₦airaland Forum

Wura27:
Thanks very much for this Blackbuddy. I sent you a PM but I understand you're very busy coupled with the time difference.

I have finance/ IT security background, please I need advise on the best provinces to land with my background. I'm pretty open to any province because I'm on my own so I'd just get need to get an apartment and start my job search.

Also, kindly advise on the newcomer professional training to register for.

Thanks

Hi, please check the info at this link. It may help you out, https://www.nairaland.com/3617393/living-canada-life-canadian-immigrant/43#59077193

And this is as well, https://www.nairaland.com/3617393/living-canada-life-canadian-immigrant/38#58927995

I will later access my email and respond to your message there.

sirlop:
Pls house, I intend coming to Canada. I studied Civil Engineering at Bachelor's and Masters Level. what chances do I have securing a job there. your help is appreciated.

Hi, Canada's relatively stable economy at this time is the reason for a steady increase in job creation rates and improving work opportunities. With your great education level, you stand a chance to compete favorably once you are willing to do the ground work required to make you stand out. By ground work I mean you should select a good foreign trained professionals assistance agency that will help you understand the local requirements to work and help you with entry into a professional network that can support your integration. Of course this is after you have applied for and received a Canadian permanent resident visa. Nothing is easy but the pay off is worth it especially when you land a nice job. Once you learn how to package your years of working experience and how to conduct your job search efficiently, it's only a matter of time before you get settled. I know a gentleman who landed here and after his professional newcomer training, he made a list of likely employers for his field in engineering and started to cold call on them, that is, to walk into their offices and request to speak with managers there. On one such day, he walked into an office and told the receptionist he's an experienced trained engineer looking for an opportunity to discuss industry trends with senior professionals in this field. She was so impressed, she scheduled a meeting for him with a senior manager. The senior manager met with him, discussed his background and how he can fit into the industry here and offered him a job, just like that. He started work immediately and after a while found another higher role with a bigger firm that is one of the contractors working on the Metrolinx train line projects in the GTA. He told his boss about it who immediately encouraged him to go for it and the rest is history. This gentleman is one of the people who took my advice on Canadavisa forum to get some newcomer professional training while job searching to enhance his chances and he is doing very well now, very fulfilled. I'm sure if you read backwards on this thread you will find other such positive stories that can power you forward. I wish you the very best ahead.

MissShakara:
I have a credit card here in Nigeria with a limit of $2k, have had it for some years now with good history. Would it help me in anyway? Should I print the statement and come with it?

cc Ballerz, Blackbuddy

If it is not issued by a Canadian financial institution, it wont help much.

chimah3:
Oh wow!

What documents were required.

Elders, please if CIBC doesn't give me a credit card and I go to another bank that is willing to, can I pull all my cash out and go to the new bank?


Hope it won't affect me!

You can actually get a proper credit card from CIBC when you open your account and request for one but it is not issued immediately. No bank gives credit card same day you open account as it has to be processed centrally from their head office credit unit. Based on their internal applicant scoring system, you get started with a credit card with a limit that ranges from $500 to $1,500 (or more, depending on the bank and how they score your profile). With good use and prompt payments of your credit bill, your limit can be increased later on. I started with RBC but requested only a debit card though they offered me their credit card. A week later, I opened another account with CIBC and they offered me a credit card with $1,500 limit. They later offered me an increase to $5,000.00 but I opted for just $4,000.00. They have now offered me another increase to $7,000 but I turned it down. You don't need a high limit card if you use the one you have conscientiously and pay back promptly, that is how you build a good credit score. Based on good credit history, you can access a mortgage later especially if you have a good, steady source of income. This applies to all banks please.

40manlappy:
Is it possible to register with Acces Employment before landing?

cc: Ballerz

Yes it is, they have online guidance and mentoring programs for pre-arrival activities and you can also reserve a space in their upcoming professional programs so that when you land, you don't need to be on a waiting list. I had a guy in my cohort from Pakistan who booked a space in our course before he left his country and was able to join the start of the program 2 days after he landed! Before the program was concluded, he landed a role with Tangerine Bank but still completed the program as he felt he was learning a lot and then went on to resume at his job.

Ballerz:
If you are online, this is ongoing, you can quickly join.

Thank you for registering for "Webinar with RBC Royal Bank: Steps to a Successful Interview in Canada".

In this webinar, RBC HR and ACCES Employment staff will discuss the following:

•Common interview questions asked in Canada
•How to prepare for the different interview stages
•Tips on standing out from other candidates as a newcomer professional
Please send your questions, comments and feedback to: rlee@accesemployment.ca
How To Join The Webinar
Thu, Aug 10, 2017 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM WAT
Add to Calendar: Outlook® Calendar | Google Calendar&#8482 | iCal®
1. Click the link to join the webinar at the specified time and date:
https://global.gotowebinar.com/join/2780375019835673859/437166385

Note: This link should not be shared with others; it is unique to you.
Before joining, be sure to check system requirements to avoid any connection issues.
2. Choose one of the following audio options:
TO USE YOUR COMPUTER'S AUDIO:
When the webinar begins, you will be connected to audio using your computer's microphone and speakers (VoIP). A headset is recommended.
--OR--
TO USE YOUR TELEPHONE:
If you prefer to use your phone, you must select "Use Telephone" after joining the webinar and call in using the numbers below.
Canada (Toll-free): 1 888 455 1368
Access Code: 183-520-041
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Webinar ID: 716-576-515
To Cancel this Registration
If you can't attend this webinar, you may cancel your registration at any time.

This is very nice of you to share @ballerz. I highly recommend that people join this webinar and also register with Acces Employment at their website for their newcomer services. I am an alumni of their program and attest to the fantastic service.

Canadianfly:
Yea interested in this too. And also Windsor, Brampton and London

London and Brampton (as part of the GTA) have previously been highlighted here, I suggest you read backwards on this thread to catch up. As for Windsor, it's largely an automotive industry hub due to its proximity to Detroit, US across the river and also the location for a major university. I don't know what your background is but it would be a great place for those who are into trades as a place to settle in my little opinion. It is a nice, smaller city and if you have a good support base of family and friends there, you could consider it.

Garykasparov:
Hello Peeps,
I have my own questions and quite directed @Blackbuddy.

We have since made up our minds that its Ontario to land as we are both into finance. However, staying in GTA is out of our options as well. I am yet to here about STRATFORD and KITCHENER AND WATERLOO here. Can someone kindly enlighten the peculiarities of this places. Preference is cheap housing(an opportunity to buy in near future) and securing finance jobs with good proximity, low cost of living. Stratford, Kitchener and Waterloo are all nice places to live but in terms of scope for people with finance background, I would say you look more closely at Kitchener and Waterloo which are larger and have more concentration of likely employers for you. Kitchener is the seat of the regional municipality and is a twin city to Waterloo, they are sometimes referred to as Kitchener-Waterloo area together. You could settle in either settle and pursue work opportunities as far as Toronto which is about 100 km away. People who live there commute to Toronto using the GO transport system of trains and buses. Stratford is a small place, favored by white retirees so I don't imagine its the kind of place you want to start out. The economy is driven by agriculture and tourism with a little auto industry. I'm sure you can do more research to support your final decision.

2. Is it worth pursuing the CPA qualification, or it is your skill that really matter. Considering it is a huge investment but an easy one for me, does it add that much value or there are other things worthy of such investment. i intend to get an assistant controller job. The CPA opens doors for those who want to pursue accounting as a profession but you will still need to find a way to gain Canadian experience. That is the overriding consideration here but if you don't mind the wait to grow in a role and establish yourself, it is worth it as experienced accountants command good salaries. Alternatively, you might consider getting into marketing/financial service rep position in the banks or insurance companies which is an easier and faster way to get into the game here and the job is not as stressful as it is back home. Sure there is some pressure like in any job but when you consider the numerous stuff you're expected to do back home on the job as against the focus to your tasks here, it's almost a no-brainer. When you land and have a few informational interviews and meet with some recruiters, you will be better suited to make an informed choice

Hi, hope the above gives you some pointers.

Naommydammy:
Hi guys, if I couldnt submit my international passport on the day I was asked to submit it , is there anything I can in such situation?

You are given a time frame within which to submit your passport and recently it ranges from 15 days to 30 days. It is advisable to send the passport within that time frame to guarantee you get your PR timely. You can however also request for a time extension during that time frame and explain the extenuating circumstance that requires an extension. You need to provide some evidence of why you need the extension e.g. you are currently out of the country on a training exercise so you scan and attach the training invite and pages of your passport showing your exit stamps. This is just one example, ensure your reason is tenable as some review officers may not grant you any extension and if you miss the submission window, you might end up forfeiting the PR visa and have to apply all over again.

TheWatcher212:
The battle is first won in the mind. You hit the nail on the head. Very well said. Thanks for being very articulate in your write up. I am moving to Mississauga soon, would be nice to grab a drink sometime.

That would be fine, all the best with your move.

Bolivia:
Hi folks,
I must admit that this forum has been rich and highly informative. Congratulations to all d PPR/COPR recipients, and holla to all d Pre & Post ITA recipients as we await the fulfilment of our dream of immigrating to Canada.
I am kinda in a dilemma and would not want to wait until I get to the crossroad before knowing what to do(considering the allotted time for submission of passport after PPR is just 15days and it takes CIC about 30days to respond to mails).
My spouse is in Canada on a study visa, and I the principal applicant is in Nigeria. Do we both have to send our passport to Accra or(I send to Ghana while she sends to Ottawa)?
Please I need the advise of elders in the house on what is ideal.
Thank you.

Hi, when you receive PPR you can send your passport to AVO and inform them that your spouse is in Canada and so, hers will be submitted there to Ottawa.

bbaby84:
@blackbuddy please respond to my pm it's urgent.
It's regarding POF
Thank you.

Hi, I've responded.

debris:
hi dear all am just saying is that i already have the visa not that is under review,you mean i should leave it?
i thought about applying from as i heard getting it from canada is difficult.

Hi debris, different strokes for different folks as I know people who came as students and got the PR while here. Everything is on case to case basis, not everybody who applies from Nigeria through EE will have the same processing speed or outcome, likewise, some people may have challenge doing it in Canada and some will sail through the process. The important thing is to start your own application, afterall not everyone in your class in year one made it to final year. Please be assured and hopeful of good success in your endeavors.

Ehrnie:
Hi – many thanks for your detailed response. Very much appreciated.

Just a few things (still) to clarify though.

Re: Q4 – how do I process my PR status? Apart from the documentation at the PoE and giving them an address in CAN to send my PR card to, what else is expected? Nothing more, once you land and your COPR is stamped with the date you entered Canada, that is when you become a PR and the entry visa in your passport is cancelled. At that point you are a landed PR wether at the airport or border point for those who will drive through US border.

With regards to my Social Insurance Number, I'm meant to take my passport + CoPR issued by IRCC (since I wouldn't have gotten my PR card in the short time frame) to the nearest service CAN office. If everything is okay, i will get my SIN that same day and will not need to part with any of my original docs. Is this correct..? Please correct me if I am wrong You are correct, you will never have to leave your original documents with anyone at any point for SIN

Many thanks and apologies for the back & forth…it’s just that I really want to make the best use of the 10 days I will be short landing for…

Hi, see above please.

Afamdi12:
Okay. At the time I submitted in June, I had deposited about 300K extra in POF but using today's exchange rate, the total POF in my bank statement has fallen below required sum. Are you saying CIC will use today's Oanda exchange rate to calculate assuming they were looking at my file today or they will calculate based on my submission date in June? I am pnp so my file is yet to be attended to tho, hopefully rates normalise. However, your response is scary bro...

CIC is interested in the POF as dollars but you are allowed to hold the equivalent as Naira, pounds, rupees, cedis, etc. So you are expected to have the dollar equivalent till conclusion of the application review process. If on Monday your POF is say, 4m naira and equal to $20,000.00 which is the expected POF for a family of 4 (this is just an example please), if exchange rate fluctuates and on Friday, your 4m is no longer equal to $20,000.00 but is now equal to $18,000.00, can you say have the complete POF? Ofcourse not, because you no longer have the equivalent of $20,000.00. I am not out to scare you please but just to clarify the expectation, hence I illustrated with the example of the 2014 FSW PR set so you monitor the exchange rate and increase your POF accordingly or just get the complete dollars and keep so that if naira goes up or down, you're not concerned as your $20k remains complete. This thinking keeps you ready incase you receive request for updated POF which is for the VO to see if your POF is still up to the dollar equivalent. Remember, the currency used to measure the POF is Canadian dollars not naira so please ensure your Naira POF is equal to the dollars expected for your family size at all times.

Hope you understand now.

toyogirl:
Thanks for the detailed response....I have a few questions:

For someone that has about 5yrs work experience in naija and say maybe a year break from work (for home keeping reasons) and decides to go the internship route to refresh on skills & gain 'Canadian work experience', what would be the person's fate after the internship period? This depends on the terms of the internship with that organization in the sense that some organisations have a policy to provide the internship as a form of corporate social responsibility to assist new immigrants or recent graduates with no work experience but they will not retain the intern at the end of the period. Some other organisations will retain the intern based on good performance and if they have space. You may perform well but if there is no space for you, you leave and move on so that somebody can have the chance to intern. It's like NYSC in Nigeria, some people serve and are retained by the organization. Some people serve and are offered a permanent role but turn it down and move on. Others serve and there is no offer to retain you, you carry your discharge certificate and go then another batch of corpers come in. Life goes on, you take the experience you have garnered and use it to develop your professional life and enhance your job searchWhat I mean is could such one still be placed at least close to mid level or? This is entirely based on the organisation taking you on and their internal policies for interns. Most organisations will try you out on a junior role and then upgrade you if they like your performance. The idea is to test you out and see if you merit increased responsibility. It's the same way you would act if you were an employer. You start out small, and then increase the scope to see if performance and quality of output is consistent before you increase responsibility

Secondly, I read some info on requirements for internship by most of those big coys...eg Accenture (CGPA requirements et Al)....would it be same requirements for new immigrants? Requirements is the same for everybody wether new immigrant, new school leaver, Canadian citizen etc. Everybody competes on the same level playing field, same opportunity, it's just that some organisations reserve intern slots for newcomers, some slots for women, some slot for gay people, some slots for Indigenous people but you all face the same process to get in

Your usual kind response would be highly appreciated!

Hi, please see my input above.

EJIZY:
Wasn't aware of this information....I thought they said someone can have dual intent i.e process both applications at a time. Heard of someone that got both TRV and PR.I have a study permit in process and am hoping to get ITA soon as I just entered the pool, will this affect my application in anyway. Please what do you people advise I do.

Hi, this was an incident that was quite shocking and seeing the GCMS notes left me with mixed feelings. Which is why I did not foreclose on debris' bid to apply for PR while holding a student visa but to deal with some caution. Using the 'bird in hand' circumstance, he/she can land and then begin the PR application process. Of course, you're free to go ahead with your situation and apply. It should be that the VOs treat these things on a case by case basis and yours may end in success on both fronts. By all means, please ask more questions to inform your final position.

debris:
i already got my student visa here for fall term is it advisable i apply for Canadian PR skilled work as am eligible for it?

Wait until you land as a student to then apply for PR. You can get most of the required documentation in place now ahead of your PR application. Unfortunately for a friend, he applied for PR visa while processing student visa, both were denied. He requested for his GCMS and observed that a review officer remarked they were not convinced of his intentions; they didn't understand why he was applying for student visa and then pursuing PR, he appeared as a desperate applicant so they shut him down. For your situation, land as a student first, then apply for PR if you meet the requirements. That's what most other students with work experience do, cheers.

calfy:
Great people of NL, good evening. I got ITA yesterday and want to launch my application immediately. However, I have an ongoing study permit that I want to withdraw. I also paid the sum $20,000 CAD as tuition fee and want to apply for a refund. A friend of mine asked me to open a bank account in Canada and move the money into the account since I want to use it for my POF (family of three). Please below are my questions:

1> How can I open a bank account in Canada while in Nigeria? Google the Canadian banks like CIBC, RBC, BMO, Scotiabank, TD Bank to know the procedure to open an account from outside. They have products for this on their websites

2> If I succeed in opening the bank account, how can I get a signed and stamped statement of account with the letter from the bank that I can use as POF in line with the guidelines of IRCC. When you open the account, you get online banking access with which you can access and show your account activity and balance. This is acceptable for proof of funds especially as you have been proactive to move the funds through formal banking channels

Please anybody with experience in this should help out.

Hi, hope the above helps.

Afamdi12:
Good evening. Please are you all seeing exchange rate for CAD? I submitted my application AOR June, PNP and seeing the rate today, my submitted proof of funds have fallen below the required 12164? Is that a challenge? Anyone with this experience, future or present? Please your thoughts will be appreciated

It is a good idea to keep monitoring the exchange rates and adjust your POF accordingly because your POF is measured in Canadian dollars and you are expected to maintain the equivalent in Naira for Nigerian applicants. Back when I applied in 2014, I ensured my POF was above the required equivalent funds so that when the exchange rates went up, I was covered and didn't have to worry about increasing it. Some others just converted their Naira to US dollars and put in their dom account which was smart because when others suffered as the naira fell in 2015, they were safe and smiling. They just took their dollars with them to Canada when they received their PR.

Ehrnie:
Hi All - I'm so new on this thread ....I recently "graduated" from our sister thread ""Canada EE/FSWP". I've read through all the pages and must commend the good work going on here. Thanks.

So, I intend to do a short landing (I believe that's what its called) towards the end of the year i.e. check into CAN and then return to base say after 2 weeks.... then return to CAN at a much later date. Can you kindly help with my questions -

(1) What documents should I take along with me for the short landing? Since it's a short landing, just bring your passport and COPR, evidence/proof of fund just in case an intake official randomly asks for it (this could be cash, your recently printed bank statement showing the remaining funds in your account, investment documentation etc), drivers licence, list of goods accompanying you in excel with approximate value and total stated. This link shows you what is expected when you land, http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/before-border.asp
(2) Do I need to have my PoF cash in hand even though I am just there for two weeks? Or will bank statements and investment statements suffice? Apart from cash you will need for the duration of your stay, the evidences you listed are in order as I indicated above
(3) Do I have to tell the officers at PoE that I am here for short landing? Are we permitted to "short-land"... No need to, curtails too many questions about your long term intent. All that they need to know is that you are a PR and you are here
(4) What quick wins can I nail in the two week period i.e. open bank accounts, or registrations necessary as a PR holder etc.? What sort of registrations can I get done (or am I required to do) in that short time frame. You will be able to process your PR status and have your entry visa cancelled. You will be able to obtain your SIN, open bank account, research accommodation options, see some job recruiters. You will be able to initiate the Canadian drivers licence process. Depending on the province, you could register for health care immediately, for others you have to be on ground for a certain period before you get health coverage
(5) Since I intend travelling towards Christmas, I'd like to know if offices shutdown for the year as that will help clarify Q4 above. No point going during a period when offices will be shut really. Depending on which sector and individual companies, a lot of sectors are open all year round like healthcare, finance, etc
(6) I have a UK drivers license - Can I drive with this in CAN? Do I have to sit any other tests...? You might need an international drivers licence in addition to the UK licence in certain provinces. You'll need to check the website of your target province
(7) From time to time, can I remit money into my CAN bank account (that's if I get it opened)...? is it advisable in terms of exchange rates and all.... Sure and if the rates are favorable from time to time, might be a good way to move your funds.

Apologies for my many questions - it just shows that indeed I have just landed on this thread.

Many thanks in advance!!!

Hi, hope the opinions above help.

berniemac:
Hello House,

I just started following this forum and it has really helped with my application process. But before I started reading the blog i engaged a law firm -David Cohen's to be specific. I have found out that they have not helped other than collect money and give scanty information. I already paid half the fees but feel that with the help and interactions here I can go ahead and complete the process myself.

I want to terminate the contract before they open an account to submit my EE. So the relevant questions are:

Is it possible to terminate a contract if fees are still pending? / second installment hasn't been paid (especially if it is before the submission of the EE application?) Yes you can terminate a contract with a representative but you must inform them first as business courtesy and per the terms of the contract you signed. Once this is done, you fill the form to cancel them with CIC/IRCC. Learn about that at this link, http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/representative.asp
Is there any kind of severance fee or does it just need to be a written letter asking for termination of services? It is according to the terms of the contract you signed with them firm. Just as they can terminate their right to represent you per the terms of the contract, you can also terminate them

Thanks.

Hi, see above.

redocean:
Thank you much.

Now am having some serious concerns. The certificate was issued by a Catholic Church and I have never had any issue using it for visa application. However, looking at the internet now, it's very different. No coat of arms on it.

Anyone one with a useful experience in this regards?

No need to worry, I also submitted a Catholic Church issued marriage certificate and I'm in Canada as a PR. It is accepted.

Yooku:
Oga @Blackbuddy still waiting for you and any other seniors to comment on the above please @Fusion23 @TheCongo2 @maternal @salford1

Please pardon the delay in replying. The training programs could come in the form of those organized by settlement agencies, bridging programs and/or internships.

Let me illustrate based on my experience and research with examples;

Access Employment, http://accesemployment.ca/index.php/working-in-your-sector

They have great sector specific training programs which help internationally trained professionals to understand the Canadian work environment and prepare you for focused job search. They aid with resume writing, interview prep and most importantly, networking. Please use the link above to research/contact them

COSTI, http://www.costi.org/programs/employment.php

They extensive expertise and experience in operating successful employment programs aimed specifically at assisting internationally trained individuals to obtain meaningful employment. Please see their link above as well.

Career Edge, https://www.careeredge.ca/for-job-seekers/register-iqp/

They assist experienced newcomers by connecting Canadian employers to job seekers through a paid internship. Following the internship, you are better equipped to tackle the wider job market and may be retained by your employer on a permanent, elevated basis.

YMCA Employment Services, http://ymca.ca/What-We-Offer/Employment-Services

Their programs are more general in nature for those who want opportunities in lower level work opportunities or trade occupations and youths. They also have placement opportunities, mentorship and one on one support.

Dixie Bloor Neighborhood Centre, http://dixiebloor.ca/employment-2/job-search-workshops-for-newcomers-to-canada/

They have short job search workshops which are designed to help you identify steps to reach your employment goals and understand specific occupations in Canada. They also teach you how to get connected with mentoring programs, job development, business directories etc.

Dufferin-Peel’s Adult Education Centres, http://www3.dpcdsb.org/programs-services/adult-education/work-experience-co-op-programs

They offer a range of training programs that provide development in professional and language skills with co-op placements.

Newcomer Center of Peel, http://www.ncpeel.ca/index.php/services/look-for-employment

They also have training programs.

The Mentoring Partnership, http://www.thementoringpartnership.com/mentoring/mentee/

A great way to get guidance from a professional working in your field of experience, I am a registered Mentor with this organization.

For general newcomer assistance, how to learn about child care assistance, to do your taxes, general job search, how to register for things available to newcomers, try Centre for Education and Training, https://www.tcet.com/newcomer-info-services/locations

This is not an exhaustive list please but just a few quick examples of where you can go to get assistance in the GTA, Ontario. For those outside Ontario, please check here and research your target province and city, http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/index.asp

Once again, everyone please pardon my late responses to your personal messages. I'm humbled by your messages, good wishes and prayers and I will try to keep up with the requests for info and tips as time permits. I know we can all succeed and our journeys will end in praise.

Qadi:
Anyone travelled with over thousand of dollars in cash to Canada and how did it go, any hiccups?

I landed with over $10k in cash. I declared it and there were no issues, they didn't ask to see it or count it. I have friends who came with over 40k in cash. Same thing, there was no issue if you just declare it.

40manlappy:
Thank you. I would like to know more about;

-Cost of living,
-Housing costs,
-Daycare/schooling for kids and
-Opportunity for jobs

Background: We initially chose Ottawa for a number of reasons but concerns about the availability of jobs made us to second-guess this decision and take a look at the Greater Toronto Area, particularly Mississauga.

However, after reviewing the factors that I listed above, we consider it wise to start small in a medium-sized city and grow from there. We are not ruling out moving to a bigger city in the near future for better opportunities, but we don't want to start up where our settlement funds will be exhausted quickly as new immigrants while we are trying to secure jobs. Thanks in advance for your kind response.

cc: salford1, TheCongo2, Blackbuddy, Fusion23, Gymme

Your summary is a reasoned and a logical position to take, this journey needs to be undertaken with full conviction and then you stay the course till you achieve your goal. I support your research and continuous search for info as you've been doing on this forum. No man knows it all but in the counsel of brethren we can find direction.
What I would suggest is that you research each of your target cities and the job opportunities there. Eg, go to linkedin, in the search bar, enter "Toronto financial analyst", it will ask if you want jobs, people, etc. Select jobs to see how many jobs are available. Do the same with other job sites like indeed, monster, eluta, Workopolis etc. Weight the results for different cities to see where the most opportunities abound. Next, go back to linkedin and search for people using same "Toronto financial analyst". It will bring out persons working in this field. Look for the Nigerian names and send polite, brief, connection requests. Don't ask for jobs, ask for info, that they please share their experience with you to guide your settlement activities. Most will not respond but the few that do, that is your foot in the door. Follow up with those ones. By the time you send 50 invites, there's no way you wont land 3 who won't be moved to help in various degrees. Remember, this research is your occupation for now so take it serious and don't be discouraged. People are facing different things in their life, even those who are settled here so not everyone has the time to help, just focus on the ones who respond positively. From Nigerians, begin to invite other immigrants, people who can empathise with your situation. Canadians don't know what it is to be lost in a new country but immigrants will identify with you, Indians, Chinese, Pakistanis, Europeans etc. The few that respond to you, politely ask for pointers to guide your job development. Never go direct and send epistles. Take it in baby steps, 2 to 3 lines at a time.
Look for immigrant assistance organizations in your target cities, send them emails/call to ask the scope of their services, any associated costs or if free. I'm not talking about asking for help with accommodation or free furniture, I'm talking about work/job readiness training, bridging programs, internships, work placements, etc.
Through your existing network of family and friends in Canada, begin to ask for introductions to people working in your desired field in different cities. Use the steps above to ask them to share their experience with you. Learn from their mistakes, take note of their successes and begin to plan your strategy. By the time you do the above between 3 weeks to 2 months, you will be a different person from when you started the process and less of a JJC. You take the result you have gathered for each city and prayerfully seek divine guidance. It is people that God will use to direct you, even yourself, He will use you to guide you within the homework you have done. You will be divinely led to take a course of action that makes sense and which you should follow. Hope this helps you out.

Oluwapelumi87:
Hello,

Sorry if this is not the correct forum to post this.

I moved to Toronto in May 2017 and have been finding it challenging finding any sort of work. It is now a life and death situation and need to find work ASAP.

I am in desperate need of assistance and would appreciate any help that anyone can find it in the hearts to offer.

Thank you in advance for your help and support.

Hi, I moved to the GTA in June 2015 and settled in Mississauga. I came with my whole family and my wife and I (bankers) started the job hunt also attending the excellent newcomers training with Acess Employment. After 3 months, my wife got several job offers in her field and accepted an offer from a multinational conglomerate which was bought over by America's largest bank and she's doing very well there, even training other new employees now. I got my own break after 6 months as I was focused on finding a job equal or higher than my last position in Nigeria. I got several job offers as well from top banks and finally decided to accept an offer from a top 5 bank in a senior position. A lot of people here who follow Canadavisa forum know my story and I'm a good example of favour and determination.

Don't let anyone tell you that settling in Ontario, Toronto or any big city for that matter was a mistake. There are Nigerians who came before us doing very well and many more will come behind and do just as well. Remember, the battle is fought, won or lost in the mind first of all and then the physical manifestation follows. Sure there may be those who are satisfied with playing in smaller ponds but there are also others who take the plunge and swim in big waters. Abraham left a small, humble beginning for great adversity to claim a big destiny, not the other way round. Same for when Joshua led the chosen into the midst of giants and they prevailed. It's never about the size of the dog going to fight but the size of the fight in the dog. If you decide to go to a smaller city and start over, it's good and fine as it's your journey in life. If you decide to stake your claim here and get your prize as God is doing it for those of us here, that's also fine. You can send me a private message to share some further support and maybe connect you with other successful Nigerians/Canadians on ground here so you learn and gain from them. It wont cost me anything to lift you up, it only glorifies God.

Qadi:
How much does a student apartment typical go for there? Province is Onatrio.

And the basements too.

Hi, you can also research for your self to see real time rental prices at these sites for various kinds of accommodation in any city:

https://4rent.ca/

https://www.rentfaster.ca/

https://www.trovit.ca/

I actually found my apartment through the hard copy magazine of 4 rent.ca I picked up at a bus stop.

TheCongo2:
The only people that don't pay taxes are native Canadians known as Indians
You will need to show a native registration card to avoid paying taxes in stores

Actually, Native Canadians are known as Indigenous peoples or First Nations. 'Indians' for them is now a negative racial term and not accepted anymore.

chinchum:
ok sir. I saw the quoted below while searching online for info hours ago.


how does one document the boldened?

A few days ago on this thread, someone posted their landing experience and categorically told us that they had a connecting flight through Montreal. As they landed in Montreal, their landing formalities were done there and they proceeded to their actual destination. I suggest you read backwards to go through this first hand positive experience of landing at Montreal.

chinchum:
(1) pls, can one land in Montreal and subsequently schedule a local flight to another province? Yes you can have your initial landing done in Montreal and move to your intended province

I also want to believe, i can land in any province i want, even if it is different from what is written on my copr. (2) Am i correct ? Yes you can land and settle in any province except Quebec for which you need to get their own PR/CSQ to settle there

Hello, see above.

wholesomegrace:
Novice alert!!!

Please help, dear gurus.

Good day to you all. I was reading backwards and saw a place where it was stated that for those targeting provincial nomination, it is better to register and upload required docs on applicable province website, such that once these provinces open up, we only need to click on submit. I need better understanding on how this suggestion works.

Do I search for those website and register/upload all necessary documents? Thanks

See a link to all the provinces websites where you can study their individual PNP and the requirements, http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/provincial/apply-who.asp