Joyousgem's Posts

Nairaland Forum › Joyousgem's Profile › Joyousgem's Posts

1 2 3 (of 3 pages)

Travel › Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Joyousgem: 2:54pm On Feb 04, 2022

Squid456:
Please I would like to know the steps to take after visa is issued for me to travel. I have not travelled internationally before and would like to know the things to prepare and steps to take and how soon can I fly to the UK after passport collection.
Also I'd like to know how long it Will take tls deliver to deliver my passport from Lagos vac to Osun State. I'd appreciate if anyone would enlighten me

From experience it usually takes one working day to get to Osun, from the email that confirms dispatch. You should have the courier tracking number that was given to you at your biometric appointment.

You can fly from the issued Visa valid from date. That said if you are a student i believe you can only fly a month to your resumption. You will need to book your flight, ideally avoid European Airlines, as transit visa is required.

The covid rules that apply to anyone coming into the UK varies based on whether you are fully immunised or not. Check the UK government website closer to your journey time, as the rules are constantly changing.

If I may ask, is this a Visit visa application, if yes when was your biometric. Trying to figure out the average processing time.

Travel › Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 5 by Joyousgem: 9:30am On Feb 04, 2022

Gentlesoul3268:
Maybe you are right lol, what I really mean is that if you are receiving your salary in a particular acct that called salary account.

That doesn't mean you can't have another saving account for your personal use to receiving a non salary payment, for example sold a car, buy a car, paying bills, general payment etc

Basically, you need to provide a credible proof to explain the source of funds in any accounts you will be submitting to support your family's application.

Ofcourse you can have as many accounts as you want, but if the bulk of funds is coming from a non salary account, then logic dictates that you explain the source of the funds with clear evidence.

Put yourself in the ECO's shoes, when you look through your application what questions do you have for yourself. Have you demonstrated strong socio-economic and family ties. Be honest with yourself. Once you've identified those weak areas, ensure you address those areas with supporting documents and a strong support letter.

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Joyousgem: 11:27pm On Jan 31, 2022

Xanderlex:
I went to Lloyd's bank to open an account last week. The person who attended to me said the government had stopped the ISA thing. Please kindly confirm if this is true

Yes, the 'Help to buy ISA' closed to new applicants around November 2019. I have recollections of 16 year olds rushing to open one before the deadline. It is basically a tax free savings account. When closing the account for purchasing your home, you received a closing statement from the bank, which on completion of the home purchase, your solicitor uses to claim back a 25% bonus for you from the government on savings of up to £3000.

Lifetime ISA is different but more or less replaced the help to buy isa with 25% bonus too. However, LISA can also be used as savings towards retirement. ISA refers to tax free savings.

Please check the links below for different schemes targeted at helping first time buyers get on the property ladder and that of the LISA. I hope it helps.

https://www.ownyourhome.gov.uk/all-schemes/

https://www.gov.uk/lifetime-isa

6 Likes 3 Shares

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Joyousgem: 6:25pm On Jan 30, 2022

Ugo73:
Please to the seniors/gurus in the house, what's the best way to start saving for a house. I intend buying a house in the next 2 years. Thanks

If you are between the ages of 18 - 40, first time home buyer and resident in the UK, you can consider opening a Lifetime ISA. It allows you to save up up to £4000 a year, the government tops it up with a bonus of £1000. For couples, you can have a LISA each.

I find that having a separate savings account helps with a standing order in place to transfer a fixed amount from salary account to savings account.

10 Likes 7 Shares

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Joyousgem: 5:36pm On Jan 28, 2022

Chreze:
Thanks for this. I have a question/clarification.

When my wife started working last year, bank of Scotland offered her some amount (I think £250 or so, but less than £500) credit for 24hrs. Tho we didn’t use it then as we didn’t want to mess anything up till we are properly settled. We only set up direct debit as we know that will help a bit.

My Questions,

Using bank of Scotland and their daily credit also will help improve one’s credit score right?

And also I believe as time goes on, it will most likely increase in amount as well as validity?

I want to open an account with them and I am believing it will have good benefit since it is the bank of the country.

Please help with your knowledge of bank of Scotland

Bank of Scotland is part of the Lloyd's banking group, which also owns Halifax. They are a good bank. We use BOS for business banking and also have kids savings accounts with Halifax.

The UK government owns the now called (natwest banking group), used to be RBS banking group till about a year ago. Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is different from Bank of Scotland. (BOS). I also bank personally with RBS.

That said, they both mint Scottish pound sterling as well as Clydesdale bank.

1 Like

Travel › Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 4 by Joyousgem: 4:24pm On Dec 31, 2021

Thank you Debbie for taking the time to respond, I haven't found anything to suggest a first timer can't apply for 2years. The person you are referring to proofs that there is no clear rule about it. They probably examine each application based on its own merit.

Debbieeeeeee:
I know someone who did two years straight but this was a “long time ago”. She was a first-timer and elderly as was going to attend her son's graduation

Travel › Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 4 by Joyousgem: 4:20pm On Dec 31, 2021

Thank you AmeliaT for taking the time to respond, I value your input and thinking the same too.

AmeliaT:
Hello, the advice I got is that 6 months is required for a first timer. I am British and my husband is Nigerian and when applying, we were advised to apply for the 6 first and then go for 2yrs and then 10yrs. This is the same route most of my Nigerian friends have taken. It's better safe than sorry but if anyone has experienced contrary, please shout!

Travel › Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 4 by Joyousgem: 1:34pm On Dec 31, 2021

Good afternoon house, compliment of the season to you all. Just to pick your brains regarding first time application for my dad. Is it advisable to apply for 6mths visit visa or can I apply for a 2yr one straight away. It is to safe him the stress of travelling to Lagos for biometric after the 6mths visa runs out as I'll like him to visit yearly. He only has travel history to African countries. My mum has had a 6mth UK visa previously, so planning to apply for 2yrs for her. It's a joint visit visa application. I would appreciate your input please. They are both employed, well established with strong home ties.

Travel › Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 4 by Joyousgem: 12:41am On Aug 04, 2021

Success2011:
Congratulations.!
Is this your first UK Visa?
Do you’ve any traveling history?
Did you receive any call from UKvi?

Thank you Success2011

I'm not the applicant, I invited the applicant who is my cousin but i put the application together.

To answer your questions

*Is this your first UK Visa? Yes

*Do you’ve any traveling history? No

*Did you receive any call from UKvi? No, they did not call me, applicant or employer. We will never know whether they called the bank or not to verify statement.

1 Like

Travel › Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 4 by Joyousgem: 12:33am On Aug 04, 2021

flyingfish:
how many months bank statement does sponsor send? Is 3 months okay if Applicant is sending 6months?

Historically, when I have sponsored in the past I submitted 6months bank statement. Of recent I have spoken to friends who have successfully sponsored using 3months bank statement. The reasoning behind it is the volume of transactions on UK bank statements can be a lot, as we use our cards a lot. Remember to back it up with sponsor's payslips and obviously sponsor must have a reasonable balance to sponsor.

I will always advise the applicant to submit 6months statement if possible.

Travel › Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 4 by Joyousgem: 12:25am On Aug 04, 2021

kunzzy4me:
Congratulations brother ....pls any travel history?

Thank you Kunzzy4me.

Forgot to mention that applicant has no travel history. Declared one US refusal from 2018.

Travel › Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 4 by Joyousgem: 7:44am On Aug 03, 2021*

6 month Visit visa application timeline

Application submitted - 5/07/21
Biometrics - 9/07/21
Collection email - 30/07/21
Passport received with Visa via dhl - 02/08/21

Documents submitted
*Letter of invitation from Cousin
*Letters of employment
*Letters of introduction from employers clearly stating grant of annual leave.
*Payslips
*Bank statement
*Cover letter (to address home ties as single in late 30s, explain additional income in the form of second employment, explaination for lump sum of 120k on bank statement 3months ago, quarantine plans and breakdown of travel budget).
*Work ID card
*Pictures.

Supporting documents from Family member in the UK

* Letter addressed directly to Visa Officer, stating relationship with applicant, quarantine plan, plan to accommodate and feed applicant during the visit. Also list of supporting documents handed over to applicant.
* Passport data pages of the family.
*Current council tax bill
*proof of home ownership - recent letter from lawyer confirming purchase of property.

Family visit period - 14days
Budget - £800
Monthly income - N350,000
Monthly disposable income - N250,000
Closing Balance at submission- N5M+

Hope this breakdown help others.

6 Likes 1 Share

Travel › Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 4 by Joyousgem: 7:19am On Jul 23, 2021

twojul:
Can i ask why your friend's brother who has been to the UK previously was denied? Thank you

Apologies for my late response, just seeing your post.

To be honest the reasons were the standard denial excuses despite the fact that their applications were similar. The strongest home ties was commitment to their education. Both even paid final year school fees. They just didn't believe he would come back on this occasion. We had also sponsored his mum (my Aunt) previously who returned when stated.

Honestly, I think a lot also boils down to the VO handling the application. That's when the God factor comes in. Plus no two applications are ever the same. Thankfully, my cousin now lives in Canada.

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 19 by Joyousgem: 11:44am On Jul 07, 2021

Aissy:
So I got a procedural fairness letter today, at this point I am just drained

Take a deep breathe Aissy. Don't let it weigh you down but be proactive. We had a case in the last thread whereby PPR was issued after pfl. You need to have a strong, believable and logical explanation for the chargeback. Has your agent confirmed that there was indeed a chargeback.

If I were you the $100 monthly limit on nigerian bank cards would be my starting point, hence the reason you needed help from a third party to make the payment. And state clearly that you reimbursed the person, if you have proof add it, it would help. Also that you were unaware of the chargeback until you received the pfl.

Importantly, you need to arrange to make the payment again through a legitimate means. Ideally someone you know and trust. If you don't know anyone abroad directly, reach out to 'Anon' he might be able to help you, he has a good track record here. We have seen someone on this thread in your situation naively asking the same agent again to pay for them a second time. I believe they were handed a ban which he is trying to contend. Paying 235CAD is easier than looking for thousands of CAD to pay an immigration lawyer after 5yr ban.

I sincerely wish you all the best.

12 Likes

Travel › Re: General UK Visa Enquiries - Part 4 by Joyousgem: 5:49pm On Jul 06, 2021

MizMary:
Hello@ justwise and the gurus!
Please we plan to invite my husband’s niece over for a visit to England soon.
She is a final year law student in a private university who is currently doing her final exams.
We want her to come as part of a promise to her , once she finished her law school.
Has anyone else been in our shoes before?
What are her chances of getting the visa (being that she is just a student finishing school)?
What kind of evidence can she and we provide to support her applications?
Please kindly note that we will be open to all opinions, no matter how honest they will be!
Thank you.

My husband and I invited my cousin without travel history, about to start his final year in 2017 and his visa was granted in two weeks. I was called to confirm some details and my husband was called too. A friend tried the same thing for her brother who has UK travel history and he was denied. I agree with justwise 50/50 chance.

If you need help with the list of documents we submitted and format of letters, i have it somewhere in my email, reach out to me via email, I'll be glad to help.

1 Like 1 Share

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 19 by Joyousgem: 9:04am On Jun 25, 2021

jfrazzy:
I did one early this month
Still waiting for it
The 5 Canadian dollars own

I sent you an email

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 19 by Joyousgem: 7:41pm On Jun 23, 2021

Uzomachukwuu:
Long Post Alert:

Talk about being happy, today is one of the happiest days of my past one year.

A year and six days after my first visa application (AOR June 16, 2020), I finally got PPR on my second application (AOR: Feb 26).

Congratulations!!! Really happy for you. I have been awaiting your good news and checking the thread. Live free and prosper in Canada.

Do not forget us when you get to your kingdom cheesy

1 Like

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 19 by Joyousgem: 7:25pm On Jun 08, 2021

Olanrewajuluke1:
Pls and pls I need IRCC email address, my Application is over tay since last year October 15 2020

I sent you an email

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 19 by Joyousgem: 1:53pm On May 31, 2021

happachris:
Noted. All these irrespective of my sponsors financial documents validity?

Yes you are the applicant, you are the main focus of eligibility review. Your financial and home ties need to be water tight.
All your sponsor is scrutinised for is their relationship to you, source of funds, is it sustainable, enough to cover your studies without bankrupting them and do you have access to the funds.

Please order your gcms note too, so that you can address the VO directly in your LOE.

I strongly believe you will be approved on your next application as your reason for refusal can easily be fixed. Stay positive and ensure you cover all bases in your next application, don't leave any aspect open for the VO to second guess.

2 Likes

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 19 by Joyousgem: 1:19pm On May 31, 2021

happachris:
It's sad. But I will try again.

I am confused, is it because I didn't drop my account details during application or what. Because I stated I work in Nigeria. My sponsor financial stuff was submitted.

I am sorry about your delay. You need to address your personal economic ties to Nigeria. It goes a long way to shown you will leave after studies. The VO was not convinced of your personal financial stability. Anything stated on your application had to be supported with proof. If you state that you are employed you need proof of salary payment, such as bank statement, payslips, letter from employer, etc. Also did you address how your studied will increase your employability in your chosen field on your return. It needs to link into your short/long term goals in your SOP. If you have examples of job adverts with stated salaries, it shows your financial incentive to return. Be sure to ask for help from gurus to vet your LOE.

I wish you all the best.

2 Likes

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 19 by Joyousgem: 5:11pm On May 27, 2021

ifeoluwadayofun:
Pls helpers in the house kindly attend to this question as it slowing the submission of my application.

I received a fully funded scholarship in Canada and I have a peculiar case that need your guide. I have an infant to leave behind as one of my home/family ties, I and my husband agreed to keep the baby with my immediate elder sister for my maximum concentration.
Please can this raise a concern to the visa officer?

Please do not leave your infant behind. As a mum of a five month old, the thought of leaving an infact is heart breaking and fills me with dread. I don't even think I can leave my 5 year old. Your infant needs you, you don't want to come back to a child that looks at you like a stranger. Your husband can still be your home tie. Personally, if you can show proof of funds to cover both of you, i'll advise you to apply for yourself and your infant together.
After approval and landing in Canada, you can apply for SOWP for your husband, using emotional support as your reason, with adequate finance in order ofcourse. Visa Officers are human too, remember to address it in your SOP.

Someone on the thread successfully applied with their child recently. Oyibo4real, search for their posts and reach out to them.

Wishing you all the best in your application

4 Likes

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 19 by Joyousgem: 3:33pm On May 26, 2021

iampaulsmith:
Guyssss BVL & PPR has dropped!!!
Surely what God cannot do does not exist. He never fails!
After waiting for almost 8 months. October applicant. I will drop full timeline later.

My joy today knows no bound dear. It has been quite a very long journey. It has surely ended in praise.

Praise God

5 Likes

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 18 by Joyousgem: 9:51am On May 06, 2021

Aladeope:
please I am confused someone help me made payment for my application yesterday ,my application fee is 125CAD and they charged him 100pounds which he claimed is 67800 my people is this one not juju, how can 125cad be 67800? me I am confused, I sent him 52000 initially now he is requesting for balance.

Your application fee cannot be 125CAD for study permit, it'll either be 235CAD for first time applicants or 150CAD for reapplication.

UK pounds sterling to CAD is roughly ratio £3 to 5CAD. So 150CAD is approximately £90 (that is the official rate of what the bank would charge the individual)

Chances are they would use have used Black market rate of £1 is N676 to retrieve the funds from you. So 150CAD (£90) should be N60840. Did you agree to a fee for the payment made on your behalf.

Anyone wanting to make a payment is best using someone with a CAD or US dollar card.

I find the 100 USD dollar a month restriction on nigerian cards absurd in this day and age. E go better.

1 Like

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 18 by Joyousgem: 7:29am On May 06, 2021

OBANLABAMIDELE2:
I just got my Gcms note now , this is what is showing understand the assessment please what the meaning

Have a look at the NOTE Section. It's the last section on your GCMS note before the records of the webforms you being sending to IRCC, if you have.

It'll probably have notes about your application fee payment chargeback. I hope you have paid it now. The note should show you a clue to what is going on in the VO's mind. Take your time and read though that section, you may find something that puts your mind to rest.

I agree with others recommended interview is good. I wish you all the best and commend you for your patience.

May your 7 month wait end in praise as the saying goes. Don't forget to send them daily emails/webform.

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 18 by Joyousgem: 4:56pm On Apr 29, 2021

maestro09:
Please anyone. This is quite urgent

Nigerian address as it's the individual's permanent address. It also helps to strengthen your home ties to an extent.

1 Like

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 18 by Joyousgem: 1:15pm On Apr 26, 2021

Psychosocial:
I paid the transmission fee, and included the receipt in the package. Funny thing is I hear, the package wasn't even opened. Is there anyway I can reach the Abuja VAC office by phone??

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 18 by Joyousgem: 1:09pm On Apr 26, 2021

Psychosocial:
I paid the transmission fee, and included the receipt in the package. Funny thing is I hear, the package wasn't even opened. Is there anyway I can reach the Abuja VAC office by phone??

I found this post below by @ Lekiboboe, check that the address is the same as you had sent your documents to. Yes, calling them would be the best approach. Search the thread for their number or use Google.

Full Information on Sending Passport to Lagos or Abuja VFS for STAMPING after getting PPR
https://www.nairaland.com/5818588/canadian-student-visa-thread-part/642#96722431

VFS Consent form (PDF , 68KB)
https://www.nairaland.com/5818588/canadian-student-visa-thread-part/475#95633153

Download the above form and fill only the 2nd Page

2 Likes

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 18 by Joyousgem: 12:53pm On Apr 26, 2021

Psychosocial:
I sent my passport to Abuja in response to PPR, the package got to the office, but they didn't even open it and they wrote "REJECTED" on it. What didn't I do right? I had my Biometrics done in Lagos two years ago. Or didn't I get the Abuja VAC office right?

That is strange. Did you pay the transmission fee since you didn't do your biometrics in Abuja? If I remember rightly, you had misplaced your biometrics slip.

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 18 by Joyousgem: 6:35pm On Apr 16, 2021

Ysakaws1:
I have a question for the gurus in the house. Is the information on GCMS notes for the status of your application as at around the time you applied for the GCMS or as at around the time you received the GCMS?

GCMS note shows the status of the application around the GCMS note request date, often a day or two working days after you request it . The note has a date at the top of every page, stated as 'requested date'. If it takes 30days to send it, then the note is technically a month out of date by the time you receive it.

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 18 by Joyousgem: 7:03am On Apr 04, 2021*

Johnpaul94:
Thank you @Joyousgem, I guess the 235CAD is for the application fee and biometrics right? I am a first timer please.

Yes, as a first time applicant, you have to pay 235 canadian dollars which covers 150 application fees and 85 biometrics fees. I think your agent quoted you in US dollars, which is 185. Some agents apparently prefer to deal and quote in US dollars.

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 18 by Joyousgem: 5:10pm On Apr 03, 2021

Johnpaul94:
Good am NL,

I would appreciate if anyone can tell me cost of the study application fee, cos my agent told me it’s $185.

I’m just trying to avoid extortion from the agent.

Thanks.

$185 quoted by your agent is equivalent to 235CAD which is current the study permit application fees.

1 Like

Travel › Re: Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 18 by Joyousgem: 10:20am On Apr 01, 2021

peruxie:
Thanks for your response ...but the down side is the fact that my school resumes May 10 which is approximately a month away, also my rep has sent them the medical slip I got from qlife on that same date (March 5)

There is no harm in sending them a mail and webform in relation to your medical that hasn't been updated yet. You could also apply for your gcms note to put your mind to rest.

You are within your right to chase IRCC up on a decision. As long as its within processing time, it makes it difficult to hurry them along though. Majority of applicants awaiting their results here are in your shoes too, considering this is only a small sample of Nigerian applicants.

Application processing time is published on their website. Is there no option to defer your admission to September if you don't get a result close to resumption. On a positive note a lot can still happen in a month, we've seen an application turn around of 3weeks this year, nothing is impossible. On the other hand we also have September, October and November applicants on this thread who applied when processing time was 13weeks, who are still awaiting results 20+ weeks into their applications. Some have deferred whilst some started online studies by faith. No two applications will ever be the same.

Speak to your immigration representative, you paid for a service to support you in navigating the study permit application process. See what they advice.

2 Likes

1 2 3 (of 3 pages)