Hello people, sorry it has taking me a while to update on my landing experience. I landed in Calgary on the 17th of April. It was a smooth one. No POF was asked. Just exchanged pleasantries and talks about the weather condition in Calgary with the immigration officer as he completes my COPR and asked me to sign. After signing he congratulated me and told me that am now a permanent resident of canada, that I have every right just like a citizen, including the right to vote...that was his words. He asked me to keep my copy of COPR very safe, that in 3 years time, I will need it if I want to apply for citizenship. He told me to expect my PR card in two months or less...I have not gotten that till today anyway.The custom officer asked how much i have with me, and when i told him, he said 'i don't want to see it anyway''...lol, asked if i have food stuff and or meat, I told him yes, but no meat. He did'nt search. Guess he was tired.
My friend who has been in Calgary since November last year picked me at the airport and took me to my house which he helped to secure. I have since gotten my SIN, and registered with Alberta health. Just last week I passed the driving knowledge test and got my Class 7 licence which is just like leaners permit. Gave them my Nigerian driving licence for verification and if accepted, I will upgrade to class 5. I have also opened a bank account.
One challenge was getting a phone. My phone did not work in any network here because i bought it from the UK. They said UK phones are not compatible with there networks...I had to buy a new phone...unplanned expenses. Secondly my laptop charger has three pins, Its not also compatible with the sockets here, i have to borrow charger from a flatmate but i have ordered for a socket converter shaa...same goes to my clipper...I had to buy new one because apart from socket compatibility, I understand there is voltage difference...110v vs 220v or sth...smh... another unplanned expense.
But favour is my surename, met some Nigerians here immediately I came in and they made some calls and I got a job after two weeks. I think man-know-man works here somehow. Not a professional job though but it will pay the bill while I settle and wait for the oil price to pick up...lol.
To the issue of when to apply to citizenship, am hearing rumour that its now 5 years and not 3. I don't know but what I have in the letter that accompanied my visa is 3 years and thats what I was told by the immigration officer.
One more thing, I will advise people to make their travel either end of the month or beginning of the month because every bill here is paid that time, including bus tickets. Expect you guys in Canada soon. All the best.
So far so very good. To God be the glory!!!
