₦airaland Forum

tobilino P:
i learnt that one of Nigeria's foremost airlines Aerocontractors now sell their in- flight refreshment , this was formerly given without charge once u have purchased your ticket. i consider this to be ridiculous.

Why? Cos they do not give you a glass of juice and buscuit for free on a 1hr flight? Does Ekene Dili Chukwu give you pounded yam and egusi, complimentary on their 12hr bus rides?

Truth is, the airline business is pretty tight at the moment and airlines are struggling to fill up their planes. They end up having to slash prices to be competitive; hence, they'd have to cut costs in one way or the other. You have to buy our meals for flights less than 4hrs in the US. Do I like it? No but it's what you get when you pay $50 for a ticket. If you want your complimentary snacks, feel free to buy the full ticket. In the US, some airlines charge you for every bag checked in; that's how ridiculous things are but that's the way things are!

olaoluwa13:
hello tipsy , how was everything overthere in canada, please i want you to help me confirm one agricultural college in nova scotia,they ask me to pay application feess, and deposit of 300cd, but i dont have credit card to pay . raheem_usman@yahoo.com/08060926251

What exactly do you want to confirm? There's an agricultural college in NS and most institutions take CC. Most of the time, you'd have to make a non-refundable deposit to secure a seat; the deposit is then applied to your tuition fees.

beknown:
Relocating from USA to Dubai is not an easy decision. But be very careful.

If you are a muslim, you will cope better than a Christian. Muslim tradition exist in Dubai. My friend went to Dubai from London for their honeymoon. He could not even hold his wife hand in public because of Islamic tradition.

If you are going to Dubai for the money alone, you need to do more research about your children private school fees. Generally, Dubai was known for luxurious holiday.

If you want to make money in Dubai, you must keep away from luxury. Things are expensive.

There is economic meltdown in Dubai now. Read the following articles:

Dubai firms' ratings cut to junk by Standard & Poor's:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8392803.stm

Dubai backed by UAE president as markets fall again:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8387710.stm

What is Dubai and who runs it?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8382275.stm

What spoilt the party in Dubai?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8382935.stm

Views from Dubai: 'The end of the dream' - Riches to rags story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8381363.stm

Geezl you aint the first person mentioning the economic meltdown as if it was a secret. His coy is relocating him from the US, which means he is not going to look for a job, nada. Infact, he may probably be compensated alot more cos of the move. So I do not know how the economic melt down affects him; infact, methinks it might even help him cos since business is slow in Dubai, with a guaranteed income, he would have a better bargaining power. However, he has to think of other things since he is a family man (school for his children, housing, etc), hence he seeks for advice.

And for the nonsense you posted about your friend going to Dubai and not able to hold his wife, you need to put things in context. Perhaps they travelled during the ramadan fasting period? I dunno. I havent been to Dubai during that period but I have been to Dubai with my wife in periods other than the fasting period and I had no problems holding her hand, playing on the beach, etc. The society is even more open than what you'd find in Nigeria; and our Nigerian sisters have no problem prostituting the streets of Dubai. This is the least of his problems. Nigerian Doctors migrate to Saudi (which is a relatively closed society) to practice cos of the money and they have no problem doing that cos after the pros and cons, the money makes more sense at that time. Everyone's situation is different. I dunno where you guys get your info from but I'd urge the poster to take advice from this forum with a huge bag of salt. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm sure your coy has relocated people in the past. You may be better off trying to get 1st hand info from your colleagues and your coy. Goodluck.

johnkent:
i dont understand why you guys think that immigrations in Nigeria will give her a hard time. I dont think so. I know its Nigeria but trust me, they wont really do anything to her. The issue here that i can see is if the airline here in the US will let her board on an expired passport. They'll probably will since its a direct flight to Nigeria.
She is a Nigerian citizen and has every right to enter nigeria with or without a passport. We only carry passports as proof of citizenship. because she has an expired Nigerian passport doesnt make her less of a citizen.
call Arik and see what they tell ya.

Point of correction - She has no right to travel with an expired travel document. People carry passports for different reasons. . .identification, travel document, proof of citizenship, etc. There's a reason for the expiration date you know.

@OP, you already spent almost $2000 for an economy ticket (or more for a premium class). If you do not think that's a hefty enough, try your luck at the airport; However, if you cannot risk screwing up your trip and having to go back and forth the airport, take some time to renew the passport. Normally, a renewal is just a stamp that can be done on the spot. The only problem I see is that you have renewed the passport once (already). The lifetime of a passport is 10 years; so I'm guessing you got the first 5years when it was new and 5years upon renewal. I doubt they can renew a renewal. Perhaps you should try to get a temporary travel document; but you need to take time and go to the nearest embassy. Goodluck!

, the airline may not allow her to travel with an expired passport.

Dantecmu:
WELL BY NEXT YEAR I WOULD LOVE TO VISIT CANADA DURING MY ANNUAL LEAVE. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THOSE NAIRALANDERS WHO HAVE APPLIED TO CANADIAN EMBASSY IF THE EMBASSY DO HONOUR HOTEL RESERVATION AND IF IT HAD TO BE PAID FOR. JUST NEED EM LITTLE OPINION HERE.

TNX

They do; however, that really proves nothing. You have to prove that you'd be going back after your vacation.

pappy ray:
Just wanted to find out about some exams i need to write . I have got a more polite answer to it somewhere else. Many thanks for your stress

No worries; Goodluck with your application. One other good place to get good info for your PR application is www.canadavisa.com immigration forum (you probably know about it). I sometimes contribute there. I'm sure you know these are public forums and every application is different. My only advice to you is that no matter how qualified you are, make your application "idiot proof". Do not assume the IO will make the right assumptions for you.

P.S. My apologies if I came across rude to you in my previous post. I shy away from posters/people on NL especially who are very quick to "discuss" in private, especially with no "history"; most end up as jokesters.

pappy ray:
many thanks. i am no stranger to cic.gc.ca.

what i need is just a first hand information on how to get settle in canada. no issues

What exactly is(are) your question(s)? I'd try to answer them here.

pappy ray:
@ delta 007

Are you in canada as well? i am interested in the PR thing can we discuss more on this ? i actually need some info


Many Thanks

Get all your info here. www.cic.gc.ca

gaylord:
I want to find out if anybody has done the Canadian PR of recent. I have been working in the banking sector for three years and just pass 3 papers in acca, though I have a degree in biology.
My question is; the biology background do not fall under the shortage of occupation as published for federal skill workers under the immigration system, but the experience in banking do fall under this category.

Since my banking experience falls within this category, Does the Canadian authorities require my education must be in line finances as well? I mean my first degree must be (finance based) if yes then will the three acca papers I just passed suffice?

I will really appreciate advice from in house gurus or people that has passed through these process before

No, your occupation does not really have to fall in line with your educational background. You are eligible yo apply.

question:
LOL,  Which village still has honies running around topless.

@OP[b]
TOP 8 REASONS NOT TO MIGRATE TO CANADA[/b]


1. Discriminatory and Dishonest Immigration System.
Immigration to Canada is based on a point system, obtained with your education, qualifications and job experience. Points are good enough for immigration, but in Canada, they are not good enough to get a job in your field. Amazing, how the credentials that qualify you to come to Canada are the same credentials that don't qualify you for your profession in Canada. The reason is, Canada only wants immigrants to do the labor jobs - pizza delivery, driving taxis, factory work etc.

2. Out Of Control Cost Of Living.
From rent, to utility bills, to shopping, to phone, internet and cable bills, to gas, to car insurance, to eating out, to basically anything you have to pay for or buy, the cost of living in Canada has become astronomical. Recent immigrants are astonished as to how expensive everything is. It is estimated that compared to most countries around the world, the cost of living in Canada is on average five times greater.

3. Health Care Crisis.
Practicing physicians in Canada are in a shortage, 1 in 4 Canadians cannot get a family doctor. Canadian doctors are leaving to move permanently to the United States. Statistics Canada and the Canadian Medical Association both have identified that for every 1 American doctor that moves to Canada, 19 (nineteen) Canadian doctors move to the United States! Doctors in Canada are overworked and underpaid, and there is a cap on their salaries.

4. Very High Taxes.
Yes, you have the GST, the PST, totaling 15%, on practically everything you purchase and many other taxes taken out of our weekly paycheck. You have to pay a whopping amount to the government, out of your hard earned salary, so that the government can turn around and give it to beer drinking, hockey watching welfare bums. Fair? It does not matter, it's Canada.

5. Money Hungry Government.
Canadian Embassies around the world lie to foreigners, painting this picture that Canada is Utopia, because they want them to come to Canada. Why? Because foreigners bring money! So after being deceived, these foreigners come. They must bring with them at least $10,000. Canada has an immigration quota of 250,000 per year. So please do the math, 250,000 multiplied by $10,000 each equals a whopping 2.5 Billion dollars that Canada gains from immigrants every year.

6. No Culture.
Unlike almost every other country in the world, Canada has no culture. Actually American culture is what dominates Canada. When was the last time you had some 'Canadian' food? There are no Canadian traditions and there is no national identity. What does it even mean to call yourself a 'Canadian'. . .nothing really. People living in Canada, still identify themselves with the country they 'originally' came from.

7. Cold Freezing Weather.
Yes, Canada has one of the worst weather conditions of any country in the world. Freezing cold temperatures, snow, ice, hail, winds, storms etc. From the Prairie provinces to the Maritimes, from the Territories to southern Ontario, the weather is so horrific and disgusting that many Canadians leave Canada simply because of this reason alone.

8. No Jobs.
Yes, coast to coast, there are no jobs. Immigrants are highly qualified (MD's, PhD's, Lawyers, Engineers etc.) but they are driving taxi cabs, delivering pizza's or working in factories. Even people with bachelors degrees from Canadian Universities cannot find jobs after graduation. This is the tragedy associated with immigration to Canada. I feel sorry for those immigrants who are stuck in Canada for the rest of their lives. It is indeed a very sad and hopeless future.


Do your own research!!!

NB. source---- www.notcanada.com

Blah blah blahhh; not worth a debate!

ndcide:
hi every one, i want honest advice please.
im a graduate of elect elect, though with a gp of 2.85,and would like to go for a masters degree prog in canada.

plz, do i have a chance with my grade? if positive, i would need detailed steps to take.

i really want to give my career a boost, hence this initiative. those with enough information on this issue should plz help. alternative idears and suggestions are welcome

Read this thread. https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-118823.0.html

A side note, I doubt you will be able to get in with a 2.85 for a Masters in Engineering.

simplychic:
@Delta 007
I do not agree with you ,what do you want to say about the situation of an applicant who has been denied 3 days after his or her application but was not given to the applicant until after 30 working days,the applicant only discovered this through the date on that refusal sheet.
Look let us call a spade a spade,their service is BAD.

You do not have to agree with me. I do not work with/in the CDHC; I'm just relaying some very reliable information.

I do agree that the process can be improved upon but it's Nigeria; name one Nigerian institution that operates very efficiently, just one; perhaps they have caught our bug.

I understand your frustation but when you make an application for a study visa in Nigeria to the CDHC, your application is received and it's stamped with the "receive date". It is then pre-screened for any obvious deficiencies, fraud, etc. Nigerians working in the HC carry out these processes. Then, your application is on the queue for verification. Every document is meant to be verified; I doubt they do verify every document because it will be a pain and will take twice as long; however, there are times local institutions (banks, schools, court, etc) are contacted to verify documents and it takes days and weeks to get an answer. Sometimes, if/when your document cannot be verified, your application is rejected. In other circumstances, you are called in for an interview to clarify. Most interviews are conducted by Nigerians. It is the Nigerians in the embassy that make recommendations for Approval or Rejections based on the info/documents you provide. The consul, based on the recommendations and other factors, make the final decision and the Nigerian workers carry out the clerical work of mailing your forms/letters/passport. There's nothing a Canadian consul gains by holding your Nigerian passport longer than necessary; it's a Nigerian passport! Now, with the several hundreds of study and visiting Visa applications coming in every week, you can understand why there are some delays. If there was less fraud in our system, the need for the extra verifications will not be there and the process will be alot expediated. Like I mentioned in my previous post, once upon a time, you could go to the CDHC in the morning, submit your application for a study Visa and get called in for an interview that morning and get your letter to go do medicals (and your passport back) at 3pm (same day). Three weeks later, you get called to submit your passport for a study visa if you passed your medicals and you get your passport back same day. Visiting Visas were issued same day you made your application as far as you got to the CDHC before 10am. But then, the system was getting screwed and clogged up with several fake bank statements, letters, waec results, bank drafts, etc and the consul could no longer make same-day decisions without carrying out proper verifications.

Can the process be improved? Absolutely. Again, I understand your frustration, but na our brothers and sisters cause am. Have you asked yourself why Nigerians, from a commonwealth country need a Visa to Canada or the UK, commonwealth countries? Citizens of Namibia and Botswana do not. Zimbabweans did not, until recently. Our leaders are not doing anything to strengthen ties and bring valuables to the table; they all have diplomatic passports and are all interested in padding their accounts and sending their concubines to Dubai and London for shopping. Meanwhile, we have no leverage and cannot command any respect amongst other nations. Our institutions are dying, that's why more and more students are taking the alternate route to any other university outside the country. My point is, we can all lament from now till tomorrow how inefficient other citizens and consulates are and how badly they treat us but until we seriously look ourselves in the mirror hold our leaders to higher standards, we will keep chasing shadows.

With regards the quota comment, I sincerely doubt it. Canadian immigration could care less about your background as far as you have something (skills, business, etc) to offer to the community. People from the middle East and other Asian countries go through more security checks than the average African for obvious reasons. The office in Accra is a small office catering for the whole West African PR applications. The US has at least 5 Canadian consulates catering for applications from N.America. No brainer, applicants in N.America will get a decision long before those in Africa. I know the Trinidad office up to recently were so backed up that your PR application was in queue for up to 5yrs; similar to Accra and other officies around the world. This is why the Immigration policy was recently overhauled and the process has somewhat expediated for skilled workers (keyword is skilled workers) who are in high demand. I believe the process takes less than 2yrs now, even if you apply from Accra.

BTW, Quebec is a french speaking province and their immigration policies are somewhat different compared to the rest of the country. If you can speak French, you stand a good chance of going through Quebec; there's no rule forbidding anyone other than citizens from francophone countries to go through Quebec. I know alot of Nigerians that have settled in Quebec (or "passed through" that did not even know how to say Bonjour!

Kafin:
You have to tell them exactly what happed. (When you got the request to re-submit, you made an exact copy of the old application).
The interview normaly starts you on a clean slate, unless they find issues, and I dont think the explanation you gave qualifies as an issue.
Even if the IO is trying to make a big deal out of this, insist that it was a honest mistake. Dont ever accept the negative decision without a strong fight.

I dont see any reason why they will think negative but if they do, remind them that you had an earlier application that you copied and moreover you promptly informed them when you realised the error.

The real question however is why were you requested to re-fill the forms?

I do not think he'd have any issues either. He may have been asked to re-fill the forms so as to update his file, just my guess!

Herak:
Thanks everyone for your input, much appreciated. I was afraid they might say I misrepresented.

It depends on the IO handling your case. If he/she has any other evidence that proves otherwise, your application can be rejected based on deception/fraud and misrepresentation. On the other hand, he may be satisfied with your explanation and ask you to go ahead with the medicals for the kid (if he has not done one). Keep your fingers crossed.

Be rest assured that your waiting time has been somewhat elongated. Good luck!

Mistakes Women Make Before Marriage
By Olamide Olayiwola

GENERATION after generation, women make the same mistakes when it comes to marriage. This can be avoided, to some extent, if mothers spend as much time teaching their daughters about marriage as they do teaching them other life skills. Here are some tips on choosing the right partner:

Romance Is Not Enough

The number one mistake women make is getting married because they are in love! Being in love in itself is not a good reason to marry. Women fall in love for many reasons. It doesn't mean the man they have fallen in love with will be a good partner. Choosing a good partner makes all the difference between having a harmonious marriage and a difficult marriage.

Women need to seriously question if they are compatible with their partner. Do they complement each other? In an Interaction with some women friends recently, one said: "I fell in love with three completely different men before I finally married. If I had married any of them, I would have ended up with a compulsive cheater or an emotionally stunted husband! Each taught me a valuable lesson about what I didn't want and the result is that I married a good man who still spoils me."

Many women believe in the "and they lived happily ever after" ending. Women are fed romantic ideals from the day they are born. Books and movies aimed at girls invariably promote the big wedding to the perfect man as the ideal ending. Is it any wonder women don't tend to look past the romance of the wedding to the 50 or so years of marriage that follows!

Women believe that he will always be as romantic as he is now. Often, women have very unrealistic expectations based on the way their partner behaved during the courtship. That doesn't mean women have to give up on romance, it is just that they shouldn't expect a 'grand gesture' every day. In fact, it is okay for the woman to be the one to instigate romantic occasions and remind the man of the many small romantic gestures which make her feel special.

Women Abandon Too Much For The Relationship

They often give up their friends and interests when they fall in love. With the thrill of being in love, it is too easy for women to put friends and family, hobbies and sports on the backburner. This is a fundamental mistake to make because women depend on support throughout their lives and men just can't be everything to women. It is asking too much of them.

Women lose their sense of self. Getting into an intense relationship before they've developed a clear sense of their own identity is another common mistake young women make. Without a clear sense of self, women identify overly with their partner and find it difficult to stand up for themselves and their own needs. This will eventually lead to resentment and even depression.

They settle. A lot of women start to panic if they aren't married by their mid-20s and that biological clock starts ticking loudly. The result is that they make excuses and rationalizations to themselves about a relationship that is past. Marrying someone because they are afraid to be alone is unfair to themselves and their partner.

They rush into marriage. It almost seems to be a race across the wedding finishing line for many young women. Just because a woman has found the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with doesn't mean she has to marry him straight away. They should enjoy their youth so that they will not have any regrets later.
Women Don't Do Their Research Before Choosing Their Husbands

They don't have conversations about serious issues before getting married. Women need to talk to their partners about where they both stand on issues that can make or break a marriage. They need to talk about the number of children they both want. Does she intend to stay home to raise them, where each person's priorities lie, spending styles, dreams and goals, where they see themselves 20 years from now, parenting styles, sharing of responsibilities, etc?

They have sex before marriage with their lovers. Women need to make sure that their men are people they can be happy with before jumping into bed with them.

They believe that they can change their men. Women have a tendency to gloss over qualities they don't like in a man, telling themselves, "Oh, he'll change," or "I'll work on that". If a woman does manage to bully a man into changing, their relationship will suffer. Women need to either accept and enjoy the differences between them or create an environment that encourages their men to want to change.

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/life_style/article11//indexn3_html?pdate=141109&ptitle=Mistakes%20Women%20Make%20Before%20Marriage&cpdate=141109

Ank:
I may be relocating to Dubai to live for the next three to five years with my spouse and two kids (4 & 8yrs old).
This relocation is job related.
Can any member of Nairaland please help me with the best areas to live as a Nigerian in Dubai, best private schools for my kids, climate, culture and where to look for good Nigerian groceries and foods.

Thanks

Cant your company recommend these things for you? There are a few int'l/private schools in Dubai,

It's very very hot during the summer. It's a relatively open society with lots of indians, pakistanis, bangladish, etc doing the blue collar jobs.

Na wa. Alot of people just comment on stuff they have no clue about just because they have access to a keyboard.

Someone gives a brief background of himself and his intentions and asks for advice.  .   .and some people think it's their business to tell him how to live his life. If he makes a billion a year, and wants to move to Siberia, wetin concern you? If you have info, drop it and I'm sure he is old and mature enough to parse the info and make a decision. FYI, N1million/mth is about $6700/mth which easily translates to $80k/mth; $80k/yr is not a hard target to reach as a professional in Canada or the US. Even licensed mechanics, carpenters, and other skill labourers make such amounts if they put in the hours; not talk about someone in a solid business line. So I do not know what the fuss is all about.

And for the declining population comment, Canada has an Aging population. The typical white man would marry and give birth to one or two kids max. Some do not even bother getting married or some doi marry and decide not to have kids. That's their way of life. Hence, it gets to a point that the population cannot support herself; the more reason why they open the doors to SKILLED immigrants. And just like any other thing, Immigration to another country requires planning, planning, and enough planning. You do not just wake up and travel and hope to see the money tree. You gather info, map out strategies, make solid contacts, etc above all, know what you are doing. I know we Nigerians believe in alot of miracles but make sure you do your homework properly. However, if you happen to see the money tree, please lemme know.

tunnytox:
I Think each Canadian embassy usually have allocated number of visas to be issued every year, these delay tactics is probably a way of keeping to their targets.

I do not think so.

The wait time probably has to do with the volume of applications versus the number of staff they have coupled with the fact that they have to verify EVERY Nigerian application. Previously, Visitor Visa applicants get their decisions/visas same day while Student applicants are asked to go for their medicals (if "pre-approved" same day they put in their application. However, alot of Nigerian applications are fraudulent, even up to bank drafts, bank statements, admission letters, WAEC results etc. Hence, there are several checks the consul carries out before they go forward with any Nigerian application. My guess is the High Commission in Accra is not experiencing similar delays because there are relatively less fradulent applications there, despite the fact that the embassy caters for most of West Africa. Truth is, we make things alot difficult for ourselves, but we love to blame others!

simplychic:
@chachar

Thanks for your response but if she call am sure they will not take her serious she said she must submit her passport to them in the office
latest by Thursday so if she goes there and explain herself i think they might consider and do something fast.
she has been on the waiting list for this training for 3yrs and she is not ready to loose this opportunity cos they might promote her afterwards

Your sister should go to the CDHC (embassy) and ask for the status of the application as well as her passport; If they have not processed it, perhaps she can ask to resubmit the passport when she comes back from her training. Visitor's Visas usually takes about a month or thereabouts.

charlesisu:
Firstly as Visitor, then Permanent resident.



My type of business requires me to be on ground although i could run it as well from Canada but the turn over wont be as much as when im on ground here also i dont want to lose my clientelle base, im known for what i do both in Nigeria and beyond. I dont want to lose the contacts but i deserve a better life, i make so much money here but i dont enjoy it, traffic, insecurity, bad roads, no infrastructure, Nothing. Its so sad.
The money is fine but I am just so confused

Immigrating to Canada as a Visitor is fine; however, a Visitor's Status (keyword is Status) only allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 6mths (unless stated otherwise - usually less); then, you have to re-enter the country again. You have to realise a Visa is an entry document; so even if you are given a 1 day Visa or 20yr Visa, you can only stay in the country for 6mths before you re-enter. You are not allowed to work, school, business, etc. The only ways you can become a Permanent Resident (PR) from a Visitor's status is:

- Switch to a Study Visa: If you have an undergrad and have been hoping to develop yourself some more, then applying for a Masters program might not be a bad idea. You may be able to run your business (depending on its nature) and carryout your program at the same time. Switching to a Study Visa while being in Canada on a Visitor's Visa is relatively easy. You get the admission and send the application and all related documents to the nearest embassy (usually Buffalo). As a Nigerian, you'd be required to do medicals; all these could take 4-5mths before you finally get a Study Visa; and remember, you can only stay in the country for 6mths. This means you need to get the process going immediately you get in; perhaps get the admission before you get in. What this does, is that it enables you to buy time while you put in a PR application and it's being processed. When you graduate, you are also eligible for a 3yr work permit which is more than enough time to get your PR status. Now, as a businessman, you probably have some experience so you may qualify for a couple categories; however, this process could take 6mths for some and it could take 2yrs for the others. Funny enough, you can apply from Nigeria; however, it's only one office in Accra that processes all applications for W.Africa so you are pretty sure that it would take you more than 2yrs before you get a decision.

- Marry someone in Canada and get her/him to sponsor you: If you came in on a Visitor's Visa and got married in Canada, your spouse could sponsor you, regardless of your status. This means that even if you overstayed (which frankly, I do not advice), and eventually fall in love with someone and legally get married, you can become a PR if your spouse agree to sponsor you. Now, this is an area which alot of people exploit, not just Nigerians (Indians, Pakistanis, Carribeans, etc) and the Canadian Immigration is quite aware of it. Hence, the onus is always on you and your spouse to prove that your relationship is genuine and not just for papers. There are also restrictions on who can sponsor and your sponsor (spouse) will be responsible for your upkeep for 3yrs.

- Get a job and get your company to sponsor you: If you are one of those sought-after professionals or you are in that line of field, there's a likelihood you could get a job and the company would sponsor you to get a work permit. These cases are rare but very possible. Most firms these days try to stay away from all these immigration wahala so they'd tell you to come back when you get your papers. However firms that are desperate do make the effort to get you the right papers. In your case, they'd also need to go the extra mile and prove that no Canadian has applied for the job or those who applied are not qualified enough for the job. If you can get a work permit, then you bought yourself time and it's a much easier route to get a PR status.

There are some business loopholes you could exploit but it's not an easy task.

My advice: If you think of improving your skills, you may want to go the study route; perhaps this is the right time since you are still single. However, if that's not your cup of coffee, you may want to start by putting in an application from Nigeria for a PR status. While you make your money in Nigeria, the clock is ticking on your application. Perhaps in 3yrs, you may be approved and you may have a much better perspective of how you want your business to evolve as well as your future family plans. It may not be a wise idea to kill a cash cow just because you want to move to an unknown. You may also want to get a Visitor's visa and travel to see how things are so as to put plans together and put a good struture to your business so that you do not always need to be onground to get maximum revenue. Or wait till when you get your PR status so that you can move relatively easily and operate your business from both ends. I hope I made some sense. Goodluck!

charlesisu:
Firstly as Visitor, then Permanent resident.



My type of business requires me to be on ground although i could run it as well from Canada but the turn over wont be as much as when im on ground here also i dont want to lose my clientelle base, im known for what i do both in Nigeria and beyond. I dont want to lose the contacts but i deserve a better life, i make so much money here but i dont enjoy it, traffic, insecurity, bad roads, no infrastructure, Nothing. Its so sad.
The money is fine but I am just so confused

Immigrating to Canada as a Visitor is fine; however, a Visitor's Status (keyword is Status) only allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 6mths (unless stated otherwise - usually less); then, you have to re-enter the country again. You have to realise a Visa is an entry document; so even if you are given a 1 day Visa or 20yr Visa, you can only stay in the country for 6mths before you re-enter. You are not allowed to work, school, business, etc. The only ways you can become a Permanent Resident (PR) from a Visitor's status is:

- Switch to a Study Visa: If you have an undergrad and have been hoping to develop yourself some more, then applying for a Masters program might not be a bad idea. You may be able to run your business (depending on its nature) and carryout your program at the same time. Switching to a Study Visa while being in Canada on a Visitor's Visa is relatively easy. You get the admission and send the application and all related documents to the nearest embassy (usually Buffalo). As a Nigerian, you'd be required to do medicals; all these could take 4-5mths before you finally get a Study Visa; and remember, you can only stay in the country for 6mths. This means you need to get the process going immediately you get in; perhaps get the admission before you get in. What this does, is that it enables you to buy time while you put in a PR application and it's being processed. When you graduate, you are also eligible for a 3yr work permit which is more than enough time to get your PR status. Now, as a businessman, you probably have some experience so you may qualify for a couple categories; however, this process could take 6mths for some and it could take 2yrs for the others. Funny enough, you can apply from Nigeria; however, it's only one office in Accra that processes all applications for W.Africa so you are pretty sure that it would take you more than 2yrs before you get a decision.

- Marry someone in Canada and get her/him to sponsor you: If you came in on a Visitor's Visa and got married in Canada, your spouse could sponsor you, regardless of your status. This means that even if you overstayed (which frankly, I do not advice), and eventually fall in love with someone and legally get married, you can become a PR if your spouse agree to sponsor you. Now, this is an area which alot of people exploit, not just Nigerians (Indians, Pakistanis, Carribeans, etc) and the Canadian Immigration is quite aware of it. Hence, the onus is always on you and your spouse to prove that your relationship is genuine and not just for papers. There are also restrictions on who can sponsor and your sponsor (spouse) will be responsible for your upkeep for 3yrs.

- Get a job and get your company to sponsor you: If you are one of those sought-after professionals or you are in that line of field, there's a likelihood you could get a job and the company would sponsor you to get a work permit. These cases are rare but very possible. Most firms these days try to stay away from all these immigration wahala so they'd tell you to come back when you get your papers. However firms that are desperate do make the effort to get you the right papers. In your case, they'd also need to go the extra mile and prove that no Canadian has applied for the job or those who applied are not qualified enough for the job. If you can get a work permit, then you bought yourself time and it's a much easier route to get a PR status.

There's also the business category but it's a much tougher sell unless you have more than $300k in your account at the moment.

My advice: If you think of improving your skills, you may want to go the study route; perhaps this is the right time since you are still single. However, if that's not your cup of coffee, you may want to start by putting in an application from Nigeria for a PR status. While you make your money in Nigeria, the clock is ticking on your application. Perhaps in 3yrs, you may be approved and you may have a much better perspective of how you want your business to evolve as well as your future family plans. It may not be a wise idea to kill a cash cow just because you want to move to an unknown. You may also want to get a Visitor's visa and travel to see how things are so as to put plans together and put a good struture to your business so that you do not always need to be onground to get maximum revenue. Or wait till when you get your PR status so that you can move relatively easily and operate your business from both ends. I hope I made some sense. Goodluck!

Charles,
What are you planning to migrate as? Visitor, Student, Permanent Resident, Citizen?

What do you plan to do while you are here?

charlesisu:
I need your candid and honest advice as to whether i should relocate to canada or not, i am a business man here in Nigeria with an income of about 1 million naira per month, I am single and not married, I want to relocate to Canada to get settled, I am so torn between my business and relocating, Please advice me would it be worth it ?

So when you relocate, what do you plan to do to keep your cashflow?

Rule of thumb: Do NOT invest in a business you do not understand.

stephedith:
thank u very much

Unless your friend is going there for VERY genuine business, he should not bother. There are lots of our boys languishing in the prisons in Pakistan cos that's the route out of Afghanistan in terms of drugs trafficking. As far as he carries a Nigerian passport, he'd need to report to the police station in Pakistan immediately he arrives. And then, when he is travelling out, he needs to do same. Again, unless you/your friend has a genuine business there, DO NOT go there and commit a crime you'd regret for a lifetime. Nigerians have already made a name for themselves there; so there are lots of watchdogs!!!

elektra80:
I just think it will be wise to throw more light on this topic. We all know that american cars are calibrated in MPH while most cars from europe use Km/Hr.

Point of correction - Most vehicles designed for the US have their calibration in MPH (Not necessarily American Cars). American cars designed for Canada have their calibration in K/Hr.

patrick45:
brauneyes,

like u are not listenng to me at all, usually companies will pay u 45k and u will be responsible for fuelling your trucks, paying drivers and maintenance of the trucks.

so we have lifted the burden of such logistics form your shoulders, and it is a long term and on-going contract.

Your truck is not travelling long miles between pick-up point and dump site, and your trucks must do a maximum of seven (7) trips per day. So even if one truck finishes its rounds by 2pm for example, it stops working for that day, my manager will make sure of that and collect the keys from the driver.

so please understand that you just sit back and collect your 25k everyday from mon - fri every week till the contract is over.

call me 08066919834 please.

Like Braun posted, N25k per day is too small. I'd keep my trucks. Thanks!

Funny enough, when I read this thread last weekend, I was going to post a comment that the parcel never left Nigeria but deleted my comments afterwards. I've been in a similar position, same UPS; thank goodness the blokes later sent the documents but they sent it via Nipost and pocketted my money. How much? N6000 and this was in Yr 2000. UPS investigated and sent me a letter of apology 4mths later stating the parcel was lost but Nipost had since delivered. Since then, I never use them.

Truth is, we Nigerians just make things difficult for ourselves but we like to blame government for everything. Why cant we just live and let live?

pinemelon:
Thinking of opening a perfumery in Port Harcourt. Does anybody know of a good source (good price and quality) outside Nigeria?

Yes, I know someone involved in drop shipping perfumes to Nigeria. If you are interested, drop your contact and I'd forward it to her.

TheSeeker:
Prostitution is a choice of profession, it all depends on how we see it individually.

How do you see it?

Marriage isnt all about sex. Infact, if things are tense in your home, sex will be the last thing on your mind and your "wow-ish" lady will no longer be that appealing.

Methinks someone's personality matters alot and no matter how tough things are, there are some people that will never stoop that low to willingly sell their bodies for peanuts aka prostitution. However, one thing I have learned in life is that our response to unique life experiences shape our decisions and habits; in the end, we all live and die by the consequences of our decisions. So inasmuch as I try not to judge anyone's past/present, I know I CANNOT marry a prostitute; This is because my decision has nothing to do with whether (or not) she is repentant; more to do with her personality, who exactly she is, where she has been, what she wants in life, her short/long term plans etc etc I might have been able to date one but Marry? Hmm.  .  .she'd really need to give me some very satisfactory answers why she does not value her body and would easily bend over when she sees Benjamin. People accept you the way you present yourself and a prostitute to me is someone saying, "I dont value myself, I have no talent and I cant push myself to the limit to survive, hence, I'd like anyone, yes anyone to take advantage of my most prized assets". You know she does not value her life when she can travel several hundred miles just to hump you for some cash without knowing you especially in an "anything goes zone" like Nigeria where you have ritualists and all sorts. That's definitely not the kind of partner I need in my life to compliment and motivate me (someone that has already given up on life) or the kind of mother I want for my kids (What will she teach them? Spread 'em legs when you want a passing grade?). What happens if another recession hits and you lose your business/job? How many abortions has she had (she will never tell you the truth)? What kind of birth/health complications/diseases will you have to deal with in the future?

For the single folks out there, when it comes to the question of marriage, get someone that compliments you and you can make a home with; If you are looking for a sex partner, get a girlfriend or pay for a prostitute (not my thing). Never marry out of pity, convenience or obsession.

To the OP (friend), try to get it; Prostitutes are excellent customer service workers who make that moment very special for you (and they make it special for every other customer, not just you); they have perfected the act over time; so do not think cos she looks into your drunken eyes while she's riding you to glory means she has what it takes to take you from glory to glory for the rest of your life. Keeping in contact while the girl is humping every D!ck and Harry (pun intended) in Nigeria does not mean she is the best lady out there for you and doesnt mean she is the worst either. The mere fact that you can fall inlove with a prostitute means you can fall inlove with anyone you choose to, including those nicer young ladies who do not have a problem sweating it out to earn a degree and be outstanding professionals in their fields or that village girl who refuses to sleep with every man that promises her heaven and earth, despite the fact she just gets by daily. You are in the best position to make the call but it will require you thinking with your skull (just incase you forgot where your head is).