₦airaland Forum

AmazingGenius:
Someone you know has left or is planning to leave. 1,000 Ways To Japa will speak to real people and explore the infinite number of reasons and paths they use to get to Japa.

In this edition of 1K Ways to Japa, Daniel shares how he secured Canadian Permanent Residency after a four-year journey filled with delays, marriage, ordination and fatherhood. He also breaks down his unexpected move to Nunavut—one of Canada’s coldest regions—where he’s adjusting to extreme weather, pricey flights, and surprising interactions with Nigerians in the Arctic.

Where do you currently live, and when did you move?

I currently live in Canada. I moved here with my family in December 2022

How did you move?

We moved through the permanent residency route. We started the application in 2018.

The process took 4 years?

It’s a long story. I started the process in 2018 and met my wife in 2019. I also submitted my application in 2019, but COVID happened, which slowed down the application. While the process was pending, we had our first child in 2021. Later, in 2021, I got ordained as a pastor, which made me acknowledge that even delays can be blessings in disguise. We ended up getting the Permanent Residency (PR) sometime in 2022, and we moved in December.

Congratulations! What was it like moving with your family?

Everything worked out so well. We moved to Vancouver because that was where the church I was pastoring had a branch. When we moved there, we didn’t even struggle with accommodation because the senior pastor at the church had a property that he was initially going to rent out as an Air BNB. He asked if we were interested in renting it, and we accepted the offer. The space he rented out to us was also fully furnished, so we moved there when we got to Canada. But we ended up moving to Montreal shortly after.

What happened?

The church where I serve started another branch in Montreal. One day, the senior pastor there called me and asked if God was speaking to me about moving. At that point, I hadn’t gotten any leading and didn’t fully believe I knew enough to pastor a new branch. I didn’t tell my wife about it, but a few days after I had that conversation with the senior pastor, she told me that she felt that we were supposed to help out with the new branch. I took that as the confirmation I needed, and we moved.

Two big moves in less than a year. What was that like?

It wasn’t that much of a big move because the two towns are not that far part. It was also divinely orchestrated because we experienced so much ease during the move. A friend reached out to us and told us that he knew a realtor who had a great space. The realtor turned out to be my younger sibling’s old classmate, and the landlord of the property was a Nigerian.

One thing we were initially worried about was the logistics of the move itself, and that worked out, too. A church member offered to drive us for free. We just saw God come through for us in many ways.

What does life look like for you and your family now?

I’m currently in Nunavut, the northern part of Canada, which is literally in the Arctic region.

Another move? When did that happen?


I had to move for work, but I’m a family-oriented man, so I go home biweekly.

That’s impressive. What’s life in Nunavut like?

Life is different here, and contrary to popular opinion, there are many Nigerians here. However, the indigenous people, called Inuits, have a unique way of life. For context, Nunavet is a 3-hour flight from Montreal, where my family stays. This territory is also mostly surrounded by water so you can either come via flight or sea. Sea transportation can be tricky at times because the water around it is frozen. That’s one of the reasons why most people don’t want to come here. Flight tickets and everything else are expensive because of the logistics of moving the most basic items.

Housing is also a slight problem here because the population has been booming lately, and the government probably didn’t anticipate it. But they’ve begun working on it. Generally, there are lots of opportunities here because the job market is less saturated.

What do you find most interesting about Nunavet?

The temperature here can hit as low as minus 50 degrees. I haven’t experienced that, but I’ve been told it happens. Some territories also have seasonal periods when the sun doesn’t shine. Sunrise here can also start around 9 a.m., and sunset can start around 3 p.m. But if you have the right gear and types of equipment to cope with the weather, it’s actually not that bad.

Things have been changing around here because of the increased population. For example, there’s a cinema here, and there’s also a recreation centre with a pool. There was an African store here where you could buy everything from beans to garri, but it got burned recently in a fire. Despite the weather extremes here, the government still makes life easy. There is an increase in job demands here, so it’s not a bad place for anyone who wants to do multiple jobs. The only thing I’d advise people to do is to pray about it before they decide to move; don’t just follow the crowd.

You mentioned that there’s a good number of Nigerians there. Have you made friends since you moved?

It’s not just Nigerians; we have lots of Africans and Filipinos here. There’s even a Redeem church here, but it doesn’t have enough members because some people choose the chance to do a weekend shift over Sunday service, which is something I don’t advise. There’s something about being with a company of believers wherever you are, and I highly recommend it. As for finding Nigerian friends, the Nigerians who have been here for about 15 years have a WhatsApp group where they keep in touch and support each other.

Let’s discuss your PR application process in more detail. What advice do you have for Nigerians who intend to apply this year?

The first thing I’ll say is pray. Ask God if you’re supposed to move. This applies more to people who go through life with a Christian worldview. Even if God says it doesn’t necessarily mean things will be easy, all things will align at the end of the day. There’s a big difference between moving to Canada as a permanent resident and exploring other visa options. For example, if you’re coming as a student, there’s a limit to the number of hours you can work, automatically limiting how much you can earn.

I recommend the permanent residence route if you intend to come to Canada with your family. There are so many benefits the visa offers. First, a PR will not be required to pay the same school fees as international students. You can also work in any province as a permanent resident. The benefits are endless, but it’s essential to be sure that relocation is God’s will for you. And don’t be desperate to move because desperation drives the worst out of people.

For example, we’ve heard of Nigerians who come here as a married couple and get divorced on paper because they want to enjoy the benefits the Canadian government offers single mothers. Crazy things like that are not necessary if you follow the actual process.

What’s the best way to follow the process?

I started my application in 2018, so I can imagine that things might have changed a little. But there was an app that I used, and it guided me through the entire process. The app is called CanPR. It has details on the step-by-step process for applying for the visa as well as the updated cost. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in applying for a visa in 2025 because they constantly update it. But one important thing to note is that Canada wants skilled people. They have different preferences regarding the industries and the professionals they are looking for. They also consider your age, income and marital status to give you a score.

If you have all your documents ready, you can complete the application on the IRCC page. You’ll likely get higher points if you’re young. Speaking good French and being married also increases your score points.

When you create your application, you’re thrown into something that is known as a pool. That’s where all the potential candidates for the visa are reviewed. It’s from that pool that the government draws people they want to offer something called an Invitation To Apply (ITA).

After you get an ITA, you’ll be given a deadline to provide all the documents you claim to have. This is the part where you’ll have to provide proof of funds. Once they approve your documents, you’ll be asked to go for medicals. When that’s done, you should get a certificate of permanent residence. And with that document, you can travel and move with your family. The certificate has a deadline, and you’ll be required to relocate before it expires. That’s the summary of the process, but everything I just said can be a long process.

On a scale of one to ten, how happy are you right now with your life in Canada?

Very happy. I’m where God wants me to be. I’m at the right place at the right time. I’d say a solid 9.

Source: https://www.zikoko.com/citizen/1000-ways-to-japa/he-moved-to-canada-with-his-family-as-permanent-residents-and-hes-loving-it/

Show him my post.
He is a slave
How many Canadians has relocated to Nigeria except when they want to drill our natural resources.
Slave

Jennyclay:
Biko, Someone should come and take me to Canada too

Thank you!!

You can actually do it yourself. It’s about need and determination.

Jennyclay:
Biko, Someone should come and take me to Canada too

Thank you!!

So that u wud put the person in trouble with ur loud mouth, pls guys red alert pictured

I feel bad for Nigerians moving to the colder part of Canada. The money spent on proper gears to keep warm will ruin into thousands.

Congratulations Sir.





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Sterope:
I feel bad for Nigerians moving to the colder part of Canada. The money spent on proper gears to keep warm will ruin into thousands.

i have two winter jackets and gesrs which i bought in 2020. Still using them today. The only bad thing about the cold region is food is expensive because they have to be flown in by planes most times

planetx:
There is no enjoyment in living in a -50 degree environment, he is deceiving himself and only someone from a very poor country will think such temperature is enjoyment. His body will soon tell him.

Poor people who can't afford to japaa coming to the internet to make statements that smell of envy and jealous. Who told you, people move on the road in -50 degrees? Do you even know what they call heater which are used to warm homes, public buildings and cars?
Better go make money and stop the envy.

Akpaamunsi:
Poor people who can't afford to japaa coming to the internet to make statements that smell of envy and jealous. Who told you, people move on the road in -50 degrees? Do you even know what they call heater which are used to warm homes, public buildings and cars?
Better go make money and stop the envy.

You be real mumu, talking about not being able to japa shows your low level of thinking and stupidity. Money? Like you have any dummy.

I read about how good could be expensive. There was an article that mentioned the prices and I found it unbelievable.

I guess rent and other things will be cheaper though. That sort of balances things out. How come settled Nigerians do not move to the warmer parts of the country?

ednut1:
i have two winter jackets and gesrs which i bought in 2020. Still using them today. The only bad thing about the cold region is food is expensive because they have to be flown in by planes most times

Sterope:
I read about how good could be expensive. There was an article that mentioned the prices and I found it unbelievable.

I guess rent and other things will be cheaper though. That sort of balances things out. How come settled Nigerians do not move to the warmer parts of the country?

the warmer parts like Vancouver and Southern Ontario are very expensive to live in. The average person cannot afford to buy a home there as they are going for over 1m Canadian dollars vs places like Manitoba and Alberta where some houses are below 500k.

Most Nigerians are in Ontario still , some later move to those colder but cheaper provinces.

So came through immigration programs that require them to have a relatives in the province . Like Manitoba. In the past people who didn’t qualify for the main immigration programs used to apply for Manitoba own but when they arrive they leave in less than a year because of the cold and lack of opportunities . So they changed the rules that you must have a family member there. By the time you become citizen in 3 years plus your family member close by you will not want to leave again.

I didn't know that the rent difference was that high. That is unbelievable massive . You people are trying -50c is no joke. I guess once money comes in, it is easier to to be warmer. Buy warmer gear and better cars. Still, our bodies aren't made for that weather at all.

May God punish our leaders and the people who keep vouching for them.

ednut1:
the warmer parts like Vancouver and Southern Ontario are very expensive to live in. The average person cannot afford to buy a home there as they are going for over 1m Canadian dollars vs places like Manitoba and Alberta where some houses are below 500k.

Most Nigerians are in Ontario still , some later move to those colder but cheaper provinces.

So came through immigration programs that require them to have a relatives in the province . Like Manitoba. In the past people who didn’t qualify for the main immigration programs used to apply for Manitoba own but when they arrive they leave in less than a year because of the cold and lack of opportunities . So they changed the rules that you must have a family member there. By the time you become citizen in 3 years plus your family member close by you will not want to leave again.

Sterope:
I didn't know that the rent difference was that high. That is unbelievable massive . You people are trying -50c is no joke. I guess once money comes in, it is easier to to be warmer. Buy warmer gear and better cars. Still, our bodies aren't made for that weather at all.

May God punish our leaders and the people who keep vouching for them.

the province those people are (nunavut) just 40k people are there. In Ontario is over 15m people . The cold is also not all year round. In the summer most places in Canada are hotter than Nigeria

ednut1:
In the summer most places in Canada are hotter than Nigeria

This must be Sarcasm

There is no place in Canada that is as hot as Northern Nigeria in summer. Maybe some spikes in the inlands but generally won't still be hotter than Southern Nigeria talkless of Northern Nigeria.

imustsaymymindo:
This must be Sarcasm

There is no place in Canada that is as hot as Northern Nigeria in summer. Maybe some spikes in the inlands but generally won't still be hotter than Southern Nigeria talkless of Northern Nigeria.

you are an illiterate. You should have researched before responding . Heat wey dey kpai the elderly and sick

Sterope:
I didn't know that the rent difference was that high. That is unbelievable massive . You people are trying -50c is no joke. I guess once money comes in, it is easier to to be warmer. Buy warmer gear and better cars. Still, our bodies aren't made for that weather at all.
May God punish our leaders and the people who keep vouching for them.

Preach for those at the back.

ednut1:
you are an illiterate.

Okay.

victorVIC1:
Keep your myopic view to yourself. Even in Nigeria things happen to Nigerian men's wives

You may ask next time before you arrogantly stupendously draw up a negative assumption of knowing what I could be insinuating. It is obvious, you are not a good student of further mathematics. Your IQ is low!

ChizzyBuna:
If the slaves in 1874 could see the future of Nigeria today under Tinubu

They would have thrown a party immediately the slavesmaster landed with their Ship.

If a time traveller from 2025 go back to the slave era days and tell them about Tinubu economy.

Dem go dey rush to enter that ship
Some go even sneak enter under the ship Make their generations no suffer

Only if they knew that in 100 years time. Thier childrens children will be spending millions just to enter a different kind of ship.
A Flying Ship flying above the same Atlantic ocean their Ancestors refused to go....

This Life!!!!

Dude you don't know what the middle-passage and American Slavery were like, they were a hundred times worse than Nigeria under Tinubu

Nobody would jump on a slave ship unless they were insane!

Nigerians we are so fucking ignorant! For us it's all about food sex and money!