₦airaland Forum

@wellinjay891 "I'd say land where you have people to help you integrate well"

jesusbaby01:
It depends on many factors, I'd say land where you have people to help you integrate well, can't overemphasize that. But if you don't have anyone? look at where your experience is most likely to land you a job asap. I landed in Alberta.. You get health insurance on the same day you land once you register unlike ontario where you have to wait 3 months. Calgary has a good transit system, very pleasant to the eyes except for the Bipolar weather. Edmonton is less expensive, colder than calgary, I believe there are more jobs in Edmonton and more government job opportunities. Now When i landed in calgary I got a job 1 month after. Moved to edmonton and got 2 jobs within 2 months( I still carry my naija cert upandan) I've not done any studies here whatsoever. And if you are concerned about your kids, Children Adapt way faster than adults.

So Read up on both provinces(Ontario and Alberta) then make a decision.

This is so detailed.

Good Job!

Welcome to Calgary

Claire18:
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❤❤❤…

Calvary!!!

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.

XX01:
Hi, I don't have access to my email anymore. Can't even remember the name I used.

Ma'am How are you doing?

Just checking on you!

Hello All.

Happy Sunday.

Hi All,

Landed in Calgary Feb 4th.
PR card status changed to Approved on 20th March 2018.
PR Received 22nd March 2018.

@GlitteringStar Congrats.

Hi All,

Landed in Calgary Feb 4th.
PR card status changed to Approved on 20th March 2018.
PR Received 22nd March 2018.

@GlitteringStar Congrats.

First Calgary Financial Service Orientation for Bankers
Come with your resume
5th Floor 910 7th Avenue SW, Calgary
9am - 1st Session
1pm - 2nd session

Thank you

Haba!

happytbaby:
Dear People of Nairaland,

I have a question that has been bothering me. I have a Bachelor's degree, can I evaluate my marriage certificate to qualify for two or more certificates? Please help a sister.

Cc: GS, Newmum, Smileymum, Mcstan, Cochrane, Ojasope, Einsteino, Ysteph,Bouqoumie, and all other wonderful people here.

**runs and hide, don't blame me please, marriage is harder than a 1-year diploma, I think it should qualify.

Moved on with settlement.

Will send you am mail shortly.

Thank you

Blackbuddy:
Hi, I read your last mail but there was nothing for me to reply Your update then was that you were waiting for feedback from the settlement assistance agency and I'm yet to hear how that went from you. I hope things are moving smoothly.

Hello to everyone.

Had to read over 5 Pages

Una welldone.

@XX01, Welcome, Na my guider be that.

@Blackbuddy...Thanks to you but you didnt reply my last mail.

Thank you

Welcome @Wura27

There was a Job Fair today at Hilton Calgary inn.

The turnout was enormous...Naso i dey see Naija Folks around, Tried to collect Few digits,
We can start the whats app thing.

Cheers

Surprised with turnout,

Wura27:
Landing experience...

Landed on the 12th, came in via local arrivals because I was in America for a couple of weeks before landing. Before I knew it, i saw way out of Calgary airport without seeing Customs or Immigration. Turned back to go to Canada Border Services and the lady was surprised i passed through. I had to explain that I am coming from America and did not enter through International Arrivals. She took my passport/ COPR and came back in 2 mins with it stamped.

Was a bit irritated with the process sha because I did not hear anything like Welcome to Canada etc but then again it was good because I did not have to queue up or wait my turn or answer any questions.

13th & 14th- Got my SIN, Opened bank account, Health card processed....They were all quite straightforward

Weather is manageable if you dress right.

QUEEN OF CALGARY @vcole wasup!

CALGARY PEEPS WASUP? Please what's next? Any upcoming immigration services program in Calgary? Any link up whatsapp group?

Thanks Boss.
Message resent!
Thank you

Blackbuddy:
@daremum, I just checked but not sure I received it. Please resend and I'll respond.

@Blackbuddy

Please i sent you a mail.

Please respond.

Thank you

I have replied your mail sir

Expecting your reply sir.

Thank you

40manlappy:
The real seniors have started answering you

By the way, sent you another PM when I didn't get yours.

cc: salford1, maternal, Blackbuddy, TheCongo2

Thank you @salford1 and @vcole @fortissimo502 @Beeea

salford1:
End of discussion.

Thank you @salford1 and @vcole

salford1:
End of discussion.

Thank you
[quote author=Beeea post=64955409][/quote]

LOL.
Guess we have to go direct to you and all other seniors in the house.

I Arrived Canada in Less than a week, should I consider filing tax for march or not.

There is a huge knowledge gap with Nigerian folks here they seem not to really understand this Tax thing and I heard if I file now there will be some benefits.

Everything sounds strange anyways.

Please advice...
@40manlappy @all seniors

vcole:
not me lol! But google turbotax and it might help.

Please who can help with File tax return education.
You don't have to be so detail.
Just the good and bad of file taxing.
Please help us!

Thanks chief!

Sending you another PM straight up!

Thanks to everyone!

40manlappy:
Congrats on safe landing. Replied your PM but did not get any subsequent response. Wish you the best in the new land

My People.
Landed in Canny Land with my wife.
Below are my ordeal and experiences.

If you are looking for the most corrupted body in Nigeria it should be Nigeria Immigration or everyone that works in that lagos Airport.

They were not ashamed to ask for money...though there are folks looking at them.

Departed MMA @1:40,my wife bag was too big so we had to buy Ghana must go.

Nigeria to Addis was smooth.
Addis to Dublin seem like years.
Dublin to Toronto was okay.

The Border officers didn't check my bag nor ask too much questions?
Only asked for the amount.
Guess they were surprised to see a newly arrived immigrant speak phonetics like them.(Na play I dey play o...b4 una finish me...Na God help me sha)
Toronto to Calgary was okay.

Omo as I comot the airport make I check for the car wey wan carry us.
The cold na gbam...I run comot inside...
Omo this one no be film...
E dey real.
Type this through phone so there might some errors though.

Thanks to God
Thanks to everyone.

Chai...
Presently staying with a family friend at Northwest Calgary.
To me it's nice but lots of private building all over.
Are you saying there is no connected transit in NW?

vcole:
To be honest as a new landed immigrant in Calgary I really wouldn't pick the NW as a first place to settle. It is a lovely area but most areas are largely "suburban" for the lack of a better description. Also transit isn't so great there as the lrt only gets up to a point and you're left with the bus. So the NW closer to downtown is probably better in terms of transit. Also driving means hitting deerfoot or crowchild trail which are the major highways connecting the NW to the south or downtown. This would mean having to deal with traffic if/when there are accidents. Another thing to consider is that most jobs are located downtown or in the south. That being said, the NW is a lovely area

.

AK6464:
Better soup.........


Sombori will come and be complaining of high fees, google UI hostel and see the difference.

Their father, Poverty na bastard

you will get it!

laminaria:
Wait o, how come I haven’t received ITA ?
Man’s already hot here o.
Profile created with 460 overall score on Monday . Do people receive ITA according to their country of residence time zone, kinda confuse o.

Bros Morning sir,

I enjoyed every bit of training with IOM yesterday, my view is different now and am ready to embrace the challenges come what may.

Cant wait to get my MAP today.

Thank you, once again.

Please i sent you a mail.

Thanks

[quote author=40manlappy post=64056328][/quote]

Yes it does.

Bello321:
Hello,

Does anyone know if paid internships after Nysc count towards work experience for Express Entry(FSW)

Thank you

sleekysilk:
Congrats daremum.

Dear All,

PPR:30th November
Passport received:4th Dec
Approved: 28 Dec
COPR received: 08 Jan 18

Thank you

Hello alt3r3g0

Please how do you link your PR card application to your CIC account?

Thank you

alt3r3g0:
I had this same question prior to (short) landing, let me just share my experience and lessons learnt.

When we landed, the officer asked for an addy, i told him i will send it later online but he insisted i gave him one even if it was temporary, that i can change it later within a 3 week period. He also gave me a number to call to do so. The number always directed me to an answering machine that "everyone is busy i should raise a CSE" and then after two weeks of callls, i raised a CSE for me and my spouse (Copy paste same message) to update the address and we both got auto-response mails from cic a few second later.

I linked my PR card application to my cic and got an email when it was approved. A few days later, My wife got an email (her address on the email was the new address) about sending another passport. So i am thinking, since her address was updated, then mine must be updated as well right? WRONG!!

After another two weeks of no pr card, contacted CIC to ask when and what addy they sent my Pr card. Turns out it was the first addy i gave at POE. Anyways, any system with humans will be prone to errors.

So it's best to keep it simple. If you already have someone that can keep it safe for you, just give them that addy right away. I know someone that gave an address with a different province at POE and no issues (This was after my case though).

If you don't have that address, then maybe raise a CSE and request they acknowledge the change of addy.

Then link your PR card so you know in time when things start to go south.

@40manlappy,
I will be attending tomorrow session.
The passports photographs were returned although one was attached to the COPR.

Does it make sense to carry along another one and drop at the airport.

Thank you

40manlappy:
Longest time! How is preparation?

I have a few friends that may be attending....

Dear All,

PPR:30th November
Passport received:4th Dec
Approved: 28 Dec
COPR received: 08 Jan 18

Thank you