charlie193:

@ Rare
Hey guy thanks for that info ,  I am happy for you  friend ooo. I am still waitin for the medical call up. I just pray that God should come to my rescue,  I beleive It  is well.
how is your studies and how is Bobobabe. Hope you guys are geting on well with your studies.
On  lighter note, please gist us about your expereince so far in canada,  about the people, food, culture,  cost of living, standard of living, and any other thing you wish to let us know.
One more thing, is it beter to stay in the rez or off campus for a graduate. Enjoy Rare,  I always remember your post like yesterday when you are still in Nigeria posting on this thread

@charlie193. We are really busy, and adjusting to school after being in work environment for long. Also having to work harder to make up where there are undergrad lapses, esp in software simulation activities. Cost of living/standards are usually accurate as the school will send to you. You might adjust lifestyle to reduce costs, but work with their own estimate. Generally off-campus is less expensive. However, everything differs with provinces.

harrymann:

has any body been called for medical yet

A friend of mine coming to Alberta for Winter 2011, was called for medicals last week. He applied in Lagos about a month ago.

lanresz:

@chickyamma, check http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/extend-stay.asp. It is possible to change your condition from a vistor to a student.

@Lanresz, we need to study that link properly.

On the same link, it states:
"Most visitors to Canada are not allowed to work or study in Canada without permission.
You must apply for a work permit or a study permit before coming to Canada. If you are visiting Canada and you want to apply to work or study, you must leave Canada and apply from your home country. However, in some cases, working without a permit or studying without a permit is allowed"

There are exceptions if the length of your study is less than six months. The exceptions for visitors that can study without a study permit are here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-who.asp

mctolspell:

what are those things i can show to the consular, that will proof i have strong ties, i need people to advice me please cos i need to submit my application very soon, pls i need peoples reply

Are you employed in Nigeria? How about a letter from your employer indicating awareness of your study intent (to the specific school & program), alongside an appraisal of your ethics and willingness to re-absorb you after your education.

Okija_juju:

Yeah!

What school is it? Kings & Grant McEwan are the two I know of at the moment in Edmonton. I'm looking at doin an MSc. preferably in Calgary! R u Bachelors or Masters?

Hey Okija_juj
Just read the last few pages of the thread

@Okija_juju ; what an ID!!
Am in school. You're working?

peace5050:

Hello all,
@debosky, DELTA007 and other great guys who have been true in explaining details in clear terms and reliable at there dispense of vital information . please i want to give a try on something, which is my wife is a pharmacist she made a 3.67 GP from a Nigerian university and i was thinking if she could apply for a student visa to read either masters in clinical pharmacy or MPH , i am currently working in a bank with a gross income of about 4M. i do not know if a university in Quebec offers masters in these two areas, if not then which university in Canada offers such please include mode of admission and minimum requirement and school fees probably cheap , i am looking at areas where cost of living is relatively cheap. please i would appreciate your quick response

If you are particularly interested in Quebec; you can see links to all 17 universities there in this link. Scroll to the section on Quebec. Each university has a different link. You can check them up yourself, for a start.: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_universities_in_Canada
One more thing; the courses you mentioned are available in Quebec, but are not usually "cheap" relative to other courses.

@charlie193;
I am in Edmonton now. The people have been welcoming. Weather is gettin chilly gradually.
First week was full of hustling for accommodation (off-campus), but the web resources available for everything is awesome. In fact, you could start reading about everything you need to do here right there in Nigeria. It's just as it was stated for us in the Int'l student handbooks. Academics is in progress now; and my mind is open to the new world for the next few months of my life.

Hey fellas, am settling into school in Edmonton.

Was gisting with some Naija folks here today. I learnt there are saddist lecturers (like we have in Naija), whose courses are usually avoided for ones considered as quick 'easy' grades. Wow!! If that is true, the it's Undergrad all over again, isn't it ?!! , lol

lanresz:

@Rare dat will not be a problem. What time to you arrive?

@lanresz; Once I confirm, I'll get across to you. Thanks.

Hotstepper:

@Rare, we will be waiting for u in TDOT Abeg, bring sumthing for us ooo, Gala will do, lol

@Hotstepper, u in Toronto? A undergrad mate of mine (working in RIM) feels like showing me round a bit. Says if I get into school (Edmonton) directly; I'd be so tied up and no time. Gives me the impression down Alberta is less livelier than where he's at in Toronto.

lanresz:

@Rare and Debo, Edmonton will be waiting for you. Hope we hook up some time after you arrive. If you need any help like being picked up at the airport please let me know.

@Lanresz; can you really do that for me? I would be so glad I tell you. Am due there on the 29th Aug. How do we arrange this?

@bobobabe;
Is your program in the dept MEng (taught) or MSc (research) ?

bobobabe:

@ rare: i will be at computer & electrical dept too. i will be leaving naija by sept 2nd.

@bobobabe
Am leaving 26th Aug. Will be at Toronto to see a friend for 2 days. Will arrive Edmonton 29th Aug.
Have you arranged your accommodation ? Can we chat/talk on Yahoo! or Skype ?

HELLO GOOD PEOPLE,
PLEASE REVIEW THIS MESSAGE I GOT FROM A COLLEAGUE OF MINE PURSUING STUDIES IN UK. HE SENT THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS AS "COST-SAVING" MEASURES FOR NIGERIAN GRADUATE STUDENTS COMING TO UK.
SEE HOW THEY COMPARE TO CANADA, AND COMMENT. THANKS (it's quite long ohhh !!)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Re: CA preparations
1. Enough Jeans (better Jeans cost for there o! If you can buy/bring like Ten (10) sef), hahha

The truth is that when you reach here, common $10 go be like 1million naira for your eye, so just buy/bring enough jeans so that you won’t have to worry about changing your wardrobe in a long time.

2. You may not need normal trousers here buy still carry like 2 or 3 normal trousers (because cana is really cold)

The truth is that nor be everyday person dey wear jeans sef, wetin!!! Person suppose wear regular trousers go church or go class at times even if cold dey,

3. You should also come with like 2 suits complete with tie, if you have already, some of your courses will require that you do presentation. Na jeans you go wear do am? Nah,

4. Now some shoes. I cant tell you how many but the whole idea is to reduce the amount of money you spend when you get here, if you can buy one of those strong Timberland, then trainers, joggers, normal shoes. Bring like 2 or 3 belts as well

5. Buy Toothpaste (if possible 6), toothbrush (a pack of 12), perfumes, bathing and washing soap ( a pack of 12 each), powder, Pomade (6 or more)

The whole idea is to make sure you don’t spend money when you arrive there! These basic things are very expensive o, except your Papa na Ibori or Obasanjo when get money anyhow,

6. Buy Jackets o, the leather one and the one with fur (if u see). You can go to where they sell okrika and get some good ones (nor let anybody deceive you say u go buy for there o, yes, you will still buy but na winter dey come so. also buy like two Sweaters-very thick ones, you will need to even wear the sweaters and jackets from Nigeria to the CANADA.

7. Buy hand gloves, like 3 or so, thick leather or cloth ones, buy like two head gear (if they sell them in Nigeria).

8. Bring some shirts, don’t worry about buying expensive shirts cos the cold too much sef, you go still wear jacket cover the shirt, but bring all the shirts you can bring, even if you go buy shirts here, that will be later, abi you go naked before then?

9. Food Stuffs:

9.1 Ground pepper

9.2 Ground crayfish

9.3 Ground pepper soup spices

9.4 Ground melon (reasonable quantity to last like three months-hahaha)

9.5 Dried Bitter leaf, Salt (just that small packet), maggi (small packet), tin tomatoes (12), dried okro, dried ogbono, indomie(maybe a cartoon). DONT BUY MILK (they may sieze it at the airport because its a diary product and they have alot of diary product here). If you must buy milk and bournvita, then buy those packet ones and put in your laptop bag.( They don’t physically check the laptop bag so you may succeed with it )

9.6 Buy rice, garri and beans (you may not believe it, but this will save you a lot of money cos these things are very expensive here, so you have to settle down first, start doing some part time work and earning DOLLARS before you can be buying those stuffs there)

10. Finally bring all your documents, your secondary school results, your university results/transcripts, all your employment letters, promotion letters, birth certificates, etc (na relocate you dey relocate so, so come with EVERY!!!!)

lanresz:

Bobobabe and Rare which department will you be in UofA?

@lanresz; mine is electrical & computer engineering

deneks4:

@rare, do u know anyone who applied in later than june 4th and has a response yet, i mean any response, either negative or positive, cuz everybody seems to be on hold, i even saw someone who told me they don't do medicals no more.

@Deneks4; the 90-day recommendation is barely sufficient. In my case, I got issuance about 12 days extra. So I suppose any moment from now, you'll hear from them. I felt same way too. But they always replied my email queries usually with 6-7 working days.

When I got my TRV, school session was already a week old and I was yet to resign my job, so I complained to CDHC and they offerred me a new visa (and cancelled first one at no cost and no re-examination of medicals) after asking me to present new admission letter, which I got from defer request.

From my experience, I'd advise applicant to apply 120 days prior to school start date, if possible

bobobabe:

@ Rare, are u going to university of alberta, if so gimme there too by september 7th because we need to continue the good network of nairaland.
good luck n see yaa at edmonton city.

Yeah univ of alberta. Are u starting a program there this Fall as well?
If yes, how do we speak?

deneks4:

Men, 49 working days,10 weeks, where is hope, peops i beg, what do u think.
@ rare, if u'r in the IT world, i can hold on to your new job offer o, cuz am so confused now, resigned my job to go to skool,now 10 weeks and no reply.
is anyone here who applied after june 8th, and has done medicals, or do u know of anyone,

@Deneks4; you resigned before final visa decision? Is that called faith? Or you always hated the job.

My employers won't let me be; bringing new job offers, mmmhhhhh. I really don't want to look back oohh. Confusion galore !!!

Why can't they believe me when I say I'll return.

lanresz:

@Rare, welcome to Edmonton (The City of Champions). I hope you like the city.

@Lanresz, The city of champions? Any particular reason. Just curious.

How safe is it to travel with cash? Been thinking best way to carry money across.

Folks;
After reading this wonderful thread, and applying for visa successfully (well ahead of time); I'm finally headed to Edmonton in about 2 weeks time.

Thanks y'all !!!

charlie193:

2. @ All, Please I have not gotten my Degree certificate, can I go ahead to use the statement of result that have beneath it that it only valid for a year from the day it was issued. And it was actually issued Sometimes in 2008?
Guys! I wish you all happy sunday

I used a statement of result (that had elapsed it's validity by 2 years) during my successul study permit application.
I had my degree certificate, but I didn't submit it because I didn't want to leave my degree cert with CDHC for so long.

Delta007:

A TRV is different from your permit to stay (in your case, Study Permit). A TRV just gives you permission to entert he country; it does not give you permission to stay; so even though you have a 1 day Visa (TRV), as far as you arrive before the Visa expires, you will be granted some form of stay depending on your status; in your case, I'd assume they'd give you a study permit in the airport which will be valid for 2yrs (they may give you a 1yr study permit, which means you have to renew it INLAND; that's where the 30days recommendation comes to play. It's just a recommendation, not a strict rule).

Your TRV can be expired, while you are studying in Canada and it's no issue as far as your study permit is not expired and you do not plan to leave and re-enter Canada. It's when you plan to leave and re-enter, then you will have to renew the TRV (if it is expired). So, yes, you can send it to Buffalo for renewal via Canada Post whether it is expired or nearly expired. You also have to show that you are a registered student ( a letter from your registrar's office) with a valid study permit in Canada. It's a fairly easy process compared to what you face in Lagos. In the section where they ask you the reason for your application, you have to come up with a reason like you are planning to go home for Christmas vacation and want to be able to come back to continue your studies, etc.

@Delta007; I understand you perfectly.

So what about second part of my question: "(ii) What are common validity durations of multiple-entry TRVs ?"

deneks4:

u mean u applied from nigeria without your NYSC, wow, that is giving me some hope now, my faith is up and runnin again, thanks man,

Deneks4
Did you read my post properly? I said I included NYSC discharge cert. I was only de-emphasising the harsh phone call from the lady from CDHC, by saying I had a similar occurence (for other reasons)

deneks4:

ohh,u applied from the state

I am in Nigeria. One of my sponsors was resident in the US. He sent me the required docs by post.

deneks4:

rare, how far, wht do u think are my chances, they called me to ask 4 my NYSC cert, and i told them it's with me, but i can bring it down ,but the lady said don't worry harshly and droped. am so scared.

@Deneks4, I don't think NYSC is a core requirement; maybe an enhancement to certify graduate status in Nigeria.
During my application, I did include a copy of my NYSC discharge certificate anyway.

Don't be intimidated about the lady's countenance. A similar occurence happened to me.
During my application, one of my enlisted sponsors (resident in USA) was called by 5am local American time, and he told me a lady called him from CDHC lagos (not mindful of time difference) and talked to him harshly doubting some of his submitted claims. My sponsor wrote an email to complain to CHDC Lagos about the attitude of this lady. The email was acknowledged, and the episode didn't affect positive outcome of my study visa application.

Rare:


@Rare, are your landing? Or are you coming in as a student?

Landing usually refers to Permanent Residents arriving (landing) Canada for the "first" time.

Based on your other posts, you are likely a student coming in with a single entry Visa. What I would do is, as soon as you arrive, apply to Buffalo for a multiple TRV by post (it will be a tall order to even get an appointment for a US Visa, and I doubt they'd even grant you one since you just came in; not impossible tho). It usually takes about 2-3 wks by post. You can give them any reason like you plan to travel to Nigeria for christmas break, etc. That way, when you leave Canada, you can return. If you make the mistake of flying back to Lagos, you will have to reapply to CHDC, Lagos. With a study permit (which you will get when you first arrive), it may be alot easier since you wont have to go thru medicals, etc but those people in Lagos defy all forms of logic and common sense. You can probably open a bank account as alot of banks come on campus during the first couple weeks of the session to "catch" new customers otherwise you may need to book an appointment etc; I do not think you will be able to get a SIN because you do not have a work permit and you are not eligible for one unless you have a job with your university. 3 wks is possible to get yourself sorted but that's really pushing it. Do you have accommodation sorted? You probably already paid part of your tuition. To get a full refund, you have to apply within a certain date. Sometimes, some institutions may refuse to make any refunds (especially the first year) because they vouched for you when the embassy contacted them. These are things you have to sort out. Goodluck!

@Delta007; Thanks for the correction of use of the word "landing" for immigration purposes. I am coming in as a student with single entry TRV, as you rightly said.
You mentioned something that could really actualise my plan. Are you serious about the 2-3 weeks duration to apply for multiple TRV by post to Buffalo ? Is this really, really practical ?

@Delta007;
(i) CIC website says application for TRV must be done 30 days prior to initial visa expiry (while in Canada). [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/extend-stay.asp]
By the time I'd arrive, the window for expiry of my single-entry TRV would be less than that, though my study permit would still be valid (about 2 years I suppose). Would I still be eligible to aply the multiple-entry TRV in Buffalo, from Canada by post ?. Would I need to to show evidence of school registration?

(ii) What are common validity durations of multiple-entry TRVs ?

99dreamkid:

Dear friends,
Make una help me thank God this sunday morning. I just received instructions to go for my medical today. I was tracking d return envelope number around 11pm last night ( I do that regularly) and saw that the mail had left the CDHC on Friday. The kind tension wey come hold me no even gree me sleep well for night and i knew I couldnt last up till Monday for d mail to be delivered. So I made some calls and was able to retrieve my package today and 'lo and behold' it was d instructions for medicals. I am trying not to get too excited cos it is not the end yet but thank God for this progress.Please I need some help with regards to the medicals. I want to do it in Abuja this Tuesday but I dont know if i need to make an appointment first or just show up? I tried calling d numbers of d Zankli Medical Center but I couldnt get thru to them. Please anyone that has used the Abuja Clinic, how did u go about it? Was it time-wasting? What is d procedure?There was an envelope included in the package- am I supposed to give it to them at the hospital OR use it to mail back the formed that they attached? Guys please help me out here cos I have only Tuesday free to leave work and fly to ABJ for this thing. Thanks in advance.

And to my fellow applicants who are still waiting for there medicals- deneks4 and co., i am praying for you and I know yours is on the way. And thanks to all d forum seniors- Delta, debosky, wonderbod, ezinwanne, hotstepper, marcar and co. that have been helpful. Please continue firing your prayers so that it all works out in the end.

NB. I remember seeing somewhere on this forum dat a guy was denied after medicals. I hope that is a rarity. i no fit shout O!

you don't need an appointment. Just go and you'll be directed. Cost was about 46k as at December 2009.

Delta007:

@chamber2, Am still in Naija

I wanted to inquire if this scenario is possible.

A friend and I, due in Ualberta, are still trying to acquire study leave approvals at our workplaces. Already have entry visa.

Is it possible that we land in Canada this Fall; enroll as students; acheive activities such as SIN and bank account openings, possibly residency and acclimitazation (total duration of 3 weeks). After that request a defer of studies till Winter or next Fall, travel back to Naija and return to commence studies after concluding with employers.

This allows to avoid not 'landing' and having to go through entire student visa processing again. Also having in mind that possible 2-year study permit to be issued at port of entry would still be valid by time of re-entry.
---------------------------------------------

@Rare, are your landing? Or are you coming in as a student?

Landing usually refers to Permanent Residents arriving (landing) Canada for the "first" time.

Based on your other posts, you are likely a student coming in with a single entry Visa. What I would do is, as soon as you arrive, apply to Buffalo for a multiple TRV by post (it will be a tall order to even get an appointment for a US Visa, and I doubt they'd even grant you one since you just came in; not impossible tho). It usually takes about 2-3 wks by post. You can give them any reason like you plan to travel to Nigeria for christmas break, etc. That way, when you leave Canada, you can return. If you make the mistake of flying back to Lagos, you will have to reapply to CHDC, Lagos. With a study permit (which you will get when you first arrive), it may be alot easier since you wont have to go thru medicals, etc but those people in Lagos defy all forms of logic and common sense. You can probably open a bank account as alot of banks come on campus during the first couple weeks of the session to "catch" new customers otherwise you may need to book an appointment etc; I do not think you will be able to get a SIN because you do not have a work permit and you are not eligible for one unless you have a job with your university. 3 wks is possible to get yourself sorted but that's really pushing it. Do you have accommodation sorted? You probably already paid part of your tuition. To get a full refund, you have to apply within a certain date. Sometimes, some institutions may refuse to make any refunds (especially the first year) because they vouched for you when the embassy contacted them. These are things you have to sort out. Goodluck!

@Delta007; Thanks for the correction of use of the word "landing" for immigration purposes. I am coming in as a student with single entry TRV, as you rightly said.
You mentioned something that could really actualise my plan. Are you serious about the 2-3 weeks duration to apply for multiple TRV by post to Buffalo ? Is this really, really practical ?

marcar:


I will advice you go to CDHC in person and fill the request form

01-271 5650 {for inquiries Monday to Thursday 3-4pm only}. I called this number several times during my application processing.

debosky:

Secondly, since you have a single entry visa, you'd struggle to get another entry visa from naija without showing evidence that you'd been attending school. You can apply from Canada, but I think it takes a while to get it. On the other hand, if you were really intent on doing so, you could go to Buffalo, USA and apply in person to collect it the same day. The issue is that you must have a US visa to be able to do so.

All in all, it will be very complicated to do in just 3 weeks.

@debosky; would you suggest it'd be safer to not travel at all. 'Cos it seems this plan to land, visit briefly and return to Naija without actually schooling might jeopardize future visa applications.

Also Hotstepper stated that int'l students are only allowed to work off-campus after one full academic year? But according to current inform on CIC website, you MAY be allowed to work after your first six months as a student.

Fhemmmy:

Well said

It's single entry
Thanks guys. All views noted !!!