October 1998 - Default and hyperinflation in Russia; I lose both my job and almost all my savings, kept in Russian banks. I fill in a free preliminary assessment form and send to the Canadian Embassy in Moscow. In response they recommend me to formally apply. I start to collect the necessary papers for the Independent (Professional) Programme.

19 April 1999 - I'm in Sweden since March. There I prepare the last papers of the documentation package and send them to Russia to my mother. She delivers the package to the Embassy and pays the processing fee (CAD 500).

Spring 2000 - From Sweden, while my papers are being processed in Moscow, I apply for another Canadian immigration programme - the Live-in Caregiver Programme at the embassy in London (in case my application in Moscow is rejected). The fee is about USD 130. The embassy's decision is positive, however I am required to find a caregiving job in Canada within 3 months. This time is too short. I have to give it up.

July 2001 - Back in Russia, I finally get a letter from the Moscow Embassy that they've asked me to come to the interview, but they've sent their letter to my old address in Sweden. The interview date has passed, but, at my request, a new (and last!) interview date is scheduled for 15 January 2002.

15 January 2002 - I pass the interview! Questions I was asked: my present and previous jobs (esp. about Sweden), what work I'll be looking for in Canada, my acquaintances in Canada, where I'd like to settle down (plus a few other questions). All in English, only a few phrases in French. About 20 minutes.

6 March 2002 - Medical check (USD 80).

23 November 2002 - I get the Embassy's letter saying that they are ready to issue a visa after I present the proof that I have enough money to live in Canada during the first six months (CAD 9200 placed in a bank in a Western country) and pay the Right of Landing fee (CAD 975).

19 December 2002 - I get the immigration visa! It is valid until 6 March 2003 (one year after the medical check). The whole process after the formal application has taken 3 years and 8 months.