My people,
I have been a silent member of this great forum for a long time. It’s such a great place for us all to share experiences and advise. Let me share my Landing experience with you all.
I got my Visa from Accra 2 mondays ago and since I had something to do in the US this week, I decided it would be a good idea to just "land" in Canada and "kill two birds with one stone".
I quickly did all that was necessary to get the mandatorily required amount for POF on hand. It will interest you to know that because of the part of the world which we come from, cash may be your only option to show POF at POE. This is because, most Nigerian banks don't issue Travelers’ Cheque anymore and sadly, your Nigerian bank statement is likely not going to be accepted (for obvious reasons) as POF.
I got to the US and declared the amount of money I was carrying to Customs. Please and Please, if you happen to be travelling to Canada via the US, make sure you declare the exact amount money you are carrying with you if over $10,000; you are not breaking any law by carrying such amount of money on you but, you will be breaking the law if you refuse to declare it and you will risk losing the money and or even going to prison.
After the necessary checks and confirmation, I was issued a copy of the currency declaration document, (all over within 20 mins) and was on my way.
I took a flight to Toronto and I must say here, that I was pretty anxious. The reality that: boy! Now you are on your way to Canada for real”; the suspense and anxiety as regards what you will meet, how you will be received, what next etc. was almost giving me a fever.
As soon as we landed, I followed the signs for residents and informed the officer that I was an immigrant landing for the first time. I was warmly welcomed to Canada with genuine smiles and given some forms to fill. I was properly guided in filling the forms and then directed to another officer who made record of the cash I had on me, welcomed me again to Canada and directed me to the exit. The whole process did not take more that 30mins.This was truly the most friendly reception I have received in all my travels with my “green passport”. I immediately proceeded to getting my SIN number at the closest Service Canada office and opened a bank account. Everything went on without stress and I met very friendly people everywhere I went.
So far, my experience has been wonderful. Canada is a beautiful place and truly diverse in its population; everywhere I go, I find people of different races and you will be amazed how much people are willing to help you with any information you are trying to get. You easily would “feel at home here”. I was undecided when I was leaving Nigeria as to how soon I will relocate to Canada finally, but, my people, with all I have seen in the last 2 days here; I can’t wait to be here for good!. God bless you all!
