Villagegirl:


Nice. Thinking of moving to Weston by next winter. Closer to my work place at North York (Steeles Ave).

Used to work at Steeles too, I was coming from Etobicoke Lakeshore everyday. It was hell, esp during winter!! Had to relocate to Sheppard Ave west sharply. Weston is quite cool, public transport is very regular.

XX01:


Be strong. I would advise you look for a temp job because no one knows how long this will last

Thanks. I'll keep looking. I really hope this virus doesn't drag on for too long. I'm worrying for myself here and worrying for my relations in Naija. Can't imagine the havoc an outbreak could possibly wreak on our weak institutions.

XX01:


My advert is for those that need it., A lot of companies are taking a step back from recruitment as they are looking at the long term effects of Covid-19 on the economy. People that have landed and may not have the opportunity to find white collar jobs will appreciate the information rather than spend their POF. No one knows how long this will last.

Also, there is dignity of labour here. Whatever you are doing to put food on the table as long as it is legal.

I was meant to start a new job on Wednesday. Almost everything set. Just to undergo a short training. They just sent an email that the offer is on hold till further notice.
I'm trying not to think too much of it.

Humbleidiottt:


Guy Torkwaze I'm in Toronto too! >< >< Mehn it's hard to find friends here as a student, by any chance do you go to University in Toronto??

Hi, no I'm not in U of T. Do they have a Nigerian/ Africa students Association? If you don't mind such meetings, that's often a good place to network and make friends.

IOMIOM:



Are you in Canada?

Yeah, I'm in Toronto.

Present Sir...
Let me reserve space

[quote author=Chlopesmum22 post=86601908][/quote]

Yay !!! I'm sending you a PM now !!!

[quote author=Lansky post=86393516]

Thanks a lot.
PS: Thanks for Dubai Connect too [/qkuote]

Oh, so you did a Dubai layover? Hope you enjoyed the tour. I certainly did.

Lansky:
How do you register for Ontario Health Card BEFORE you get accommodation?

I've been refused registration at Service Ontario cuz I don't have a document to show "proof of residency in Ontario".

Currently staying at AirBnB.

Urgent Pls!!!

What address did you give for your PR card?
Do you have a bank account? What address did you use? If they've issued you a debit/visa card in an addressed envelope, you can take that to service ontario and show them. That's what I used, and it was a temporary residence. I updated my details when I moved. You can also ask the bank to mail your statement to your address via Post, then use that as evidence of residence.

potosky:
abole(how are you or how far?�

Really? I always assumed it was Good morning.

etrange:


Oya talk true, is it your language you're missing or you're hoping to fall in love like that guy?

_{Ain't nothing weird about missing your language.}

Lol!! I learnt the hard way not to imagine too much, but you never know !!!

The first (and only) person from Benue state I met in Canada was a lady Uber driver. We were talking and when she found we were from the same state, she screamed "Abole" (good morning) and almost went thru the roof with excitement. She was so excited we missed our way!!!
Unfortunately we both didn't grow up in Benue, so I can't speak Idoma and she can't speak Tiv. We've been good friends since that time. She even helped me move my things to my new place, free of charge.

Male or female, its nice to see "kinsmen" in faraway lands, especially those of us from minority ethnic groups.

Itzpearlz:
Good morning Fam'

**Asked this on the other application process thread, but permit me to ask 'Seniors' here too please**

Quick question please.

After getting PR, if I meet another PR in Canada and we fall in love and want to marry, how does that work?
And what are the possible implications (if any)?

If you're both in Canada, I doubt if there are any implications. Just go ahead with your marriage plans, so long as its officially documented.

P.S Where are you people meeting to fall in love o?

P.P.S. Is there any Tiv person here by any chance? Weird, but I miss speaking my language !!!

damzy88:
Hey, how was your experience at Ripleys?

It's such a cool place

Hi, I went in the evening, but there were way too many people and I wasn't keen on joining the queue. Also didn't climb the CN tower because the visibility was poor, low hanging fog/clouds. The officials at the ticketing floor were giving a caveat, and it would have been a waste to go up and not see anything!! So my friend and I just took some pictures from outside and went back home! I'll plan a proper visit another time.

TimD:
You could try exploring one or many of these places if they'd be opening tomorrow: Woodbine Beach, Nathaniel Phillips Square, CN Tower, Toronto Museum/Aquarium, Eaton Center, etc.
Hopefully this helps!!!

Yeah, I've decided on CN tower and Ripleys Aquarium. Good day to sightsee and take lots of pictures I guess

Merry Christmas guys. According to the weather forecast, it isn't going to be a "white" Christmas in Toronto.
Abeg, anyone with ideas on what to do tomorrow in Toronto should drop them for we JJC. I'm trying not to have to sleep all through Christmas for lack of activity.
Thanks in advance!!

lynniebabes:
Good day everyone. I’m in need of a place downtown Toronto axis. Subletting o, Sharing etc. I’m a female please, contact me if you have any idea thanks.

I've seen several listings online, depending on your budget of course, and how close to downtown. Single room in a house/ basement usually between 600-800, while rooms in condos are from 1000- 1600.
You can try Toronto Home Zone on Facebook for more listings.

19CannyMum:


How many layers were you wearing and what kind of glove? What was the temperature (and real feel)? What city are you?

You don't need to wear two trousers. You need thermal longjohns or leggings under your jeans. You need good winter shoes, and woolen socks inside. Bataclava is good, but a big woollen scarf wrapped around your lower face will do the same task and you'll look less scary.

For tops, three layers is usually the sweet spot: thermal wear, cotton or normal shirt, then fleece before jacket. Once real feel is below -20, I add a vest before my jacket. Once I wear this combination, no shaking na my second name.

However, I have realised that dressing just enough to be borderline cold is the norm lol. So I hardly ever wear all these layers. Also my jacket is not thick it looks like a windbreaker, preventing me from looking like a puff puff . It's my vest that does the real work.

For gloves, regular cotton gloves don't work. You can wear them under those waterproof/ ski gloves. My dollarama ski gloves keep my hands very warm. But I hear at -40 mittens are the best.

Walmart has affordable thermal wear. I don't know how many winters they'll last but with 18 dollars you can buy mid weight thermal wear.

This is for Calgary cold sha. I no know how Toronto cold dey be, I hear it's different due to more humidity. Besides, with our chinooks here the cold never lasts. It's also sunny at least 50% of the time.

Thanks CannyMum, I will upgrade my kitting. I'm in Toronto and have been faring fine with just my jeans, sweater and jacket (sometimes even a regular cotton top). I've never had to use thermal leggings. But the weather yesterday was totally different, dropping to about -13 and I wasn't prepared at all. I need to follow the weather forecast more religiously.

PS. Had to go google Chinook winds. They sound like a miracle How do we get them to come towards Toronto biko !!!

Palominopeaches:
This your write up terrified me. In fact I'm traumatized...and I'm landing next week. Who kuku send me one

Please don't be, just relax and get enough quality winter gear!! Its quite cold, but several other things compensate for the weather.

I got my first taste of the real Canadian cold today. Jesu, it was so cold it started feeling hot. I don't know if that makes sense. Went to a bank nearby and narrowly missed the bus going back home, and had to walk. My gloved hands became stiff, could feel the chill right inside my high bones, the wind right in my face. Ho my God.
I'm wearing two trousers, two gloves tomorrow. And a balaclava.

Naijaforeigner:
I just checked how much I spent from January till date on buying Tim Hortons (double double) and timbits... I realized I have spent close to $500. At least $2 5 times a week on coffee and timbits.

Please who is on this table with me and how can we break this addiction? That old fashion timbits by Tim Hortons is the biggest weakness I have at the moment. Everywhere you go in Canada, Tim Hortons all up in your face.

Thank God I don’t smoke or do alcohol, if not ehn, na only God know how much those ones for Dey take as well.

Happy Sunday.

Lol I'm a Tim Hortons fan too. But what keeps me in check is looking at the calories they display on them snacks and drinks. I don't want to add weight while losing money!!!

Abiodunnn:
Wow....you got a job already?

Na small job o, its on contract for two months, don't intend to renew after this year. Let me start building my credit score. Was connected via YMCA.

Taking a break from work and thought of putting down some random stuff from my experience here so far.
First of all, I'm really grateful for these two stores: Dollarama and No Frills!!! Ha, they've saved my POF from taking an unnecessary big dip!
Also thankful for google maps/TTC bus schedule/route combo.

And for the awesome deals on Facebook marketplace, will come in handy when I get mt own place.

In other news, HR at work (a Nigerian by the way, nice lady) today called me aside to advise me against using strong perfumes. I'm like, I didn't even spray much today, I can hardly perceive it on my body. She says noo, people here can have allergies, some offices don't even allow staff to wear scents. I'm shook.

It snowed for the first time (I think) in Toronto today. It was light, but quite cold.

Okay, back to work.

LANDING GIST (LONG READ)

Single Applicant

PRE-FLIGHT
In the week leading up to my departure, I discovered 24 hours a day was not enough. I had so many things to sort put, people to see, and issues to handle before I leave… It was crazy, I went to bed exhausted everyday.
Packing was a nightmare for me. I’ve always detested packing for a even a few days trip. Now I have pack up to leave the country. There was so much to do. Lucky for me, I got someone to take over my small apartment and she was wiling to buy 90% of things in it. So now, I just had to deal with clothes and few kitchen stuff. Mennn, I had no idea how many clothes I had until I started packing!!! Finally got that sorted out. Sent many to Mum to give out, and kept a few in case I visit.
Two days to trip, my friends from work threw me a small goodbye party. It was a fun and emotional experience. They even contributed money for me. I was shocked. There isn’t that much money in my office, and for them to do this, meant so much to me.
One day to journey, my Mum travlled from Makurdi to Abuja to say goodbye and pray with me. She couldn’t stay till the next day, ‘cos she had an important engagement. I’m actually glad for that, ‘cos age would have made a scene at the airport with her crying!!!

DEPARTURE DAY
Friday 25th Flight was Emirates, 6pm. I had sent a taxi to pick up my brother from Law school straight to the airport to wait for me, while a friend would take me from town to the Airport. He was the only family member with me at the airport.
I got to the gate, and being a Friday, the queue was crazy. Anyway, finally got in, weighed my bags and boom- 26kg, 29kg!!. These were bags I had checked on my bathroom scale and they were showing 18kg each oo. I had to offload things from the lighter bag into the heavier bag, so I will have only one excess luggage and pay for it. I gave my brother some of the remaining naira I had with me when it occurred to me I wouldn’t be needing it for a long time, but left a little in my wallet for nostalgia sake.

ON BOARD
I had pre-booked my window seat online. I loved window seats. And I knew I may cry when we take off, so I wanted a place to hide my face. Only for me to go in and see some children occupying the whole line. I said no, maybe I’m in te wrong place. The air hostess looked at my ticket and said, yes that’s you seat. Only then did one man on the isle role now start smiling at me saying I should please let all his children stay in the same place, and come and take the seat in the middle isle where the boy would have been. I was so angry. But I couldn’t say anything, emotions were already welling up in me and if I talked, I may have said something bad. I just quietly went and sat beside his wife in the middle row, while fighting to push back tears ‘cos there was no where to hide my face at this point.
The flight was smooth, 8 hours to Dubai. We were fed one and a half times (second time was just a burger and drink). In flight entertainment was fantastic, too many movies, music, games to choose from.

DUBAI
We landed at 4am Dubai time. There was a 23 hour stopover, with hotel accommodation. This was my first time in Dubai, and I had specifically chosen this airline and flight so I would get a feel of the city, ‘cos I had always wanted to visit. I had to first print my connecting flight boarding pass at the Emirates stand and get a hotel voucher. There was a slight delay here, when the system refused to recognize my details or something. Oh boy, I had to wait for almost an hour, while they called Emirates Canada, started asking me question, asked for my COPR form, blab la bla, before I finally got my pass and left.
We were taken to Copthorne Airport hotel. It was almost 6am, and I just when in to crashed into a deep sleep. The hotel is a nice place, free fast Wi-Fi (no calls), the food (breakfast, lunch, dinner) was good too. At least there was rice and chicken, didn’t really understand the other things on the buffet!
At about 11, I asked about going to town, and was told there will be a tour by 1pm, a the cost of 32 Dollars. I gladly paid. Just what I needed instead of going out alone in a strange land. We visited the Jumeira Beach, Burj Khalifa, Blue Mosque, Atlantis, and one place they sell expensive Dubai artworks like that, cant remember the name. The tour ended at the Dubai mall, but I didn’t return with the bus. I went in to look around and while away time. I made friends with one Pakistani guy when I got him to take a picture for me at the aquarium. I ended up taking me round, connecting me to the mall WiFi, and telling me more about the city. Turns out, he works in Dubai and has been trying to come to Canada via Express Entry too!! I enjoyed the tour in Dubai, and I’m glad I paid that extra money to fly Emirates. Was the best part of the journey for me.

DUBAI TO TORONTO
The flight to Toronto was at 2:45am on Sunday, and by 12 midnight, I got a wake up call from the hotel. It would be a 14 hour flight, no stops.
Our plane this time was MASSIVE. It was an airbus, my first time in a double decker plane. The seats were also noticeably bigger than the plane from Nigeria. Business and First class people were upstairs, separated from the masses and closer to the heavens!!
This time, no one took my window seat. We were given two hot, full meals and some snacks.
When we landed, it was raining heavily, but we barely felt any turbulence. At the immigration, we newcomers were sent to a different stand. My passport was stamped, they asked me if I had any food, I said yes, told here what it was- Egusi and Ogbono. My host had specifically requested these. From, into the large hall where there was a long queue for more landing formalities. One of the immigration officials attending to us suddenly raised her voice querying the man in front of her, “Why are you in Canada”? What brought you here? What business do you want to do here? Where is the evidence of the business? All this time, the man, who’s from Lesotho was just mumbling. He couldn’t speak English well, couldn’t express himself, and was obviously intimidated by the woman, who looked really unfriendly.
The woman told him to go to one corner, and when he;s ready with another story, he should come. I said shuo, is there interview session here?? I didn’t even want the woman to call me, and started praying any of the other officials should attend to me, not her. For where. When it was my turn, na she call me!! Immediately, she snapped, “ why are you in Canada,?” Before I could talk, she looked at my passport and said, oh you’re a new permanent resident, I said YES. She calmed down. Turns out, the Lesotho man had come on a Business Visa. But mehn, I pity that man.
Within three minutes, I was done signing the paper and she told me, You’re Set. It was Sunday, so I couldn’t do SIN registration. My friend who was to host me, was already waiting outside, and we took an uber to her place in North York.

FIRST STEPS
That same day, my host took me to a nearby Walmart to get a Presto card, get Chatr line, shop for winter clothes, and other things.
When we got back, I ate and went to bed immediately. Jetlag was dealing with me and my body was literally shaking.
Next day, I went to do my SIN, but instead of going to Service Canada, I don’t know how Service Ontario entered my head and that’s where the uber took me. I got there and was redirected. I just ordered another Uber and came back home. Today, I went to the get the SIN done and open an account with Scotia Bank, deposited some Dollars with me.
For now, I will stay with my friend and try to build my credit score, as I hear it’s difficult to rent a house without one. We plan to move to a bigger house, where I will have my own room, and I will pay part of the rent. She has been really wonderful since I got here, and I can imagine how difficult things may have been if she wasn’t around.
Uber has been chopping my money ‘cos I’m finding it difficult to understand the Bus schedules. I hope I get it right soon though. The Uber drivers seem really nice, and they always try to have a conversation. One of them was a Nigerian. He was so happy to see me!
Job search starts this week, and I will be contacting YMCA and COSTI. I intend to register for my PhD in Ryerson University, already in touch with them and they’ve booked me for a consultation and open house in November.
Its good to be here, finally.
I hope I'll meet some Nairalanders soon.

The End.

bekayy:
Yay...Congrats again. What flight r u using?

I'm flying Emirates. There's a one day layover in Dubai, will arrive Sunday morning

Knock Knock!! Hello guys, permission to join the house. I will be taking off for Toronto this evening from Abuja.
It's so good to finally join this group, after peeking in at the window for over one year.
I waited so long for this day, now it's here and the dream is taking shape, finally.
Landing gist loading ��

COPR received, after 19 days.
Landing scheduled for sometime in October, destination Toronto.
Will come back with Landing Gist later.

P. S
I don't know if this has been shared here before, but Abuja VFS office is no longer in Silvervird.
They're now at Sterling Bank Plaza (3rd floor), opposite NICON Plaza, Muhammadu Buhari way.
If you go there with a bag, you'll have to pay 200 naira to keep it in their locker.
To submit Passport or biometrics, come before 3pm. To pick up, come before 3:30pm.

Dinma27:


Please were you able to get the contact for UNN transcript?

DM me if you still need UNN contact for transcript

bankyh1905:
Finally, some breath of fresh air. Congratulations! Enjoy your new home.

PS: And don't you worry about being single, you'll meet your man in canny

That will be awesome!

POTUSUK:
Hi team;

What exactly should I be looking for in a GCMS note? I ask because I ordered for one and on scheming through; everything seems to be in order.

To make matters worse; I contacted them saying it’s been more than 6 months I submitted my application but haven’t heard back (my background check is still pending; medicals passed; no interview). They responded saying: it just takes time for some people but document is in place.

Is this a normal trend? What to look for in a GCMS note that might hint an issue? Suggestions are welcomed on what to do in this instance.

If the case analyst write something like "Review Required" for any of the info you provided- funds, education, work, medicals etc, then there could be a problem.
Otherwise, you just have to keep waiting, and exercise that patience a little longer. It's also a good thing if there's no problem, at least you don't have to worry about possible rejection of your application.

Kabuki2018:



Congratulations !!! The good Lord that brought you this far will see you through. Do you hope to leave this year or wait till next year?

I will leave this year, hopefully by November

johnnybravo1990:


Congrats o. Don’t worry about the marriage ish. Many single guys like us will be around to mingle with in Canada.

Ah, better o.

PPR IS HERE!!!

LONG, LONG PPR GIST.

This journey started in February 2018. A friend who's in Canada introduced Express Entry to me, tried to convince me to give it a try. He sent me the NOC and WES links. I had always toyed with the idea of leaving Nigeria, but I wasn't really ready, so I didn't do anything immediately.
A few days later, I heard one of our colleagues would soon leave with her family to Canada. I said ehn, is it that serious? Then a close friend from Uni left. I started giving EE a serious thought then.

My friend in Canada introduced me to an immigration lawyer that she used, Abrams and Kroschak. Then, I didn't know I could do it myself. That's how I sent 500 dollars to the agency as deposit. Well, they sent me an initial package of ducuments to fill, which I will pay another 1000 dollars before submission, apart from other payments o. Hey God. I don't have this type of money o.

NAIRALAND TO THE RESCUE
By a stroke of luck and grace, I stumbled upon the nairaland EE thread. I read several chapters, page by page, and watched YouTube Videos.
Then I realized, babe, people are doing this thing themselves o. I sent a mail to the Agent that I'm no longer doing. That's how I lost 500 dollars.

At this time, I had already sent documents for WES evaluation, and in my ignorance, I evaluated both 1st and Masters degree. See ehn, ignorance is costly.
By the time I met Nairaland EE thread, I had many regrets, and was eager to learn as much as possible.

IELTS:
I didn't practice much for IELTS, never had time and just felt I could handle it. A few days to my test, a friend called and asked me how many tests I've practiced. I said about 6 or 7. He scolded me, said I should have practiced way more than that. I got scared, and tried to squeeze in 3 more tests before the test day. I wrote my test in pencil, answers all in capital letters except for Writing. Thank God it came out great.
L- 9
R- 8.5
S- 8
W- 7. 5

First ITA: AUGUST 22.
My score was 476. I had to decline this ITA after some weeks cos I couldn't complete my POF. Was to sell off a plot of land, the person who wanted to buy it couldn't pay in time.

MEDICALS:
IOM Abuja, pretty straight forward

Second ITA:
November 27. Land sold, money paid, everything was ready.

POF:
I did a fixed deposit in Fidelity Bank, uploaded FD certificates and added their generic reference letter. I had money in two other accounts, for which I presented statement of results.

AOR: December 11, 2018

VO: Ottawa. I was so happy that my file wasn't going to Accra. My processing will be sharp sharp. Hahahaa!! Ottawa had other plans as I would soon see.

MEP/BIL: January 24

THEN THE WAITING BEGAN.
I had joined a post-ITA Telegram group. People started receiving PPR, COPR, and giving landing gist. We were always excited to get the news. I was calm, my time would come soon. If only I knew what CIC had in store. Those with AOR's in the same period as me started getting their PPRs too, I was still stuck in MEP. When I clocked 6 MONTHS in June , I called CIC help centre. They put me on the usual long hold. I didn't know I didn't have enough credit, when the agent said "Your waiting time is 2 minutes", MTN told me, your call credit has been exhausted!!! I Wan cry! Next day, I loaded anough credit, and called again. They said they will check my file,
. Another month passed, no show. This time, I was about the only one in the group who didn't have PPR. Kudos to my members, who tried always to cheer me up.
7, 8 months post PPR, I applied for GCMS notes. When they later arrived, everything was fine, no problem anywhere.

SECOND MEDICALS
One day, I was with a friend and got an update on my account. We were both excited, thinking PPR had arrived. I opened it to see, MEDICALS! My first test had expired. I broke down in tears that day. I was tired. At that point, I just wanted CIC to say they declined my application, so I'll kukuma stay in Nigeria. Which kain delay be this?
Went to IOM, booked an appointment for September 3. Luckily, I was able to get an earlier date after going back to plead with them 'cos I had a trip coming up.

PPR- SEPTEMBER 4, 12:15 AM
I was on night duty in the office, when I saw the mail. I wasn't even thinking of CIC again at this point. Lo and behold, READY FOR VISA!!! I screamed, my body started twisting in crazy dance MOVES, I burst out singing "Halleluya Ogo Ni Fun Baba" off key. My colleagues were worried. What is it, what is it, I couldn't talk. At least not yet. They said, come back and focus on your work, I continued my solo singing. If only you know I'll soon leave you guys with this work!!!
Even though I did night and closed by 7am, by 10 I was out to submit my Passport at Silverbird.

MY MUM:
Initially my mother didn't want me to go. Her worry was, I'm not married yet, it will not be good, I may not get a husband in Canada. Well, what if I stay back and still don't get married in Nigeria? Let me not lose both ways. So I insisted, we prayed, and she's finally cool. But I know at the back of her mind, she still worries.

LESSONS
This journey taught be patience. Ha! I had a swift IELTS, I thought everything will be like that. For where. I learnt to accept that there are things I can't control, and I should just let them materialize at their time.
I started coaching a few people in IELTS writing and speaking. It's been a bit inconvenient, cos of my work and travel schedule, but it helped take my mind off the wait, and made me feel useful to other people.
Now that the Golden Mail is finally here, I am excited to start this new phase of my life.
Thank you Nairalanders, this group is a gem. And to imagine it is free. God bless you all. It ended in praise for me, it will for all who are waiting too.