We're very grateful to God for a successful landing at Calgary on 05 March 2015. We got through the entire process without much hassles. This journey started in 2013 when I got interested in the FSWP but got my application returned due to “cap full” for my NOC. Like many others we crossed our hands waiting for 01 January 2015 to apply for EE when suddenly CIC announced FSWP in April 2014! Would have submitted on May 1 but for POF! Eventually sent our application package on 08 May and was rewarded with Maple leafs and CoPRs on 23 Dec 2014.
Our tickets (Ethiopia Air + Air Canada) were ready on 30 Dec 2014 to fly on 04 March 2015. The flights were Abuja-Addis: 4.30hrs duration; 2hrs wait time, Addis-Toronto: 15hrs duration, 3hrs wait time and Toronto-Calgary: 4hrs. The wait time at Toronto eventually increased because we missed our Calgary bound flight by some minutes. We didn't have the 3hrs wait time because Ethiopia Air flight was delayed by 1hr. So we had only 2hrs to do our landing procedures. The landing procedure was smooth and easy though, but there were too many people to attend to before it got to our turn. If you must take this route, then plan to have a minimum of 5hrs wait time between your flights. Although my 3hrs estimate would have been fine if not for the 1hr delay by Ethiopia Air from Addis. The landing procedure involved customs and immigration checks. At customs, we submitted the cards provided on-board and questions about whether we were carrying alcohol, dairy products, veges and >C$10k were asked. We had dried vegetables and they circled that portion of the form with RED marker. I thought that will portend trouble, but alas, they didn't even check or disturb us when we finally took our luggage through the last customs checkpoint. At immigration, passport checks, signing of COPRs and a warm “Welcome to Canada, you are now a Permanent Resident. You will be required to stay in-country for a minimum of 2yrs for the first 5yrs in order to maintain your status” As if the officer know say I no wan stay!!
During the entire trip, kids were all excited and had fun throughout. Movies, games, foods, drinks, story books and drawing/coloring workbooks were provided for the kids in-flight. During the extended wait at Toronto Airport we discovered a playground in the facility and that kept the kids occupied till we were ready to check-in. We also took out time at the Airport to sing and worship God and prayed the all-important Joshua 1:3 prayer and spoke into our future in the land. The kids eventually had a total shutdown during the Toronto-Calgary flight!
This is a short-landing for me. So we are just chilling and having fun at our new abode for the weekend. SIN, Bank/Credit cards, Kids School have all been scheduled for next week. We've secured appointment with Scotia Bank for Monday Afternoon. The banker I spoke with sounded so excited and already promising many great benefits from the bank! I know say na wayo sha. No bank dey give free lunch. No bank is Father Christmas, even in Switzerland.
Well, that's a summary of my story so far. If you still need some details on my landing experience, or any other issues pls feel free to do me a PM and I'd gladly respond. I wish you a smoother and a more seamless landing experience for those planning to move soon. And a quick response from CIC and AVO for those awaiting CC, DD, PER, MR, PPR and PRs. Our God is ABLE it for you too.
