₦airaland Forum

Teemie22:
I’m referring to letter of explanation for visit visa. Thanks

I don't think you will find a ready-made of such online. You need to do an official response letter and sectionalise each refusal grounds and explain the change in your situation or what you have done differently to be eligible in that criteria. You can still take some clues from those posted online for study permits.

I can try to find time to put some guides together and paste it here if I get the chance.

Teemie22:
Hello, I need LOE samples, I’m not satisfied with what I’m seeing on google.

Cc @olasubomy

Are you referring to letter of explanation for Student visa. Letter of Explanation for student visa is mostly common with applicants who have been refused and applying again. See this video below. I think this guy did justice on how to draft letter of explanation. You can adjust to your situation but avoid PLAGIARISM

DETAILED GUIDE ON LETTER OF EXPLANATION (LOE)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvi9p14sz5g&t=806s

Hope it helps.

livviee:
Hello all,

Please how can one contact a member of parliament? Thanks

LINK TO THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/search

Search for the member in the city where you intend to visit. However, they would only respond if the person making enquiry is in Canada.

You can ask someone in Canada to contact them on your behalf if you are not in Canada.

tracy0803409:
Good evening Family, please our passport just arrived today stamped, in my app, it was updated with a LOI, but in my sons page who is 3years and got a visit visa there was no LOI


Please does he need a LOI to enter Canada?


Thanks for your responses

For visit visa, he does not need. The officer may just ask for letter of authorization from his dad giving his consent to travel with you since he is till a minor but depends on the officer.

tempzi:
Okay, thanks. apart from my bank card, what's the minimum cash to have in hand? Like for a 2 weeks trip

The amount of cash to travel with is dependent on your situation. Your responses at the port of entry would have to speak to what you declared when you applied for the visa. That being the basis, you have been approved. That means the officer is satisfied with the amount you declared to be expensed for your planned two-week stay.

You would need to demonstrate to the officer that you have XXXX cash, which would be accessible for your visit. You know better what amount was declared and how much you intend to come with. You need to prepare your response in case you are asked.

The most important thing is defending it and convincing the officer that the amount would be assessable to you if this is entirely in your bank card, but I think you should have some in physical cash. However, physical cash of 10,000 dollars and above would need to be declared at the port of entry.

tempzi:
Greetings to you,

Please for those traveling on a visitor visa to Canada, is BTA/PTA still required at the POE? If so, how do one go about it for a trip scheduled for next week? Urgent pls

It depends on your responses when you were filling your application. That's mostly what CBSA look at when they ask questions. Also, sometimes CBSA can throw the question " How much do you have with you" you cant say , I don't have any money so better to have some cash either gotten through PTA or black market.

tundemk44:
Thank you!

You are welcome and you can also ask on USA Visit Visa thread. You could get better insight from them.

tundemk44:
Hello folks,
I applied for US visitor visa in Toronto 2 months ago but i was refused. i am a PR holder. I have been issued b1/b2 visa back in Nigeria 2 times. my kids were born in USA and hospital fees were paid in full.
I want to ask if anyone has been in my shoes and if they later issue the visa.
Thanks in advance

I am wondering what could have gone wrong. Do you have a clue what could be the concern of the VO based on the interview questions you were asked?

You can keep building your ties in Canada like a job and try to apply again during your leave period. That would be strong evidence you are returning back to your job in Canada. I think you should give a little time before you apply again

Hopefully, you have this sorted.

May79:
APPLICATION SUBMITTED IN MAY FAMILY OF 3
ONLY MINE WAS SENT PPR MY HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER IS PROCESSING
LEAVING TO AMERICA TOMORROW WITH MY CANADIAN SON WHO IS GOING TO SCHOOL.PLS SHOULD I SUBMIT MY PASSPORT IN AMERICA AND PLS HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE OR I SHOULD WAIT WHEN I GET BACK.

I PRAY MORE PPR IN THE HOUSE FOR EVERYONE ONE

You can submit your passport in the United States. You can choose to either sent this to Canada Visa Application Centre in New York or Los Angeles. Both locations are good but i would advise you use Los Angeles.

The below is just to give you an idea of the process if you are sending your passport in the United States for stamping.

NOTE: You still need to send CVAC an email so they can send you the specific instructions to start the process.

If you are located in the United States of America and have received the passport request letter from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), to send it by courier to the New York or Los Angeles CVAC (Canada Visa Application Centre), and receive it back, you will have to pay the two-way courier service with VFS Global.

This is mandatory for each passport. No other form of passport delivery and return will be accepted.

A new system has been implemented for you to obtain your two-way Courier. This will allow you to avail the labels in faster and efficient manner.
To avail the two-way courier, visit: https://www.vfsglobal.ca/PostalAppointment/Account/RegisteredLoginq=shSA0YnE4pLF9Xzwon/x/CQ1P0LBKn66dLdNUfueK+wj/xwjQV05sWPtysuvzK33qrK3eXshT1TAgsu3oVBZovxbG4hegjVxPtRK4ehNyPck+V525rUvI5fmDu7unjO/

When accessing the portal, please complete the registration and proceed selecting your preferred center to mail your application. You can choose between Los Angeles and New York CVAC.

Kindly note that all the information will be purged from the portal after 10 days, your login information included, hence, make sure you print or download your label and confirmation letter as soon as you receive it.

Once you complete the process, you will be able to print the FedEx label (addressed from you to the VAC). The label for the returning of your documents will be created locally at the CVAC.

Once you have obtained your label, prepare your package, including the following:

1. The passport request letter you received from IRCC.
2. Your contact information, including your email, phone number and return address.
3. Two copies of the TT services consent form, second page duly completed and hand signed, the link to download is: https://assets.ctfassets.net/xxg4p8gt3sg6/2LVFqatIwJhm9JEP5nqUYL/3c71a4a1468630ef0845c423a3cd41e2/ConsentForm_-TTS-English-IN-VAC-Final.pdf
4. A printed copy of the confirmation letter you received for the two-way courier purchase, which has an individually generated reference number
5. Below charges must be paid in a form of a Money Order or Cashier’s check (over 3 months validity period) in favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.” and fees must be in US dollars.
• Package transmission (per passport) – $22.80 USD (Only if you did not have to provide your biometrics, or if they were taken at a CVAC other than the one where the passport will be sent).
• Short Message Service (SMS) (per Applicant) – $2.50 USD (Optional).
Once your package is prepared, you may drop it off at the FedEx office of your choice. It is recommended to use a padded envelope to mail your documents and make sure it is thoroughly sealed.

N:B: The above is just to give you an idea of how their process work in the USA if you are to send your passport there. Please send an e-mail to: info.canny@vfshelpline.com. once you arrive the USA.

When I did it for my parents, the passport was returned back in less than 2 weeks. Just to give you an estimate.

Safe trip!!!

ttaiwoolajide:
[b][/b] please Mr olasunbo my I need to chat u privately sir , u can email me on this ttaiwoolajide2@gmail.com or chat me on XXXXXXXXX please kindly reply me.

Hi,

We chatted already. Modify your message and remove your private number. Not safe putting up your line on public forum.

I wish you all the best!

tracy0803409:
Please what is gst/hst

It is just a replica of our Nigerian VAT in layman's language. It is a tax levied on the price of the groceries we buy at each stage of the supply chain( production, distribution and consumption of those items). It is like an indirect tax because the consumer who pays the tax + purchased item differs from the person who remits this to Canadian Revenue Authorities.

The customer pays the tax while the seller remits these taxes. However, the tax structure differs from province to province.

blazetitov:
Dear Seniors,

Please i need your advice and guidance on how easy/fast it is to get passport renewed in Canada.

I am due to start my 1 year program in September at UNB Saint John. However, my passport will expire 1st week of february 2023 hence my Visa expiry date is tied to it.

I want to ask if i can start the online renewal process before I leave Nigeria so I can get an appointment once I resume or I should wait till I get there before starting the process. Also, how easily can one got to Ottawa from Saint John?

Many thanks.

I would have advised you try to wait a little while in Nigeria and get it done once and for all but dropping the expiring passport is not an option since that's where your visa is stamped.

1. You can go ahead and travel with your passport. You will sought it in Canada. The Nigerian Association in New Brunswick do collaborate with the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa to assist Nigerians in the province who need to renew their passport. They just recently concluded an exercise but not sure when the next one will take place.

Once you get to New Brunswick and join the WhatsApp group. You will be informed when they are going to start another exercise.

2. Another option is you starting the online process in Nigeria as some guys have advised and then you come and continue in Canada.

You can weigh your options. All the best with classes!

tracy0803409:
Please@Olasubomy is your Huawei phone still working in your present province, if yes what model is it pls, thanks for your response

Hi Tracy, yes still working perfectly. That's what i am currently using. Not ready to get into their phone plan stuff yet. Its Huawei Y9 Prime 2019

kaycome:
Hi folks
I want to ask a question here. I got married to a usa citizen and my American wife want to study her PhD in canada. What kind of visa can i apply for
Note: we haven't file for us permanent residence and i live and work here in Nigeria
Thanks

1. She can start by reaching out to professors who would be willing to supervise her. Some of them do have funding. It would be too late for FALL Intake now because summer classes are rounding up in schools. Read a lot of Lekiboboe Post in CANADA STUDENT THREAD. You will learn a lot from his post and how to approach supervisors with a COLD MAIL.

2. She would still need to apply normally for study permit. The good thing is she might not get that strict scrutiny meted out on Nigerian applications. if she has good home ties in the United States and meets the requirements, her applications might be processed very fast She can first try to get a supervisor to have some funding.

3. You can also reach out more to Canada Student Thread to ask them more questions relating to study so i dont abuse the use of this thread and limit to visit visa enquiries,

I wish you guys the best!

Kolajero:
Thanks so much. But can I decide not disclose the refusals. Will they detect if I do so?

Hmm! The bitter truth is that if you don’t disclose it, the United States Immigrations will still reveal this information to Canada when both countries share your biometric details. Trust me; you don’t want the panic of a Procedural Fairness Letter.

The implication of withholding a previous refusal is that IRCC will serve the applicant a Procedural Fairness Letter alleging misrepresentation ( withholding material facts about your application) with very little time for the person to respond to the PFL, like 15 days which can lead to a five-year ban from applying to Canada

I would advise you to disclose it in your application. Please don’t be scared; it does not adversely affect your applications since you did not commit a crime and not a security risk.

You need to present the refusal reason in any way that they can see an improvement in your financial portfolio over the years.

All the best!

Kolajero:
Good evening gurus in the house. Please, I need an urgent answer to a question.

Due to insufficient find, I was denied USA Student Visa 3 times all in 2019.

How do I treat this in my current Canada Study Permit application?

There is a particular section in your form where they would ask if you have been denied before. Click yes, explain in detail why you were denied (Indicate that it was at the US consulate) and conclude with how your situation has changed and what you have done differently in terms of your finances and the plan towards financing your studies and living expenses.

Refer the officer to check full details and explanation in your statement of purpose. You are good to go once they can sense transparency and truthfulness in your application.

All the best!

meeyna:
Hi @olasubomy thank you for your support so far. if biometrics is done outside the country of residence, is it not good for the application? Some of us waited for BIL and got it quite late. when received I was on vacation and had to do it immediately as I have little time before my event. What do you advise I do since biometrics was done outside country of residence? Do I need to send any mail or webform?

I saw you sent me an e-mail. I am sorry, I was really occupied.

The objective of biometrics is to get data on fingerprint and iris capturing ( your eyes) and to share these with all the migration partners. The USA. UK, Australia and New Zealand. The aim is to prevent those who have committed serious crimes or violated immigration laws in another country to enable more informed decisions on visas and admissibility. This data is what they use in running your background checks and criminality.

I don’t think it impacts the processing or outcome of the visa application; the outcome depends on your unique profile and the information you submitted.

All the best!

hazzaman:
Submitted an application from UK since June 15 no response. Processing time has never exceeded 10days from UK since I applied.

Maybe they are treating it as an application from Nigeria…

Yeah, most likely since your primary place of residence is in Nigeria and you are a Nigerian national. Canada does share information with the United Kingdom on Immigration issues, so they will see that you have a record of travel history to the UK.

As long as you defended your home ties and no violations in your previous travels and met other requirements, they should give it to you.

Generally, I have been reading concerns from people on delays in visit visa applications.

Just keep hope alive. It will end in praise!

Trishchy:
I can summarize my reading from the link u shared that, if you studied for more than 2years you stand a higher chance of getting 3years PGWP and if you completed more than a program in 2 years u also have a chance, though everything lies on IRCC officers. I stand to be corrected.
Thanks so much

Yes, that’s correct. They also look at the accelerated program, e.g. someone who enrols for a two-year program but completes this within 14 months. This is possible if the person enrolled full-time back to back and took lots of courses per semester. They can also grant the entire three years of PGWP based on that.

But, ultimately always their call the length of PGWP duration to grant an applicant.

kennyliza:
Hello People, I don't know why IRCC want to frustrate people like this..I have ordered GCMS Note twice now but no progress as of now...1st GCMS-May 10th, 2nd GCMS-June 6...what else can I do? Today is the 127th day I submitted my application....
Can I apply from UK as I am currently on my vacation? I wonder if that would be faster... thanks guys

Sorry, about the delay. UK would only be a good idea if you have ties to the UK that would compel you to depart Canada like a fulltime job.

Having a travel history is a plus too, If you have travel history before submitting your application like to the UK and you did not violate the terms of your stay. It can work in your favour.

I wish you a positive decision.

Trishchy:
Hello Everyone

Please, I want to know what actually determines whether someone will be given a PGWP of 2 or 3 years after completing 2years or more course?

I quite know a year course gives a year PGWP

Thanks.

This page would give you the full information on how the immigration officers access applications to issue PGWP:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/study-permits/post-graduation-work-permit-program/permit.html

The ultimate decision always lies at the discretion of the immigration officer.

Divinefavrite:
Good morning to all men and women of goodwill. Thank you all for your selfless service for God and Humanity.

I have a situation and I am here to seek advice.

I recently just got admission with humber college for January 2023 intake to study human resources management. Its a one year program that will run from January to september (classwork) and september to december (coop).

I have confirmed the admission and at the verge of paying the fees but a family friend is discouraging from following through with the admission reason being that:

1. I will not be allowed to work during my one year progam because IRCC does not give work permit on the study permit for one year programs

2. That the one year PGWP that I will be given at the end of my program is too short a time to get a job to enable me proceed with PR applications being that Ontario is very competitive

3. That provinces like new brunswick is better since you can start applying for PR after one year of study with or without a job offer.

4. Alternatively, I look for an 18 -24 months program (very expensive though) to enable me get a 3 years PGWP

I am confused and really would not want to miss out on this opportunity but would also not want to be stranded out there and there are almost no schools still open for January intake now.

Please I need advice.

Thank you

This is my view in response to your concerns:

1. This is not true. You are only allowed to work up to 20 hours per week as a student except on short breaks and school holidays. This work eligibility is tied to your study permit, meaning you can only work when you resume classes. Also, your Coop programme allows you to intern with an employer and gain Canadian work experience as a prerequisite to your degree. This internship programme lets you work up to 37.5 or 40 hours per week (full time).

2. I would say "one cap does not fit all", and it all depends. Your friend has a valid concern here but getting a job quickly after school depends on your effort, the God factor and luck. Sometimes, a network helps you get through the door for an interview. I have seen classmates that spent months after school without getting that desired job, and they had to fall back on menial jobs to earn some money and pay their rent, while I have also seen some get jobs quickly in energy companies and banks; it just depends. I would say it is 50/50 here for a one-year program. I advise that you aim at a province where your skillset sells the most. Ontario has a larger market but is a very diverse and competitive province and pricey too.

The two-year programme gives you more time to get a job and have that one-year Canadian experience to apply under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) with a three years PGWP.

3. The Atlantic province's immigration pilot has a pathway to PR that does not require work experience (your friend is right here), although they stated at least two years of studies. Quoting the below directly from IRCC:

You do not need to meet the work experience requirements if you're an international graduate who
has a degree, diploma, certificate, or trade or apprenticeship certification that

o took at least two years of studies
o is from a recognized post-secondary institution in 1 of the 4 Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador)
o was a full-time student for the entire time you were studying
o lived in one of the following provinces for at least 16 months during the last two years before you graduated:
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Newfoundland and Labrador or
Prince Edward Island
o had the visa or permit you needed to work, study or get training while you were in Canada

source : https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/atlantic-immigration/how-to-immigrate/eligibility.html

4. It does not mean getting a job quickly after a one-year programme is impossible. You might be lucky the company where you did your coop may still require your service after graduation.

I hope this helps you to weigh your options.

Confide22:
Good morning people.

Please my enquiry is on F1 visas. I've tried to go through the thread and I'm somehow stumbling on only B1 visas an the likes.

I got my i-20 from my school last week. What's the next step please.? Also saw something about the SEVIS fee or so. Please I'd appreciate a detailed guidance, preferably from someone who recently traveled for studies.

My admission came with an 80% funding scholarship. I also have a cousin (a priest), who lives 7mins away from the school, and who's going to be my sponsor on living expenses and the other 20% tuition. I'd be staying with him, and he has already identified with the school. I have a great paying job and an investment as well. Though I have never traveled before. What are my chances of getting the visa as quickly as possible please?

NB: My program starts on September 6th 2022.

To add a few points to UmmZayd's response:

From the little experience and knowledge I have of these US VO, you may likely be asked: 1. How you intend to finance the deficit, i.e. that's the 20%, 2. Your relationship with your sponsor and what he does for a living 3. Your plans after your studies.

If you are asked if you have ever travelled before, you can give an excellent response to your advantage. An instance could be that you never had a reason to as you have been so busy with your job due to your critical responsibilities at work as your services are always required, giving you very little time for leisure.

The VO may ask what you do at work, which would be an opportunity to elaborate on your day-to-day task and the value this adds to the company that's your KRA.

I am also inclined to think you may need to set aside some of your savings as part of your living expenses since you are working and the VO would expect you are earning salary but the US Student visa thread gurus would know better.

You can get more robust clues from General US Student Visa enquires part 17, as UmmZayd advised.

All the best!

ttaiwoolajide:
Hello, please I seriously need help on my study visa to Canada. I have applied on two different occasions but I was refused based on one thing ( financial status in both application ) so after the second application I applied for gcms note and I just got the reply. Going through the note I see everything thing I provided was ok but the statement of my account was not okay because I have only 2m in it. Please ���� can anyone help me on how to solved issue on proof of funds maybe there is anyway to do this please. I will really appreciate ur contribution. Thank.

I am sorry, just having a second look at your message. I was advising on the assumption you applied for a visit visa and got a decision.
If you applied for a study visa and your application is still running, I would like to ask what you indicated when filling out your form. Did you declare you are self-sponsored, or would you also be sponsored by someone else?

The details you filled in your IMM form would be able to guide if there is an opportunity to send an additional statement to IRCC.

Amandacanny:
Thank God and thanks for your response

No worries, you are welcome. Safe trip in advance

Amandacanny:
Happy sunday everyone. Pls apart from Samsung and iPhone, which other phone works in Canada. I'm trying to buy a pocket friendly phone that will serve me well in Canada too.. I've change my samsung screen twice with plenty money and I'm not ready to buy another samsung. I need guidance pls

You can get any other good Android phone. I use a Huawei phone and got a sim in Toronto. It worked perfectly well for me in Toronto before I moved to my province.

ttaiwoolajide:
Hello, please I seriously need help on my study visa to Canada. I have applied on two different occasions but I was refused based on one thing ( financial status in both application ) so after the second application I applied for gcms note and I just got the reply. Going through the note I see everything thing I provided was ok but the statement of my account was not okay because I have only 2m in it. Please ���� can anyone help me on how to solved issue on proof of funds maybe there is anyway to do this please. I will really appreciate ur contribution. Thank.

I am sorry about the refusals, and salute your bravery in making things right.

Proof of funds should demonstrate that you have enough cash budget to cover your accommodation, feeding, transportation, living, and miscellaneous expenses in case of an unforeseen occurrence.

In your next application, you can draft an official response letter. Maybe tag the heading as "Letter of Intent" or "Letter of Explanation – Proof of Finance". Think of your likely expenses and explain to the V.O. how much you have available for that purpose. After addressing all these item by item, it would be better if these total budgeted expenses were less than your bank statement's closing balance. For instance, your entire budget expense for your trip equals 4,0000 Canadian dollars (₦1,800,000), assuming an official exchange rate of (450 naira to a dollar).

It would make sense in this instance for your balance to be much more, maybe 6,666.7 Canadian dollars (₦3,000,000). The higher, the better.
These would help you fully demonstrate that you have ₦1,800,000 = $4,0000 set aside for your trip and would still leave you with total savings of ₦1,200,000 = $2,666.7 to be utilized for your immediate needs when you get back to your home country.

You can also ensure the bank statement you present is a functioning bank statement that shows a consistent inflow of funds. The constant inflows can be from salary payments from your job or cash sales paid by your customers for your business, but please avoid a lumpsum deposit. In case you have a lumpsum deposit, you would need to explain it but better to avoid it, except if this was a result of an earned income, maybe a massive bonus from work, a 13th-month salary or huge sales from your business. In this case, explain with documentary proof.

Also, don't forget to be consistent in demonstrating your home ties and other basic requirements so you can keep scoring positive weighting in those areas since the V.O. was silent on that.

N.B: The assumption of 450 naira to 1 dollar was used in the explanation above. You can check the present official exchange rate.

Success in your next attempt.

Teemie22:
Hello house, I will be resuming for Fall session by August ending. When can my spouse apply for visit visa to spend Christmas/new year holiday? Thanks

He can apply for a short visit to see you when you have travelled and settled. You guys would have to work on his home ties and make the application seem convincing that he is returning home after his planned stay. However, bear in mind that it is constantly freezing cold during the Christmas period. You guys may hardly go out because of the limited outdoor activities due to snow and cold. It is a bit different from Nigeria, where people hang out often during Christmas, you will be dealing with the heavy cold here.

The best time to visit Canada is in the spring and summer before the cold starts returning. However, you can still go ahead as planned and apply once you have settled in, and you can agree with each other when the approval comes, the best time for him to see you.

Those moniker you quoted are popular with Canada Student visa thread. You can ask them there also if you really want their input.

gogedda:
Hello guys. Please i want to apply for the extension of stay for my mum. I would like to know if i should apply for it on the new and fast portal that i initially used to apply for the visa or should i used the old and slow portal? Thanks.

I would advise you apply on the new IRCC portal. All the best!

mrczar:
anything like this for those going to Ontario ?

You can try to check out the link below. This is the link for the Nigeria Canadian Association of Ontario:

https://ncagta.com/

There is an email and phone number on the website. They might be of help in giving you helpful information. I don’t live in Ontario, but this works in my province. Most provinces have a Nigerian Canadian Association like this who are ready to help make the onboarding process for newcomers more seamless.

Another approach I used when I first came to Canada was to google the African Store in my province, and luckily the owners were from Nigeria, and they helped me a lot.

You can look into these options pending when someone living in Ontario responds with more helpful information that can help.

Wesay01:
My Gcms note just drop and here is the VO concerns

I am sorry about this temporary delay. Read Makano response to Kimberly on page 794. You can take a cue from that.

The VO is only concerned that you did not proof the relationship between you and your sponsor most especially that you both have different surname.

All the best.

Temas:
I will pass on this one. Cheers

Thats better. Have a nice day.