FSW 2014 applicants from Nigeria - Let's network

[Silverblade]

Congratulations Xcexx, Superzee and NG babe, good news.
PH thanks for the post, very informative and gives a realistic approach to prospective immigrants.

 

[tobesky86]

PH! Detailed as ever! Thanks for the heads up.

Between I am landing in March to Calgary.. We have been able to secure some accommodation but it will be great to connect with you and learn few things from you.

Cheers!

Hello all, this post is culled from the `Nigerian applicant` thread. It`s pasted here for all to begin to mentally prepare for the journey ahead.

Hi guys... been away for almost a year now.

I don’t mean to sound like a broken record just in case someone has touched on this topic before; but I doubt if the knowledge would harm anyone.

A good friend of mine planning on landing in Canada asked for my honest opinion of how it has been for us since we landed just over a year ago. I can honestly understand where this question is coming from. Plucking your family and life style from the relative secure known of living in Lagos and shipping off to the great unknown of Canada can be quite daunting. What makes it worse is that no one seems to give an honest account of what really goes on. You tend to get responses like "it's ok" or "God has been faithful". Personally, such responses frighten the hell out of me. Thank God for threads and forums like this.

I have a friend of mine who just moved with his family from 9ja to Calgary here, back in September 2015. My guy came to Canada with no illusions; he landed alone (his family came 2 weeks after him). He stayed at my place for 2-3 days, rented a decent budget home close to downtown (I will talk about budget later), moved in and got a job at Walmart a week later (his reasoning - it doesn't make sense to spend his savings in Naira on dollarized items, he needed to earn dollars). Just before his family landed, he got certified as a security personnel (Security guys earn fair amount with relative little input as compared to a Walmart job... lol and if you are lucky to be on night shift, you have enough time to read for your exams). All these while he searches for a job in line with his previous work experience. Did I forget to tell you that my guy is an IT professional with almost 15 years of experience in the Nigeria's financial sector. The man has worked for the biggest banking brands in Nigeria.

Yesterday, he joked about a conversation he had with a Canadian woman who he happened to have had dealings in Nigeria. The Canadian lady is conversant with Nigeria having trained IT professionals in Lagos on numerous occasions. The lady told him to be open minded in his search for a job; take any job; anywhere in Canada; that he should leave his family and go if necessary. But he should bear in mind that he would most likely be sacked before 3 months. He shouldn't take it personal; that most Nigerians struggle because of the difference in work cultures (I'd talk about the Canadian work culture, also later). We all laughed because he got sacked from Walmart exactly 3 months into the job. He currently works with his security licence and is studying for his professional exams. The beauty of this story is that my guy now has Canadian work experience - which so invaluable over here.

Most immigrants here, whether they tell you or not, worked in "transition" jobs for about 6 months to 1 year before getting that job similar to what they were doing back home. On the average, it takes between 2-3 years to get back to the job status at which you were before you landed in Canada. Once you get there, there's no turning back. It's really bliss from there on. Personally, I think the 2-3 years is worth it anytime, any day. There are very few societies that give you the opportunities, peace of mind and security.. I am yet to meet a Permanent Resident who regrets being in Canada.

If you are thinking of coming to Canada, please come with a similar mindset to that of my good friend; else you will be quite disappointed. Those dream jobs are not lined on the street on Canada. Yes, I know a couple of guys that got great jobs within weeks of landing - I tell conveniently tell you that those are the exception.

Plan. I can't overemphasize this enough. Plan, plan, plan.

Plan for employment upgrading programmes, certifications et al;

Plan for your drivers license; plan to buy a car. This is a must; don't even think you can do without it. Luckily, there are auctions around where you can get a good vehicle for between $1,000 - $3,000 CAD. I'm talking about 2002 to 2006 models. Please just buy it even if the intention is to use it till you settle down. My advise is to go for Japanese, Toyota or Honda; so you send home to 9ja after you have finished with it (or bought that range rover as a replacement) and make your money back Tongue Tongue Tongue. Another friend of mind was lucky to buy a 2008 Toyota Sienna - full options - for less than $5,000. Again, these are the exceptions. You can also shop for cars on Kijiji.com

Talking about kijiji; you can practically get your furniture free on kijiji. You just have to look hard. My advise again based on experience; don't start acquiring too much junk before you move to your own house (yeah, owning your house is possible with only 6 months into your job). Moving can be stressful.

Plan your budget.

So I advise, plan now and be focused. Reach out and maintain contact with landed persons who have positive outlook and not those who will dampen your spirit. Remember, birds of a feather flock together

 

[seunmsl7]

Hello all, this post is culled from the `Nigerian applicant` thread. It`s pasted here for all to begin to mentally prepare for the journey ahead.

Hi guys... been away for almost a year now.

I don’t mean to sound like a broken record just in case someone has touched on this topic before; but I doubt if the knowledge would harm anyone.

A good friend of mine planning on landing in Canada asked for my honest opinion of how it has been for us since we landed just over a year ago. I can honestly understand where this question is coming from. Plucking your family and life style from the relative secure known of living in Lagos and shipping off to the great unknown of Canada can be quite daunting. What makes it worse is that no one seems to give an honest account of what really goes on. You tend to get responses like "it's ok" or "God has been faithful". Personally, such responses frighten the hell out of me. Thank God for threads and forums like this.

I have a friend of mine who just moved with his family from 9ja to Calgary here, back in September 2015. My guy came to Canada with no illusions; he landed alone (his family came 2 weeks after him). He stayed at my place for 2-3 days, rented a decent budget home close to downtown (I will talk about budget later), moved in and got a job at Walmart a week later (his reasoning - it doesn't make sense to spend his savings in Naira on dollarized items, he needed to earn dollars). Just before his family landed, he got certified as a security personnel (Security guys earn fair amount with relative little input as compared to a Walmart job... lol and if you are lucky to be on night shift, you have enough time to read for your exams). All these while he searches for a job in line with his previous work experience. Did I forget to tell you that my guy is an IT professional with almost 15 years of experience in the Nigeria's financial sector. The man has worked for the biggest banking brands in Nigeria.

Yesterday, he joked about a conversation he had with a Canadian woman who he happened to have had dealings in Nigeria. The Canadian lady is conversant with Nigeria having trained IT professionals in Lagos on numerous occasions. The lady told him to be open minded in his search for a job; take any job; anywhere in Canada; that he should leave his family and go if necessary. But he should bear in mind that he would most likely be sacked before 3 months. He shouldn't take it personal; that most Nigerians struggle because of the difference in work cultures (I'd talk about the Canadian work culture, also later). We all laughed because he got sacked from Walmart exactly 3 months into the job. He currently works with his security licence and is studying for his professional exams. The beauty of this story is that my guy now has Canadian work experience - which so invaluable over here.

Most immigrants here, whether they tell you or not, worked in "transition" jobs for about 6 months to 1 year before getting that job similar to what they were doing back home. On the average, it takes between 2-3 years to get back to the job status at which you were before you landed in Canada. Once you get there, there's no turning back. It's really bliss from there on. Personally, I think the 2-3 years is worth it anytime, any day. There are very few societies that give you the opportunities, peace of mind and security.. I am yet to meet a Permanent Resident who regrets being in Canada.

If you are thinking of coming to Canada, please come with a similar mindset to that of my good friend; else you will be quite disappointed. Those dream jobs are not lined on the street on Canada. Yes, I know a couple of guys that got great jobs within weeks of landing - I tell conveniently tell you that those are the exception.

Plan. I can't overemphasize this enough. Plan, plan, plan.

Plan for employment upgrading programmes, certifications et al;

Plan for your drivers license; plan to buy a car. This is a must; don't even think you can do without it. Luckily, there are auctions around where you can get a good vehicle for between $1,000 - $3,000 CAD. I'm talking about 2002 to 2006 models. Please just buy it even if the intention is to use it till you settle down. My advise is to go for Japanese, Toyota or Honda; so you send home to 9ja after you have finished with it (or bought that range rover as a replacement) and make your money back Tongue Tongue Tongue. Another friend of mind was lucky to buy a 2008 Toyota Sienna - full options - for less than $5,000. Again, these are the exceptions. You can also shop for cars on Kijiji.com

Talking about kijiji; you can practically get your furniture free on kijiji. You just have to look hard. My advise again based on experience; don't start acquiring too much junk before you move to your own house (yeah, owning your house is possible with only 6 months into your job). Moving can be stressful.

Plan your budget.

So I advise, plan now and be focused. Reach out and maintain contact with landed persons who have positive outlook and not those who will dampen your spirit. Remember, birds of a feather flock together

Thanks Pipis Husband this highly inspiring and i must confess all this are the fact

 

[Christamario]

Good note PH, we all have to be mentally and emotionally prepared for the life ahead.

 

[esttycan14]

Can someone please answer this question?:

Hey Diplomatru, hope you're doing well. Good to see you still going strong on the forum. I wonder if you could help me again. We have received our visas, and plan on a short landing in July this year. The plan is to shift permanently in early 2018. I was wondering two things:

1) When does the clock start ticking for the 4 out 6 years timeline for getting citizenship? For instance, if we apply for citizenship in 2022, that would mean that we would have to be present in Canada continuously from 2018 to 2022. Is this how it works?

2) Say if we stay this year for 2-3 months and come back, and then again in the summer of 2017 for 2-3 months before going there permanently in 2018, would these 5-6 months count towards the 4 out of 6 years for citizenship if we apply for it in 2022?

Thanks, as always, for your help

Cheers

 

[canadamyplace]

Congrats Xeexx, Superzee and NG babe.

 

[canadamyplace]

Thanks Pipis Husband for the exposition.

 

[sppeeddoo]

Thanks Pipis Husband for the exposition.

Hi guys,

please share this exposition if you can

thanks

 

[bolaopemire]

Can someone please answer this question?:

Hey Diplomatru, hope you're doing well. Good to see you still going strong on the forum. I wonder if you could help me again. We have received our visas, and plan on a short landing in July this year. The plan is to shift permanently in early 2018. I was wondering two things:

1) When does the clock start ticking for the 4 out 6 years timeline for getting citizenship? For instance, if we apply for citizenship in 2022, that would mean that we would have to be present in Canada continuously from 2018 to 2022. Is this how it works?

2) Say if we stay this year for 2-3 months and come back, and then again in the summer of 2017 for 2-3 months before going there permanently in 2018, would these 5-6 months count towards the 4 out of 6 years for citizenship if we apply for it in 2022?

Thanks, as always, for your help

Cheers

To the best of my knowledge, to renew your permanent residence card, you need any cumulative 2 years out of 5 years and to apply for citizenship, you need 4 out of 6 years and at least 6 months in each of the 4 years to have lived in Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become-eligibility.asp read time you have lived

 

[chuka2003]

#reposting and sharing from another thread

Hi guys,

I just thought that I should share what my monthly budget is; just to give you an idea of what to expect in monetary terms. Please note that this is not cast in stone. Depending on how deep your pocket is, you can either go higher or lower.

I stay in Calgary; Calgary is comparatively more expensive to live in than say, a Saint John's and likewise, it's cheaper (I heard, I can't at the moment confirm but someone can correct me if otherwise) than a Toronto. That said, in Calgary - save for this crude oil price crisis - you tend to earn more than a resident of Saint John's. Whatever the case, your total expected family income will most definitely take care of your needs. Like I said in my earlier post, you will need to plan, plan, plan. Here's my budget. I hope it aids in your planning process

SN Cost Item Monthly Amount (CAD$)
1 Rent of 2 Bedroom Condo Apartment (All Utilities Inclusive) $1,400.00
2 Daycare/Afterschool care for 1 Preschooler and 1 Kindergarten kid from 7am to 5.45pm (After Government Subsidy) $600.00
3 Monthly Transport Pass. You will need two when you first land (This amount drops to $40 after you file as low income) $100.00
4 Feeding and other related expenses for a family of 4 $500.00
5 Cable TV, Internet & Landline (Shaw) $65.00
6 2 nos of Wind Mobile Phone Subscription (Unlimited Canada-Wide Voice, SMS and Data) $86.00
7 YMCA Family Centre Registration (Family has access to gym, swimming pool, swimming classes and other sport activities) $30.00
8 Fuel (Gas for your car) $100.00
9 Car Insurance $85.00
Monthly Total CAD $2,966.00
Annual Total CAD $35,592.00

Budget somewhere around CAD$1,000 for the following;
TV (unless you want restless children that will make you regret leaving Nigeria)
Pots (16 piece set)
Plates and mugs (set of 4)
Kids plates, spoons and cups
Vacuum Cleaner
Deep Fryer
Toaster
House Phone box

It can be saddening realizing that you had all these stuff in Nigeria and you now have to buy them all again. Hmmmm... and this brings me to another topic.

Sell everything you have in Nigeria. Don't think about giving them out; the government of Canada is not going to replace all those stuff. Sell 'em and keep the money to use to replace them when you get here.

One last missing piece; plan for your car; very important. Like I said in my earlier post, you can get a good vehicle for between $1,000 - $3,000 CAD at a local auction. Shine your eye sha... this is Canada, not heaven. There are still some funny characters here who might want to pull a fast one. Best to go along with an older landed 9ja person. Japanese is the way; better resale value here in Canada and back home in Nigeria. My plan is to use a good Japanese car, preferably a Honda or Toyota for about 2-3 years then ship it to 9ja as "tokunbo". I can guarantee that you will make your initial capital back (in dollars) even after enjoying the car for 3 years. No one advised me better when I got here and I ended up with a Mazda - a great car but more expensive than I would have wanted - and i definitely can't get value for it here or in 9ja after 3 years.

Stuff like beds; you can get those free through your local immigration services; they referred us to SleepCountry (their version of Mouka Foam) and we got 2 free matresss and bed sets. You can actually get up to 4 sets (depending on your family size). Furniture is easy; just actively search on kijiji, you will definitely find those free. Don't acquire too much stuff or else you will regret when trying to move or dispose of them (you have to pay to dispose furniture and appliances; that's why people advertise to give out their things free of charge, else they have to pay to dispose 'em).

Plan, plan, plan... i can't overemphasize enough!!!!

 

[Pipis Husband]

#reposting and sharing from another thread

Hi guys,

I just thought that I should share what my monthly budget is; just to give you an idea of what to expect in monetary terms. Please note that this is not cast in stone. Depending on how deep your pocket is, you can either go higher or lower.

I stay in Calgary; Calgary is comparatively more expensive to live in than say, a Saint John's and likewise, it's cheaper (I heard, I can't at the moment confirm but someone can correct me if otherwise) than a Toronto. That said, in Calgary - save for this crude oil price crisis - you tend to earn more than a resident of Saint John's. Whatever the case, your total expected family income will most definitely take care of your needs. Like I said in my earlier post, you will need to plan, plan, plan. Here's my budget. I hope it aids in your planning process

SN Cost Item Monthly Amount (CAD$)
1 Rent of 2 Bedroom Condo Apartment (All Utilities Inclusive) $1,400.00
2 Daycare/Afterschool care for 1 Preschooler and 1 Kindergarten kid from 7am to 5.45pm (After Government Subsidy) $600.00
3 Monthly Transport Pass. You will need two when you first land (This amount drops to $40 after you file as low income) $100.00
4 Feeding and other related expenses for a family of 4 $500.00
5 Cable TV, Internet & Landline (Shaw) $65.00
6 2 nos of Wind Mobile Phone Subscription (Unlimited Canada-Wide Voice, SMS and Data) $86.00
7 YMCA Family Centre Registration (Family has access to gym, swimming pool, swimming classes and other sport activities) $30.00
8 Fuel (Gas for your car) $100.00
9 Car Insurance $85.00
Monthly Total CAD $2,966.00
Annual Total CAD $35,592.00

Budget somewhere around CAD$1,000 for the following;
TV (unless you want restless children that will make you regret leaving Nigeria)
Pots (16 piece set)
Plates and mugs (set of 4)
Kids plates, spoons and cups
Vacuum Cleaner
Deep Fryer
Toaster
House Phone box

It can be saddening realizing that you had all these stuff in Nigeria and you now have to buy them all again. Hmmmm... and this brings me to another topic.

Sell everything you have in Nigeria. Don't think about giving them out; the government of Canada is not going to replace all those stuff. Sell 'em and keep the money to use to replace them when you get here.

One last missing piece; plan for your car; very important. Like I said in my earlier post, you can get a good vehicle for between $1,000 - $3,000 CAD at a local auction. Shine your eye sha... this is Canada, not heaven. There are still some funny characters here who might want to pull a fast one. Best to go along with an older landed 9ja person. Japanese is the way; better resale value here in Canada and back home in Nigeria. My plan is to use a good Japanese car, preferably a Honda or Toyota for about 2-3 years then ship it to 9ja as "tokunbo". I can guarantee that you will make your initial capital back (in dollars) even after enjoying the car for 3 years. No one advised me better when I got here and I ended up with a Mazda - a great car but more expensive than I would have wanted - and i definitely can't get value for it here or in 9ja after 3 years.

Stuff like beds; you can get those free through your local immigration services; they referred us to SleepCountry (their version of Mouka Foam) and we got 2 free matresss and bed sets. You can actually get up to 4 sets (depending on your family size). Furniture is easy; just actively search on kijiji, you will definitely find those free. Don't acquire too much stuff or else you will regret when trying to move or dispose of them (you have to pay to dispose furniture and appliances; that's why people advertise to give out their things free of charge, else they have to pay to dispose 'em).

Plan, plan, plan... i can't overemphasize enough!!!!

Nice piece of information, good for planning. Though I might add, Calgary being more expensive to live in than Toronto is debatable. Going by the estimates provided here, a family of four living in Toronto will definitely spend more than these but that's a story for another day.

Thanks for sharing it, will give a breakdown of Toronto living soon...

 

[CHARMBELLE]

Good morning all,

To the glory of God,I would like to announce good news received yesterday morning,I believe this will serve as a ray of hope for all that are yet to receive any form of update since the slow processing is being experienced.

I received passport request for my entire family on the 12th of August 2015,but "fortunately" my wife was 39weeks pregnant as at that time.I had to write to inform AVO and inquire if I should still go ahead to send our passports considering my wife's condition.I did not get any reponse within the first week,I had to send our Passports along with other documents requested only for AVO to call later that day;the lady was quite friendly,she asked the EDD I mentioned to her she advised that I should inform AVO as soon as my wife puts to bed.Also, she requested to know if they should return our passport pending on when my wife delivers and MEDICALS sent for my new born child.I guess you already know my reponse(I asked that they keep the passports).
My wife delivered the following week,I informed AVO and within 3 days a list of documents for my new addition was resquested,after sending the docs,my baby's medical request was received the within 3days,medical was done on the 10th of September..But there was no news just like everyone else expecting an update within that period and January 2016.However, I had to write to remind AVO sometime in December that my entire family's passport is in their possession and Iam yet to get an update from them haven completed my new addition's medical in September;there was no response from AVO until Yesterday at 11.41am the mail arrived asking me to submit my daughter's valid passports within 10days...
The lesson here is that, being pregnant does not prevent you from carrying out your medicals and patience is a powerful tool to achieving your desires..."For everyone who is yet to receive an update this is your season AVO is still in the business of issuing Medical requests and PPRs as the case maybe"It will certainly end in PRAISE.

 

[tbaba]

Good morning all,

To the glory of God,I would like to announce good news received yesterday morning,I believe this will serve as a ray of hope for all that are yet to receive any form of update since the slow processing is being experienced.

I received passport request for my entire family on the 12th of August 2015,but "fortunately" my wife was 39weeks pregnant as at that time.I had to write to inform AVO and inquire if I should still go ahead to send our passports considering my wife's condition.I did not get any reponse within the first week,I had to send our Passports along with other documents requested only for AVO to call later that day;the lady was quite friendly,she asked the EDD I mentioned to her she advised that I should inform AVO as soon as my wife puts to bed.Also, she requested to know if they should return our passport pending on when my wife delivers and MEDICALS sent for my new born child.I guess you already know my reponse(I asked that they keep the passports).
My wife delivered the following week,I informed AVO and within 3 days a list of documents for my new addition was resquested,after sending the docs,my baby's medical request was received the within 3days,medical was done on the 10th of September..But there was no news just like everyone else expecting an update within that period and January 2016.However, I had to write to remind AVO sometime in December that my entire family's passport is in their possession and Iam yet to get an update from them haven completed my new addition's medical in September;there was no response from AVO until Yesterday at 11.41am the mail arrived asking me to submit my daughter's valid passports within 10days...
The lesson here is that, being pregnant does not prevent you from carrying out your medicals and patience is a powerful tool to achieving your desires..."For everyone who is yet to receive an update this is your season AVO is still in the business of issuing Medical requests and PPRs as the case maybe"It will certainly end in PRAISE.

Congrats on the PPR for your baby too

 

[thorndike4u]

[/quote]

Congrats CHARMBELLE on the arrival of your new born and her PPR.

 

[CalgaryChic]

Good morning all,

To the glory of God,I would like to announce good news received yesterday morning,I believe this will serve as a ray of hope for all that are yet to receive any form of update since the slow processing is being experienced.

I received passport request for my entire family on the 12th of August 2015,but "fortunately" my wife was 39weeks pregnant as at that time.I had to write to inform AVO and inquire if I should still go ahead to send our passports considering my wife's condition.I did not get any reponse within the first week,I had to send our Passports along with other documents requested only for AVO to call later that day;the lady was quite friendly,she asked the EDD I mentioned to her she advised that I should inform AVO as soon as my wife puts to bed.Also, she requested to know if they should return our passport pending on when my wife delivers and MEDICALS sent for my new born child.I guess you already know my reponse(I asked that they keep the passports).
My wife delivered the following week,I informed AVO and within 3 days a list of documents for my new addition was resquested,after sending the docs,my baby's medical request was received the within 3days,medical was done on the 10th of September..But there was no news just like everyone else expecting an update within that period and January 2016.However, I had to write to remind AVO sometime in December that my entire family's passport is in their possession and Iam yet to get an update from them haven completed my new addition's medical in September;there was no response from AVO until Yesterday at 11.41am the mail arrived asking me to submit my daughter's valid passports within 10days...
The lesson here is that, being pregnant does not prevent you from carrying out your medicals and patience is a powerful tool to achieving your desires..."For everyone who is yet to receive an update this is your season AVO is still in the business of issuing Medical requests and PPRs as the case maybe"It will certainly end in PRAISE.

Congrats Charmbelle