SlowlybtSurely:


Bros, let me pick your brain small.

Where in the GTA can one buy a fairly new house (at least 3 bed rooms and 2 baths) for around $500,000? Somewhere with good daily access to downtown Toronto by Go-train and not more than 50 mins drive?

For 500k you might need to look towards Oshawa, Whitby, Barrie, Stoney Creek, Grimsby, Listowell etc. More likely you could get townhomes or condos.

Try checking out different locations and price points on https://www.realtor.ca/

Shared from an Indian immigrant forum for Ontario, it might be useful for someone here:

Ontario benefits for new immigrants who do not qualify for CERB or EI

Guys,
My status is Permanent Residence through EE.
I am one of those who came a few months ago and could not find any revenue source so far, so I was not qualified for federal govt benefits naturally. I had been utilizing my funds from India which was depleting.

So, I visited Ontario govt's platform yday: https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-support-people#section-0

I filled up simple form with the necessary details and they notified me that I will receive a call back within 4 days. I got the call in less than 18 hours.

The nice lady over the call discussed about my situation, and considered me as eligible for ontarioworks benefits - 733 CAD a month. The funds will be disbursed within 24 hours.

I am sharing the eligibility criteria best to my knowledge:
Funds in India/Canada - less than 10k CAD
Employment status - Unemployed
Federal benefits eligibility - No
Residing in - Ontario
Maximum Allowance they are offering (733 CAD)
Rent - somewhere around 350 CAD
Food - somewhere around 350 CAD

The only catch is that you will get the benefits from the day you are applying. So, I am getting funds for today(pro-rated) + May.
Funds will be available to my account by monday-tuesday. I will need to submit documents once their offices are fully operational. (That will include my bank statement, my current status, lease agreement(eventhough it is on someone else's name).
If my status changes in future, I will need to inform them over a call.
So all of you guys who are stuck somewhere, go and apply!

godG:
Oga Salford1 and other elders, please I need recommendations on cities or towns that are within 50 minutes drive from the GTA. I am looking for somewhere not too crowded (Very important, I’m not a fan of big cities. ) and quite safe. I have done quite a great deal of research myself but thought it won’t be a bad idea to seek further insights from elders who know this place more than I do. Thank you!

Okay, so to the west, the GTA comprises of cities or suburbs like Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Burlington and Oakville.

Eastward you have Ajax, Markham, Scarborough, Vaughan, Newmarket, Whitby, Pickering etc.

The further you move away from Toronto, the less bustle you're likely to encounter. Toronto being the largest city in Canada is followed by Mississauga and then Brampton as the next biggest cities in the GTA. These are nice landing spots for new immigrants with proximity to Toronto and enough infrastructure but good accomodation comes at a premium.

Further afield on the west are Oakville and Burlington while to the east you have Richmond Hill and Markham with a large Asian community of our brothers from the East. Other cities to consider are Scarborough, Vaughan, Pickering, etc. Your budget and availability as at when you land will likely play a huge role in where you will eventually stay.

One way to find your feet is to stay with family and friends if possible and then take your time to find a more permanent arrangement. Alternatively, you can research your likely city and get an Airbnb there so you are located in your desired city or close to it. Most times, people just take accomodation where they can find it because good accomodation does not stay long on the market in the GTA. Many people are looking for same nice places so landlords are reigning here. Be ready to approach house hunting with an open mind and not take disappointments to heart. At the end of it all, you'll be fine. All the best.

https://en.m.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Greater_Toronto_Area

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.narcity.com/amp/12-gta-cities-you-live-in-that-are-not-toronto-but-you-still-claim-are

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-10-biggest-cities-in-ontario.html

salford1:

It happens sometimes with government organizations call centre reps. The CERB program is also new to them
When there are conflicting views, might be a good idea to call for a 2nd or 3rd opinion.

Right now, it's anything goes. But come tax time next year, a lot of smiles will disappear.

https://www.thestar.com/business/2020/04/09/all-emergency-benefit-applicants-will-receive-payments-star-learns-whether-they-actually-qualify-or-not.html

bamigboye27:
Hey guys, please i need guidelines on how to get registered by the licensing authority as an Architect in Canada. Thanks

Hello, there are different bodies for each province in Canada that issue the guidelines to become a licensed architect in the provinces. Yiu can learn more through online research.

I just found this body online that could provide you with information to start your journey to licensing:

https://cacb.ca/foreign-architects/

NwanyiOkpa:



Good day. I have a question to ask.

Someone said it is impossible to practice as an engineer in canada if your first degree is not from canada, france, texas, etc. How true is it?

Not true. As a foreign educated/trained engineer, what you need is a license from a province to be able to practice/work in that province as an engineer. Canadian first degree is not a compulsory requirement. Once your foreign degree is accredited and found to be equivalent to a Canadian degree by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board, it will be accepted.

I'm not an engineer, I just asked practicing engineers here and researched through Google. Google the licensing requirements of any/all provinces in Canada to see what they are for your self. Nigerian, Ghanaian, Chinese, Pakistani engineers, folks from all over the world are practicing their engineering profession in Canada after they obtain their license. You can do same after you get your PR visa and land here.

https://engineerscanada.ca/become-an-engineer/overview-of-licensing-process

For Canadian homeowners, mortgage payments deferment is an option before to enable cope in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic but I would suggest for folks to think twice before you approach your bank to defer your mortgage payments. See this article:

Last week, Canada’s six biggest banks announced – to the relief of many – that they would start offering homeowners six-month deferrals on mortgage payments. That relief was short-lived. Just days later, stories emerged about frustrated Canadians facing “delays, confusion, and outright denials from the country’s big banks.”

Banks are offering these deferrals on a case-by-case basis. The process and eligibility criteria for deferrals have been quite secretive, with many Canadians characterizing the process as seemingly arbitrary.

On Sunday, the CBC revealed the first concrete details of RBC’s mortgage deferral program. Their source disclosed that “interest accrued from each deferred payment was being added back into the principal balance of the mortgage.”

The bank is effectively increasing its profit to offset any added risk caused by the deferrals. Under this program, Canadians would not only be increasing their debt load, but they would also face higher payments at their next renewal period.

While the details of other big banks are not as clear, both Scotiabank and BMO have also announced that interest will continue to accrue on mortgages during the deferrals. The Canadian Bankers Association, which represents Canada’s big banks, likewise released a statement clarifying that added interest would be incorporated into mortgage payments – either at the end of the deferral period or at the time of the mortgager s’ next renewal.

Peter Gorham, an actuarial expert, suggests that if you are not “desperate for the financial relief”, it would be wise to pass on these deferrals.

Source: https://north99.org/2020/03/23/canadas-big-banks-set-to-profit-off-of-covid-19-mortgage-deferrals/

And so the province of Ontario has released its list of business deemed essential which will remain open during the period of emergency. Please do your best to avoid large gatherings, stay at home as much as possible and do what you can to keep yourself and your families safe.

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2020/03/23/coronavirus-province-releases-list-of-essential-workplaces/

Torkwase1:


I was meant to start a new job on Wednesday. Almost everything set. Just to undergo a short training. They just sent an email that the offer is on hold till further notice.
I'm trying not to think too much of it.

Reminds me of an Indian friend I have here. She was set to start a government work last Monday only for the work from home cut backs to start same period. Her situation is good though as she's been here a while and can wait for whenever the job can start.

Just keep your head up and if you're pressed for a quick source of income, Walmart is looking for 10,000 part time associates. Walmart and other grocery chains are classified under essential services so they will always have opportunities through this period. All the best.

bukky18:
Hello everyone. My first time of posting here. I am awaiting PPR. I intend to land in Manitoba with 3kids and spouse unaccompanying. I have B.sc in accounting and MSc risk management and insurance. I haven’t worked in any organization after my NYSC except the bank job I did during IT

I applied as self employed cos I have a poultry farm I run. However, I wouldn’t want to go into business for obvious reasons when I get to Canada. My problem is, where do I start from without relevant work experience. In my case, I av to start CPA from scratch as I don’t Av ICAN or ACCA. I learnt about a short course in payroll accounting that one can quickly get a job with. I am thinking in that direction cos CPA might take a long time to conclude and I need to start earning ASAP in order to pay bills.

Now, my question is, whether payroll accountant is high in demand or is their any other career pathway I can explore that can quickly open doors for me? Pls, am open to any suggestions, advice, opinions etc. pls help!!!

I would advise that you search LinkedIn, Glassdoor, indeed.ca, eluta.ca etc and other job boards to see which jobs are more in demand for someone with your skillset in your destination city. That is how you determine what is in demand and align yourself and your job search in that direction. You then ask your relatives and friends in that city to link you up with working professionals in that field so that you can start networking and establishing your launch base. You can also identify any immigrant assistance agency in your destination that works to help newcomer professionals in your field to get integrated. With all the above coming together for you, you can focus on hitting the ground and start running. All the best ahead.

TheCapitalBand:
Hello to all the landed Accountants in the house. Please Is it possible to convert CIMA to CPA?

Hi, you might find this link helpful per CPA's Mutual Recognition Agreement (the MRA) with CIMA, U.K.

https://www.cpaontario.ca/become-a-cpa/why-cpa/internationally-trained-accountants/cima-mutual-recognition-agreement

Enculer2:
Does immigrant in Canada drive Uber and engage in survival jobs?

Hi, as long as the immigrant has the right papers, wether as a PR holder or via work permit, you can get a Social Insurance Number. With your SIN, you are free to drive with Uber and pursue other jobs. All the best to you.

Ambidextrause:
Good day All,

I just wanted to know how to go about Nigerian passport renewal. Already applied online and paid. But it seems they randomly assign interview date. The issue now is that the date assigned is too near and flight cost from Calgary to Ottawa for that period is crazy.

Is it possible to request for another date so as to check for cheaper flights and plan better, essentially?
Cc: @Blackbuddy, @40manlappy, @jesusbaby01

I've been informed by those who went for passport renewal recently in Ottawa that they are not strict with the dates. Just show up with your print out, proof of payment and you should be done in about 3 to 4 hours. Have a safe trip.

MumofTwins2017:
Any family living in Mississauga with kids here? Just want to know if you’ve had good experiences so far with kids schooling, work and life generally. Would really appreciate your responses.

Hi, I lived in Mississauga for a year (an apartment building in Erindale, one of the neighborhoods there) with my family and it was very nice for us. My kids went to elementary (primary) school in the neighborhood, we had a shopping centre just a walking distance from us, had multiple banks opposite my building. Doctor's clinic also opposite us and barber shop next door. Erindale GO station down the road from my building so I was easily able to go to work by train in downtown Toronto. Wife worked opposite the Go Station with an American financial institution, the babe was bossing life very happily

https://www.realestate-ontario.com/mississauga/erindale/

Moved to my house in Brampton and lived there for about 3 years in the Credit Valley neighborhood. Another great neighborhood and a fantastic investment for me. Nice, diverse neighborhood with lovely neighbors from all over the world. 2 green parks close by, elementary school in a walking distance, multiple shopping locations and health facilities in close proximity. Brampton GO station just 7 minutes drive away. Was quite fortunate in hitting the jackpot twice with the locations where I lived

https://www.inbrampton.com/top-5-brampton-neighbourhoods-to-invest-in

My advise would be to research the particular neighborhood you're considering living in any city, look online to see what info is available, check the ranking of the elementary schools in the neighborhood, drive around there in the evenings to see things for yourself and hopefully, you'll find something great. All the best ahead.

claseek:
after migrating via PNP, how many months or years before you become a PR, and can live and work anywhere?

Once you arrive here via PNP, you are a PR holder, same as those with Federal ITA. You are free to relocate from your province with no issues when you become a citizen. To become a Canadian citizen, you must:

be a permanent resident
have lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years
have filed your taxes, and
pass a test on your rights, responsibilities and knowledge of Canada

https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=355&top=5

Happy New Year folks, looking forward to more landing gists this month. All the best of 2020 to those here in our new home.

NumeroUno7:
Everyone is silent... Please share Christmas photos with us na

Here you go, a few shots from Blue Mountain Resort, Ontario.

Merry Christmas all

NwanyiOkpa:



wow!!!!!!!!!!! did you get here through studies?

No, I came as a Federal Skilled worker.

TEECANN:




My landed senior....I should even drive down to come visit you one of these Sunday evenings. 


It will end in praise IJN!

Amen indeed! Hey, congrats on your recent certification, wishing you many open doors ahead.

Toronto at night, Merry Christmas all

Esomimi:
Good morning all,

Got my golden email yesterday and I am excited to be here. Please I really need advice. We sent our passports out yesterday and we are expecting it between end of December and second week of January because of the holidays and I have to give a month's notice at the office for resignation. The problem now is, we plan to land in Ontario in the first week of February, I am pregnant and due for delivery in April. I was told Ontario health card takes effect after 3 months.

Please how do I manage this? Certainly we don't have the funds to pay for medical bills when the baby arrives.

Please help!!!!!!

Congratulations on your golden email and also wishing you strenght and much blessings towards your safe and successful child birth. You will actually get free pre and post natal support for your childbirth through the Association of Ontario Midwives who do not require you to have a health card to be able to access health care in Ontario. They are fully funded by government and will provide you care and support from when you register and are placed in their system.

Just reach out to them through their contact details and start planning towards your happy day, https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/

Wishing you and your family all the best ahead

Hello folks, an update on tax liability in Nigeria. Please stay informed especially if you have dealings back in Nigeria.

The info was copied from an online source and may be useful to you

Millions of Nigerians will not have access to their bank accounts from January 2nd 2020, read why!
http:///news/detail/bd38e5f1be57f4259141a3808574fead?product=news

Hello folks, found this list on Twitter. Information on recruiting agencies. ���� Link to the original source at the bottom.

Here is a list of some International Recruitment agencies in Canada that source talent outside Canada.

Breakdown is based on location, some of the industries they recruit for and candidates they work with.

Short Thread.
1. Michael Page
Location: Toronto
Industry: All
Candidates: Banking & finance, Digital/ E-commerce, Engineering & Manufacturing, HR, IT, Marketing, Sales.

2. Island Recruiting
Location: Prince Edward Island
Industry: Home Care, Administrative
Candidates: HR, Care Givers.
3. Canada Connect
Location: Winnipeg
Industry: Engineering, Agric, Healthcare
Candidates: Professionals, Skilled Positions, Low-Skilled Positions, Engineers, Caregivers

4. Renard Int.
Location: Toronto
Industry: Hospitality
Cand: Sales & Marketing, Food & Beverage, Engineering.
5. Global Hire
Location: Edmonton, Calgary & Alberta
Industry: Health Care, Trucking, Welding & Skilled Labour
Candidates: Skilled Positions, Caregivers, Nursing.

6. Hays Recruitment Canada
Location: Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto & Montreal
7. Work Global Canada
Location: St. John
Industry: Engineering, Agric, Healthcare
Candidates: Professionals, Skilled Positions, Low-Skilled Positions, Engineers, Agriculture, Caregivers

8. Alliance Online
Location: Winnipeg
Industry: Agric, Construction, Energy, Automotive, IT.
9. Drake International
Location: Toronto
Industry: All
Candidates: Admin, Finance, Sales & Marketing, Drivers, IT & Engineering, HR, Warehousing.

10. Hire Immigrants.
Location: Toronto
Industry: All.
11. Outpost Recruitment
Location: Vancouver
Industry: Construction and Engineering
Candidates: Contractors, Engineering Consultancies, Developers.

12. Cowan International
Location: Montreal
Main Industry: Engineering & Construction Industries
Candidates: Related to the industry.

Source: https://threader.app/thread/1200120623793618946

Lots of folks have reached out about how to find rented accomodation so in addition to Airbnb, kijiji.ca and Facebook market place, you can find rental accomodation at these sites:

4rent.ca
Gottarent.com
Torontorentals.com
Viewit.ca
Realtor.ca
Rentfaster.ca
Zolo.ca
Padmapper.com
Zumper.com
Trovit.ca

Happy searching

1mole1:
Please can a primary applicant do soft landing 1st before the rest of the family

Yes, the primary applicant can arrive before the rest of the family. Keep in mind that they have to land before the expiration of their COPR, all the best with your endeavors.

CanadianWasp:
Sooo, this might be quite a long read. Will try and make it short so it doesn't turn into a snoozefest, lol.

Cut your cloth according to your size. The bills here don’t stop, anything can happen so emergency funds aren’t optional. No look Uche face. Run your own race. Don’t get pressured into biting more than you can chew, especially when it comes to making huge decisions, like buying a house.

Last last, we go all dey alright �

Wonderful landing story, really appreciate the honest insight shared especially on not following the bandwagon and running your own race. So many have started what they now regret and can't finish over here. Stuck in positions that shame won't allow them reset and retrace their steps. Wishing you the best ahead.

Perra:
I've done all I can for express entry but my score is still too damn low. I'm drained out . my own Canadian dream is dying before my eyes. Its well.

How does one get a job offer from home? Is it possible? Anyone done it before ? ..any help?? ... Teaching job, anything?

Hi, Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories. Between them, there are over 20 Provincial nomination programs you can key into to move you closer to PR. Don't be fixated only on Federal ITA, PNP has been the savior for many like you to immigrate as Skilled workers. So research the various provinces and nomination programs that don't require a job offer and channel your energy in that direction. Find the one(s) you can meet their requirements and focus on those. There will be light at the end of the tunnel, all the best.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees/eligibility.html

Hi folks, it's that time of year again and I'm sharing a lovely piece I came across. Kudos to the person who put it together.

Lest We Forget �

November 11th is Remembrance Day in Canada.

It is a day Canadians set aside to remember men and women that served and continue to serve in the armed forces to preserve our freedom.

A moment of silence is observed to remember these war heroes for their sacrifice and courage during times of war and conflict. It is also a day Canadians show their respect and gratitude to the armed forces who have laid down their lives for the country.

There are many ways to get involved:
- Attend a Remembrance Day ceremony near you
- Observe a moment of silence on November 11th at 11am
-Watching any of the various ceremonies online
- Donate and buy a POPPY

On this day Banks are closed.
To learn more about this solemn celebration especially in your area, please Google more info.
Happy long weekend to everyone.

juicebox:
Hello fam,

Please did anyone encounter this issue, where your iPhone from Nigeria does not accept a Canadian sim card but gives you the attached error message. Please note that my iPhone is unlocked. Please how did u resolve it?

Hi, some phone products are meant for certain markets only and won't work outside that particular market eg Africa, Asia or Middle East. This applies to both Apple and Android products, some folks were not able to use their old phones in Canada and had to buy here.
One work-around you can try is to get a SIM from another carrier and maybe that might be compatible with your current phone. If this doesn't work then you'd have to consider getting a phone here. All the best.

40manlappy:


If you come in under the FSW program, you can live and work anywhere in Canada, including Québec, and without a CSQ. I lived there for some months, if that helps.

cc @AZeD1

Feedback and clarification much appreciated!

AZeD1:

I landed in Montreal and I know several people that have landed in Montreal.

Then again, I and everyone who I know that landed in Montreal were heading to Ottawa

Hi, landing in Quebec/using them to transit is not the issue or a problem but settling and working there is especially if you don't have their Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ – Québec Selection Certificate)

I'm not sure but has anyone who didn't have the Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ – Québec Selection Certificate) actually settled in Quebec?

So let me give my review of the Toronto City Pass and the tourist attractions it covers.

Buying online is very convenient and you get your receipt instantly with your email address. It contains a barcode for you and each other person you bought tickets for. The pass is valid for 9 days from date of purchase so I bought it the Saturday morning I planned to go to the attractions.

I recommend visiting Ripley's Aquarium and CN Tower on the same day as they are just steps from each other.

Next recommendation is to visit Toronto Zoo on it's own, you need a whole day to cover the different zones of the zoo.

Royal Ontario Museum and Casa Loma (biggest castle in Canada) are also close to each other so you plan to see both in one day.

You have to make a choice between ROM and Ontario Science Center to complete your pass so I decided to see the Museum with my City Pass as I already got free vouchers elsewhere to the Science Centre.

It took me 2 weekends and a public holiday to see it all and it was well worth it �

https://www.citypass.com/toronto