₦airaland Forum

This thread is about Life in Canada for immigrants or Permanent Residents.

It is an avenue for people that have emigrated to Canada (with their families) to share their experiences to help future hopefuls.

Kindly share your personal experiences and comments on:

* When you landed at the airport?
* What are the immigration rules to follow?
* How do you carry all that cash with you? For example: a family of 5 will need $25,923.
* Which province did you settle in and why.
* Where you live and why you like it or don't like it? Tips on choosing the right neighborhood, mortgage plans, proximity to work etc.
* How easy was it to settle in, with your kids? How did you go about finding the right schools for them? What is their school system like for toddlers (age 5 and below)?
* Can a mother combine work and taking care of the kids with the husband being in Nigeria?
* What culture shock have you experienced?
* Tips on how to cloth and cope with the cold weather
* Are there Nigerian food/restaurants etc? Are they very expensive?
* Can one start a business (exportation, consultancy) in Canada?
* How much does your family survive on in a month?
* And any other ...

This thread is for Living In Canada. For any questions outside this to go:

Canadian Student Visa Thread Part 13:
(https://www.nairaland.com/3948393/canadian-student-visa-thread-part)

OR

Canadian Express Entry/Federal Skilled Workers Program-Connect Here Part 2:
(https://www.nairaland.com/3999848/canadian-express-entry-federal-skilled) for the Permanent Residency process which is how most of us got here. 40manlappy has given a beautiful summary on how to get started and of everything you need to know on the first page. I hope to do something similar here soon.

vcole:
I used 3 different reference letters from 3 companies for my work experience seeing as I had worked in 3 different organizations thus far, So this shouldn't be a problem.
There are 2 options for this non-ECA qualifications. Some people removed the qualifications that they do not have an ECA for entirely from the education section and then mentioned it under that part of the form that literally tells you to tell them your whole life without leaving gaps
For me, I listed the degrees under the education section as well. For each qualification you list, it asks if you have an ECA for it. I indicated that I had an ECA for the one which I evaluated and then indicated that I did not have an ECA for the ones which were not evaluated.....I use degrees here to refer to both mine and my spouse's.
Whatever work experience you do not wanna provide a reference for, both for yourself (as long as it doesn't reduce your points) and your spouse, do not fill under the work experience section but fill the details under personal history.

Okay. Thanks a lot!

Thetherapist:
Can we please have a thread for landing experience. Like what to expect at the airport, immigration rules to follow, how to carry cash along, housing and all settlement plans. Those who got the PR and just landing could always come in and share their experience for prospective members to learn from.
Why am I saying this? A friend would be moving to Canada with her family next month. She has load of questions begging for answers. Going with a virgin passport, no relative in Canada, its all her first time leaving the country. I believe a thread like that would help to know what to expect while landing and the whole settlement process.
Thanks

I think this is a fantastic idea. I had created a thread in the past asking such questions because I will like to (still like to) know what to expect. I too have never been to Canada. Especially when you are travelling with kids. Oga Justwise closed the thread sharp sharp and directed me to the "Student in Canada thread" which had nothing to do with my question.

https://www.nairaland.com/3273411/living-canada-life-canadian-immigrant

vcole:
Congrats on your ITA. Could you share your time line? Your NOC, ielts scores/no of attempts, qualification/eca process...hurdles et al if any, pool entry, etc etc
I was gonna comment on your earlier post but then saw that you already found the answer. I could hug you right now. As much as you can, try to read up posts on this thread, it has loads of info.
As 40manlappy said, a LOE would suffice from your spouse.

Thank you vcole. You have been so helpful. I was going to follow all your comments but, sometimes it did not make sense so I had to read the conversations.

Well, my husband was supposed to be the primary applicant. He took his own ielts exams late 2015. By the time he got around to apply, some changes had been made and he could no longer make the score. His score was 325 or something like that. This was also because he scored 6.5 in his listening test, the others were ok. The 325 also did not include my own score because I had not taken the exams then.

So I had to prepare, much pressure. You need to see how nervous I was. This is a masters degree holder o! LoL! So I came here to read up. I used some materials from my husband and also some of the materials in the IELTS thread. The website: ieltsbuddy.com was EXTREMELY helpful. I had to practice and practice and practice because I knew that I could not fall short of getting CLD 10 or 9. I scored: Listening: 9, Reading: 9, Writing: 7.5 & Speaking: 7.0. I took my tests in Enugu in October, then Lagos did not have space until January. I just thank God all the effort paid off.

So I finally submitted my application in November after the ielts results came out. The NOC code I use is 2171- Information systems analysts and consultants, I studied computer Science and my MSc is also in the IT field. 2171 matched all the work experience I have. As I understand they must all be in the same NOC right? Just that I have worked for several companies over the years. This implies that I will be requiring reference letters from about 4 employers. I just hope it wont be a problem in the application.

My WES I sent it out early October. It took them 2 good months! I had to write them before they responded to me. I was thinking since my MSc was in the UK, that it would be faster, I still wonder why it took that long. I am glad that I do not have to go through that for my BSc. So from what I have read here, I should remove my other qualifications from the Education section and place them in the personal history section since they were not evaluated? And that my husband should do the same for his work history if I am not prepared to upload a reference letter from his company?

I was surprised to learn about the Job Bank. I am glad I went back to check because I thought after filling the forms that was all. But to actually enter the pool, you have to create the Job Bank account and tell them about those work experiences. I think that is really smart!

That's all. God has been faithful. He really wants me to waka out of Nija. I was prepared to make it work here. But if I can put same amount of effort over there, it will definitely be rewarding! If not for me, for my kids.

40manlappy:
@oohunt

Congratulations on your ITA.

Since the person involved is your spouse, I don't think you need a gift deed. LOE should suffice.

Also, as far as we know, only your highest qualification needs to be evaluated. So you don't need to bother yourself with evaluating BSc again.

Thank you 40manlappy & boldinc.

For the benefit of others who may come to ask the same questions I did. I found the answer to my first question about proof of funds. My husband would have to transfer the lump sum at once to my account as a gift of deed, and he will have to write a letter of explanation (LOE).

What I do not know is if LOE is the same thing as a gift of deed? Gurus please clarify if the letter will state that the money is a gift deed to support the family and etc and is that all?

See this link and post from dupyshoo, it explains it well: https://www.nairaland.com/2624318/canadian-express-entry-federal-skilled/192#49796398

Hello my people!

I am new on this thread. I silently read the first set of pages on this thread before my application for EE. This was when I was preparing to write my IELTS exam.

Well, the good news is that I passed, applied and have been invited in the last draw. My score was 454! Yippeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My husband was going to be the principal applicant but I got more points because I am younger.

I am still completing the questionnaire section of the application and I have loads of questions! Where do I start?

I have started reading up from behind (currently on page 203) and I have seen people talk about "application account". I don't have one. So that brings me to my first question, can I use my husband's account? Will it be accepted? If not, that means he would have to move money into mine. Is it acceptable? Or is it too late to open a joint account?

Please, I need all the guidance I can get. I don't want to be rejected...thanks!

Update:
Question 2. I have an MSc and evaluated only that using WES. Do I have to send my BSc for evaluation as well? Or just state that only the MSC was evaluated. We all know that WES takes forever (2months)!

It looks like his thread has been abandoned.
Justwise, any help please??

Hello everyone,

I am new on this thread and was referred by justwise. I see it is a students thread, I am hoping you guys can help with my questions.

We are thinking about applying for the highly skilled worker program. However, I do not know what to expect, what life is like in Canada (apart from the cold weather of course). I have lived in both UK and USA and will like information about life in Canada plus kids.
What should one prepare for, what should I expect and not expect? How easy is it to settle in and any other helpful advice.

I guess these question may have been asked and answered in previous pages but I will appreciate current info while I catch up.

Thank you in advance!

I have looked for a thread about life in Canada but could not find one. I know about the "Travel to Canada" thread, but what I see there is mostly guidance for the application.

What I will like to know are:

What should one expect as an immigrant?

What should one prepare for, for example: the very cold weather ?

How easy is it to settle in? Especially with kids?

And any other info that will help a newly migrated skilled worker.

Virusinjector:
Thanks for your advise. What is the best approach to Nigeria banks?

I have not been in that circle for about 3 years now, maybe things have changed a bit. The banks normally host this conference/monthly meetings to discuss IT security. I do not know if they still do this. My contact then has left the banking sector.

You may have to explore this yourself. Ask the IT professionals in the bank head offices.

@VirusInjector

You sound like you do not live in Nigeria. Yes, Lagos will be a great place for you to start but I think you need more information about who your market will be before making the decision to move to Lagos.

I will advice that you continue to do your extensive research and planning first.

I have an MSc in IT Security from the UK, have not had time to pursue any certifications or even the motivation in Nigeria. My current job is very far away from my love IT security and I am very interested in such a business in Lagos. My end game is to be like you, but I may not be able to achieve that here.

Just though I might add that the Nigerian banks will be interested in such a business. But the Nigerian Law is not ready for IT Security.

I wonder why we are reading this news. Should they be broadcasting their plans for the enemy to get prepared when they strike?? I was thinking that intelligence information like this is not for public consumption. All we want to hear is that peace has been restored and the unnecessary killing of innocent people have stopped.

vislabraye: She s ageless !!

Get close to her, see the wrinkles on her face and then come and comment again. She is skinny, yes. Ageless, I don't think so.

This chic definitely had a nose job. I think she removed some fat from her face too. I wonder what else she did. Maybe added more to her cheeks. Then her face and complexion glows more than before - not sure what the procedure is called.

Tonto, take am easy before you end up looking like a doll (e.g. Heidi Montage) and no longer a human being. It's enough. O zu go.
You have crossed the line already, it's time to end it.

May her soul rest in peace.

Was she in Tinsel?

Na waa o. First of all, the pastor in photos is not TB Joshua. Have you’all stopped to think, maybe these pictures are from a movie he is acting currently. I’m not a big fan of Jim Iyke as well, but using common sense, this is not real, it’s a movie.

Rick9: [size=18pt]This post has disappeared[/size]

LWKMD!!!!

I think that our government is bent on sapping money out of us and usually does this in the beginning of every year. I am sure this wont be the last of this issue, I expect them to come up with something else that will make us spend more and increase the poverty level in this country.

Did I not say a few pages ago that our first lady went for liposuction/cosmetic surgery? The story has now changed from food poisoning to ruptured appendix and now fibroid.

Check this link: http://dailypost.com.ng/2012/09/09/patience-jonathan-fibroids-removed-jonathan-plans-secret-visit-german-hospital/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=patience-jonathan-fibroids-removed-jonathan-plans-secret-visit-german-hospital

How are we sure she did not go for liposuction?
Something is amiss in this news. Going back and forth she went to rest, she has a ruptured appendix bla bla bla. I don't buy it. Why are they hiding it? I don't think it's appendix. She went to remove excess fat.

My own humble opinion:

Her wrongest move was to give you the condition that she'll help you get a job after marriage. As in bribing you into marriage. (I would personally dump the person after such statement)

Do not rush into marriage with this lady, you need to invest more time into this relationship and then decide if she is truly for you. And like others mentioned when it comes to marriage use you head and not entirely your heart.

Firewood everly!!!
Remember those days when my mum would say "don't waste my gas cooking that corn", then we would make a fire outside to cook the corn. Best taste. Nothing also beats the taste of my grandmother's meals - cooked outside!

Thanks @OJ will check it out.

@Prince. I'm shipping household goods.

Fellow NLers,

I am looking for a reliable shipper that will ship some goods for me from Houston to Lagos. I need a good recommendation please. The last Houston shipper I used was very unreliable. Took him 6 months to deliver. The company name and address and phone number will be helpful. Thanks.

Fellow NLers,

I am looking for a reliable shipper that will ship some goods for me from Houston to Lagos. I need a good recommendation please. The last Houston shipper I used was very unreliable. Took him 6 months to deliver. The company name and address and phone number will be helpful. Thanks.

@OP

I think I understand your fears and your suggestion to know what plans they have for the child is not a bad one however it should not be an ultimatum for you to pay his school fees.
You are not out of line for demanding to know, but it's wrong to make it a condition for paying his fees.

Yes it is. The line is going through now. Call again. Thanks.

One word: RUN!!

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