all working within the vast field. In most universities, an MPH and MSc will have a significant research component so some research skills and experience will be needed during application. One thing you will have to determine is the area of specialisation within public health that you find to be of interest.

You do have a competitive CGPA so start doing some research and looking at potential faculty members to approach. I have an MPH and currently do a PhD

GlitteringStar:


Hello Nwakaegoabisola,

*You have a good profile. @Bolded, why do you want to rewrite your IELTS exam? Most Canadian universities do waive English test for Nigerians. You can contact your program advisor for more details.

*Master of Public Health (MPH) is a professional master's degree in public health (course-based) while Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) is more research oriented (research-based). The differences include:

Nature: MPH is a professional degree while MSPH is an academic degree.

Research: In MPH, there is less focus on research while in MSPH, the major focus is on research.

Career opportunities: In MPH, the individual can move on to a career in public policy, administration, education, and so on while in MSPH,the individual can find employment in NGOs, state sector organizations, industries, etc. However, mostly, the careers in MSPH are related to academia.

Note: Students going for research-based programs also have a higher advantage of getting funding than those going for course-based programs.

*A "strong" application includes good GPA (which you have), good SOP, great LOR, and good GRE score (if required).

*To spread your risk, you can apply to 1 or 2 top-ranked schools, 1 or 2 medium-ranked schools and 2 safe schools (low-ranked schools).

I wish you the best!

Hey

I did exactly what you are hoping to do and my PR came out a couple of months ago. I am currently here as a PhD candidate and applied for my PR before arriving. if you calculate your score using the CRS tool and your points are high enough, you should apply asap. considering that you're a self-sponsored student, a PR would do you good (no restrictions on working and studying, lower tuition, ability to take up student loan if needed, provincial medical coverage, etc).

wealth360:
Good day house.

This is my first post here, I have tried to read through earlier pages of this thread, you'll have been doing a great job here.

I need clarification to ascertain if I can apply for EE. Below is my profile:

I am 29 years old and single

I recently got study permit for a two years master's program (Control Systems) at University of Alberta in Canada to commence 5th of September 2017.

I am currently working in a multinational manufacturing company here in Nigeria and recently got an outstanding appraisal report that sees my pay upto NGN 550K monthly.

I have four years experience in the field of Control Systems (Automation Engineer and Instrumentation Engineer in two household name multinational firms).

If I go for the masters I would sponsor myself, and the cost is quite high. But with a PR the cost would drastically reduce.

Now the questions:

Is it possible to start the application for EE entry while I am already in Canada? (As I plan to get my transcript sent to WES before leaving for the masters program)

would you advise based on the experience of those already in Canada, I quit my job for the masters with the hope of securing a PR and good job over there?........CC @Mazuide,Austinpee4,Osemigho, Just wise and the full house. Please my friend needs advice on this.actually he posted it on EE thread. I brought it here for advice

yemdogg:


Lol bro...take am easy. No need to come at me.

I didn't insult him and I think the guy in question and I are cool. I am only stating for the record that we should endeavour to answer questions only when and if we're almost certain of our answers so as not to mislead others. We're all here to help each other. I was extremely constructive in my post. I wasn't condescending....the other post was just on a more relaxed tone with osemigho. Wasn't directed at anyone.

Water under the bridge bros. No need to derail the thread. Your advice taken though. Big bros. Chebe01 baba nla.

lol....I no be big bros. I can say that regarding what you just wrote, certainty is subjective and not absolute. However I feel you and believe no one is THE repository of knowledge. You guys are doing a great job.

be guided

yemdogg:


My brother i tire o. The kind of Information people roll here ehn go fear you.

Guys, he said to the best of his knowledge. That some of the suggestions he made is incorrect isn't enough to say "brother I tire o". Haba, is it not the prerogative of the person asking the question to collect as much info as he can and then do his own research? Don't discourage someone that opted to provide advice by making him look like he is dumb or dubious. Make corrections but don't be condescending or insensitive about it. It is not like your advice is 100% guaranteed to result in a success. Besides he never suggested anything shifty or criminal

My 2 kobo of a contribution...... I believe every nation has every right to "protect" its interests no matter how ludicrous others or even some of its citizens might view some enacted polices. For instance, African nations predominantly consider same sex rights to be a violation of their traditional and moral beliefs. That is fine, the US have their own worries and they're pursuing avenues to redress what they may perceive to be a threat. Whether it is immigrants, refugees, terrorist (home-grown and foreign), far right extremists, etc, countries must do what works best for them.

Arguably, radicalism and terrorism has been identified as a major treat and associated factor for global terror and the Muslim faith has been used to propagate such acts predominantly. I do not believe Trump's new policy is a ban on Muslims but a move to check the inflow of immigrants and refugees from countries that has been identified to have active terrorist organisations. Whether it'll make the US safer is a different argument and I believe it will create many social, academic, and developmental problems in the short run. I cant talk about the long run effects.

I am a christian that have lived in 3 different countries outside Nigeria and I have experienced xenophobia and racism but many times, I do understand some of the causes of these social vices no matter how many people exploit it.

As an example. If as a Christian farmer, your crops have been destroyed on many occasions by your neighbour's animals or herdsmen (no matter where they're from), you can either pray that God provide for you or you find ways to address the cause of the problem in my opinion.

look at what is happening in Europe. It is mind boggling that in the UK, immigrants and refugees and their descendants have now taken over suburbs, driven locals away and are arrogant about it. This has a religious undertone by the way. Or what has happened in France, Belgium, Germany, etc. If I was a president, I will definitely revisit the policies on immigration with the aim to adjust it to encourage more scrutiny.

I am not a Trump fan by the way cos imo he doesn't have the personality or demeanor of a leader but I cant fault some of his policies.

thesoj:
I'm not painting you as black. Your commentary was self-explanatory; you blamed refugees and lauded Trump in the same vein. You are welcome to reverse your position, however.

Your comment that there's increased terrorism in host countries is completely false. No refugee has ever committed a terrorist attack in the US, and this specific attack in Quebec was not by refugees which is contrary to what your commentary clearly infers. But even if it were, so we should blame all refugees and deny them all any compassion? If this should be the case, then you should be ok with the US or Canada or the EU banning all Nigerian citizens (due to Boko Haram) from entry?

Anyways, I'm derailing the thread now. I just think this is pertinent because it is hypocritical to seek help on this thread yet make claims that infer that people who need much more help than you should be shunned.

Hey guys -been a while. Can see we all are making progress.

I may have information on a potential RA position in health economics/public health that can be used as a masters dissertation component. The ideal candidate should have some experience in health research and statistical analyses.

Wishing everyone the very best

.

emma4eva:
i will keep asking till someone helps me out.. gurus abeg

Hi - Upload the medical confirmation letter/Form that was issued to you by the hospital when you did your initial medical. That was what I did when I re-used my medicals.

Eraytee:

Congrats bro, was it pgc/pgd or masters? Pls kindly share ur profile

Applied to go for a PhD. Applied from South Africa tho

cayordey007:
Wow! Congrats....when is your program supposed to start?

Thanks. Fall semester lectures start on the 8th of Sept

Application approved and close. I just received my correspondence letter. WHEW! My application took 16 weeks and 2 days before approval

Carter001:


Let me b d 1st to say CONGRATULATIONS.......

Thanks man. It has been a roller-coaster of emotions to say the least

just received my passport request. WHEW!!!

dessy8:
Someone once mentioned a guy not being able to get a job in Canada a year after graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering..while i quite agree with some points you raised, albeit there are challenges of job everywhere in the world..In Alberta, alot of folks have lost their jobs due to the crash in oil price and all that...but that doesnt make it a general thing in the whole of Canada...different strokes for different people..

You are right. Everyone has a different experience. I used the example to show that even South African nationals are having it hard. A look at the statistics will show you that unemployment rates in the country are disproportionately on the increase. SA is a beautiful country and might provide you with opportunists depending on what you want

dessy8:
SA, GERMANY, ITALY...this are other options to consider.....just Heard from a south african that just having a National certificate in Engineering alone(SA qualification) is a big thing in SA.not to talk of BEng,MEng OR Phd....Secondly a high school classmate of mine currently on full scholarship doing his Phd in capetown attested to this same fact...he said many major multinational companies recruit students even before they graduate, companies like PetroSA, Chevron SA and a host of other companies..The reason is cos most South Africans dont like studying these Eng courses..He also told me the govt spends huge sums bringing in people from outside SA to take up this jobs...This info is not for everybody though..its just to serve as an alternative route for those who might not know about such routes..Cos for most peeps here its either Canada or nothing...Remember south african companies have very good remuneration packages..take a look at the companies here in Naija..SABmiller, MTN, Mnet.their conditions of service is similar with other multi-nationals.....to mention a few......SA may not be Canada,,but its a thousand times way ahead of naija...the fact that a typical south african doesnt like travelling out of SA even though his passport can allow him assess to alot of countries attests to this fact..

So my brethren,,while we keep waiting for the almighty trv, lets keep our eyes and ears open to other options..God will surely bless our hustle

Hey guys – my little advice.

@NonelikeGod about PhDs. As an academic terminal degree, it should be linked to your previous degrees and work experience. PhDs are quite demanding from what I’ve observed especially in North America where it can take 4-6 years with a mix of coursework and research. So I don’t think it should be considered as a means to a PR but as a tool that’ll enhance your career growth and help you establish yourself in your specialization. You can get admitted with showing that you considerably have what it takes both academically and perhaps through your research activity and work experience.I can chip in if you have specific questions on the processes involved

@dessy8 I can also weigh in on studying/working in South Africa and Germany. I did one of my masters’ degree in SA and I am currently a faculty member in a university here in SA. Firstly, obtaining funding for your studies has become extremely competitive and having a PR or being a citizen is becoming much needed to become eligible. This is coupled with the “fees must fall” protests earlier on this year which has dwindled revenue opportunities for universities here. Do you know that universities are now encouraging early retirement as a cost reduction strategy in SA? That goes to show how bad things are getting. SA is currently going through economic problems jobs are not readily available as you may think. Did you read about the Chemical Engineering graduate that was looking for a job for so long that she made a placard and stood at traffic stops soliciting for employment? That is one of the many examples of how hard things are getting here. Also, if you’re planning to specialize in natural sciences like physics and astronomy or aeronautics, the job market is very sensitive and only open to citizens.
About Germany, I was admitted to University of Heidelberg for a PhD. Yes, German public universities are tuition free. Your best bet for funding would be DAAD which would give you 1000 euros per month as living expenses (it has become very competitive now). You can work for 120 full days in a year but the major barrier is language so your best bet would be to work within the university which is dependent on your supervisor etc. Also if your German is good, you can apply to other funding bodies. Working after graduation isn’t easy too largely because of language barriers and employment rules.

Finally, bear in mind that heading to North America with a PhD degree from Germany (and SA) for instance, you’ll have to entertain the debate of which programme is recognised and at par. German (and SA) PhDs like European PhDs are 3 years while in North America it ranges between 4-6 years.

Canadian Social system is top-notch, their education very good BUT their immigration and visa processes are ridiculous IMO

Arcayo:

They should update the processing time tomorrow, he should just wait and see the latest date first cos it might go up or come down,then he can decide.

Good idea too

Godwinmycase:

Very wrong advice....Please dont do that. As far as its not wrong you raise a CSE.. You dont say URGENT..shows u r desperate...I raised CSE just 3 days after mine exceeded processing time and even sent a mail to Accra..But i feel you should relax this week. I have a feeling they will treat alot of apps ds week.

The way I see it, its quite simple......If there is a delay and you feel it should be expedited, there is no reason not to title your CSE or email with "URGENT Attention needed". That is exactly what I did hence my suggestion. They responded with a call and an email with specific update of my application. IMO, I do not consider it an act of desperation. If an application is delayed, it is delayed. The early you know why, the better you can plan ahead. That is not desperation I believe

michV:
@yemdogg and my concerned love ones, my app clocked 12weeks today and in reference to the updated new processing time on CIC website at 2nd August is 12weeks.please i need contributions on what to do to know if it correlates with my intention for further steps or should i wait?
Thanks

I would suggest you send the CSE now with an "URGENT" title. The earlier they receive it, the better IMO. I dont think it will count against you considering that time no dey again

Perhaps they dont have Canadian High Commission open days in Nigeria? Would've been the perfect opportunity to get a face-to-face feedback about an application.......I was at the open day today in Pretoria and they reconfirmed what I was told via email last week; "my application is with an officer for review"........whatever that means

Please be advised that your application for a study permit in Canada is with an officer for review. You will be contacted once the review is complete or if the officer requires further information"
..................................What do you guys think? currently under review or queued up for review? Also missed a call that I'm guessing is from them (tried to call back but I couldnt connect)

"Please be advised that your application for a study permit in Canada is with an officer for review. You will be contacted once the review is complete or if the officer requires further information"
..................................What do you guys think? currently under review or queued up for review? Also missed a call that I'm guessing is from them (tried to call back but it cant connect)

penitential:
I will like to tell you that the fact that u did not submit a S.O.P and you got your TRV does not mean that any other person should not submit. There is someone on this thread who got denied on the fact that he didn't added the statement of purpose and was later denied on "purpose of visit" so please don't discourage people from writing their S.O.P. there are so many things that your S.O.P can contain(not only the reason for choosing the proposed course of study). No offense meant please and please am not out here to attack anyone. Just my own opinion.

On the contrary @penitential, @uchethalial101 is very correct in my opinion. An LOE should be used to explain any complications or discrepancies in someone's application. An SOP on the other hand should explain your "statement of purpose" and here you can tell your story if need be. From my understanding, @uchethalial101 is not discouraging anyone from using either or both forms of letter but is contributing an observation so that people would not muddle the two up. If there are fields within the application form which give one an opportunity to state his purpose of application, why then should one write another SOP?

[quote author=phrancisco post=47750069][/quote]

His message reads that his application "has been" processed. That is different from the usual update from vfs. No?

princeade09:


My bro, I no know why u dey want kill urself, you were supposed to receive this message on the same day you submitted your application but due to technical issue and vfs trying to do some maintainance of the site, many did not receive it but since you were given a receipt after the submission of your application, your tracking details were written there so you could track it. No update on your your profile but still the vfs site says "your passport is been processed in our office accra" calm down you will receive update soon, many people are experiencing this as in, a friend of mine and I are experiencing this so calm down, God is in action

Perhaps "is been" and "has been" have different meaning?