₦airaland Forum

nyabingi: Hi I have an opportunity to travel for a short course in Beirut in Lebanon, just want to know if there are Nigerian over there and if possible for me to get any job in the country, How is life generally over there?

Google is your friend. FYI, Lebanon is a country still in recovery from a devastating civil war and tensions flare up from time to time between the different groups. More recently, many refugees have fled to Lebanon from the unrest in Syria, and there have been clashes arising as a result of the tensions spilling over into Lebanon. On the job front, many women brought over from Ethiopia into Lebanon to work as maids have been seriously abused by their employees. And on and on. Seriously, if you are looking at this as a place to run away to from Nigeria, please think twice.

tman02: @ifegy, can my salary as a studnt also workin, pay my skul fee? Pls help wif d answer

As an international student, your fees are very high. You can only work a limited number of hours during the school year, although you can work full time during the summer. However, remember you have to first find a job. When you do find a job, the money you earn on its own will not be enough to cover your fees. Remember you may also be working to cover your accommodation, feeding, transportation, clothing and other daily needs. Note that many Canadian students have to take out loans to cover their fees, even though their fees are much lower and they have more opportunities to work during the year. International students cannot take out loans, however. Therefore I would advise that you save as much as possible before arrival and don't plan on relying on working while studying to pay your fees.

Having said that, one thing I should point out, based on my experience: I started off working for my university part time and eventually got a full time position and took courses on the side, and the university then paid a major portion of my fees. This is not a very common scenario but may be worth investigating, to see if it is possible at the institution you intend to attend.

I know the money issue is not easy, and I wish you all the best as you tackle it. God bless!

What specific advice are you looking for (accommodation, weather, schools, etc)?

@loverencha, couple of points re your post, on accommodation:
You don't pay two or three months in advance to a Canadian landlord, for an off-campus rental. You pay first and last month's rent, and then you typically give post dated cheques for the year. And it is extremely unlikely that you can do any part of this process before arriving in Canada.
If you're staying on campus, the school will typically let you know what you owe the school for tuition, etc for the semester at the start of each semester, and you'll have a specified period within which to pay the fees for that semester. Again, you're not 'paying in advance for two or three months'; you're paying your fees according to the school's requirements.

Imoro: @ifegy - dts xactly wat I mean but the final destination is Canada...

I have chkd their website but frm wat I hear generally dy refuse visas a lot.
Just want to know if anyone has tried it n was successful.

Sorry, I meant to type that your final destination was indeed Canada.
If you haven't already bought a ticket, have you considered searching for flights that transit through Europe (or perhaps even Dubai, etc) and then go directly to Canada?
Otherwise your best bet might be to follow the US visa conditions to the letter.
Also have a look at the other Canada travel threads where people may have already shared their experiences re this issue.

Gagaotatravels: In the first Place Sir /or Ma, you need to establish a strong reason why the US Consulate should give you the VISA. Have you met the woman one on one? If you don't have access to the US. , Has she visited you in Nigeria? You can also get married in Nigeria if you don't know and apply for Dependant Visa .Meaning on Marriage grounds. Don't let us judge too much Nigerians. It's possible to fall in love and not Infatuation and in this case, I can't tell too much .But if you can follow the first step . If I am less busy to come on the internet , then we will continue from there that's if the moderators didn't delete me off this forum. I have issues with 'em already.


God Bless

Gideon

Well, if you're getting into trouble with the mods, it's probably deservedly so: there's no such thing as a 'dependant visa on the grounds of marriage'. The info re marriage is right there on the US Dept of State website (travel.state.gov):


Spouse
If you are an American citizen you have two ways to bring your foreign spouse (husband or wife) to the United States to live. They are

Immigrant visa for a Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (IR1 or CR1) - An immigrant Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130 is required.
Nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) - It is important to note that application for the nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) who married a U.S. citizen must be filed and the visa must be issued in the country where the marriage took place. After the visa process has been completed, and the visa is issued, the spouse can travel to the United States to wait for the processing of the immigrant visa case. Two petitions are required:
Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130; and
Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), Form I-129F
Fiancé(e)
If you are an American citizen, you may bring your fiancé(e) to the United States to marry; and live here.

Nonimmigrant visa for fiancé(e) (K-1)- To travel to the United States for marriage. An I-129F fiancé(e) petition is required.

mercylicious: Dear All,
Please i need your advise. I already have admision at Canada.The offer has three start dates, i can decide to start on the first week of classes in either May, sept/Jan (Spring /summer/winter)
I have January in mind because i will be eligible for study leave by November. However, i applied for September due to the long processing times witnessed by my friends that applied last year. It seems things have changed now and processing is faster. My question is, if i get trv by September, can i wait and go for January ( as planned) or do i go and withdraw my application cos i dont want to travel without study leave.

A friend advised that i take leave by August, go to Canada ,get the study permit and come back...Wat do you think?

I'd suggest looking into formally deferring your admission, if you decide to go at a later date.

As for going and coming back, you might want to consider how you'd explain yourself to Canadian immigration, if they noted your entry & exit dates plus the fact that you were supposed to be attending classes, and questioned you further on that.

Imoro: Hi all,

Has anyone tried (successfully)to transit thru the US for studies in canada?
How long did it take to process d visa and wat kind of dox are reqd to apply?

Just wieghing d options!


Tanx

@ Inoro, I think what you mean is that you're travelling to Canada to study on a Nigerian passport and will be transiting through the US on your way to your final destination in the US. Is that the case? If so, have you checked the website of the US embassy in Nigeria for info? Also, have you had a look at both part 1 and 2 of the main travel to Canada thread in the travel section? They probably already cover this scenario.

Beehandz: @ ALL- Pls is there any1 going to Vancouver Island University for this September? Kindly inbox me @ isaiah_beejay@yahoo.co.uk so we can rub minds.
Also, how easy can one secure off campus accomodation in a day or 2 upon arrival in canada coz its might be a dark deal paying for an accomodation you've not seen from here.

Regarding the accommodation question, two suggestions:
1) you might be able to arrange a homestay, where you essentially live in someone's home. It's typically pricey, but at least you have a place to stay once you arrive, and you can use the first month to find your own place, and then move out. Try googling for homestay on the island.
2)Start searching for accommodation listings on craigslist for the area. You might be able to work out something with the landlord before or shortly arrive you arrive.

samdams: Thanks alot , can someone call the embassy to ask them all this? and yes i think can apply from london cause i have a valid visa that will last till i get the student visa , cause i got friends that applied from london and they got the visa without going to nigeria or gambia, if i am not qualify to apply from here the uni or college will inform me .

There is no harm in calling or emailing to ask questions. Also check their website as they'll usually put info for student applicants on there.

Just to be clear re my reference to applying from London- you typically have to have legal residence in the country where you are applying for a visa, if it is not your home country, which is why I mentioned making sure you are qualified to apply for the visa since you are outside your home country.

samdams: @ ifegy: thanks alot, i will contact the college on monday and see if the course they gave me is associated to york uni or not cause they gave me Mechanical Engineering Technician (Tool Design), if that's not a degree then i will have to go to prince edward university cause i am tired of college lol..i am in college here in london and college again in canada they will think this guy doesn't wanna move on or what.. i am also waiting for university of winnipeg to accept me so i will go for that but i think they will start sending acceptance letter in mid May is that gonna be too late for me to apply for the visa by may?
thanks

I think you should check with the high commission re applying in May, and to be sure that you can apply from London. Generally speaking, visa applications from Europe take much less time than from Africa, so possibly May should be fine; but you should always be sure to follow the high commission's guidelines.

No problem!

samdams: SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME OOOH.....ATLEAST SOMEONE SHOULD RESPOND TO MY POST...AM LOOSING HOPE HERE





Dear Nairlander's
i have small trouble with this Canada stuffs oooh...Presently i am in London studying and i will be through by next month and my visa will expire in sept, but i applied for 3 universities and a college in Canada..i got accepted into the college (Seneca college) and also university ( University of Prince Edward island) the other 2 universities are still yet to decide if they gonna take me or not, but here is what am confused about ..the medical thing do i need to go to my GP here in London for them to just write it and give ? do i need to pay the tuition fees before i can apply for the visa ? when is the best time for me to apply for the if i am to go ahead and choose one out of the 2 choices given to me ? and i will like anyone to help me ... Seneca college or Prince Edward university island which will you prefer ?
i am not sponsoring myself can i also include my own statement of account when applying for the visa ? is it okay as a new comer to stay off campus or in the campus since i dont know anyone ? which is more expensive for me to live ? can i pay 2 or 3 months accommodation in advance before i get there ?
Thanks i will need help ...make una help a brother here ooh

Hi Samdams
I'll try to answer some of your q's:
1) You have to demonstrate that you are able to finance your course of study, but you don't have to pay your entire tuition before you apply for the visa. Some pay a portion, some all. If you're going to pay, check with the school re refund policy in case you don't get a visa.

2) Not sure about the GP question. Why not check with the Canadian High Commission? In my past experience, they were pretty decent about responding to my student applicant concerns when I called (high commissions in Europe, I mean).

3) Re when to apply if you choose- the earlier the better, so that you have sufficient time to iron out any follow up issues. If your start date is September, you should have applied by now, or be applying shortly. You should also check as to whether you can apply from the UK, given your visa status & expiry date.

4)Seneca vs Prince Edward: Well, I assume you're going to the Seneca location in Toronto, Ontario. Ontario has the largest economy in Canada, while Prince Edward has one of the smallest. Therefore you'll likely have more opportunities in Ontario. However, you might want to consider what exactly you'll be studying at either place and what type of academic qualification you're getting at the end of the day from Seneca college (is it a diploma, or a bachelor's?) compared to the Univ. Bear in mind you can move from a college to a university while here, transfer between universities, or do a joint program between a college and a univ. For instance, Seneca has some joint programs with York Univ in Toronto.

5)You shouldn't need to show your own statement of account. Again, you can always try clarifying with the high commission.

6) You can stay on or off campus; it's entirely your choice. Most other new students won't know anyone either. You learn as you go. May be best to check if your school's student housing office can give you info about on and off campus housing. Craigslist is also a source of housing availability and pricing info for the area you'll be in (use google maps to check out the locations advertised versus your school location). Also, contact the office for international students at your school. They will have lots of useful info to help you settle in.

7) If you're staying off campus, you'll pay first and last month's rent. In my experience, you can't typically finalize rental arrangements while you're outside the country. On campus tends to be more pricey, compared to what you can typically get off campus.

Hi OP, here are some options for you for weaves or braids:
1)This one seems close to Victoria Park and Eglinton. Her name is Annetta, Tel # 416-751-3910 address: 1533 O'connor Drive. She works by appointment so calling is a very good idea. Note: I'm not sure if she does braids, but you can check.

2) This one does braids and weaves. However it is in North York. It's really close to Sheppard subway station, though, so it's about an hour via transit: Loxx Hair Salon, 3 Spring Garden Ave, North York, 416 226 5699

3) I got a business card with just contact numbers with this one, so I'm not sure where she is based, but she does braids: 416 285 6518

Another option to consider- if you spot anyone with braids or weaves around, just ask where they got it done.

Hope this helps.

Ok; I'll make some inquiries and get back to you. What is the closest major intersection to you?

@OP, few points for you to consider:
1)Does your school have an office for international students (I assume you are coming in as an international student)? If so, I suggest getting in touch with them, as they can give you information geared towards helping international students settle in, such as info re on/off campus accommodation, jobs (where to look, when to apply, pay to expect, how to get your resume up to US standards/expectations), etc.

2) If your school has an international student association, or an African (or Nigerian) student group, try contacting them as well. Check the school website, ask the international office, or just try googling, to find out if these associations exist.

3) You can also google for info on the things you have questions about- eg, look at job postings in the area your school is in, to get an idea of what's available and the pay being offered, bearing in mind the limitations placed on international students with regards to work, and the fact that pay is generally quoted gross, not net of tax. You can also look on craigslist for info on accommodation in the area; etc.

4) You mentioned what your friends said they were earning. Well, as a general rule, don't put too much store by other people's report of their experiences, if you don't have the full picture. There are so many variables impacting the outcomes for each individual that you cannot expect to have the exact same experience they have. Plus, there may also be some exaggeration.

5) Take a wholistic view of finances- i.e., focus on both increasing your income and reducing your expenditure. Regarding income, does your school have other scholarships or even grants that you may be eligible for in this and subsequent years, based on your need, your course of study, your performance, etc? Regarding expenditure, there are a couple of threads in the travel section focused on studying in the US. You should be able to get info there on how to shop cheaply as a student for clothes (note- wearing 2nd hand clothing is not a crime), food (note- Nigerian food is generally more expensive), etc. You can even check to see if the area you'll be going to has food banks where you can get free food if you're on a low income (no shame, you're a student).

6) Make sure you have a financial backup plan before you arrive. You may get a job that pays really well, or you may get no job at all. You may get a ton of grants, or you may get none at all. You should be prepared for just about anything.

All the best.

There is a thread in the travel section dedicated to studying in the US. You might get the answers you need there. Have a look.

Well, first you'd have to get the job. Which is not a given. In other words, you have to be prepared for every eventuality, including not getting a job or not getting one as quickly as you would like. You'd be much better off trying to ensure you arrive with enough funds to support yourself for 6 to 12 months.

MRbrownJAY: ^^^ there is ONE justification for beating your wife: if she has the audacity to raise her hands on you and disrespect you like that. if a woman thinks it is ok FOR HER to do such act, then she should expect NO LESS from her man.

the OP OBVIOUSLY doesnt love her man, because if she did, she wouldnt willingly do stuff that she knows "offend him". love would have her not do these things, SIMPLY because she would know that it would offend the person she "supposedly" loves....... and if she MUST do these things, then they are not made for one another and she should simply leave.

There is no justification for spousal abuse, whether it be wife-beating or husband-beating; none whatsoever.

taryour: GOD BLESS U IFY... Excatly wot i am saying befor they decided to crusify taryour.

I asked d op some question n she is yet to reply. I DO NOT SOPPORT A MAN WHO BEATS A WOMAN.

@op. Y not look into those things u do to get him so angry so u can prevent dem from hapening againg. Ur man will not just come into d house and start beating u and trowing u out for no reasons... I av not in anyway in my above post said ur husband was right to beat u or send u parking.. Look ino ur own flaws first,correct dem and if d beating dosnt stop then u take a futher step into bringing peace back into ur home.

There is[b] never[/b] any justification for wife-beating. You do not need to "correct your flaws" to try to stop the beating because the beating should not be taking place, in the first place.

OP, a man who beats you does not love you or respect you. Getting beaten is never your fault. Please get some outside help, fast. Your life is at stake.

What would you like to do to it-- get it braided, get it relaxed, get a weave, e.t.c.? Do you have access to a car, or do you use public transit? There might be some options I could suggest, depending on your responses.

What part of the city are you in, and what do you want to do to your hair?

Danyl: @all, what time of the year, can one start applying for federal skilled immigrant program, the information they have on their site is not giving a pointer to that.........

You can start applying at any time. Get your documents together, follow the website instructions to the letter and submit once all your papers are complete. All the best!

rapheal2k9: hello everyone, is stressful to obtain an american visiting visa from canada?

As long as you have legal residence in Canada (e.g., study permit or permanent residence), it's pretty straightforward.

@OP, is this the only thing about her you're hoping will change, or is there a whole slew of others? Don't sweep things under the carpet in the name of love. You shouldn't get into marriage hoping someone will change to become more of what you want. You should marry fully accepting who and what the other person is.

Might as well get rolling on this: scam!

@mowney, just sent you an email. However, I encourage you to also post your questions here as there are several others who know much about Canada, as well as people who might learn from the responses to your questions. Cheers

@jamebex, for the other questions you had, you might want to try the travel to Canada thread in the travel section, as there is a lot of schooling advice there. All the best.

Well, with regards to feeding, I live in another province, but the general rule is that it's cheaper to cook for yourself than to buy prepared food. Also, if you are going to be out during the day, for instance, attending classes, you'll save a lot of money if you make your own lunches (eg a sandwich and some fruit) instead of buying food from campus outlets.

If your school is offering your accommodation, I would suggest checking with them as to whether there are cooking facilities included.
If not, I would suggest asking if you can live elsewhere (ie somewhere of your choice, where you might have access to a kitchen).

Assuming you are able to cook for yourself, note that African food is more expensive here, so you should be open to trying new stuff. I would suggest avoiding convenience stores, as they are also expensive (you pay for the 'convenience' factor). I would suggest cooking for a week or couple of weeks and storing in a fridge.

It might be tough to stretch a $100 for a month, as I think the cost of living is higher in BC compared to other provinces. But you can always try.

For your grocery shopping, there are different types of grocery chains, from premium to less expensive. In my province, for instance, No Frills is a less expensive grocery chain, and they are also in British Columbia (BC). Some locations here are dingy, but some are surprisingly good and well stocked. You can get the same products as at a premium store for much less. There may be other similar, less expensive chains in BC. You can ask around. One thing to note is that the store brand for a product is almost always less expensive than the brand. So if there are several types of, say, olive oil, on a shelf in a no frills, I would suggest look for the no frills brand and compare the price to others on the shelf.

@Paschal137, no worries.
By the way, it's sis, lol,

@Fhemmy, Justwise, thanks; anytime