Safiri Canada

12/11/2023

We remember those who sacrificed and fought for our freedom. We thank you and salute you. We will never forget. We will remember you.

08/11/2023

Today, let’s talk about agents or scammers masquerading as agents who will make your Canadian dream a reality. Hardly a week passes before I hear that someone has been scammed by these so-called agents who prey on people’s ignorance and vulnerability for their selfish needs.

To avoid getting scammed:
-Do some research on your own on what entails immigrating to Canada
-Know that agents cannot guarantee that you will get a visa. Agents never issue visas and they have no influence whatsoever on whether a visa or a permit will be issued
-Be extra careful when an agent tells you that they will get you a job in which the employer will pay for the relocation of the employee and offer accommodation
-Verify all the information given by an agent; for example, if they give you an address that they say belongs to the hiring company, Google the address and try find out more about the company. If you have a contact already in Canada, they can help you verify some of the information.

If you need an address in Canada verified, reach out. I’ll do whatever I can to help you avoid getting scammed.

02/11/2023

Canada continues to face an aging population, and critical labor shortages in key sectors like health care, transportation and home building. New comers help fill the labor gaps and help drive the Canadian economy and fuel it’s growth.

In light of this, the good news is that the Government of Canada is targeting 485,000 permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025. It is a great time to start planning your immigration journey to Canada. Learn more here

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2023/11/stabilizing-canadas-immigration-targets-to-support-sustainable-growth.html?utm_source=IRCCSM&utm_medium=Twitter&utm_campaign=Levels

01/11/2023

The Federal Court of Canada made a landmark ruling that it’s unreasonable for a Canadian study permit application to be refused on the basis of prior poor academic performance.

An applicant’s prior poor academic performance in a particular program doesn’t necessarily mean that person will not perform well in another program.

This is good news and will hopefully encourage more people to apply to their academic programs of choice.

Read more about the ruling here https://www.cicnews.com/2023/10/federal-court-rules-canadian-study-permit-refusal-based-on-prior-poor-academic-performance-is-unreasonable-1036660.html .7ouvu7

26/09/2023

Newfoundland & Labrador welcomes you to Canada!
The province will be holding a Virtual Immigration Fair and the registration is free!

By registering for this event, you will:

-Receive direct access to employers hiring in your field
-Network with employers
-Upload your resume which employers can review
-Attend a live Immigration Program information session and ask questions directly to immigration officers
-Learn about the steps to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador
-Learn about what it’s like to live in Newfoundland and Labrador in terms of cost of living, lifestyle, jobs, salaries, population size, etc.

Learn more and register here https://newfoundlandandlabradorcanada2.vfairs.ca/en

08/09/2023

Victoria, nestled on the southern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, is a city where the pages of history come alive through its enchanting historic buildings. With its charming waterfront, Victoria boasts an array of meticulously preserved architectural gems that harken back to a bygone era.

The iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel stands as a regal sentinel, its Edwardian grandeur a testament to the city's aristocratic past. Strolling along Inner Harbors cobbled pathways, one encounters the Parliament Buildings, an architectural masterpiece in neoclassical design, illuminating the democratic foundations
on which Victoria was built.

The Royal BC Museum, housed in a stately heritage building, offers a captivating voyage through time. These historic edifices, each bearing the imprints of their eras, weave together a tapestry of Victoria's rich history, inviting visitors to step into the past and embrace the enduring elegance of this captivating Canadian city.

That was my experience to my just concluded visit to Victoria. I managed to take some pictures😀!

25/08/2023

https://globalnews.ca/video/9914113/canadians-must-be-very-careful-not-to-blame-international-students-for-housing-crisis-trudeau

Watch Canadians must be ‘very careful’ not to blame international students for housing crisis: Trudeau Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca

24/08/2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQpo6vqrIh4&ab_channel=CitizenTVKenya

Canada has identified Kenya as an important source of foreign workers in order to meet its economic demands.

16/08/2023

Trying to navigate the financial system for newcomers to Canada can be daunting. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

For those who have recently immigrated to Canada, it's important to learn the basics of how the country's financial system works. Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew shares some financial tips around how to open a bank account, build your credit and file your taxes as a newcomer.

02/08/2023

You have received your visit visa to Canada, what next? If you don’t have to urgently travel take time and sort out yourself first, for example figure out your finances. With soaring inflation, your visit will not be cheap; unless you have a host, who will take care of your expenses.

You may have heard of some people being deported at the POE (Point of Entry) and you would be doing yourself a favor by avoiding some of the pitfalls.

Do your research on the places you want to visit. It would look odd if at the (POE), you are asked to mention some of the places you will be visiting and have no idea.

If you have a host, know their contact information, where they live, etc. Also talk to your host to be available on their phone at the time you arrive in case the border officer needs to call them.

Remember the border officers are just doing their job. Do not provide too little information thinking that you will be on the “safer side” that way. It might work against you.

Be confident, look them in the eye and talk to them as though you were talking to a colleague.

Ensure you can articulate your reasons for visiting Canada and the length of your stay.

All said and done, know what you wrote in your application.

26/07/2023

Canada will soon be conducting Express Entry draws in six new categories, as per an earlier announcement by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC). The draws will allow Canada invite skilled workers with work experience in areas where the demand is high.

The six new groups include candidates with:
Strong French language proficiency, work experience in healthcare, work experience in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) professions, work experience in Trade professions, work experience in Transport occupations and work experience in the Agricultural and Agri-Food industry.

To be eligible for invitation through a category based, one needs to meet certain criteria
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/submit-profile/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html

A full list of eligible occupations under the new categories can be found here https://www.immigration.ca/every-one-of-the-82-jobs-to-be-targeted-in-canada-express-entry-occupation-draws/

12/07/2023

If you are looking to change schools or programs ensure that your study permit meets the following conditions:
-That you are enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and
-That you are actively studying while you’re in Canada.

You will need to inform IRCC of the change in your program or schools; more specifically
-if you are a post secondary student changing schools
-You need to change conditions on your study permit
-Have a co-op work permit and you’ve changed post secondary schools to another co-op program

If you do not report the changes to IRCC, your previous school will report you as not being registered and subsequently you will be breaking the conditions of your study permit and may be asked to leave Canada. This may prevent you from coming to Canada in the future.

Learn more here https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/change-schools.html including changing your DLI while outside of Canada.

01/07/2023

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Today is Canada Day!
Keep your dreams and hopes alive.
I pray that you and your family will one day sing this anthem, (while living in Canada).

30/06/2023

🌍🇨🇦 **Patience is Key in Your Canadian Immigration Journey** 🗺️✨

Dreaming of starting a new chapter in Canada? Remember, patience is your greatest ally on this remarkable journey! 🌟

Immigrating to Canada is an exciting and life-changing decision. It's crucial to plan your immigration journey thoughtfully to ensure a smooth transition and successful adaptation to your new home. 🏠💼

Take your time and consider every detail, from researching the right immigration programs to understanding the documentation process. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is your Canadian dream. ⏳🛠️

Embrace patience as your guiding virtue throughout the process. Understand that everything takes time – from gathering the necessary paperwork to waiting for visa approvals. Trust the process and believe in yourself. 🙌💫

A well-structured plan is the key to your success. Consult with immigration experts, explore different programs that suit your goals, and ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. This preparation will help you adjust seamlessly to the Canadian way of life. 📚✉️

But remember, it's not just about paperwork and approvals; it's about building a new life filled with new experiences, cultures, and friendships. Embrace the journey and cherish the anticipation as you navigate towards a brighter future. 🌈🌍

So, fellow dreamers, let patience be your guiding light. Trust in your efforts, stay determined, and always remember that each step forward is a step closer to your Canadian dream. 🌟🇨🇦

22/06/2023

I see people asking what the difference is between a single entry and multiple entry visa.

Single entry visas are issued for example in the case where one needs to attend a one-time special event. Basically, it allows one to enter Canada only once during the visa’s period of validity.

A multi-entry visa allows one to enter Canada as often as necessary during the visa’s validity period. Basically, one can enter Canada more than once as long as their visa is valid.

09/06/2023

The excitement that comes with receiving a visa approval, is unlike any other. You can now say goodbye to sleepless nights, stomach butterflies and knots, and even lack of appetite-in case you were unfortunate enough to have suffered these and other non-desirable effects that come with waiting on a visa application decision.

As you pack your bags and get ready for your trip, it’s important to keep in mind a number of things. If someone will be sending you with some items to drop off at a relative’s or friend’s place ensure that you check the contents yourself and know exactly what they are/contain.

Do this to protect yourself. No need for you to pay a fine, have your items seized and in extreme cases get arrested because of the goods that you are carrying.

Canada has a number of restricted and prohibited goods that you need to be aware of. Find out more from the link below.
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/rpg-mrp-eng.html

If you are traveling on a visitor visa, know your itinerary (places you will visit, hotel/Airbnb bookings, etc.), if you have a host, know what they do, where they stay, their status in Canada; basically, keep your story straight and give the same information that you provided while applying for your visa. At the time of booking your flight, remember that it needs to be a round trip ticket and not a one-way ticket-very important!

Remember to have some warm clothing- airplane cabins are usually quite cold.

Welcome to Canada!

06/06/2023

Canada has launched a new Permanent Residency (PR) pathway focusing on category-based selection draws for Express Entry candidates.

In this new pathway, the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be focusing on Express Entry candidates who have a strong French language proficiency, as a way of growing the prominence of the language in French minority communities outside the province of Quebec, or work experience in the following fields:

• healthcare
• science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions
• trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors
• transport
• agriculture and agri-food

The full list of qualifying occupations and requirements can be found here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/submit-profile/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html -auto-19

26/05/2023

Visa denials, though a reality, are quite disheartening. Some people may decide to just walk away from it all and others may decide to re-apply.

If you choose to re-apply, I highly recommend that you address all the issues raised as reasons for your denial, before making the actual re-application.

Usually, the reasons provided are generic and in order for you to fully understand the details surrounding the denial, you need to request a Global Case Management System (GCMS) note from the Immigration Refugees &Citizenship Canada (IRCC), under the Access to Information Act (ATI).

To obtain a GCMS note, one must submit an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request. This must be done by either a Canadian citizen, Permanent Residence or someone residing within Canada. Applicants outside Canada will need to use a representative who will then apply on behalf of the applicant.

The representative will also need to complete consent for an Access to Information and Personal Information Request Form. The processing fee is $5 CAD.

11/05/2023

A new Canadian passport design was unveiled today. While watching the video I remembered my journey to Canada as a student; my struggles especially financial challenges, walking in bitter cold weather to get the public transit, buying almost expired foods at the grocery store because they were cheaper, working long hours during school breaks and basically just barely making it. Today, all that is behind me because my decision to move to Canada, was the best gamble that I ever made.

When you have that passport in your hand, whatever sacrifices you made to get there, all you will say is, "it was worth it". You too can get the passport but you will need to stay the course, sacrifice where you may, get rid of any self-doubts and you will get there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvoD0i-SoDs&ab_channel=ServiceCanadaE

03/05/2023

Great news! The strike impacting Canada’s immigration system has ended!

The Federal Government and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) have reached an agreement and ended a strike impacting IRCC.

On its website, IRCC notes that there still may be some service impacts over the next few days and weeks as services return to full capacity.

26/04/2023

I would like to encourage anyone who feels like their dream to immigrate to Canada may not be actualized.

The funds needed for the various immigration pathways is daunting to many people.

Stay focused, come up with a plan and work on it bit by bit. God has a way of opening doors; but you have to keep knocking.

20/04/2023

Needing to ask me a question? You can reach me via email, DM and whatsapp.

20/04/2023

The Immigration Minister in Canada, Sean Fraser issued an update on service disruptions as a result of the ongoing strike by IRCC staff. Expect delays and backlogs in processing of applications (includes study permits, tourist visas, etc.)😏

Get full details here

The Public Service Alliance of Canada declared a general strike beginning Wednesday, April 19th. As a result, bargaining groups representing 159,000 public servants are on strike. These employees provide a range of services for the public.

14/04/2023

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is one of the immigration pathways to Canada. It’s a community driven program through which smaller communities reap the benefits of economic immigration.
To participate in the program, you will need to meet:
-The IRCC requirements
-Participating community specific requirements
-Get an eligible job offer with one of the participating communities
-Submit your application for recommendation to the community
-If you get a recommendation from the community you can apply for permanent residence

Learn more on how you can come to Canada as a permanent residence through this program.

Information about the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, how to apply and eligibility criteria for prospective permanent residents

07/04/2023

International students face a number of challenges; the key one being in the area of finances. A major contributing factor is the fees needed for College and University. The good thing is that Canada allows students to work as they pursue their studies.

Apart from fees, there are other expenses like rent, food, clothing, vehicle, mobile devices, bill payments, etc. It can be stressful especially if you have no other financial support, other than your wages.

Some people may be tempted to drop out of school and just work but this is a violation of your study permit and you risk being deported.

What I tell people is to persevere; the student life is not for forever. So, stay in school, get your diploma or degree then you’ll be free to work as much as you want and make the money you want to make. Don’t be swayed by peer pressure or wrong advice from others, stay the course and it will pay off in the end.

Note to parents: Your child may or may not be in a position to send money home to you right away. Please be patient with them as they try to sort out their expenses; eventually you will see the “fruits” coming home.

07/04/2023

I had some challenges with my phone but I'm back up and running. Feel free to send me messages on whatsapp. If you would rather email or DM, that's fine too.
Have a happy Easter!

02/04/2023

Immigrating to another country can have its downsides and a big one is the change in food options. Adapting to a new food culture can take sometime (I still can't stand cheese so I don't eat pizza, for the most part and you will not find me in a sushi bar😂).
When you're ready to come to come to Canada, I highly advise to carry some of your favorite spices and foods for example, royco, pilau masala, tea masala, blueband, porridge flour, tea leaves-just make sure you check the guidelines of what is acceptable and what is not. For example meats and fresh fruits is a no no. If you braid your hair carry hair extensions/braids. Please book mark this post for future reference😀

22/03/2023

Are you moving to Canada with your kids (minors)? The Canadian government subsidizes public education from kindergarten all the way through to post-secondary.

There are 3 levels in the education system:
Primary – Grade 1 to Grade 8
Secondary – Grade 9 to Grade12
Post-Secondary – Colleges/Universities

The school year for the primary and secondary levels is usually between the months of September and June.

The college or university year usually runs from September to April or May and is comprised of two semesters or terms. In most cases, students would start a post-secondary education program in September.

The good news is that students with spouses/common law partners and/or dependents can move to Canada with their families.

20/03/2023

International students choose to study in Canada because of its high-quality education system, a welcoming environment, work opportunities, affordability, and a high standard of living.

All these and more make Canada an attractive destination for foreign students. Some of the courses in high demand are:

-Health related courses

-Computer Science

-Environmental Science and Sustainability

-Business Administration and Management

-Engineering

As an international student, ensure that you make your college/University application well in advance because deadlines are tight and visa processing backlogs may negatively affect your placement in your chosen program of study.

It’s important to note that applicants should apply to courses that match their experience or educational background.

10/03/2023

For the travel enthusiasts, Canada is an amazing place to have on your bucket list. One of the cities that you should visit is Vancouver.

Vancouver is exceptional because of its closeness to both the mountains and the ocean. It’s a fun, vibrant and exciting city and has consistently been ranked among the most livable cities in the world.

The best time to visit: Between May-September for the long sunny summers.

How to get around: You can get around on foot, rented bicycles, taxi, bus, and the skytrain.

Where to stay: AirBnB (must be booked well in advance especially if visiting in the summer months), hotels (though are expensive especially if located in the downtown core) and budget hostels. Generally, the further the place from downtown, the less expensive it is.

Some of fun things to do/places to go:

1.Canada Place (the FlyOver Canada is a must-see!)
2.Stanley Park (walk or ride a bike along the seawall)
3.Queen Elizabeth Park
4.Walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge (if you’re afraid of heights, this may not be for you)
5.Gastown
6.Granville Island
7.Shopping in Downtown Core (nice designer stuff)
8.Going to the beach (Kitsilano and English Bay are my favorite)
9.Climb to the Top of Grouse Mountain
10.Vancouver Aquarium (and the list goes on)

If you do not have time to visit a lot of places in Vancouver, make the FlyOver Canada a priority.

Check out this you tube video (you just have to see it to feel the experience!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC1Jx_p7iAc&ab_channel=PursuitCollection

Pack your bags and visit Vancouver! You just might meet me there😀