₦airaland Forum

ybahrbz91:
Wow...Wow...Wow...@einsteino, Thanks soo much for this, U are a wonderful fellow. I really appreciate this. Concerning been a medical professional (physiotherapist), does it require to be licenced before filling the d EE form. #shalom

Hi, you're not required to be licensed before applying for EE. You can however begin/initiate the licensing process for your own personal career progression towards your later settlement. The idea would be to get far ahead with the process or even complete it if possible by the time you land in Canada and therefore hit the ground running.

KW01:
Hello everyone,

please do we have lawyers among our seniors? I am awaiting PPR and would like to know how it is for Nigeria trained lawyers in Canada?

I have done my research and I understand the process for qualification and joining the bar. Is it the same process for corporate lawyers (company secretaries). even though I have been called to the bar in Nigeria for several years I have never been in litigation, over the years I have worked with several companies as head of corporate affairs/company secretary and I am also a chartered secretary (ICSA). contract negotiation and drafting is one of my core strengths.

What are job prospects and pay like? This question can best be answered by researching on job search sites like indeed.ca, eluta.ca, Workopolis, monster.ca and LinkedIn to name a few. Knowing your skills and experience, you are best suited to see what the job prospects are across different cities and what the requirements are to land a role. Study the profiles of people working in your field on indeed.ca and LinkedIn to see what qualifications they hold, possibly connect with them especially the Nigerians to get first hand account of their experiences

I intend to get a masters degree to help me break into the system and get an articling position more easily but I have always had a flair for psychology and I don't mind going back to school to study for it part time if its a good field to go into in Canada. This decision is entirely up to you after researching the prospects as suggested above and reaching out to people working in the various fields. You might not need to go as far as getting a masters straight away but could segue into a good role first based on your current experience and networking here. There are many paralegal opportunities you could consider as well as administrative positions considering your background in company secretariat

please forgive my rambling..... I will appreciate your advise/suggestions.

cc: blackbuddy, salford1 and all the seniors in the house.

Hi, hope the tips above assist you.

Zaen:
@Blackbuddy
Can I have your email pls?

Hi, I tried to send you an email but it wouldn't connect on this platform. I also didn't get any email from you. I suggest you edit your email address listed on Naiaraland and try to connect with me again, cheers.

kingspaco:
So no one is actually kind enough to help me with answers to my questions, i want to believe they're actually busy.
pls cc: blackbuddy, salford1, maternal,thecongo, epp a brother. Cheers

Hi, I also don't have a background in construction like you do but from what you seem to have found out in your research, you're certainly on the right path! Might I suggest you reach out to your family and friends already here to put you in touch with any one in Canada in their network who has the same background as you do to share their experience with you. You can also search through LinkedIn for Nigerians working in that industry here in Canada to request for tips on how to integrate professionally. That was how I reached out to some people prior to my landing and their insight helped a lot. All the best ahead.

kemmytino:
I sent you an email, kindly respond

I have

toyogirl:
Hmm....I hear BC is quite expensive ..but let's hear from the seniors..

Please review these links, perhaps they might address your query:

http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/23/architecture/2017-most-expensive-cities-hong-kong/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/vancouver-tops-list-of-most-expensive-cities-in-canada-again-1.2704078

http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/canada/10-most-expensive-cities-canada/

However, please note 'expensive' as a term is relative and it is mostly used to describe the real estate sector of the subject cities. Once you get a good job, you can live and thrive anywhere as is already being done by our compatriots here.

seunfoster:
Thanks bro. I have worked in an audit firm before for almost a year before proceeding to banking industry. I still work in a bank and it will be five years by Nov 1st. I started as a FT officer and later added system administrator and ATM custodian to it. After 11/2 yes, I became head teller operations and later proceeded to be a reconciliation officer at the Head office. I am good with nos and analysis. I'm also good at managing people and situations very well. Anything that involves punching nos, I am down with it. I think with these few info, you can help me with the right pointers. Thanks once again.

Okay, your core area of expertise is branch operations. The equivalent of that here is Teller Services (known as Customer Service Representative). Here in Canada, your typical teller staff at the branch handles cash, pay cheques, issues drafts and can assist customers with simple transfers. Please see this post for more to help you get started on your research, https://www.nairaland.com/3617393/living-canada-life-canadian-immigrant/52#59563440

seunfoster:
I have OND Accounting, B.Sc. Economics, AAT, ACA and MBA Finance as my qualifications/certificates. What is my best option in terms of Occupation, education and province/region in canada. Any information will be appreciated. Thank you.

Hi, education comes into consideration AFTER work experience. Canadian experience is highly prized, the next thing is foreign experience and if it is properly packaged. I don't mean 'panel beating' your resume please and packing small lies into it but painting a realistic picture of yourself in a way that attracts the typical Canadian hiring manager. You will need to learn how to write a targeted resume and move away from our CV mentality. Your many titles/certs above may/will need to take a back seat to what you have 'been doing' professionally and what 'you can do' for a Canadian employer. Above all, that is what they (Canadian employer) want to know; what can you already do and what will you do well for me?

So, what's your working background and what do you think you can do in Canada based on your research so far? What are those skills you have that are transferrable to what you have found at this time? Let's start from there if you don't mind.

kokoboy17:
a very interesting thread and congrats to everyone that just got ITA. Please i need the gurus in the house to help out here: what is the best route for someone who is very experienced with a B.Sc and good language score (LRWS 8,8.5,7.5, but with very low CRS score (357) plus age not very favourable (40 last May). I know the provincial nomination might be one but there has to be a valid job offer in the intended province. You thoughts please.

Yes, provincial nomination is the way to go but you might want to consider other provinces, not only the one that requires a job offer. For others interested, please note there are 11 provinces in total to consider, http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/provincial/apply-who.asp

Hamiltondreamer:
Hello all the guru's here, a baby member of EE thread but no harm in asking questions now. I would like to find out if anyone knows about working with NGOs, advocacy groups and what province is good for me.
I am a lawyer but I don't want to practice law in Canada. My focus is on human management and social change/advocacy (I used this term cos that's what I see abroad people call those who work with NGOs).

Please an guidance on province and establishment to look out for.
I also want to look at schooling options that's one can do part ime or even online.
@blackbuddy I have this uncanny feeling I know you. Did you go to OSU and worked in 1st Bank before relocating (sorry if the question is personal)

Hi, in any location you have people, there will always be the need for persons who can manage them and the processes for social change. That being said, I think any province would have a need for people with your skills just that it might be easier to break into the field in some locations more than others. So I think you might find it beneficial to work from a place where you have some comfort for a start, that is where you have family and friends to act as your settlement/support base. So look at those places where you have people you can rely on as you find your feet, research the work opportunities there and if available, the free newcomer training resources. Most cities have these newcomer agencies, funded by government for this purpose.

As you research the job vacancies you find online for these cities, check to see if/which certifications are required. By the time you check about 20 to 60 vacancies, you would have seen which requirements or certification they have in common. Then you find which institute/school offers the certification and what else is required. Your family and friends may be able to put you in touch with someone in this field and from there you speak to them and their colleagues, expanding your network. A simple online search can show you schools that have the course on offer and you read online reviews to have a sense of them and their reputation. Look at the LinkedIn profiles of people working in this field, see which certification they hold and where they got it from. Reach out to some of them, you never know if they will connect with you and offer some tips. Many will not respond but the few that do can make a world of difference, just keep your requests short, polite and sweet. There are many paralegal opportunities as well you could consider with some recruiting agencies available to assist with work opportunities especially in larger cities. I think this would be a good way to start of your research.

Hope this assists you and by the way, I didn't go to OSU or work in First Bank but I know we are all part of the same Canadian family

tribeD:
Hello everyone, this thread is awesome..

I finally completed reading from pages 0-60 of this thread and I must commend everyone who has been contributing. I salute our elders here : Blackbuddy the gentle helper and encourager; maternal- the hard hitting, blunt but practical man, TheCongo2- insightful with very strong and helpful points, Salford1- my fellow Engineer with pictures and fantastic contributions that make one feel like they are in Canada already. Vcole, honey86: Wura27, SlowlybtSurely , 40manlappy , Ehrnie , Ekpekus, dupyshoo, Ballerz, Canadianfly, MummyJaygirls and every other person I say a big thank you for keeping this thread alive and for your insightful contributions.

We are awaiting our stamped passports and our profile on myCIC account has finally shown ‘approved’.

A quick one, I have a Masters in Chemical Engineering from the UK (same field for B.Sc) but about 4 years experience is in drilling with an international firm. I want to move on to my main field which is chem. Engr, please what course(s) and/or certifications would you suggest I pursue. I am doing my own research at the moment.
Will an MBA help in terms of getting better job for an Engineer?

Cc black buddy, salford1, maternal, fusion23, TheCongo2

Hi, I believe you will be able to find a position to start off with based on your current experience while you pursue the necessary engineering licensure. A break down for this was recently shared on the thread by salford1, https://www.nairaland.com/3617393/living-canada-life-canadian-immigrant/52#59515959

I wouldn't advise rushing into an MBA just yet, not that it isn't good but you may come to find life pulling your career in another direction in your field. I would feel you should land first, see what is happening, see where employers are hiring vis a vis your skills, network with people already working here, see where various sector of industry are heading and where/how you can position yourself for the long term future.

An example, some people I know in Saudi Arabia are already thinking how they can transit their engineering skills in the petroleum sector towards solar technology as the Saudi government is diversifying away from dependence on revenue from fossil fuels. So likewise, research online and see where engineering is going in Canada and how you can position yourself to be in a good place 5 years from now professionally instead of doing 'catch up' at that time.

I have a friend here who was into power systems back in Nigeria, batteries and electrical back up systems etc. Having landed here, he got a job in this same field through Linkedin but is now studying for an opportunity to get into solar power as a tech. He got his job and started to read and pass each stage of licensing and certification required for his job. Having gotten some certificates under his belt, he has switched to another employer and doing well. This guy is also now able to do minor electrical work for people and getting paid for it, private practice.

The Ontario government is going big on solar power having shut down coal power processes a few years back. As manufacturing concerns are looking for cheaper and environmentally friendly power sources, they are taking advantage of government incentives to acquire and install solar power systems, not only nuclear. A lot of people are also getting solar systems for their personal homes and getting incentives from the provincial govt for this. Once one installs a solar power system in your home or personal business, you get a reduction in your hydro bill especially if you are generating and feeding power into the public grid. So you can imagine the sort of work/contract opportunities for the companies and people who have experience in this area.

If after you land, you still want the pursue the MBA, good and fine. At least you would have 'seen for yourself', the way the wind is blowing and set your sails accordingly. My main point is please be open to what is available through lots of research for someone with your skills. Networking and reaching out to people on ground will save you lots of time and bring you closer to your aim. I came with certain expectations too based on my previous experience in control, audit and fraud investigation but I ran my ideas by those I met on ground in my banking and finance area. I learnt from their experiences and coupled with the training for experienced newcomers I received, I made some moves. Not long after, I found myself in AML Investigations, a related field I wouldn't have thought of back home. Less then 2 years at this job and another unit in the same bank is coming to poach me to join them on High Risk Investigations because of the successes I've recorded in my current unit. This is another people manager role, the only person hired at that level with non-Canadian experience in the group, no fancy certifications, just experience and demonstrated skills. If I was not open to research, study and mentorship, the story may have been different. If I had discounted my foreign experience, I would gone on a round-about journey only to arrive here in some donkey years whereas my directors value what I have to offer. I still pursue mentoring opportunities and also actively mentor others in return, that way, I'm ahead of the curve, always in the know as to what is going on. Please see this post I made concerning some organizations dedicated to helping newcomers find some success after landing, you can get in touch before you land to learn of how they assist and see if their services make sense for you. https://www.nairaland.com/3617393/living-canada-life-canadian-immigrant/43#59077193.

Hope these tips help.

dacoza007:
Bro, I saw the same offer weeks back, I know of people who did it, went to do affidavit, did police character report, and medical test in Abuja.... one of those who failed the medical got back his money in full, he had hepatitis , got his passport 2 weeks after.... I was worried because the requirements are simple, minimum of o level, n am also confused because they returned d money after writing a letter, n got dr passport afterwards, can u pls help confirm if companies in canada employ foreigners ,getting them LMIA with 2years contract. the job are menial, waiter n fish parker....i want to b certain before I go for it, pls help a brother struggling

Hi, I'm still waiting for the names of these companies but I would advise that you be careful please. Canada is not a bed of roses as you may have read being explained here by some persons. While the government is trying to bring in more experienced, skilled hands, there is also a large population already here who still don't have jobs. It's not because they are not looking for work but have not been able to stay above the competition or sell themselves the right way to land a good role. And we have thousands of qualified people here, some of whom you may know as family members or friends struggling to find work or better job opportunities.

So when somebody is now saying he wants to give you in Nigeria a Canadian job over all the people who are already here legally, willing and able to work, I would advice caution. It is a lengthy and expensive process to process LMIA it is not just for any menial job as you stated. Also just as people get rejected for PR application so also does LMIA application from employers get rejected. So what's the guarantee of success and who foots the bills if the process fails? Who are the employers these agents are representing and why this off shore recruitment? Ask yourself, why would these so called agents appear to overlook landed people with papers to offer you who is thousands of miles away a job when one doesn't already have any papers? Like we say, shine your eyes please.

Iruosonobrugwhe:
Please between Oanda.com and xe.com, which is the most reliable for exchange rates? the disparity is too much as at today(N266-1CAD for oanda and N289-1 CAD for xe)?. this PoF must bot cause high BP

Hi, both are reliable Canadian companies with XE.com, which was formerly known as Xenon Laboratories Inc. founded in 1993 and based in Toronto and Oanda.ca which came later in 1996, also HQ'd in Toronto. Another currency exchange is Transferwise. launched in 2011. Based on this article, XE is the biggest of the 3 and actually highly respected, http://www.smoothstat.com/compare/xe.com-vs-oanda.com/

Due to rapidly evolving market movements, there are sometimes disparities in the exchange rates they quote daily for currencies but CIC is guided by the rates published by the Bank of Canada and not by the private currency exchanges. Unfortunately, the Naira is not publicly quoted on Bank of Canada website but we use XE and Oanda to have a benchmark to work with when calculating POF and it is wise to work with the higher quoted rates at any time so as to be above the curve. Hope this helps.

lightdream:
Hello house.Please can anyone help me query if something below exist for Nigerian in Canada.

We have Job Offer slots with companies who are ready to employ with or without a degree and will also process your LMIA then send you a Valid Job Offer / Contract within 4 months , with a Valid job offer you can
- Obtain a PR under the Express Entry or
- Apply for a Temporary work permit with out writing an IELTS .
Benefits :-
- Accommodation comes with every contract
- Contracts from 2years upward
- Even without an O'level you can apply
- No monthly deduction in your salary
- No IELTS
- Within 21-27 days you will receive your application tracking ID then wait for the Job offer/contract and LMIA to be issued within the period of 1-4 months and 3weeks .
- After receiving your original contracts and offer letters , you can apply for a Work Permit Visa.

I have an interest I just want to know if its actually exist with pros and cons before I proceed.
Thank you

Hi, what's the name of the company or firm offering these fantastical services so we can do open source research on them and advise.

tbaby2015:
Great weekend everyone,

Please I need clarifications. Just noticed my baby's country of birth on the e-medical form was entered as Nigeria, whereas its US.
Do I need to request for another one?

You can go ahead with the medical but reply back to the VO about the error you noticed for them to correct their records.

freeradical:
Does this mean if one books a flight to say Edmonton, Alta and this was routed through Montreal the person won't be allowed to enter Canada because he is FSW? I need to clarify this because I'm about booking flight ticket soon to Alberta.

CC blackbuddy

You will definitely be able to land and also go on to complete your journey.

Wndy842003:
Good morning everyone.
I just stumbled on this group by chance. My family was recently contacyed to go so our medicals aftrr waiting for almost 3 years. But my hubby is currently in yankee. I dont even know where to start from. Please advice and sugg6will be much appreciated.

Thank you.

Your husband can do his medicals in the US while the rest of you do yours in Nigeria. This is allowed so far you all use CIC designated clinics.

40manlappy:
See what I found out via the following links and IRCC's Twitter handle. Take note of references to the statutes.

Of course, you cannot do your landing formalities in Quebec.

cc: Blackbuddy, Fusion23

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/about-pr.asp

https://www.quora.com/Does-Canada-Express-Entry-PR-allow-someone-to-work-in-Quebec-as-well

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/living-and-working-in-quebec-as-a-fsw-immigrant.440737/

The clarification provided between landing and settling is appreciated, thanks much.

Nwandy218:
Hello Fam,

Please we are still in research and decision stage and we need your help. Family of 4, an infant and a toddler. Is it possible to land and process PR in Ottawa but live in Gatineau/ Quebec. Will I be allowed to enroll my children in Que daycare ? I speak french, so language is not a barrier but got ITA through FSW.

No, unless you got PR through Quebec CSQ programme, you can't settle in Quebec with your PR obtained via FSW. You can land, process entry in Ottawa and settle anywhere in Canada except Quebec if you got your PR through Federal ITA. If you got your PR through Provincial Nomination then you can settle only in your nominating province initially. Based on what I've seen since landing here, you can relocate to Quebec or away from Quebec if they nominated you AFTER you become a Canadian citizen. Same applies for provincial nominees that I've met who relocated to other provinces after getting their citizenship.

crazyinlove:
Thanks Blackbuddy. But my worry is that while filling my application, I answered NO in the section that they asked if my spouse have applied for Permanent Residence before.

I can confirm it's a negligible ommission as applicants who made similar errors in the past were not adversely affected by it. The error is not material and can be later explained as such through LOE if asked. People who even failed to mention they had visa refusals in the past still scale through so what is returned application scenario? Relax sir, please move on to researching about your new province and new country.

crazyinlove:
Hi elders in the house.

Why would my spouse and baby have 10 digits UCI and I have 8 digits.

She applied for FSWP in 2014 and her application was returned even before her account was debited.

My major concern now is I didn't mention that in my application.

What do you advise

UCI is either 8 or 10 digits, both are normal. See here, http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=772&top=4

As your spouse's previous application was not processed before it was returned, it will not affect your current application adversely.

yimiton:
I feel I need to share this here in case anyone is in my position and don't know what to do about it.

I have names that appear very inconsistent in all my degrees. My full name is Mary Olamide Emeka (not real name) and my name in the following documents are as follows:

Master's degree: Mide Mary Emeka

First degree: Emeka Made Mary (notice the wrong spelling in Mide)

IELTS: Mary Olamide Johnson (married name is Johnson)

WES: Emeka (Johnson) Mide Mary (Olamide) - I like how WES wrote the very complete names

So, to avoid stories that touch, I went to Lagos State ministry of justice and swore an affidavit of 'one and same person' informing the world that no matter how my name is written spelt, it's one and the same person. I listed all the possible ways it can be presented and it was upto 6!

I earnestly pray that CIC will accept my affidavit and treat my application but for now, I'm not letting it give me a headache. I have attached the affidavit with my educational credentials and waiting to submit my application as soon as we do our medicals on Tuesday.

Not to worry, as long as the affidavit was sworn to in a competent office of the court, it will be accepted. CIC relies on the position/authority of the court that stamped the affidavit in this regard. In other words, if it is okay with the Nigerian court, it is okay for CIC.

kimipa:
And what if your Supervisor or Manager refuses to do so for fear of the HR being contacted by CIC, because if CIC contacts the HR directly the supervisor will surely be queried for signing such a document. I have seen it happen before. Hence my question as to what to do.

If it is not done on the company's letter head but on plain paper, it can be accepted by CIC as this has been done by some other applicants. Adding the supervisor's complimentary card lends credence and is quite okay. An added letter of explanation that this was done because of HR policies of the company concerned is also good to include.

Olamidexy:
Hello house, is it possible to add a spouse to your cic application after you get ppr and what is the process like?

Hi, it is possible if you immediately inform AVO or the VO concerned that you now have a spouse and wish to have the person added to your application. This will delay issuance of your PR visa as you will be required to pay the person's application fee, the person will need to undergo and pass medicals and you will have to increase and provide evidence of appropriate POF for your new family size. You'll also need to pay RPRF for your spouse after the new medicals before both of you then receive a new PPR. All the best.

AwesomeGod:
Hello,
I am new to this forum and looking to migrate to Canada. I will like to ask if the city I choose while creating a profile for express entry can be changed when i get there? If you are NOT a provincial nominee but received ITA direct, you can move to a different city from that indicated in your application In other words, do i have to move to the particular location I used in calculating my eligibility? If you are a provincial nominee, you can move to any city within your nominating province only
Also how does one get around the POF? My understanding is that you must have the amount in your account before you even start to create your profile? I am self employed and do not receive a payslip? This issue has been discussed severally in the Canadian Express Entry/Federal Skilled Workers Program thread, I suggest you go there to read the many extensive suggestions concerning this, https://www.nairaland.com/2624318/canadian-express-entry-federal-skilled How do i work around this? I look forward to your response. God bless you.

Hi, hope the above helps you out.

pauloverdi:
Hello house. God bless you all for your insightful questions and responses. Please can anyone advice on the kind of jobs a person with marketing experience from a nigerian bank and a science first degree can search for in canada

There are 2 broad categorizations for someone with your background to consider as a start; Customer Service Representative (this is what tellers/cashiers are known as here) and Financial Service Representative (this is what bank marketers/relationship officers are known as). Other positions to consider are Call Center Agent, Financial Advisor, Mortgage Advisor, Card Product Agent, etc.
To get an idea of what is available, check Indeed.ca, eluta, Workopolis, glassdoor and other job sites like this, https://ca.indeed.com/Banking-jobs

For bank certifications to increase your chances when you land and start your job search consider the IFC and CSC from CSI, https://www.csi.ca/student/en_ca/home.xhtml

Tspice2015:
I have to disagree with you on ACCA not adding points to the EE profile. ACCA is evaluated by WES as equivalent to a bachelors degree.

You are right, thanks for pointing it out.

kazala:
Hello bosses,

at what stage can i include a professional qualification like CFA?

For Canadian immigration/application purpose, professional qualifications like the CFA, ICAN, ACCA do not give any points. These might serve some use when you have landed and are job hunting.

dtush:
Hello House,

Is there a way to find out how much banks charge for NGN/CAD. i need to pay my application and ROPR fees. Gtb, stanbic or heritage bank?

Thanks

For exchange rates, you can consider Aboki FX, https://www.abokifx.com/

10shuare:
Pls house help me. I intend relocating with family to Canada. Pls how do I go about the processing. Pls help me. U can reach me on 08034423482 on WhatsApp.thks

For help and guidance with how to relocate to Canada with a family, you should follow the conversations at this thread where the Canadian Express Entry program is broken down, https://www.nairaland.com/2624318/canadian-express-entry-federal-skilled

sirlop:
Thanks bro for your contribution. Do you advice me to start the training here or to start it when I get there.

I would advise you make up your mind if you want to immigrate to Canada first then pursue the PR visa accordingly. Once your application is at an advanced stage, you can begin to position your self for a successful integration by way of research, training and networking. Some of the training opportunities can be initiated online and then completed when you land here. You will need to identify which one will meet your particular need and follow through. Another avenue that helps is to connect with and network among people working in your desired filed here. They could share their experiences with you and help you over some hurdles that lie ahead. Please read backwards on this thread to see some strategies that have been previously shared concerning this.

You could also check out this link, it applies to every field and may be useful to you, http://mentoringpartnership.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/JobSearchLinkedIn.pdf