Then zip lining
cameras are strictly forbidden. However, if you have a GoPro with wrist/shirt straps, you might be allowed to take them along and get some body shots

The boat looked like fun so we decided to get on and get closer

Being on vacation mode in Toronto can't be complete without a trip to Niagara falls, so let me gist you guys about a truly incredible day;
We made the almost two hours drive to the falls and couldn’t have picked a more perfect weather.

Settling in
My original plan was to spend a couple of weeks in the US with family and then do a road trip into Canada but OVO had other plans.
So instead, my people came to Toronto and I've been enjoying myself since.
With a US driver's license, you can rent a car in Canada, so that's what we did. We've taken long drives to most of the cities in the GTA and beyond. Stopping at random places of interest, eating great food and just decompressing.
I opened checking and savings accounts with TD Bank and got a credit card with 2k limit. Free unlimited banking for six months.
Got a virgin line, 4gigs, LTE with phone at $55/month.

Accommodation
hmmm, so I planned to land in a different city and booked Airbnb there. Then, thanks to friends of friends of friends, I got a place to rent in a different city and had to grab it with both hands because it was a great deal and a better city.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get a refund after cancelling because the Airbnb booking has a strict cancellation policy. So I lost that money.
Lesson: no matter how sure you are of your plans, avoid the Airbnb homes that adopt the strict policy.

I've checked in with ACCES and considering shopping for other settlement services but I'll start all that in July.

So that's basically it my people...I don port o

Landing Gist
I practically worked till the last day so my packing was stressful and inefficient. All my bags were overweight and I had an extra bag even after shedding as much as I possibly could.
I was feeling like a gangster so I told my family to finish the goodbyes at home and then my dad dropped me off at the airport and took off for work...

Chai!!!
I suffered!!!
I had never ever used up my weight allowance when traveling and never ever worried about overweight bags before.
I didn't take into consideration that I will be lifting them at every stop - for agric checks, for all the multiple scanners, for the weighing, reweighing, repacking and hauling around.
Who send me message?
I paid for extra bag and extra luggage and lost my Ziploc of Cameroon pepper because, in the whole repacking frenzy, it somehow ended up in my hand luggage and was seized.
By the time the last bag slid away all checked in, I had sweated out four buckets, cried another two, was in dire need of a nap and at least four tablets of ibuprofen.

Lesson: if you're a single traveller or your boo doesn't have six packs, pleeeeaaaaase cargo your stuff!

After the morning I had, I wasn't looking forward to the rest of the journey at all.
I went with ET and since I've flown with them before, I knew their food well. I packed enough snacks. I even arranged a prepackaged meal of garri/gnuts/sugar/milk in a travel mug the plan was to tackle that deliciousness around hour 20 of the flight, but I completely forgot

The flight was long and tiring. Food was just there. I slept all through from Abuja to Addis Ababa because of my world renowned stressful check-in. It turned out to be the best decision I ever made. The plane from ABV to ADD was new, big and half full. I had my entire row to myself. The one from ADD to YYZ was small, older and very very full. There were several sick and coughing people, screaming babies and cranky toddlers. It was not a pleasant trip.

I know that for families, the savings from using ET is significant but if you're single, please add that extra 100k or so and get a shorter flight. It's not worth it Abeg.

Landing was smooth. Immigration line was very short and I got stamped in faster than light. No need to even go and sit anywhere to wait for COPR to be prepared, while standing there, the officer just went bam bam bam, welcome to Canada, next!
I got my SIN at the airport, went to pick my plenty bags and sashayed into the maple land.

VECOH1:
Good Morning all, Pls I need a second opinion on this from experienced people here.
Is it advisable to travel to Canada 3 months to the passport expiration date?

Are there possibilities of having challenges at the port of entry in Canada?

It is hard renewing International passport these days.

I would appreciate feedback from anyone knowledgeable about this.
Thanks

You really should renew it back in Nigeria because;
1. Most airlines will refuse to carry you with less than six months validity.
2. It is waaaaaay cheaper to get it done in Nigeria. If you decide to renew in Canada, it will likely involve some travel on your part.
3. For some time after you land, it's going to be your only ID document. Doesn't make sense to have it expire on you before you're all set ID-wise.
4. Re-read number 1

GozyNA:


Bia, don’t try it o. We will carry placards on this nairaland.

_{<runs away>}

Jennypharb1:


Ahh, I can't wait to be bored out of my mind oh.

Thanks guys, ayam blushing

ladymarshall:
Yaaaay! Can't wait to read your landing gist. All the best in your new country

Landing is quite boring

Congratulations Distint777 and hephgirl
So happy for you guys
We move!!

Hello from the other side

umarmai:
I forgot my cic username, Any suggestions?

Go and search your email for the initial email you got from GC key

onchekpa:
Yes oo...that's what fustration does. Wrong I know but desperate issues calls for desperate measures. Don't expect u to understand though.

Thanks to those that offered solutions and ideas. God bless.

On the contrary, I completely understand your frustration. This thread is more than just for information, it's also a place to rant and get support/solutions.
I just didn't see the solution in your suggestion.
Hope you resolve it speedily
Cheers

DonFreshmoney:

Please who did you contact for your PCC in abuja and did you get it same day.

Louis edet house, forensic unit.
You get it in two days

Ope27:
thanks... but does it matter that my bachelors is a science degree?? Considering one the educational requirements of NOC 1111 are
Chartered accountants require a university degree
and
Completion of a professional training program approved by a provincial institute of chartered accountants and, depending on the province, either two years or 30 months of on-the-job training
and
Membership in a provincial Institute of Chartered Accountants upon successful completion of the Uniform Evaluation (UFE).
Certified general accountants and certified management accountants require a university degree
and
Completion of a training program approved by the Society of Certified General Accountants or Society of Management Accountants and several years of on-the-job training
and
Certification by the Certified General Accountants Association or the Society of Management Accountants.
Auditors require education, training and recognition as indicated for chartered accountants, certified general accountants or certified management accountants
and
Some experience as an accountant.
Auditors may require recognition by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
To act as a trustee in bankruptcy proceedings, auditors and accountants must hold a licence as a trustee in bankruptcy.
Licensing by the provincial or territorial governing body is usually required for accountants and auditors practising public accounting.

No, it doesn't matter at all. Carry on

sinie:
Its PPR!!!!!!!

My timeline

1ST ITA 29th October 2018
IST AOR: 23rd November 2018
2nd Jan: Application Cancelled
2ND ITA: Jan 23rd 2019
2ND AOR: Jan 25th 2019
BIL: 12th march 2019
1st ghost update June 8th
2nd ghost update June 9th
3rd ghost update June 13th
PPR 14th June (dated 13th June)
Vo Ottawa
Family of 4

Thank you my Nlanders, This forum gave me a wealth of information that made this journey successful, all the prominent contributors that keep this thread alive thank you for all the good that you do….

Congratulations!!! It has finally ended in praise

overcomer296:
My timeline

Decision to migrate- October 2017
Ist ielts - December 2017
I gave up because I was disappointed with the result and my spouse convinced me that "naija go beta"
I picked up interest again when Canada was the new rave in my industry; banking
Eca completed- October 2018
2nd ielts - October 2018
3rd ielts - December 2018 (at this time I was fed up with my job and studied hard. Finally)
ITA - Dec 19 2018
AOR - Feb6th.
POF - 70% fixed deposit letter, 30% savings account balance with my pension as buffer.
NOC - 6235
BIL - March 22
PPR - May 7
COPR - June 3
I am most grateful to God.
Many thanks to all the contributors on nairaland. I got most of the guide concerning this journey from there

(Many apologies for the delay, but I just know u had to share it here)

Congratulations!!!

bbpin:
Help me praise God FAM. Its PPR
AOR Feb 12th
Will be back with full Gist

Yayyyyy!!! Congratulations Sis!! See na, they were just waiting for your response before sending the golden mail!!!

It has ended in praise

Scbhoviv:
No, nothing about a need for an interview

Wow! I hope it comes soon Sis. That wait is too long abeg

iaatmguy:
like mod.ath

Ope27:
Hello house please assist me with this cos I don’t want to make any mistake

Definitely 1111

onchekpa:
My people, abeg make una help me beg Mr Bashiru (xx) to verify my NTI (Teachers institute certificate) it's been 10weeks now... just to send an email to WES o. I have called, sent sms weekly, pleaded, even offered to pay anything. He speaks nicely and promises to do it then doesn't. Why does he want to hinder my progress na? I've been on Wes since October last year, that's 8months, all other documents evaluated except his. I don't know what to do anymore.

So you now decided that the solution is to come and post his number on a public forum for random people to disturb him with calls so he can verify the result of someone called 'onchekpa'?
I'm confused as to what you hoped to achieve here.

TEECANN:




You haven't changed one bit...

Just waxing naughtier by the day....

It will end in praises IJN!

TeeeeeCaaaaan!
the naughtiness will end in praise

sandsone198:


Just want to thank God. Received ielts result today L8 R9 W7 S7.5 and this is my first time writing ielts general, wrote the academic last year and passed that one as well. Funny thing is that i think i read for like 3 weeks. Next up WES assessment. Someone please answer my query ooo. Tell me how to go about CIMA or add me to the group. Thanks all.

Congratulations

Here's an explanation of the CIMA process;
https://www.nairaland.com/5031893/canadian-express-entry-federal-skilled/436#78074651

Scbhoviv:
Hello house. Plz I am not understanding this wait any longer. I'm AOR July 29 2018. Was told earlier in January that my file was waiting for final approval. That everything has been passed. I have been waiting and praying. Ordered gems and everything looks fine. So I called again yesterday and was told my file has been transferred to Accra visa office on the 30th of May. Ikeagwugonumu. I have run thru my application a thousand and one time in my head and I can't think of anything I did wrong in my application. Hubby says it's because we are a large family(7) but I don't think so..... Sorry for this my story. I just feel like ranting and there is no other place to do it than here.

In the GCMS, was there any mention of the need to interview you? That is likely the cause of the delay

happyme31:
Now I see why the CRS score is this high.
I just found out that 80% if not more of my colleagues are on this journey.
Imagine my shock today hearing one of them discussing her IELTS score on the phone.
Meanwhile yesterday, another was at it, taking about her result not caring who listened. Two others are writing next month.
I used to do my thing discreetly not knowing everyone was on this journey . We could already start holding meetings.
Laslas na only Buhari and his APC people will remain in Naija.

even APC people are running

.

flgd:
Here is to share my IELTS testimony and thank some of the special people who assisted me...
The June 1st MOD test was my eight attempt, having done four PBT and three CBT with BC. My issue was always writing which never changed from 6.5 all through.
I contacted @wass.eynest, @fide.lism and @johnny.bravo to assist in writing..... These are all excellent people and I am indebted to them all. I was able to merge all their teachings with the grace of God to get the following scores L8, R9, W7.5, S8
Sitting on 453 now and praying for scores to reduce...

Big congratulations to you!
this part has ended in praise Godspeed in the rest of your journey

captainhoo:
Halleluyah eh Halleluyah oh
It’s the sound of victory
Halleluyah eh Halleluyah oh
Let the sound of rejoicing fill this place

Sibe Olorun dara, b’otiwu k’ori ooo idamu aye le po , sugbon sibe Olorun dara


It’s IELTS breakthrough

1st attempt (LRWS)-BC- 7.5 8 6.5 7.5
2nd attempt (LRWS)-IDP- 8 8.5 6.5 7.5
3rd attempt (LRWS)-BC- 8 9 6.5 7
4th attempt (LRWS)-IDP- 9 8.5 6.5 7
5th attempt (LRWS)-IDP-9 9 7 7.5

Thanks to everyone that has helped me on this journey at one point or the other. Ladymarshal, Johnnybravo, wasseynewest, online tutors, telegram groups etc. thank you for your tips, materials, essay corrections and support. Waiting for EOR on the 3rd and 4th attempt.

I don’t have much tip different to what has been shared and said many times. I used only Cambridge materials for my reading, listening. Used Jay’s PPF method for speaking part 2. The two times I used Simon’s method for speaking, I had 7. I decided to return to my method for the last attempt – I answer the questions directly first, then talk around my response to have something to say till my time is up. For my last attempt, I used wasseynewest writing method.


A word to those still trying to cross this hurdle. Never give up, it’s easier said than done right? After you must have felt sad/cried over that result and the sadness is over, pick up that PC, prepare more and re-register. When there is life, there is hope. A big thank you to my sweetheart for his encouragement during those trying times. Like he always say ‘’ despite this result, thank God that you are alive, you have the fund and you are healthy to write the exam, thank God that you even have a chance at this Canada PR program’’.

Re-prepare, re-write and NEVER EVER GIVE UP!!!

I can imagine how much joy PPR clinchers feel. I'm so happy right now

Wow! Congratulations!!! I can't imagine the joy!!
May the rest be easy

Leone26:
Hey guys need your advice plss
I'm going to Austin, Texas in August and want to book my flight with Turkish Airlines because they fly directly from PH where I stay. Hope it's a good airline to fly with.
Also on their website it costs $1,279, hope I can pay with my GTB MasterCard?? Thanks guys.

All airlines are good if they weren't they wouldn't be licensed. You get what you pay for. So yes Turkish airline is good and yes you can pay with your GTB MasterCard

Thaiy:
Hello Family,

I have just decided to applying Express Entry to Canada.

I juggled around crs but got a 425 points after using the highest scores at the IELTS �

I am single, age 32, with B.sc and over 4 years work experience.

WES - Done
PNP - None

Opting for M.Sc is not an option I can conveniently access at the moment.

PNP as it’s known takes months.....not an option either.....last resort maybe.


Kindly advice on best possible steps I can take.

Thank you.

Have you considered CIMA?

emmadeking:


That means my reference letter will bear 12 months (e.g 24th July, 2018 to 24th July, 2019 though I will likely pass out 4th July, 2019)

I will then use LOE

Put the date as it appears on your discharge certificate