₦airaland Forum

;Dits real. But you don't need Colin Singer...Its all DIY

ify2016:
Please, how real is this mail I got.



Dear Seyi.........;

Thank you for submitting your Immigration Assessment Questionnaire on the Canadian Citizenship & Immigration Resource Center (CCIRC) website
www.immigration.ca.

My name is Colin R. Singer, Managing Partner of www.immigration.ca. I am a licensed Canadian Lawyer for the past 25+ years, approved by
the Government of Canada to represent your interests. You may verify my standing from the following:

https://www.barreau.qc.ca/en/directory-lawyers/#!/detail/c5-a75fK-g1r7Laa-lI6_K9St93M3vqrXFY6Qc1NdI0

I am also an international acclaimed Canadian immigration lawyer featured on Wikipedia, the largest and most-popular independent reference
tool on the Internet.

I have carefully reviewed the information you provided and I note that you have excellent work experience and educational background which
is transferable to Canada.

On the basis of these and other factors, you are an ideal candidate to apply for our Canada Priority Residence program. We also offer a
conditional FULL MONEY BACK REFUND policy

Its not an issue.
If it is, you will get a mail.

padix:
Hello.

I am Over 5 months post aor, and I just realised a small error when I filled my EE.
I entered 50hrs as my hours worked per week instead of 45 hrs as stated on the reference letter I submitted.
I entered 50hrs because I didn’t deduct my hourly break per week.

I hope this won’t be a problem.

Use the price filter. You will even see for $30

Baby88:
Good day all. Pls I need link on how to book airbnb. The prices am seeing are quiet high. Preferably Calgary sw
Prices from 35 to 50 cad. Pls help a friend.

Exactly! Forgot to mention

MummyJaygirls:
Best to get ur appliances in Canada, unless u have power to do stepdown and all

Go to FRSC office...write a letter...
More info is somewhere in page one, with a sample letter

Dame91:
What's the process for this FRSC extract. I'm coming to Calgary from Lagos next month

If its a favorite item, check the weight including the packaging, the cost per kg...then compare with a similar one here using amazon.ca, bestbuy or Walmart. Generally, the kitchens here are fully fitted which includes a functional fridge and cooker oven. The items are affordable once you begin to earn CAD, n stop using naija calculator in your head like me. I came with pots cos I had it as a gift n was still unused. Avoid anything that can break in the cargo. #myopinion

egobetatoday:
Pls Claire18, do you think it's advisable to cargo rice cooker,deep fryer,halogen oven and all those other kitchen appliances I already have to CND?

Welcome to Calgary! Wintered Summer!

Utonne:
Sharing my landing gist. Trip was for Fri Aug 9, Got to Airport 7pm. There and had me sign off. It was quite cold and i was freezing. In August? Wow.
It was a good trip. Thankful to be here. My journey has come full circle. Praise be to God.

Thank you
Safe trip!

Onetwo77:
No, UK sorry ma

I had intended to actually bring a 19' TV cos it was also a monitor for my workstation. Eventually, I sold the workstation, and had a persistent buyer for the TV. The plan was to come with it in our luggage box. But, if its way bigger n you are considering cargo...I will advice to remove all sentiments n leave it Naija. Its also affordable here too. Who knows...U might be blessed with a TV in the apartment you move to.. Like me

timmiezone:
Hello guys, Has anyone ever shipped a TV to Canada via cargo? Is it advisable (hoping handling won't render it useless). I am considering taking a TV with me. The electrical rating isn't an issue as the TV is between 100-240 volts.

Would like opinions.

Thanks.

Please, its better to buy in Canada if you are buying at that price. You will see good ones @ $30,40 in thrift stores, n new ones from $60 up in clearance sales. I bought few from Lagos from 1500 to 2500, n using it ow cos summer av go .

Jbelieve:
Please for those of you that bought winter jackets in wuse market. How much did you buy them and where. The contact I got on the sister thread is selling at 15k and 25k per jacket.

Are you coming from Lagos or Abuja, please need help with my FRSC Extract. I am in Calgary.

Onetwo77:
Landing in Calgary next week ��

Welcome!!!

wyzoe:
Flight/Landing
Prior to the day, she insisted I shave my beard (something that broke my heart grin ). I told her it would make me look different from my passport and she said I didn't have to remove everything but she wanted it extremely low (which is practically everything).

Anyway I did so and I look horrible now grin

If I remember anything else, I'll edit and add. The trip was relatively uneventful.

Welcome to Calgary! Fall awaits you!

Hephgirl:
PART 3

SAT HI TO THE LATEST PR
IT'S A LONG READ... BRACE YOURSELF.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE IGNORE THE TYPOS

https://www.amazon.com/CKITZE-BA-5-3P-Grounded-Universal-Adapter/dp/B00A17I2RU

Its now $8

Claire18:
I user the app, and signed up for prime. Its one month free shipping, after that $8 per month.
Please see attached a screenshot. You can type the description I the search bar.
I hope this helps.

I had put a 2day reminder sharply! ;DThanks!

19CannyMum:
Don't forget to unsubscribe from prime before the one month free trial runs out.

Except you actually want to subscribe for prime.

I user the app, and signed up for prime. Its one month free shipping, after that $8 per month.
Please see attached a screenshot. You can type the description I the search bar.
I hope this helps.

Orange1234:
Hello Claire18, please can you paste the amazon link of the adaptor. Thanks.

If its not PMP routes, you can stay anywhere. Trust me, staying with your sister for even 1 week will save you money. You can apply for jobs from there

Blooit004:
Is it advisable to land in missisauga Ontario and stay temporarily with my younger sister and her family before getting my own accommodation and job, or I should go to a countryside...(say saskoon) to hustle and forge my own part without knowing anyone there yet? I'm a single 30year old health professional, will appreciate your advice.

Amen!

SimpleDimples:
Wow. What an interesting post. God bless you abundantly in your new home.

Avoid as much as possible. If found on you, you will be fined more than the price if the milk.

Kenny4real68:
Nice one!
Please kindly throw more light, I just saw where you wrote that you were asked if you have milk and you said no. Does that mean both liquid and powered milk isn’t allowed?
I am asking because my friend told me t come along with my powered peak milk because it’s very expensive over their.
Thanks

...So, Our online stores have a lot to learn o. I decided to use amazon to buy the adapters @ 3 for $10 which was a very good deal. I ordered it last night. It arrived this morning with other items. I was dumbfound. They sent me a mail as evidence of delivery.....as I didn't sign on delivery

hayor2014:
. Hmmmm...Ijebu man like me, a friend gave me one, we were managing that one and I went to AliExpress to buy 4 more, now it's in every corner of the house

One thing for sure is to check your power pack head, n phkne charger head. Luckily, my lp n phone charger is the recommended "head", while my husband's isn't. That's how we have been looking. The adapter we saw was $30, I couldn't believe the price I was told.
See pix below for those yet to come, or have forgotten to pack it.

mercy2019:
Hello House, please what type of medications are not allowed into Canada?

Do I need to get Doctor's prescription for my medication?

I have gotten lonart, fansidar, flagyl, antibiotics, piriton, loratidine, paracetamol, eye drop, fungi cream, tetracycline and high blood pressure medication.

Will be landing next week by God's grace
No room for mistake

Thank you

JVS is applicable to Ontario folks!
Bridging courses in Alberta .http://architecture.athabascau.ca/programs/cacb/
That's after registering for CACB

CanadianNaija:
Someone here was asking about how architects can integrate since they are a regulated profession...There's a bridging program for you guys, see link below.

https://www.jvstoronto.org/find-a-job/newcomer-employment-services/

Amen! Thank you for your wishes!

Natalie27:
My face literally when I see Landing gist and yours is so detailed ...

Thank God for journey mercies and i wish you all the best ....

You are welcome.

Bracha:
Thank you so much for this detailed explanation.

I came in with ogbono n egusi ungrinded. The grinded one reduces its flavour n potency, esp for Ogbono. There will surely be a grinder for it. Both mechanical and electric. Then, my Ogiri was in white plastic cups that look like Relaxer I couldn't transfer to a transparent one cos it could sour. I just labelled it "Fermented oil seeds. Then also put a tag " Flavouring" just in case an officer opens it and thinks its rotten. If possible, put all in transparent cups and bags.

Bracha:
Hello,

Thank you so much for your landing gist, I found the tips and the pictures really helpful.

I have some questions for you, please indulge me as I be jjc lol

Did you travel with Egusi, Ogbọlọ, dawadawa/ògiri opeyi?

If you did, did you grind them here before going?

If you didn't grind them here, how do you intend doing so there? Are there blenders that can do the job as well as the grinders we use here?

Thanks.

Its so weird having 9pm look like 4pm in the evening. Truly, its a weird weather but surely more pleasant than winter. I have noted your points on the credit cards. Truly, if not for credit history, I love to spend what I have in my account. That winter jacket one is very important...

4Barr:
Welcome to Calgary; hope you are loving the blue skies already.

On the credit card issue, I want to disabuse your mind about strictly sticking with banks, it totally depends on your preferences and the best thing is to do your research properly and roll with the one that most suits your needs. For example, the Scotiabank Scene card allows you to accumulate points and get free movies just by using your card for things you were going to buy anyways, Canadian Tire Bank MasterCard also has CT money which you get when you use your card and you can redeem to buy stuff at Canadian Tire, SportChek, Atmosphere and other participating locations. It also offers you the opportunity to buy items (that are little bit on the high side which may cause a dent on your bi-weekly paycheck or pof) and pay for them for a period of 12months. Say you need to buy a good winter jacket, instead of paying 200 CAD today, you can spread your payments for up to 12months with no fee or interest…just the same amount. It also offers road side assistance which comes in handy when you get a car and also LDW for Car rentals at no extra cost. Other cards can also get you travel points/air miles redeemable for travels and hotels. Most regular bank cards won’t give you these options except for the high-end ones, so it all comes down to what you really consider as valuable to you eh!

Towards the food court, just before you enter to board. The rates are on the screens in their office

Orange1234:
@Claire18 Wow. That was a fair rate. Please do you remember the specific BDC you used because I think there are quite a few Bureau De change at MMIA.


Landing gist
No queue at all. Please come early as much as possible, cos just 30 mins after, the queue I saw was scary. W used the remaining time to eat our last naija meal for now. Meanwhile, I was able to change naira to CAD easily at the BCD @ N285 which wasn’t bad instead of stressing with USD. 350CAD = N99,750. I withdrew 100k from an atm closeby n case closed. That was enough for holding.

Landing gist

So our trip ( I and my Husband) was booked 100 days before…now it was the d-day July 17th 2019. We had intentions to cargo, then later changed our minds to go with 4 boxes 23kg, by the time I had packed in the foodstuffs, I was 3 boxes full, with the 4th box half full with foodstuffs.� I had to let go of the foods and pack some clothes, shoes, mini blanket, personal care items etc. I used the generic some list provided on the tread then added other foodstuffs that I love as an Oriaku. Ugba, Abacha, Ogiri, Ukwa etc . The Ukwa weight no b small, I had two bags, had to forfeit one and schedule for Cargo. I learnt that my Cargo can come much later, even after 3 months, so far the invoice was stamped. This made sense, cos I didn’t seem to understand how I will be carrying so much luggage to an Airbnb. Whilst packing, I had bought 2 cargo long sacks, and was putting clothes n sweaters that would be sent via cargo later in it.

Wednesday JULY 17th
We virtually didn’t sleep the night before as I began last minute packing.� That was when I knew that 23kg is so minute. We had the normal glass body scale. The idea was to weigh you, then carry the suitcase, then subtract. Of course, it was my Husband that did all the macho work. The scale records each measurement also, so a single person can do solo. Also, I was getting an Airbnb same time.
Ethiopia Flight was for 1:40pm, My parents showed up around past 8. Left in a hurry at around 9am. It was an hour drive. Got in 10:10am, We had 4 checked-in suitcases, 2 hand luggage, 2 schoolbags (laptops in it) and of course my hand bag. The airport scanner at the entrance stopped 2 food boxes, my Mum n I went to understand whatsup. A lady asked my to put the box on the platform n open it, asking me the contents. I told her foodstuffs, they looked up n saw my mum, n asked if its Mama that has the box…My Mum said its hers…They allowed me to go o. And said if I was asked, I should say its clothes….I didn’t know how I can lie that kian lie, cos the moment u open my box eh, the soup smell u will get is enough convincing. My Mum just rogered the woman some change that surprised the Woman,,@N400 n said she was coming back. So luckily, that how I escaped the Agric people�…weighed the luggage, all on point, within the range. 22, 23.5, 24, 23.7….good to go! No queue at all. Please come early as much as possible, cos just 30 mins after, the queue I saw was scary. W used the remaining time to eat our last naija meal for now. Meanwhile, I was able to change naira to CAD easily at the BCD @ N285 which wasn’t bad instead of stressing with USD. 350CAD = N99,750. I withdrew 100k from an atm closeby n case closed. That was enough for holding. Took pictures n said goodbyes. My brother inlaws called us to wait for them before we get in to board. My Parents were in full disagreement n told us to start going as the attendant had told us 12pm boarding. It was 12:15pm. We asked the boarding officials if we can see my inlaws..he said we should note the boarding time on out tickets; 12:55pm. So we kukuma waited n took pictures when they came, We had to go outside cos it was a large convoy. 12:40…ran back in to board. Little did we know the journey to the plane was long n had its own process. At some point we started jogging, to meet up with 12:55 at the gate. I gave all my nairas to my Mum before boarding, so nothing for the glorified askers. We made it!!!! We won’t be doing this kian James Bond anytime soon. My Sis had slightly missed her flight to US, n had to pay more money for another flight, that wasn’t an option for us ooo. Food was okay to me, inflight entertainment was okay. Just that both flights didn’t have enough leg room. I made a friend on the second leg: Ethiopian to Toronto, she sat beside me with her handsome baby boy, that never cried all through the trip! Somehow, we were all headed to Calgary.

Thursday JULY 18th
Arrived Toronto, Immigration was super slow…normal questions asked. Then proceeded to baggage claim, then went to customs (CBSA) to let them know I have goods to follow. I tried to print the goods to follow @ our airport they told me 1k per sheet….I thanked them n walked away. I just wrote the list on a normal jotter, the official transferred it to a form n asked me to write the CAD value, n that was all. I categorized it in sections …Food items CAD000, Clothing and Shoes…, Personal Care Items….. Books….Tools…. You don’t need to spell out the individual item. I noticed a large scanner beside the official as another official was scanning a traveler. I just prayed to avoid being searched; I had 2 pepsi bottles of Palm oil. I didn’t freeze it; advice from an aunt in Immigration. That NDLEA guys might assume I have drugs in it. So I asked for directions to Air Canada from the CBSA official, n he pointed to a door, that was how I told him thank you n zoomed out of the baggage search area.
Air Canada stressed me no b SMALL. They couldn’t see my booking. I had arrived around past 8 n had given enough time for Calgary @11am. I didn’t have a address, and I didn’t want to use a FRIEND’s, so the CBSA officer gave me a form to update my address n fax or mail back. My Friend in Edmonton, that used a friend’s address has to update her address, everywhere she had filled in her friend’s place. The CBSA officer was done with me @ 10am. With all my rush, We missed the flight. I kept going up n down, from counter 6, to counter 2 n back. Decided to separate queues. My Husband stayed on the queue for boarding, while I stayed on a queue for tickets. The next flight available was for 8:45pm! Mba Mba, I no gree o. But I took it anyways, n quickly met my husband at the tip of the queue. I smiled to the attendant n asked her to book us down for standby. Our luggages were tagged n weighed. She gave us a 12:40pm ticket! And we still sat side by side. Flight was tiring, another 4 hours ..even though on the ticket, It appears to be 2 hours. That’s the queer thing about time difference. We just took the free drinks, then water. Already knew that food wasn’t free. We arrived Calgary, n waited for our baggages. Got tired n decided to go to the Baggage inquiry with our luggage tags. Unfortunately, our checked –in luggages didn’t get d memo on time, was coming with the 8:45pm flight. We were told to expect it tomorrow, n I dropped our Airbnb address and a friend’s number as phone contact. I noticed my airtel lost signal since. The delivery was totally free.
It really good to know someone on ground o, cos navigation isn’t easy at all especially if its your first time like me n hubby. My Husband’s cousin had referred us to a family friend that can help out. This guy was just an ANGEL! He picked us up from the airport, took us to an Indian restaurant, we ate real food! Then drove us to our Airbnb. That was when we knew the place was far from Calgary. I had used a price range for Calgary, somehow, didn’t know how I scrolled past n landed in Didsbury(45 mins private drive from Downtown) @ $100 for 3 nights. Luckily, it wasn’t a month booking. The area is a lil town with a massive green area. The wind was cold whilst still sunny. Weird!

Thursday to Sunday JULY 18th to 21st
The Airbnb in Didsbury was a basement suite with a private bathroom. The room was cold even with the heaters. The Host was nice, We kept missing each other, but she put notes to every important thing like coffee, pancakes/bagels n Netflix. She even said she had made spaghetti whilst we slept, to grab some n eat…O boy, that one, no thank you. Our luggage arrived the next day, they had called our friend, who then called us via WhatsApp to get the door. It was raining n the cold was crazy! I ran back inside even with my sweater on n allowed my Husband to carry the boxes in. We survived on fried ukwa and groundnuts. Our Host was a Board game master. She has about 107 games, we played a lil before we left on Sunday.
Our friend still insisted on picking us up!� We were so happy cos our Host told me that she doubts about getting an get an Uber in the area. So he did come, long drive back to town, we had an appointment with a landlord, went very well. We signed the lease, to begin Aug 1. Meanwhile, we weren’t sure of when we could move in, we were told a week after, so the new Airbnb was 6 nights @ $146. Right now, might have to get another Airbnb till month end which is 4 nights, unless the tenant leaves this weekend. We went grocery shopping for some snacks n toiletries at a Superstore nearby. He took us to his house, had a joyous dinner of Jollof Rice, Turkey n Salad. His beautiful wife even arranged a take away pack on our way. That was breakfast the next day.

Sunday 21st to date
[b][/b]Our Host is from Georgia and has few Naija friends. He is a friendly fellow n very chatty. He was happy to have us around. The room here was warmer and on a top floor. We slept well without a blanket.
[/b]
[b]Monday was our first experience using the Calgary Transit to down town. Bus was $3.40. I put in $10, expecting change….that was when it hit me…No change in the transit. The $3.20 pained me cos I felt duped. Wasn’t going to make the same mistake coming back. We got to Service Canada for our SIN, then walked to CCIS, wasn’t funny. We first walked to 11th Ave SE, then figured it was SW, had to walk backwards, then beyond. We opened a new file there, n was briefed on our entitlements n packages. Was scheduled for an Employment counselling for next week. We couldn’t do our health cards (1138) Locating 1138 from 1111 wasn’t easy, no one to ask, everyone says goggle it. Unfortunately, we hadn’t gotten new sim cards, so we did it the hard way. Walked back up to where we knew and saw the 302 bus logo (6th Ave) to get a bus back to the Airbnb. The yams on my legs grew an inch thicker that day.

Tuesday was better…was scheduled for sim card and bank opening. We checked google map, It was a straight walk…TD, Freedom, then RBC for 20mins. So we chose to walk n gist. Pedestrians are the bosses here, we learnt that one on Monday, downtown. The cars will stop for you even before you consider crossing the road. It was around past 12pm, We were booked for a 4pm appointment @TD, so headed to Freedom Mobile. We chose Freedom mobile, paid $74 for sim card, data package n tax, subsequently, next 11 months will be charged @ $50 for 14gigs. You get this discount only in store n when you register a debit or credit card. The cashier used his credit card digits, while we paid him cash. You can check online for the compatibility of your phone with the network. I chose RBC, while my hubby chose TD. We wanted a variety of option. So, always opt for the Newcomers account for the discounts.
RBC offered unlimited everything for 1 year… then $10.95 per month on the chequing account. Also opened a savings account with no charge at all. Debit card to arrive later. Got a void cheque for my future employer as well as the direct deposit for the GST. Opened a USD account, and did a $100 bill deposit to test run it. I can toss the USD to the CAD account easily within the app and online banking.
TD offered less, no transaction charge for 6 months…then $15.95 monthly or downgrade to a package of $3.95 or $10.95 per month which is limited to just 12/25 transactions per month. Got a debit card immediately. Also opened a USD account with no charges too. A credit card of $500 will be available in 2 weeks. Its just good to have it to build credit history, avoid getting higher limits that tempt o. Please ask for clarification whilst opening the accounts, they have all the time to listen, its their work ni.
Do research before choosing, cos the process is not like ours in Naija, there are other banks to choose from, whichever works for you. Best Advice is to avoid credit cards from malls like Walmart, Canadian tyres etc. I have heard it from 3 different folks. Stick to banks alone.

Wednesday, around 1am woke up early, as I had fallen asleep after the walks around 6pm. Decided to write my experience so far. I will post the GST application to Winnipeg (to receive $70 every 3 months), and send my house address to CBSA via fax (Cargo Update). So, we have anunderstanding with the Landlord (Lady)…Onye Anambra, will try n transfer the rent n DD today, as we have set up bank accounts. I will also pick up my sim today or tomorrow…another $73 and wait for a phone ordered from kijiji.ca. The one we used yesterday (HUAWEI) is slightly compatible (data n text only). With the number gotten, we were able to add it in our bank opening accounts. These first days are cash intensive…so be ready. The update of Resumes begins today, as we have mobile numbers n home address now. Lemme try n sleep back. Everyday is a journey. Hoping for the Best!... love from Calgary❤❤❤…

I have also been trying to reach him since this week. I just had to send the mail using @blackbuddy format, and authorizing a friend in Abuja to pick it. I hope I get a quick response.

Oakville19:
Hello House has anybody processed FRSC extract recently, Mr. Sule not picking. Also does anyone have an idea where the FRSC office for processing it in Abuja is.

@bolded....I can relate!

Ifeoma77:
Yayyyyy welcome home!!
I totally agree on the hand luggage thing. Part of the repacking involved buying the smallest GMG and putting my overnight bag in it along with some shoes so I had two hand luggages and a handbag (this was done on the advice of the ET staff).
In ADD, the handle of the gmg ripped off. I reattached the overnight bag to the carry-on luggage and then bought a backpack in the airport for 96USD
I'[b]ve kuku dashed the bag out because every time I see it, I get chest pain ;[/b]D