Hi,

You could find a 2 bed for 1500 but they are mostly high rise. Have you checked Kiijiji? Padmapper? We got our apartment on Kijiji. The reason we opted for that platform was because we wanted to rent directly from a landlord as opposed to an agent or a letting company (eg DMS). To rent an apartment, most people request you present an employment letter and credit check. We are new immigrants we had neither! So we had to rent on the basis of our potential. We met with our landlord, explained we are migrants (he is as well) and we dont have any paper work. We offered to pay some rent in advance and revisit the lease agreement on month 6. The lease agreements are usually 12 months from what we have experienced.
Some landlords didnt accept our offer, one eventually did. The morale: Keep Looking till you find someone who will let to you. I have written some answers to your questions below.

Mire222:
Hello,

Please I need to know from those that have settled especially in Ontario( I'm looking at Mississauga ),honestly the options advertised for rent online seem very limited to me. Not much to choose from on a budget of 1500 for two bedrooms.

My questions are
1) is it possible that there are many more homes available for rent but they don't just have online presence?Maybe we would see nicer places/neighbourhoods/townhouses when we land . You can drive around and look for sign boards outside the apartments, Another website you might want to check is viewit.ca. The neighbourhoods are all nice, it depends on what you are particular about. Do you want to have everything nearby? The Mississauga. Do you want suburban life: Burlington and Oakville. Do you want Nigerian shops? Brampton. Do you want great schools http://ontario.compareschoolrankings.org/elementary/SchoolsByRankLocationName.aspx.
It is all down to choice

2) Is 1500 too little for a decent apartment in a good neighbourhood in Mississauga? Its average.

3) would we use a real estate agent and are they paid agency fees They are not paid fees. The landlord pays them. They work for the landlord not you. Unlike the UK and Nigeria

4) how much were you requested to pay in advance. First and last month? 6 months? Bank checks? By law the ladlord can only ask for 2 months. Because you might not have the documentations they require, offer them more. YOU have to OFFER. They wont ask.

Please note that we are trying to avoid homes where we would share eg basements and apartments that have thin floors except if were on ground floor. We have very energetic kids and we wouldn't want to be a nuisance as per noise. Look for condo apartments or townhouses. You are right, basements are coldish.

Thank you

Esughusughu:
So my supposed airbnb hosts canceled my reservation
We got chatting and I answered their questions. Though, I could sense this dislike for black people from the undertone of their inquiries. But hey! a stranger is coming to stay in your apartment, hosts need to be rest assured that they too are safe.
Then the question of my nationality, avoiding to answer that would seem dodgy, there was no point stating another place, since they could request for my ID. Conversation ended with me mentioning Nigeria. Lol....I already knew what that meant before they replied me 36hours later that they'll be travelling and I should keep exploring, which I'm doing right now. Please those who used this platform and had good experience should pls share theirs

We stayed in airbnb for our first 12 days in Canada. The initial host we booked cancelled our request (or rather didn't not accept it). we moved on to another one and it was A okay. Our stay was quite good, one bed basement apartment, tv, internet and separate entrance. There was a kitchenette where we could cook, pots, plates and the whole nine yards to make you comfy. The place was not to far from buses and trains but we rented a car for the most part while we stayed there.

If one host turns you down, move to the next one. We were quite open about about who we are in the introduction (we didnt mention color) but family composition, our status in Canada and why we were staying at the air bnb (transition to find our place)!
All the best!

Ehrnie:


Thanks sis...I really do hope I don't need a PoA for the phone purchase.

Any one is the house that can help clarify this...? Thanks

We bought a line at the airport, one month rolling contract no proof of address needed. I guess if you are ging for the 2 years contract with a physical phone included you will need a bank account where the debit can come out from.
The bank accepts temp POA, like our airbnb booking was used. We told our host that we would be expecting some post (debit cards). When we get a proper apartment lease we go back to the bank and phone company to change.

Landing Experience:

We travelled on Monday Oct 2nd via BA (was already in the UK for a short visit). It was a long but very smooth flight. One of the passengers fell, so takeoff was delayed for an hour while they boarded the passenger and his luggage. We landed in Toronto around 4.30 PM local time. The airport has adopted a new system of using machines to collect information first before you meet any immigration officers.

The queues were long because of this, everyone had a little struggle using the machine as it has to scan your passport, take a picture of you, answer a few questions and then print of a sheet with your picture (and all accompanying travellers). We stood on that queue for 45 minutes give or take. It seemed like forever. From there we progressed to another queue where they check if we declared funds and food. We declared both, we were ushered to the immigration officers queue, that took another 40 minutes or so. The process with the immigration officer was smooth as well. They asked us to sign on our COPR, collected our address and wished us good bye. Off we went to get our SIN and welcome pack from a man of eastern descent. I struggled to hear his accent, I think it might have been the pressure of the air plane cabin. We were directed to pick our bags, it was only our bags and a few others left beside the carousel. We picked them, loaded it on the trolley and headed out. Another official checked our tracking sheet (the one that was printed earlier) and told us to go to another hall were we signed forms for the money we brought in, he asked casually what food we brought in and I replied dried cassava and groundnuts. He asked if there was any meat or poultry, I said no, he didnt search our bags (thankfully) as I was exhausted already.

We walked out, bought a phone line, took a taxi and landed at our temp accommodation (air bnb). We were well received by our host and proceeded to fall asleep amongst 12 bags (6 checked in and 6 hand luggage). Word of warning: if you can , please travel light with your hand luggage. It is an exhausting experience!!!! But I must say BA is gracious with hand luggage, we were allowed 2 pieces of 23kg per hand luggage.

Next day we went to the bank, met a super nice lady who opened our accounts and generally helped to get us started on this Canadian journey. Since then it has been house hunting (which is a bit more tiresome here). I have found been upfront with agent or landlord has worked for us with regard house hunting. We say we are recent migrants and dont have credit reports or employment ref yet. Some are elusive and say they cant help, others are more willing once they meet you in person. For the places we like, we say we are ready to offer 6 months rent in advance and post dated cheques. We should know by the end of this week if this pays off. All in all it has been a good but tiring experience. Mobility is an issue, especially as we have an under 5. He says he is tired of walking many times. Maybe car hunt after the house.

Weather is excellent. we have gone out without jackets all week.

Thats all folks!

Thank you very much for this. Am I right to say this is specifically for Ontario province? I heard the other provinces run an exchange arrangement.

Also, are you a HR professional? Just asking as that is my field, any tips on settling into the professional HR world would be great! Though I am more a learning and development specialist.

Thank you!

Ballerz:



The Corps Marshal
Federal Road Safety Commission
No. 3 Maputo Street,
Zone 3, Wuse,
Abuja

Month X, 2017

Dear Sir,
APPLICATION TO OBTAIN WRITTEN AUTHENTICATION OF MY LICENSED DRIVING EXPERIENCE FROM FRSC AS THE NIGERIAN LICENSING AGENCY.
Sir, I am writing to humbly request for the authentication of the number of years of my driving experience in Nigeria from the Federal Road Safety Commission, Nigeria
This is to enable me present proof of the number of years of driving experience I have in Nigeria to the Canadian Ministry of Transportation.
My first driving license was issued in 1960. I have attached a copy of my current driver’s license (L/No ABC12345678) as issued by your agency.
I look forward to hearing you as soon as possible.
Kind regards
Mr Aki and PawPaw

This was the letter I wrote to them. You can change the Addressee to the one attached to your state. And you can write the letter as you deem fit. The crux of the message is that "Eskis Sir, Biko, I need reference letter" They will issue the letter and attached a copy of your system generated data. you can stipulate where you want them to post the letter to.

Cheers

I used my personal and joint account for transactions. I was able to download receipts from my online banking. The only reason I used them is because the narration on the payment showed what I was paid for eg: Consulting fees etc.

So all you story must agree, if the reference letter you have says you were engaged from May to Sept then the payment must have been made within that time line.

COPY of REFERENCE for SELF EMPLOYMENT - Duties must tally with the NOC you are using and it should be on letter head. Just use the standard required for reference letters


To whom it may concern,


Work Reference Letter IFO XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
This is to certify that the above name person worked with us as:
Role Title: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Consultant
Period: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Project responsibilities:
· XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

· XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

· XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

· XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

· XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

· XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hours worked: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Income paid: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX ( pro rata)
Other benefits: none
Should you require any further details, kindly contact me on XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or on +XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Yours Sincerely

balogunsam:


Thank you very much for your input, its much appreciated.

I used self employment for one of my job claims. I dont own a company, but I work as a self employed consultant. To prove this I attached a letter of explanation, proof of payments,invoices, contract, and reference letters from my clients where possible.

Please see below sample of LOE for self employment used in app

DATE

The Immigration Officer
Canada Immigration Office

Dear Sir/Madam,

Letter of Explanation: Self Employment as XXXXXXXXX
I have worked as an XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX for periods covering:
XXXXXXX – Date

Within this role, I worked on short term projects with various companies. My proofs of self employment attached with this application include:
• Reference letters and contracts from XXXXXXXXXXXX
• Letter of engagement from Lagos XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
• Payment receipts (Downloaded online bank receipts)

I also work as a freelance XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX; As proof of this I have attached payments receipts as the contracts were agreed via email as opposed to printed contracts.
Thank you for your kind consideration in this matter.

Yours sincerely,

balogunsam:
HELP Needed oo! Self employment vs corporate Employment

I am a self employed person and i have been self employed most of my adult life...last time i worked for someone was during NYSC. I also worked at a farm (Agric student) for my IT and worked at my parents' businesses for a long long time.

Question is, how do you advice i handle the issue of work reference and the likes. Do i include my own business as a work experience and other ones i mentioned or its not acceptable.

I know most folks for the EE are people who have been in corporate employment and the likes...do self employed folks stand a chance or PNP is the way?

PLEASE ADVICE!

Hearty congrats to alllll PPR beneficiaries. Good but busy weekend for you guys!

I will Imagine that is government work but parastatals............. I am not 100% sure. I always prefer to err on the side of caution. The letter head of your reference will it bear any logo, mark of the Nigerian Govt? If yes then it is government work.

Please seniors in the house, advise

sammyacbxyz:
Ok.tnks

If one worked for NCC (Nig communications commission) or CAC (Corporate affairs commission) for example, is that considered government or employment?

Hi,

If you are in Lagos, go to DHL on Awolowo Road Ikoyi. They will sort you out. Just take all the documents requested and your 20k (you will get change). Yes CIC Ghana wil send you an email once ppt is ready, you go back to DHL to submit consent letter and pay fees for them to pick up another 20k something.

Beckyhopeful:
Pls house, what is the procedure for this passport submission and pick up?Will CIC Ghana send an email once my passport is ready for pick up? How will I then get my passport back? Also, Preferably which DHL office in Lagos should I visit that is familiar with the process.Thanks.

Hello Yes I did select Government work under work history. I worked with the state government in Nigeria as a contractor. So, I didnt and couldnt get a reference letter from them. Instead I uploaded my work engagement letter with a LOE explaining the details of my work and proof of payment. ie I downloaded payment advice online.

sammyacbxyz:

Hi HappyLassy, did u select employment of Government under work history? Do u work in govt ministry or parastatal?

Our application was definitely longer on the average, however, still within the 6 months timeline so its okay!

Thank you.

Hamiltondreamer:


Sorry for the delayed response, congratulations on your PPR . I see your timeline is timely. Was reading this thread and saw where there is some speculation of delayed processing in timeline of government workers. Just wanted to know the timeline of other government workers. Thanks

Hi there,

Whats your question re government worker? I have worked with/in government work both within and outside Nigeria!! I used both experiences on my application.

Hamiltondreamer:


Hello sorry to button into your conversation, pls what stage are you in as per your timeline. Are you a government worker?

Baniks has closed down. I was there on Friday. There is Photocraft just opposite the Nett pharmacy building. 32 Opebi road Ikeja

GlitteringStar:


Baniks studio on opebi road, Ikeja (they share the building with NETT pharmacy)

https://www.nairaland.com/2624318/canadian-express-entry-federal-skilled/556#57637545

Photocraft, 32 Opebi opposite Nett Pharmacy. They have the Canny diemensions

bbaby84:
Biko I'm tired of searching the thread. Please can someone help me with the studio where I can take passport photograph. I think it was Opebi someone wrote the other day....
Please

Congrats!!!

40manlappy:
Guys, it's PPR!! Be right back...

Hi there,

All I can say is that this CIC PR is a work of patience. My total time line to PPR would be almost 110 days or more. I ran out of patience and went to get some more. My best advise: if you are a person of faith PRAY and if not get very busy in something consuming and enjoyable. I dont think there is a rational way to work out timing with CIC, and to be honest every application is peculiar.

Chill out, enjoy the time before you move into the cold.

damidamsel:
Hi All, Please any one with same timeline or an idea of what is going on or what i should do, please kindly advise.

My AOR is May 21 (family of 3). Before medical passed, my status showed additional documents being reviewed and BG as NA. Medical passed was June 29 and UCI numbers assigned. Additional documents now shows "We do not need additional documents" and i saw BG as "in progress" on June 30 which i believe might be IP1 as it says " We will send you a message when we start your background check". It's been 17days now and BG status has refused to change and I haven't heard or seen anyone whose own took so long. I had requested a gcms about 4weeks ago and yet to get it so i can't tell what is going on.

Any need to be this agitated as i am ooo
Thanks in advance for your responses

Thank you

ymummy234:


congrats happylass

You need UK PCC as you lived there for more than 6 months. It can be done online - https://www.acro.police.uk/

Nozzle:
Hello house,
I have stayed in the UK cumulatively for roughly 10 months..do I need to submit a UK pcc or this requirement just applies to US alone?

Thank you

ymummy234:


congrats happylass

Thank you

merrymum:
Congratulations happylassy!

Thank you!!

Cissy10:
Yaaayyy!!! Wonderful news. Congrats @happylassy �

Thank you

Moatte:


Congratulations

Thank you

40manlappy:
Congrats @Tooyy and @Happylassy!!!!

Thank you!

ugoiyke79e:



CONGRATS Happylassy!!!!

You are right!!!

dammysanmi:
Congrats @Happylassy, i have a feeling the PPR excitement will rob you of some sleep tonight

To the believing, hopefuls, prayerfuls, and all of the above, let this cheer you on:

AOR: March 20
Meds Passed: May 18
Ip 1 : May 20 ( + or - 2 days)
NA: Sometime in June (beginning)
IP2: 6 July (+ or - 2 days)
PPR: July 13

The Curriculum is quite different from Nigeria. I think he might be well engaged in all the other new things he would have to learn eg French maybe?

XX01:
Thanks so much for the school tip. It;s just sad that my son would be stepped down 2 classes because of some age restriction. Don't they consider academic performance at all? Apart from that, the boredom that comes from relearning the same things he does very confidently might just make him lazy as he won't have to exert much energy. There has to be a way round that.

Is your bank willng to supply this letter with your balances? I would advise you explain the lump sum. Many people have done the gift deed route for PoF. You might want to research into that. Thinking about it, the inflow will still raise a red flag because the balance on Month submission will be significantly different from the month pre submission. CIC will still wonder where the money came from. Please dont give your self sleepless nights, make sure your paper trail is air tight.

If I were you, I will get a gift deed for the inflow. Or sell an asset to show the inflow.

Experienced contributors please weigh in!

phf2be:


Thanks a lot @Happylassy. The funds for the FTD will be available post ITA through a wire transfer and explaining that lump sum might be a problem if I print full account statements. So I was thinking a bank letter accompanying the deposit certificate and probably an LOE would suffice?

I am not sure what bank you are using, but it is quite hectic getting any bank to print six months balance in a letter. It is not impossible, many guys on this platform have done it. I would recommend you just print your 6 months statements, and say in your LOE that that is what you are able to provide to meet their requirements. The only ish would be if there are transactions in there that are "suspect" not because the money is not legit, but because it is not commensurate to your income. If that be the case, kindly explain these inflows in your LOE.

All the best

phf2be:


House, any thoughts on this please? Thanks.

Had similar situation, meds passed May 18. They dont test for Hep B, but they will ask if you have it. We answered yes! but it is not an issue as its negative antigen (that means you cant pass it on) and if the viral load is less than 2 million so you are a healthy human being.

All the best.

NB we did test at IOM Ikeja

victor101:
Hi to all,

A friend of mine is seriously worried. His wife has Hepatitis B. She's a nurse and the PA.
Can any one tell what are the tests done under medical test and what are the diseases which can be serious for immigration.

Any reason(s) to be worried??
Please share.

Congrats!!

ltee:
My egalitarian, everpresent, ever supportive nairaland fam.

Ppr don land o.

I will share my timeline shortly.

Esegan, dalu, Nagode.