Community Identified Program - Halifax RDA
Jun 12th 2008 | 9:37 pm
#1
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 297
From: Whitby
Community Identified Program - Halifax RDA
Well lots of you know that I was going out to Halifax on the 22 May for my interview with the Halifax RDA for our Community Identified application and I promised to update you on how it went. Well long story short (oh yes it was quite a saga but I won’t go into too many details) Robyn at the RDA unfortunately suffered a double bereavement and unfortunately couldn't interview me while I was out there, so in the end we did a telephone interview with her on Wednesday evening from the UK. So here is the long and short of it for those of you who are thinking of applying to the Halifax RDA.
The Halifax RDA asked for between 5-10 letters from people or organisations that could support our application, which we duly did. They came from our old neighbours and friends in Bedford and also organisations that we had been involved with in our 3 years out there (we lived there previously on a TWP). The letters stated that we had been great neighbours who had made every effort to integrate into the community and culture of Nova Scotia and that they would support our efforts to return and act as referees as required. We had also been involved in the local sailing club and were heavily involved in the local and national racing events, so officials were approached for letters of support. My suggestion to anyone considering going down this route is to build up contacts as much as you can especially if you have never visited the Province before. On reccies make yourself known to organisations that you wish to become involved in when you move out there, ask them if they would offer to support your efforts to move to NS. I can not stress the importance of building up a good network of contacts, not only will they offer you support in your application but also make settling into your new life so much easier. On our first reccie to NS in 1999 we visited the local sailing club on the off chance, we never looked back! On moving over they welcomed us with open arms – we made some great friends and we had a great social life.
Alongside our letters of support we had to submit a letter of intent, basically a letter stating why we wanted to move back to NS. We said why we wanted to move back and more importantly what we thought we could add to the local economy and community. We included our educational/work qualifications and how we thought that these would aid our employability and therefore our contribution to the local economy. We didn’t make it too flowery – just stated the simple facts.
As for the interview itself I think that it was more of a formality, I think that Robyn wanted to put a face (ok voice) to the application. She asked about the highest level of education that we had attained and any professional qualifications we had, and what we intended to do for work once we got there. She asked where we intended to settle (don’t forget you are applying to Halifax RDA – important to stress you will be living there and not outside the area where housing is cheaper). A question of how much money would we be bringing into NS was asked, she said that we would need a minimum of $10,000 for each person ( I think enough to support yourselves for 6 months is required). This was it basically! We asked how long it would be before we knew whether they would support us and she gave us a verbal yes there and then, and promised a hard copy to follow for submitting to the Province.
We now have to apply to the Nova Scotia Nominee Programme – gather the financial evidence they require and sit back and wait for the slow cogs of CI to roll! Clan LiffyB has got over the first hurdle!
This was my first trip back to the province in nearly 6 years! How did I find it? People are still great, Keith’s is still as good, it’s got a shed load busier (by far!) and more importantly I CAN’T WAIT TO GET BACK!
The Halifax RDA asked for between 5-10 letters from people or organisations that could support our application, which we duly did. They came from our old neighbours and friends in Bedford and also organisations that we had been involved with in our 3 years out there (we lived there previously on a TWP). The letters stated that we had been great neighbours who had made every effort to integrate into the community and culture of Nova Scotia and that they would support our efforts to return and act as referees as required. We had also been involved in the local sailing club and were heavily involved in the local and national racing events, so officials were approached for letters of support. My suggestion to anyone considering going down this route is to build up contacts as much as you can especially if you have never visited the Province before. On reccies make yourself known to organisations that you wish to become involved in when you move out there, ask them if they would offer to support your efforts to move to NS. I can not stress the importance of building up a good network of contacts, not only will they offer you support in your application but also make settling into your new life so much easier. On our first reccie to NS in 1999 we visited the local sailing club on the off chance, we never looked back! On moving over they welcomed us with open arms – we made some great friends and we had a great social life.
Alongside our letters of support we had to submit a letter of intent, basically a letter stating why we wanted to move back to NS. We said why we wanted to move back and more importantly what we thought we could add to the local economy and community. We included our educational/work qualifications and how we thought that these would aid our employability and therefore our contribution to the local economy. We didn’t make it too flowery – just stated the simple facts.
As for the interview itself I think that it was more of a formality, I think that Robyn wanted to put a face (ok voice) to the application. She asked about the highest level of education that we had attained and any professional qualifications we had, and what we intended to do for work once we got there. She asked where we intended to settle (don’t forget you are applying to Halifax RDA – important to stress you will be living there and not outside the area where housing is cheaper). A question of how much money would we be bringing into NS was asked, she said that we would need a minimum of $10,000 for each person ( I think enough to support yourselves for 6 months is required). This was it basically! We asked how long it would be before we knew whether they would support us and she gave us a verbal yes there and then, and promised a hard copy to follow for submitting to the Province.
We now have to apply to the Nova Scotia Nominee Programme – gather the financial evidence they require and sit back and wait for the slow cogs of CI to roll! Clan LiffyB has got over the first hurdle!
This was my first trip back to the province in nearly 6 years! How did I find it? People are still great, Keith’s is still as good, it’s got a shed load busier (by far!) and more importantly I CAN’T WAIT TO GET BACK!
Last edited by LiffyB; Jun 12th 2008 at 9:39 pm.
Jun 12th 2008 | 9:52 pm
#2
Citizenship Nov 10 2016!!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,661
From: Stewiacke Nova Scotia
Re: Community Identified Program - Halifax RDA
Hi Liffy
Many Congrats on getting the RDA approval, all steam ahead now!
The info you have provided here will be really useful to so many people who are considering this route.
Our application is going to NS today!, Good luck with all your paperwork and keep us posted, hopefully NS won't take too long to make a decision we have been told up to 3 months to hear back from them.
Many Congrats on getting the RDA approval, all steam ahead now!
The info you have provided here will be really useful to so many people who are considering this route.
Our application is going to NS today!, Good luck with all your paperwork and keep us posted, hopefully NS won't take too long to make a decision we have been told up to 3 months to hear back from them.
Jun 12th 2008 | 10:10 pm
#3
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 297
From: Whitby
Re: Community Identified Program - Halifax RDA
Hi Nikki
Thanks for that! Robyn seemed to think 6-12 months when she spoke to OH -but reading some of the other threads 3-6 months seems the norm.
I'll keep udates on the progress!
Thanks for that! Robyn seemed to think 6-12 months when she spoke to OH -but reading some of the other threads 3-6 months seems the norm.
I'll keep udates on the progress!
Jun 12th 2008 | 10:42 pm
#4
NS covern member #1
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 968
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Re: Community Identified Program - Halifax RDA
I am so pleased!!!! That is such wonderful news!!!!! Cant wait to have you over here, and then maybe we can tempt your sister over too? Does she like cheese? We could cover you with chunks of cheese and she wouldnt be able to resist - seen it used before, its very effective......if you are a cartoon mouse...................oh.
But back to you - YAY!
But back to you - YAY!
Jun 13th 2008 | 12:05 am
#5
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 367
From: Wellington
Re: Community Identified Program - Halifax RDA
It would have to be Mature Cheddar, and my god would you need a lot of cheese 
(shes going to kill me for that) 
(shes going to kill me for that)
Jun 13th 2008 | 12:10 am
#6
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 367
From: Wellington
Re: Community Identified Program - Halifax RDA
It would have to be Mature Cheddar, and my god would you need a lot of cheese (shes going to kill me for that)
(shes going to kill me for that)
Jun 13th 2008 | 1:54 am
#7
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 297
From: Whitby
Re: Community Identified Program - Halifax RDA
Listen here Big Nose! If you want to visit Big Sis in NS you'll disappear back to the NZ forum or agree with us that NS is far superior and decide that's really where you want to be!
Jun 13th 2008 | 2:23 am
#9
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 297
From: Whitby
Re: Community Identified Program - Halifax RDA
Stevo
Sibling rivalry! As you can see I'm the oldest and wisest - Kimi-Deacon will soon see the error of her ways and consider moving to Canada with her big sister instead of NZ and once again bug the hell out of me.
Sibling rivalry! As you can see I'm the oldest and wisest - Kimi-Deacon will soon see the error of her ways and consider moving to Canada with her big sister instead of NZ and once again bug the hell out of me.
Jun 13th 2008 | 2:34 am
#10
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 207
From: Pictou, Nova Scotia
Re: Community Identified Program - Halifax RDA
Oh I see, well thats alright then. Hate to see people fall out!!!
Jun 15th 2008 | 9:20 am
#11
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 635
From: Cochrane ,Alberta
Re: Community Identified Program - Halifax RDA
Well lots of you know that I was going out to Halifax on the 22 May for my interview with the Halifax RDA for our Community Identified application and I promised to update you on how it went. Well long story short (oh yes it was quite a saga but I won’t go into too many details) Robyn at the RDA unfortunately suffered a double bereavement and unfortunately couldn't interview me while I was out there, so in the end we did a telephone interview with her on Wednesday evening from the UK. So here is the long and short of it for those of you who are thinking of applying to the Halifax RDA.
The Halifax RDA asked for between 5-10 letters from people or organisations that could support our application, which we duly did. They came from our old neighbours and friends in Bedford and also organisations that we had been involved with in our 3 years out there (we lived there previously on a TWP). The letters stated that we had been great neighbours who had made every effort to integrate into the community and culture of Nova Scotia and that they would support our efforts to return and act as referees as required. We had also been involved in the local sailing club and were heavily involved in the local and national racing events, so officials were approached for letters of support. My suggestion to anyone considering going down this route is to build up contacts as much as you can especially if you have never visited the Province before. On reccies make yourself known to organisations that you wish to become involved in when you move out there, ask them if they would offer to support your efforts to move to NS. I can not stress the importance of building up a good network of contacts, not only will they offer you support in your application but also make settling into your new life so much easier. On our first reccie to NS in 1999 we visited the local sailing club on the off chance, we never looked back! On moving over they welcomed us with open arms – we made some great friends and we had a great social life.
Alongside our letters of support we had to submit a letter of intent, basically a letter stating why we wanted to move back to NS. We said why we wanted to move back and more importantly what we thought we could add to the local economy and community. We included our educational/work qualifications and how we thought that these would aid our employability and therefore our contribution to the local economy. We didn’t make it too flowery – just stated the simple facts.
As for the interview itself I think that it was more of a formality, I think that Robyn wanted to put a face (ok voice) to the application. She asked about the highest level of education that we had attained and any professional qualifications we had, and what we intended to do for work once we got there. She asked where we intended to settle (don’t forget you are applying to Halifax RDA – important to stress you will be living there and not outside the area where housing is cheaper). A question of how much money would we be bringing into NS was asked, she said that we would need a minimum of $10,000 for each person ( I think enough to support yourselves for 6 months is required). This was it basically! We asked how long it would be before we knew whether they would support us and she gave us a verbal yes there and then, and promised a hard copy to follow for submitting to the Province.
We now have to apply to the Nova Scotia Nominee Programme – gather the financial evidence they require and sit back and wait for the slow cogs of CI to roll! Clan LiffyB has got over the first hurdle!
This was my first trip back to the province in nearly 6 years! How did I find it? People are still great, Keith’s is still as good, it’s got a shed load busier (by far!) and more importantly I CAN’T WAIT TO GET BACK!
The Halifax RDA asked for between 5-10 letters from people or organisations that could support our application, which we duly did. They came from our old neighbours and friends in Bedford and also organisations that we had been involved with in our 3 years out there (we lived there previously on a TWP). The letters stated that we had been great neighbours who had made every effort to integrate into the community and culture of Nova Scotia and that they would support our efforts to return and act as referees as required. We had also been involved in the local sailing club and were heavily involved in the local and national racing events, so officials were approached for letters of support. My suggestion to anyone considering going down this route is to build up contacts as much as you can especially if you have never visited the Province before. On reccies make yourself known to organisations that you wish to become involved in when you move out there, ask them if they would offer to support your efforts to move to NS. I can not stress the importance of building up a good network of contacts, not only will they offer you support in your application but also make settling into your new life so much easier. On our first reccie to NS in 1999 we visited the local sailing club on the off chance, we never looked back! On moving over they welcomed us with open arms – we made some great friends and we had a great social life.
Alongside our letters of support we had to submit a letter of intent, basically a letter stating why we wanted to move back to NS. We said why we wanted to move back and more importantly what we thought we could add to the local economy and community. We included our educational/work qualifications and how we thought that these would aid our employability and therefore our contribution to the local economy. We didn’t make it too flowery – just stated the simple facts.
As for the interview itself I think that it was more of a formality, I think that Robyn wanted to put a face (ok voice) to the application. She asked about the highest level of education that we had attained and any professional qualifications we had, and what we intended to do for work once we got there. She asked where we intended to settle (don’t forget you are applying to Halifax RDA – important to stress you will be living there and not outside the area where housing is cheaper). A question of how much money would we be bringing into NS was asked, she said that we would need a minimum of $10,000 for each person ( I think enough to support yourselves for 6 months is required). This was it basically! We asked how long it would be before we knew whether they would support us and she gave us a verbal yes there and then, and promised a hard copy to follow for submitting to the Province.
We now have to apply to the Nova Scotia Nominee Programme – gather the financial evidence they require and sit back and wait for the slow cogs of CI to roll! Clan LiffyB has got over the first hurdle!
This was my first trip back to the province in nearly 6 years! How did I find it? People are still great, Keith’s is still as good, it’s got a shed load busier (by far!) and more importantly I CAN’T WAIT TO GET BACK!
Congrats on a succesfull visit,this gives us the inspiration we need
Fingers crossed we get the same outcome with Margot at Colchester rda.
Arty & Co
Last edited by Arty; Jun 15th 2008 at 9:22 am. Reason: spelling ot of sync
Jun 20th 2008 | 6:03 am
#12
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 297
From: Whitby
Re: Community Identified Program - Halifax RDA
Yipee! Guess what arrived today? we got our letter of recommendation from the RDA today! So now all it's all guns ahead now to get our application into the office of Immigration for Nova Scotia.
Robyn (lovely lady!!!) gave us her highest recommendation so hopefully the Province will look on us favourably - it begins all again!
For those of you who have been down this route already (Province Nominee Program NS) how long did the process take and what were your experiences? As for the medical - better get some weight off this fat butt!
Watch this space!
LiffyB
Guess what arrived today? we got our letter of recommendation from the RDA today! So now all it's all guns ahead now to get our application into the office of Immigration for Nova Scotia.Robyn (lovely lady!!!) gave us her highest recommendation so hopefully the Province will look on us favourably - it begins all again!
For those of you who have been down this route already (Province Nominee Program NS) how long did the process take and what were your experiences? As for the medical - better get some weight off this fat butt!
Watch this space!
LiffyB
Jun 20th 2008 | 6:19 am
#13
Citizenship Nov 10 2016!!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,661
From: Stewiacke Nova Scotia
Re: Community Identified Program - Halifax RDA
Yipee! Guess what arrived today? we got our letter of recommendation from the RDA today! So now all it's all guns ahead now to get our application into the office of Immigration for Nova Scotia.
Robyn (lovely lady!!!) gave us her highest recommendation so hopefully the Province will look on us favourably - it begins all again!
For those of you who have been down this route already (Province Nominee Program NS) how long did the process take and what were your experiences? As for the medical - better get some weight off this fat butt!
Watch this space!
LiffyB
Guess what arrived today? we got our letter of recommendation from the RDA today! So now all it's all guns ahead now to get our application into the office of Immigration for Nova Scotia.Robyn (lovely lady!!!) gave us her highest recommendation so hopefully the Province will look on us favourably - it begins all again!
For those of you who have been down this route already (Province Nominee Program NS) how long did the process take and what were your experiences? As for the medical - better get some weight off this fat butt!
Watch this space!
LiffyB
Great news Liffy, lets hope it doesn't take too long.
To start the timeline our application arrived on Monday and we are currently awaiting AOR from NS.
Nikki
Jun 20th 2008 | 8:54 am
#14
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,373
From: Normandy, France and occassionally Nova Scotia!
Re: Community Identified Program - Halifax RDA
Yipee! Guess what arrived today? we got our letter of recommendation from the RDA today! So now all it's all guns ahead now to get our application into the office of Immigration for Nova Scotia.
Robyn (lovely lady!!!) gave us her highest recommendation so hopefully the Province will look on us favourably - it begins all again!
For those of you who have been down this route already (Province Nominee Program NS) how long did the process take and what were your experiences? As for the medical - better get some weight off this fat butt!
Watch this space!
LiffyB
Guess what arrived today? we got our letter of recommendation from the RDA today! So now all it's all guns ahead now to get our application into the office of Immigration for Nova Scotia.Robyn (lovely lady!!!) gave us her highest recommendation so hopefully the Province will look on us favourably - it begins all again!
For those of you who have been down this route already (Province Nominee Program NS) how long did the process take and what were your experiences? As for the medical - better get some weight off this fat butt!
Watch this space!
LiffyB
When we made our application under skilled worker stream, with the PNP in Halifax 3 years ago, it took just 8 months from start to finish for us to get our PR, but we did apply from France, which I think has a much quicker turnover than UK. We found the staff at the PNP office really helpful and had no problems.
Jun 21st 2008 | 7:26 pm
#15
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 297
From: Whitby
Re: Community Identified Program - Halifax RDA
Hi Val
Thanks for that! around eight months would be good for us as physically we cannot move until July next year at the earliest. It is frustrating though having to wait that amount of time when all you want to do is get out there. It wasn't until my recent return to Halifax did I realise how much I had missed the place!
This week we have to get the house valued, get all the finance 'stuff' together to prove we can support ourselves. Bit gloomy on the house front thanks to the recent drop in house prices
Patience is required I guess!
Liffy
Thanks for that! around eight months would be good for us as physically we cannot move until July next year at the earliest. It is frustrating though having to wait that amount of time when all you want to do is get out there. It wasn't until my recent return to Halifax did I realise how much I had missed the place!
This week we have to get the house valued, get all the finance 'stuff' together to prove we can support ourselves. Bit gloomy on the house front thanks to the recent drop in house prices
Patience is required I guess!
Liffy
