₦airaland Forum

MarquisDeSade:
Bills! Bills! Bills!

This Canadian dream sometimes feel like Canadian slavery!

I was watching a video on YouTube about Canadians with very 'marketable' degrees like Engineering and Accounting who have to work three jobs just to pay their bills...I was just wondering if this is the same Canada some folks want to quit Chevron jobs for.

I think many Nigerians need to watch videos of ordinary Canadians earning minimum wage trying to eke out a living in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. I'm sure many would not be as enthused as they are about this 'Canada Waka' if they understand that the struggle of living in Canada could be as tough as the process of getting into Canada.

You are correct on the bills seeming to take a huge chunk of your income. However its not limited to canada, its how most developed countries work. (plus tempting u with credit and if you are not careful you get into serious debt and are trapped in the rat race) I can attest to the same for the UK and have friends in the US also lamenting on bills, health insurance etc. Your acess to basic amenities and advanced facilities come at a cost.
On the canadian dream, the question that should be asked is whats the purpose or motive behind coming to canada. Is it because others are doing it, or solely for your kids. In my opinion these are valid but not enough to sustain you when it gets tough. Yes canada is not perfect, no country is and a lot of immigrants seem to forget that moving to a new country literally means starting over and it takes a while to settle in.
If you dont know why you moved to canada in the first place then you can easily get discouraged. But most importantly do it for yourself. Yes the opportunity is there, yes you want the best for your kids, you want to pepper them in your old neighbourhood by relocating abroad, Yes you want to escape the madness of naija but after u have escaped then what. This is where we get stuck. If you have no strong purpose in yourself driving u, then u might not be able to find the inner strength to push through when it gets really hard.

For me, my strong reason is freedom. Ultimately my choice gives me the opportunity to go anywhere and do what I want without my green nigerian passport as a limitation. Yes i want to escape the madness, yes its a better life for my kids and saner way of living for my hubby and I. Those are great bonuses but for me what makes me smile when im home alone with my kids driving me nuts( i have a baby barely three months) and missing the african support system and cheap daycare and the fact that im stuck at home till im comfortable to leave my baby in daycare. Its that in the not too distant future I can plan to volunteer for an orphanage in south america and just up and go no restrictions.
What im simply saying is that I did canada for me and not for 'others'

BS
This pregnancy was really tough for me and cldnt wait to finally have baby. I got diagonised with gestational diabetes at 32weeks and was placed on insulin. It was so depressing and i was just counting down for delivery. Doc already said i would be induced at 39weeks cos of the GD. At 39weeks the drug was inserted in cervix and after monitoring was told to go home, it might take a few hours or a day for contrations to kick in. On way home started having cramps but was told thats normal. It continued non stop for like 2hrs , then things changed, i started having serious contractions every 2mins and it was painful i couldnt even walk. So hubby and i started rushing to hospital.
Once we got to hospital, they quickly placed me on baby monitor to check how baby was doing. Her heartrate was too high. They removed the insert and were monitoring for babys heartrate to come down. After like an hour the consultant doc came and said im going to have to do a csection to ensure i have a healthy baby and mother. My hubby was still looking in shock like u said what. He was like lets pray before he cld finish 2 sentences they were wheeling me to the operating room. It was so fast. They gave me the spinal and in like 10mins baby was out. When i heard the weight 4.5kg. I was so relieved i didnt push her out.
Recovery after cs is the punishment once the spinal wore off. Walking after cs really helped it was painful as hell. But God bless the nurse who kept encouraging me to walk about in my room so the recovery can be faster. Also the pain meds must not be missed o. You go hear am. Baby and i are doing great and grateful to God for this privilege.

BA
My princess arrived on 16th August by emergency c section, weighing 4.5kg. Mother and baby are doing fine BS coming later

myde16:
BA!

BA!!

BA!!!


To the glory of Jehovah God, we welcomed our twin girls on the 2nd of August tru ELCS. Babies are fine, Mum is recovering...


Cc:

motic2

Congrats iya ibeji, swift recovery

spicychic847:
Birth Alert!

My prince arrived at 8:18am on the 7th of Aug weighing 4.3kg with lil tear. Still in the hospital as he’s been monitored. Bs coming when discharged. Maamas join me in thanking God.
Cc motic2

Congrats teamie

amorprincesa:
BA! BA!

I give all glory to God! My princess arrived this morning around 8am after 3hours of bum bum labour. Her older sister keep wanting to carry her.
Cc: Cappo motic2, Cappo habbeyoluwa

Congrats sis.

damibaby:
cappo I don born o.... Alhamdulillah... baby boy arrived 15th July via ELCS... birth story coming soon... thanks 4 checking up on us

Congrats teamie, God is faithful. August has officially started

motic2:
hello august mamas where are you all hiding oooo come out as we count down to our own very month in 2weeks damibaby,amorprincessa,ayportable1,you all should top by to say hello
nurse kaffy hope all is well youve been cold on this thread for days now the lord is our strength

Cappo Im managing o dealing with a lot and cant wait for baby to come. Will soon testify by God's grace.

egobetatoday:
do the airlines allow yoghurt and snacks in handbags or carry on bags?

I was travelling with my toddler so i put it in his backpack as his snacks. Most airlines will allow snacks for toddlers. I just took my chances with the yoghurt though. It wasnt the liquid drinking yoghurt was the small tub ones. Hope this helps.

hotmomma:
Thank God for safe deliveries my people. July mamas, I wish you safe and swift deliveries.


After July is ......... The long awaited AUGUST!!!
Thank You Jesus. My fellow august mamas, hope we are bouncing in the Lord. Hope una don shop and pack hospital bags oh,


_{is there anyone like me that hasn't stepped into market for baby stuff or packed her hospital bag? Lemme be going jeje oh}

I am on this table u are shaking o, never go buy anything if not for a sister of mine that just pack baby clothes come dash me.
But going anywhere is work o, baby head is down and the pain in vaginal area no be here. I will just waddle small and be panting. I am just praying this baby will hold on till august cos im not yet ready o.
Side eyes at all this july mamas carrying big geepee tank.

Lummie01:
Sent a PM

Havent gotten it, so just sent u a pm

joo2018:
LANDING GIST II



SMALL WORLD

@Misi16, I now know you and hubby. Your hubby and I reconnected at Addis Ababa.

@Ifeoma77, if you landed on Tuesday morning June 18, we were on the same flight ADD to YYZ. We must connect here somehow.

Chai I felt for u and madam, those boys were gangster.

voguemum:
The bolded cracked me up.....your son is my Lo's double ganga lol. I can definitely picture him doing the same thing. LMAO at immigration officers rushing out in full attack. May canny favour you and yours and I'm sure your soon to birth baby is already praying and blessing mummy and daddy for taking him/her to Canada for his/her grand arrival. Safe delivery dear and thanks for sharing. Landing gist brings life back to the thread

Amen to your prayers and thank you

onyexx:
Thanks for this advice...pls what province are you in?

In Edmonton, Alberta

Jbelieve:
Congratulations on your landing, please what kind of mistakes should one avoid?

Let me just share a few, some have been mentioned here
1. Never change usd at the airport, coming from nigeria u can change like 200cad from the bureau de change or mallam guys so u have some cad for stuff before u go to the bank
2. Get the best newcomer deals at the bank, preferably no management fees on account, credit card 1500-2000 limit. I opted to open an RESP straightaway for our son, its a savings plan that the govt also contributes in addition to urs. You can google it up. I also didnt open a personal savings accct cos u get charged for withdrawals (but not charged for checking no interest paid though) and said no to overdrafts. I just wanted to have the basics and understand the system for at least a year.
3 Getting accomodation, factor in so many issues not just fine location, proximity to shops and transport, u may pay a little extra though. Also dont be in a hurry to buy a car, we landed summer and though it might be different if u land winter. If u can wait 6months to a year would be great
4. Settling in is great but dont spend too much money trying to set up urself like those who have spent 4years before u landed
5. Take advantage of the newcomer programs, though im expecting still applying for programs that will start months after my delivery.
6.Very important LISTEN to those who have been here before u, sieve information but there is no shame in getting a temp job while u wait for your dream job, there is dignity in labor. Met two diff people who landed way before us, one refused survival jobs early on and is trying to land one now, another didnt enroll in a newcomers program that would have paid a stipend cos thot would get a job before then but still searching.
Doesnt mean would be your story but learn from others mistakes
7.Also try as soon as possible to get income coming in no matter how small.so u are not under unnecessary pressure and be thrifty. That u have 20k cad buffer doesnt mean u have to spend it all while being jobless
8.Networking is key here, leverage on it

Let me stop here, i dont know it all but just keeping my ear to the ground and learning fast.

Adunnee:
Your landing gist is sweet.
I pray for the safe arrival of our Canny baby. God bless you and yours.

Amen sis, thanks

Lummie01:
Welcome to edmonton. Are u on edmonton greatest Whatsapp or telegram group for Nigerians in edmonton

Nope wont mind being added

Landing gist
I have always been encouraged by the landing stories i have read here and believe its only fair i share mine.

We got our ppr on may 9th and passports on june 7th. We booked our flights for the 17th even before passports arrived, cos im expecting so we needed to leave as soon as possible. We were not ready to take chances on baby being born in nigeria after copr.

I had to go for fit to fly at their clinic in VI on friday since we were travelling on monday. ( fit to fly cant be older than 3 days we were told) paid 10k which i later discovered was a waste of money and time. I was still given a form when checking in to go and get fit to fly at the MMIA clinic cost 2k. I just gave them my scan report at the MMIA clinic and they did few checks. My advice just do the fit to fly at the airport. Even after calling ET and being told i cldnt do at the airport clinic and told to go to VI before the flight. They still ended up making me do it at the airport(sigh).

We got to the airport in good time, like 3hrs before. I packed 6bags and they were all within the 23kg range(dusts collar). I didnt pack much food items just egusi, ogbonno, and ground crayfish. I had to sacrifice my unripe plantain flour for the 23kg cause also didnt pay anything for agric fees, they just checked and were like is this all u have u can go.

Anyway we checked in, was getting ready to go thru immigration when i remembered we didnt lock our bags. Ha mogbe all the drug smuggling alakoba stories started playing in my head. For my peace of mind, i just prayed Lord Jesus into your hands we commit our bags (and after praying started thinking of defense options for worst case scenarios being legally minded can be a pain). We boarded and flight to addis ababa went smoothly, food wasnt so bad. Called family at addis ababa airport to let them know we were fine. Then boarded the loooong flight to toronto. I tried sleeping, walked around the airplane a few times, did some exercises at the back of the plane. Got hungry, thank God i brought some snacks and yoghurt cos wasnt in the mood for the food. It wasnt so bad just didnt feel like eating their food, hubby and son ate most of the food. Son ate mostly the chicken and bread and lots of biscuit. Mercifully he slept thru most of the flights. Hubby handled all the toilet breaks for him and he was good. That was a life saver for me. As for me, just like u are told to note all the emergency exits in the plane i noted all the toilet locations on the plane as a frequent flyer(visitor ). I drank only water on the plane and a lot of it which helped. Another great thing was having compression socks on. It was a great relief for me. Even though i shouted when i had to pay 10k for them, they were worth it. We finally landed at toronto. By this time i was tired of flying and just cldnt wait to get off the plane.

Joined the queue, entry visa stamped and then directed to where we would have landing formalties. By then son was fully awake and running up and down playing with other kids and hubby chasing him arnd. Only questions asked was whether we had been to canada before and how much we had. Told to take a sit while copr was being processed. We met two other nigerian families while waitng. After like 5mins we were called to sign our copr copies. We were on our way to get our sin when our son decided he wanted to go back the way we came, like flash the boy had gone under the ropes and took off running in a restricted area. Hubby had to drop all luggage and chase after him with several immigration officers rushing out in full attack mode when they saw a 6ft black man running only to see the tiny boy he was chasing and they started laffing. The boy was really dodging oyinbo trying to catch him laffing and looking back to make sure his pursuers were not near. Eventually after like 200metres he was caught by hubby who normally would have given him two hot ones on his bum to reset his brain, now humbly telling him you made daddy run after you. I think at that point the halleluyah chorus went off in my boys head, like really so im now in canada and untouchable( hes just two by the way). He was just smiling feeling cool.
Then after sin, we went to claim our luggage, hubby was like lets get the big cart for 16dollars, my ijebu ancestors rolled in their graves and i was like lets just get 2 carts and push since we were going to check our bags in for connecting to edmonton. Passed thru customs, and nothing was checked. It was like a 5mins walk to drop off our bags, by the way our bags were untouched nothing missing or added, prayers answered. Then went to wait for the flight to edmonton. Flight was horribly uncomfortable for me. The space btw the seats was tiny.
Hosts came to pick us up at airport. Tried to get our health number that tuesday but needed proof of address, so next day opened account and then went to register for the health number. I got a number immediately cos i told the lady needed to see a doctor urgently amd was extra polite and smiling sweetly. Hubby and son will have to wait 2weeks fornhealth card to arrive. I saw the doc on friday morning, went to do tests etc same day.

Just chilling for now, while hubby is busy polishing cv for job applications. In all grateful to have landed safely and having people on ground helping us to settle in smoothly.

NB: never underestimate the power of a support network if u have the opportunity. Also having the right information to make wise choices is key. Dont try to do it all alone to avoid costly mistakes.

amorprincesa:
My August teamies of life, how una dey? It's been a while! Work no Lemme type coupled with laziness. I sha say make I greet una today! Like play like play am 30weeks and some days
Cappo motic2 Weldone! Hotmomma how is you?

Infact i recall one mama here saying she has turned to lazina, its like that is my new name now. I am always so tired, small driving and i will be aching all over. But God is faithful, baby and i are fine. August mamas i hail o.

It's PPR!!!!
Timeline
ITA 19th Sept 2018
AOR 17th November 2018
Medical passed 19th Dec 2018
Biometrics 20th Dec 2018
ADR 5th April 2019
IP2 8th May 2019
PPR 9th May 2019
Family of 3

Background
I originally never wanted to go to Canada. I had friends who kept asking me to come over right from when I considered doing masters. But I wasn't too keen. Until 2017 when I got fed up with the Nigerian system. Honestly if you own a business in this country, the system can drive you mad. I got tired of all the demands of government without giving back. Anyway I initially thought the way forward was thru a PhD application to Canada, until all my applications were rejected then my ears finally opened to the gospel of express entry that was being preached.

First step IELTS
1st attempt lrws 7.5,8,7.5,8
2nd attempt lrws 9879
Tip for ielts listening: I realised my problem when practising listening was zoning off in the middle of practice. I get distracted easily. So I had to learn to focus intently, started practicing listening tests with plenty background noise and reduced the volume of my headset.

ECA
I used Wes. It was really easy for me, had a foreign masters and school had option for Wes to access transcripts online so i didn't have to pay transcript fees, only the wes fee. So was ready in exactly 20days
Hubby eca took a while but luckily transcript was sent just a week before the waec requirement was implemented. In fact it was just God cos we really needed the points and time was not on our side, we entered the pool early to avoid the tie breaking rule even though crs was under 440. Immediately hubby's Eca came out pushed crs to 445, draw was 441 19th Sept 2018 got ITA in the nick of time, my birthday was a few days after the draw.

Medicals
It was favor that got us an early date, we were initially booked for end of October but asked to be put on a waiting list in case an early date came up. Luckily it did. medicals finished early and decided to do pcc same day, met inspector moshood on the way in and asked him for directions to inspector moshood

POF
100% gift deed from egbon.

Work Experience
It's complicated.
I reached out to Newmum, she is amazing, helped review my loe and gave useful tips to help my situation.
I used two Nocs. My primary Noc I had over 6years experience, 2+years as an employee, 3+ years as the business owner. It was previously family owned. Got a reference letter from a senior employee that worked in the business before I joined. Did an loe explaining my peculiar situation. Added tax payroll schedules from inland revenue that had my job title, wages, carried their stamps and on their letterhead to validate my work. Then added change of business ownership, CAC docs.
My secondary NOC was the course I had my educational qualifications in, just over a year work experience. Got a reference letter in the required format from my previous employer.


Post AOR
It was then I learnt the true meaning of the word anxious. I checked profile like every hour of every day. I started thinking of all the things that may go wrong, maybe I didn't fill right etc. Was thinking by 3months I will get Ppr. After 3months raised cse for vo, when I saw Accra, I was sad for a week. Joined the accra what's app group and became encouraged. When April 2018 Aor is giving you hope then you know your case is a small matter. Got famous 5 adr Apr 5 and I knew my application was being worked on. Got a ghost update yesterday and ppr was waiting in my cic account today

In all, I am grateful to God for seeing us through. All things work together for good for those who love God.
It has worked out and I am grateful. Everytime I think about the challenges and stress involved in the journey, I remember those who don't even have this opportunity and I immediately stop complaining. To everyone at whatever stage you are don't give up and stay positive and thankful that you are on this journey.

Newmum0615:
Newmum0519

Congratulations so happy for you.

motic2:
ROLL CALL DUTY
To our maker the author and the finisher of our faith we say thank you for keeping us this far and protection our love ones as MAY represent the month of fruitfulness and perfection you shall perfect all that concerns us and their shall be all-round fruitfulness in our life and home ijn

August mamas how is the waddling going and the other room ministry its key we don't deny DH his
#sexypreggymamas

Present cappo. Baby sex is pink, the kind gymnastics that happened before we saw a glimpse nko, but will reconfirm at 30weeks. Not started shopping o, will ginger myself to start soon. Small bump is now showing, yaaay!!!

motic2:
Happy new month to you all senior mama's in the house seeing BA's everywhere elevate my heart there shall be no more loss and we would all meet out LO's in sound health ijn
August mama how is the ministry going roll call coming up soon

Cappo I dey alright. Feeling fly, trying not to eat the house down. Just heartburn once a while.

Jina24:
Hope you haven't stopped running .

Shaking bum bum ahead. You cannot catch me

Uchihasasuke19:
Thanks boss.

Sasuke-kun takes me back to memory lane..
Naruto-Kun

Sakura-chan.

Jina24:
Yipeeee, we haff catch you @sunbestie


Congratulations mama, thank God for safe delivery

Kisses to her royal cuteness, may God bless and keep her.

ThecMay geepee tank is loading to catch all of the remaining April mama's. Once the cappo is captured, nothing else remain
Just looking for trouble, runs away

damibaby:
I took my antimalaria but ended up throwing up... now I have to buy another one...cos iv been feeling somehow lately... and also took my second tt d body pain I had no be here... my August teamies and sabi mamas na so antimalaria de do.... Motic2 amorprincessa misi16

Doc told me to take the antimalaria at night. That's what I did, had no issues.

damibaby:
I took my antimalaria but ended up throwing up... now I have to buy another one...cos iv been feeling somehow lately... and also took my second tt d body pain I had no be here... my August teamies and sabi mamas na so antimalaria de do.... Motic2 amorprincessa misi16

Doc told me to take the antimalaria at night. That's what I did had no issues with it.

damibaby:
abi o...my teamie...pls when will dis bump finally pop out...mine is still hiding under breast at 25weeks

I am now officially fat. Guess my own pregnancy is everywhere. Getting a comfy bra now is war using extenders still I'm not comfy tired of this big bust. Bump no show its bust that is expanding.

sayoddy:
Lol, June first, May later as May mammas are rocking the thread.
By the way, I am not seeing August teamies making mouth nowadays, the belle is real now.

April mamas, carry go. Swift delivery to everyone

Somebori is looking for oppression. Is it because we August mamas decided to stay calm with our sexy Peggy selves. By the way we are doing great, make up on fleek, 12inch stilettos and Peruvian wigs on point

Humblega:
Congrat to all ppr and it's grabbers


Sorry I have a simple question....



On AVO famous 5 ADR


What is your advise to some1 DAT has a bulky (like 200 pages) last 6 months statement of account DAT is asked to upload his/her statement of acct with salary highlighted for AVO 5 ADR?

Must one submit all pages?

You scan the first page of statement, then scan only pages highlighting your salary payments to reduce the volume. Know someone who did that and has gotten ppr.

damibaby:
mamas what can I do to ease leg cramps... once I trek or wake up from sleep my feet hurts ...my August teamies anyone having dis... motic2 hotmomma misi17

Also having leg cramps but mine mostly wakes me up middle of night. I just try to stretch it till pain eases. Guess it's normal this phase we are in according to Dr. Google.