How I Got to Call Canada Home: My 5-Year Immigration Journey to Canadian Citizenship
Exactly one year ago today, I became a Canadian citizen, and what an exciting journey it’s been. On Christmas Day in 2018, I took a leap of faith and moved to Canada. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it is one I will be forever grateful for. Like many other immigrants, I was drawn to Canada for its diversity, quality of life, safety and let’s not forget, immigration-friendly policies. While I had an idea of what to expect, nothing could have fully prepared me for the reality of starting over in a new country as an adult on my own.
Table of Contents
In this post, I’m sharing my full immigration journey, from study permit to permanent residency in Canada, including everything that came with officially calling Canada my home. Whether you’re considering immigrating to Canada or just curious about the process, I hope my story helps, inspires and informs you.
**Disclaimer: This post is not legal or immigration advice. Please refer to the official Canadian Immigration site for updated policies and information.
The Decision to Move to Canada
Now, I mentioned that the decision to move to Canada from Nigeria wasn’t an easy one, and that is because deciding to leave my immediate family again after spending the better part of the previous four years completing my first degree in Hungary was bittersweet. I knew I was stepping into something bigger, but the uncertainty was overwhelming and unnerving. I believe these are the things that fueled my every move and gave me a deep sense of determination.
My Immigration to Canada Timeline: Study Permit to Citizenship
If you’re wondering how long it takes to become a Canadian citizen, here’s a detailed look at my journey:
- Dec 2018: Moved to Canada on a study permit
- Jan 2019 – Dec 2020: Full-time student & part-time explorer
- Jan 2021: Received my post-graduate work permit
- May 2021: Met the essential worker requirements for the TR to PR pathway
- The TR to PR (Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident) pathway was a limited-time immigration program that allowed certain temporary residents in Canada to transition to permanent residency during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pathway is now closed.
- Feb 2022: Became a permanent resident and booked my first international trip since COVID
- March 2024: Met the physical presence requirement (1,095 days), and applied for Canadian citizenship
- June 2024: Took & passed the citizenship test – resources can be found here
- July 2024: Attended my citizenship ceremony
- August 2024: Received my Canadian passport
Looking back, I was definitely very lucky to qualify for the TR to PR pathway that came up during COVID-19. While I know it is not the norm, the standard process to Canadian permanent residency still requires you to:
- Have at least one year of full-time, paid, skilled work experience
- Take an English Language proficiency test (CLB level 7+)
- Meet residency obligations
- Submit a complete application via IRCC
- For other information, check here
Adjusting to Life in Canada as a New Immigrant
The day I received my citizenship approval was surreal, but I had already lived in Canada for over five years, so I did not have much else to adjust to as a newly minted Canadian. However, I will say that those first years as a newcomer to Canada came with a lot of learning. Cultural norms, building a support system, and dealing with Canadian winters (you never really get used to -30°C) were all part of the experience.
Still, I slowly found my rhythm, and so can you. As someone who’s always loved traveling, I explored different cities within Canada when international travel wasn’t an option and started to see Canada as home. I’ve now visited 5 of 10 provinces: Ontario (where I live), Quebec, Nova Scotia, British Colombia & Alberta, and I am far from done. I came to really understand that “home” isn’t just about a place, but about the connections you make and the experiences that shape you.
Becoming Canadian isn’t just about a passport, but about embracing a new identity, finding a sense of belonging, and giving back to a community e.g. by voting, sharing information and experience, supporting or advocating for newcomers and using your platform wisely.
Travel Freedom After Canadian Citizenship: My Experience with Passport Privilege
I completed my graduate program in exactly two years, and in that time, I traveled to Mexico, USA and a few spots around Canada with my Nigerian passport. Right at the middle of my program, COVID-19 hit, and like the rest of the world, I had to take a hiatus from traveling for a while. That ended up being a blessing, as I was able to wrap school up, get my three-year post-graduate work permit and begin my career as an essential worker with almost no breaks, which allowed me to meet the minimum requirements for the temporary TR to PR pathway very quickly.
Now with a Canadian passport, my ability to travel has changed so much. In the past year alone, I have visited six countries that had been on my list, visa-free, a luxury that I did not previously have.
So yes, what they say about ‘passport privilege’ is real, but it should not stop you from exploring as much as you can, as it did not stop me. If you hold a Nigerian Passport, check out this helpful list of 35+ Countries Nigerian Passport Holders Can Visit Visa-Free or With Minimal Hassle.
You deserve to see the world, no matter your passport and I hope to keep using my Canadian passport benefits to do that.
Advice for Immigrants
- Do your research: Check out your options, understand the process, and stay organized as it involves a lot of paperwork.
- Find your people: Community is everything. Having a solid support system can make all the difference.
- Embrace change: Moving to a new country is hard, but growth happens outside your comfort zone, so embrace diversity and spread your wings.
- Be patient: Immigration processes can feel long, but keep your eye on the prize.
Conclusion
My five-year journey to Canadian citizenship is something I will always be proud of. While it hasn’t always been easy, I feel so blessed and wouldn’t trade it for anything. Canada has given me opportunities, friendships, and a new place to call home.
If you’re on a similar path, know that every challenge is a step closer to your goal. Stay determined, seek support, and trust the process, you’ll get there.
Have you gone through an immigration journey? I’d love to hear your story! Let’s connect on Instagram @PerfectPaths!
Safe travels
Joba