czaratwork:


Internal Control ! Please i will pm you shortly.

I've replied your PM

czaratwork:


We have the Toronto version called TRIEC. I got matched with a mentor not long ago. It's been an experience. I am hopeful that the programme will be beneficial to me.

In our introductory meeting, i met some naija people who were also matched the same time with me. One person said *** had to go physically to TRIEC office to get matched. Some said they wanted to be matched with elderly immigrants who had walked their path and now have their network of friends for them to tap their experience from. You really have little control over who you are matched with.

If you are in Toronto and surburbs and not yet matched, be on your TRIEC coach and if possible visit the TRIEC office to get matched.

So nice to hear you had a pleasant experience with TRIEC, to think that I happen to be a registered mentor with both TRIEC and ACCES. It's my little way of helping others climb up the ladder. Though I'm not able to select the mentees assigned to me from the pool but I remain open to sharing the info I have concerning entry-way into banking especially for those who have Audit, Internal Control and Investigation background. The mentoring support I received while I was a mentee validated the networking strategy I had started on before I left Nigeria and helped to guide my job hunting efforts. Networking and mentorship opens doors here if applied appropriately.

babypipsy:
Greetings and thumbs up to all the good people who have blessed humanity by making rich information available on this thread.

I am currently in calgary taking a course in Business Intelligence and Analytics. Please, I need help on the best way to secure a job, I've not been getting interviews as expected. I have bills to pay.

Please help....thanks

Hi, in addition to your course and job hunting efforts, you could consider joining CRIEC right there in Calgary and go for their mentorship programme. I know a number of people who got jobs in Calgary based on the networking opportunities and through the efforts of their mentors. You lose nothing by giving it a shot, https://www.criec.ca/

PefHouse:


@Blackbuddy and elders in the house

I believe these documents should be available at the point of submitting ones application after ITA. However can't she claim the points for sibling as soon as the sibling arrives (before she gets ITA while in the pool). I do not think CIC specified how long the sibling should have resided in canada before you can claim points. So technically If someone lands is Canada the person is
A. A permanent resident
B. Residing in Canada

Also note that she is expected to change her profile if there is a change in circumstance, arrival of a sibling in Canada should qualify as change in circumstance.

Please correct me if I am wrong

One becomes a PR after you arrive here and complete landing formalities at the airport or land border crossing point. The PR can support the immigration application of another applicant, that is, the sibling as soon as they've (the PR) obtained the other documents itemised/required here in Canada. In some provinces and some situations, the PR can have all the necessary backing documents in as little as 2 weeks. In other provinces/situations, it might take up to a month or more. Hope this is clear.

Ekinado:
Good morning House
Happy Last day in January

please quick question
my husband who is the PA stays in Canada, hope I can travel alone to meet with him because I heard that dependent can't travel alone?

Thanks

As your husband the PA has landed before you and probably done his formal landing at any Canadian international airport or land border, yes you can travel alone to meet him. The rule is that dependents can not complete initial landing formalities at a date before the PA does his/her own. Safe trip.

CAstruggle:


PM request sent

I've responded

vascey:


Salford please I have seen some job roles associated with audit which requires some form of security clearance by the government.

Please could you shed more light on the process? What is this clearance? How long does it take to get? What are the prerequisites?

cc maternal, blackbuddy, czaratwork, thecongo2.

Hi, I'm sure Salford and others will soon share their experience on the issue but in the meantime you can read this online article that perhaps could answer your questions and give you an insight on security clearance for certain government jobs;

When Your Job Requires A Security Clearance

So you want to work for the federal government and access top secrets. You’ll have to pass more than just a standard background check.

If your role will expose you to classified documents or sensitive sites, official security clearance is a must. For that you must undergo a Government Security Screening (GSS).

You’d better have your ducks in a row before applying. Your data will be reviewed by a national security agency, such as CSIS and the RCMP. They don’t mess around when scrutinizing applications.

About Security Clearance

The purpose of security screening is to prevent anyone of security concern from gaining access to sensitive government assets, locations or information, and to prevent non-Canadians who pose security concerns or risks from entering Canada or receiving permanent residence in the country.

Who Needs One?

Federal public service employees, members of the Armed Forces (including civilian jobs in the military), and persons under contract to a government department who, in the performance of their duties, have access to classified government assets or information. Same goes for people who work at “sensitive sites” such as airports, the Parliamentary Precinct, ports and nuclear power stations.

Non-Canadians who apply for permanent residency or refugee status must also undergo security screening.

Levels Of Clearance

If you pass a basic security screening, you will be deemed to have “reliability status.” This is the lowest level of clearance, but it suffices in most cases.

There’s a ranking system beyond the basic clearance. Level I is called Confidential. Level II is titled Secret. The highest level is referred to as Top Secret. The employer consults government officials to determine an appropriate clearance.


What Do Authorities Look At?

Security assessments fall under one of two categories for resident Canadians: Government Screening, and Sensitive Sites Screening.

A lower-level clearance may involve a background check into your education, job history, criminal record, credit history and residences.

Depending on the level or category of security clearance required, screening can also involve interviewing the applicant's friends, neighbours and employers, consulting with local police, and possibly interviewing the applicant. Your private life could be investigated as well.

Applying for Security Clearance

The general public cannot apply for clearance without the support of an employer. That employer’s HR department will direct you to the appropriate Applicant Screening Form.

Information on this form is collected under the authority of subsection 7(1) of the Financial Administration Act and the Government Security Policy (GSP) of the Government of Canada. It is protected by the provisions of the Privacy Act in institutions that are covered.

Depending on the level of security screening required, the information may be disclosed to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). They conduct the requisite checks and/or investigation.

Replying To A Job Posting Requiring Clearance If You Don’t Have One

Lack of a clearance shouldn't stop you from seeking a job that requires one. If you don’t have one yet, the company may hire you, start the clearance process and have you work on other projects until your clearance is approved.

It can take time to get approval of your application. Allow for at least several weeks after applying for Reliability Status. Any security level above that could take quite a bit longer.

Not For Everyone

If you’d fail a standard background check, it’s likely you won’t pass a clearance screening. Do you have concerns? Start by doing a reference check on yourself.

Clean up your credit history. Tidy up your online activities if they give the wrong impression. And most importantly, do not lie or fudge the truth on your security application.

The majority of people have nothing to hide from a screening. But if an investigation could uncover damaging details that might derail your career, working with national secrets is probably not in your immediate future.

The write up above was taken from this article, hope it helped, https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/jobs-with-security-clearance

Zeewirld:
. Hello Sir BlackBuddy... I am in awe of your intelligence and also your matured response to all enquiries. May God continue to bless you. I am also a banker and thinking of going in for my ACAMS certification as I have the Nigerian Compliance certification already. Do you think I can proceed with it or hold on? Kindly note that I plan to migrate to Canada in 3 years times

Hi, there are 2 ways to look at your situation. Since you're not coming anytime soon to Canada, you could focus on your current career and what you're doing in Nigeria till you're set to pursue immigration. This is because the ACAMS is not in demand in Nigeria though it is known by some professionals in the field. Alternatively, if you're the type that looks at every new opportunity to acquire a relevant certification as simply a chance to get new knowledge, there's nothing wrong in pursing the CAMS. If your current job and personal time permits, you can begin to read for and sit the exams to be certified in AML. The certificate will be yours and available to you to use in marketing your self here. Although it is not a deal breaker here if you don't have it when applying for jobs, the knowledge you would have acquired along the way will propel you to the front of most recruiters lists once you land and actively begin to job hunt. All the best with your plans.

CAstruggle:
Thanks to the person that introduced freetones here.

I purchased a number and opted for unlimited calls to and from US/Canada.

Just today i had my first phone interview with a Canadian employer. It was successful but unfortunately the job is starting too close to my landing date next week. Am suppose to meet with the manager and suppose to receiving some further training prior to the start date.

Another employer just contacted me for interview. Hopefully this one would click.

For all those hoping to get a job before leaving... its very possible. Package your resume... apply via indeed, job bank etc

Am landing Ontario next week. Any landed Nairalander with connect to IT jobs... please hook a brother up

This is a nice update, thanks for sharing. You could send me a PM let me see if I can assist, cheers.

gasplant:
What a wonderful thread,I have almost read all the 200+ pages

A quick questions please

If I secure a rent lease for say 12 months, and before the expiration of the 12 months, I get to buy my house and I want to walk away from the lease, what options are available to me in getting this done without having to hurting anybody nor breaking the law

Thanks for your response


Thecongo2,
salut. tu m'imspire beaucoup.J'ai choisi d'immigrer vers London aussi. J'ai lu que tu est congolese. Moi je suis nigerian Je t'ai envioe in letter prive,tu m'as pas repondu. On peux exchanger des idees, si ca te convient
Peux-tu m'envoie un lettre prive s'il te plait

Hi, in your lease agreement should be a sanction clause for breaking your lease. This clause varies from agreement to agreement but essentially, you pay a penalty and may also forfeit your last month rent or the remaining months to complete your lease. You might also not lose your last month rent if you pay the penalty. Like I said, it all depends on the terms of the agreement you signed. I was in a similar position as I bought my house with 2 months left on my apartment lease. Rather than pay the penalty, I waited out the lease and spent the time furnishing and finishing my house to my taste. On the weekend my lease ended, I strolled out of the apartment and into my casa, no penalty, no issues. Hope this helps you

Lhimeet:
Good day,please I want to know if Canada visa lottery is out? ...Anyone with any info ? Will duly appreciate...Thank You

Hi, Canada doesn't have and has never held a lottery system for PR visas. You'll have to apply for an eligible PR program. Study the info here, http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=006&top=4

Omalitchar:

Hello Blackbuddy,
I am also interested in the AML career opportunity and pathway. looking at changing career from internal control and audit to AML
Please share your thoughts on the prospects in the AML career path in canada generally
Thank you.

Okay for those with a similar career path to mine, let me share my thoughts on how to transit to roles in AML (Anti Money Laundering) based on my experience. I've worked across Inspection/Internal Audit, Internal Control and Investigation/Forensic Audit across 5 banks and ended up specialising\heading a Fraud Investigation unit in the 5th bank before I came to Canada.
So my experiences cut across various fields and banks and knowing how to market my self appropriately here without Canadian experience was key. Apart from identifying/contacting top recruiting firms in banking, I had to understand the local market, what area of expertise is in demand and its requirements and how I can fit into that in-demand field. I've previously shared about my time with Acces Employment and the advantage of newcomer training for skilled international professionals like us, you can read back to get my take on this. I've also recently shared a list of top recruiters, some of whom can get you into the AML world here.
I particularly found Randstad, Robert Half and Hays to be actively recruiting for the major AML employers like BMO, HSBC and RBC for contract positions. CIBC only hires full timers for their AML while BMO sometimes recruits for full time roles. TD and Scotiabank also appear to hire full timers. Most people get their start in AML through contract positions and then wrangle a full time role. Indeed.ca, eluta.ca and LinkedIn are great sources for finding AML roles so you can study the requirements of the job at different levels. I also found networking to be very good while I was at Acces. They would invite senior employees of top employers to come and give us career talks on how their organisations work and how they got their start in their careers as well as what they look out for when hiring for their banks. When you mix with such people, you can grow your network with people working within your field and even meet hiring managers. It all depends on how fast you learn to mix with Canadians and how to effectively sell your self. Please learn about elevator pitch as you research and make enquiries about where to get newcomer training.
Once you get into the system, you are able to grow and switch tangents within the AML group at most banks. I started in AML Investigations and was headhunted to jon the High Risk/Enhanced Due Diligence team. Other depts in AML include Sanctions, Governance, Solutions and Operations. Other career options include Financial Crime Monitoring, Fraud Investigations, Analytics and Financial Intelligence. Wherever your research takes you, just remember that you need not be in a rush but take your time to find that area you`re most comfortable with and put in the work to make yourself ready as the best candidate available for your desired role. Preparation is more important then mere desire so that you are ready when opportunity presents itself. I trust this helps you in getting started, cheers.

9jaAlien:
If you do not mind my asking and/or if the reason is not personal, can you please share why you moved from Mississauga esp. given the great set-up you just described. I have observed that most people here seem to avoid Toronto, I intend to settle in downtown Toronto and was hoping to read the experiences of someone living there. Based on my experience and interaction with those that came before me, the prime consideration in not living in Toronto is the cost, wether renting or buying. The advantage of living close to or in Toronto is outweighed by the comfort of living further away when you can own a home that is more bang for your buck. On the average, the apartment that $900 rent will get you in core Toronto is basically a washroom compared to what you would get for that same price outside the city. It's like buying an apartment in VI for N35m when you can build a fantastic detached house for that price in Ajah just down the road I had hoped @czaratwork would settle in Toronto per her finance career background, but for some reason she opted for Mississauga. Now you are moving from Missi which is closest to Toronto, to Brampton which is further out, hence, my question - asides the high cost of living, are there other reasons to live far especially if one is working in Toronto? Toronto is a great city but carries the problems of most cities; crime and saturation. It doesn't have the highest crime rate in the country or anything like that but the suburbs are far better places to live and especially to raise a family. Just like in Lagos where most people working on the island live on the mainland, so also here even for the Canadians. Most people working in Toronto actually live outside Toronto. When you see 4th and 5th generation Canadians like my colleagues working downtown but buying properties and living in the outlying cities, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that not everyone likes core city life. Some do, some don't, you just get in where you fit in I have always thought that Toronto is to Ontario, what Island is to Lagos, hence, if you lived on the Island in Lagos, you generally should have no qualms living in Toronto, but it is looking like this view may not be entirely correct.

Hi, please see in red above some comments. Note also there are actually a lot of people living in Toronto, at least that I know of but a majority live outside Toronto especially where you consider our cultural inclination for living in large spaces with plenty greenery around, it makes a bit more sense. When you're renting, it might not matter but when you're buying a property and will pay mortgage on it, you may prefer to own a substantial bit more square footage outside Toronto than a cubicle in the downtown. What you pay as rent for an apartment in the downtown could cover your mortgage on a house in the suburbs and when you have kids who need space, you will get this point. Just like in Naija, the further you are from the city, the more value for your money in terms of space. This holds true for any city wether in Lagos, Abuja, London, New York. It's all about budget and preference, there's something for everyone so rest assured, you can find whichever you prefer. By the time you're here, you'll be able to determine what suits you fine easier. Hope this helps.

Muchaio:
Hello @Blackbuddy,

Sent you a PM request. Please I'd like to pick your brains small on alternative career paths for Internal Auditors and other industry specifics.

Please oblige.

Hi, I've replied your PM and I'm willing to share what I know with you.

RahmaMohammed:
Hello @Blackbuddy,

I am reaching out to you based on one of your old posts here where you spoke about understudying the canadian job market and how you have a career in AML. I would like to chat with you about the job market in this field and your experience. I just concluded a masters degree in law in Canada and I am considering transiting to a career in AML with plans of writing the ACAMS certification. I sent you an email earlier. Hope to hear from you. Thank you

Hi, I just replied your PM. We can move from there.

Blessedluvdfavd:
@ Blackbuddy

Hi Blackbuddy! I'm recently considering settling in the GTA specifically Mississauga (I think) but the cost of renting a 3bed house/apartment with a basement/a fenced yard is really high. What is the average price for such please? Also which areas are family friendly with good elementary schools?

Hi, you can actually check rents for different spec of accommodation on kijiji.ca, viewit.ca, rentfaster.ca, 4rent.ca to mention a few. Just enter the details of what you want and what is available will be provided to you for review.

Most of Mississauga is safe to live in as crazy as that might sound but I never heard a bad story while I lived there. This is not to say that is absolutely no bad area but as with any major city, there are good and bad sides. For me, it actually turned out to be a great place for the year I resided there. I lived in Erindale very close to a shopping mall, opposite a bank branch with a barber and doctor's clinic next door. My kids' school was a walkable distance with the library close by (the neighborhood high school shares property with the library). 2 major bustops outside my apartment building made my commuting life easy as a job hunter then and my wife got her job opposite my kids school! That was a big plus and a remarkable coincidence. So she could drive to the kids school, drop them off and cross down the road to her office. I would catch a ride with her and walk across the street to Erindale GO Station for my train ride to Toronto to get to work, very nice arrangement at the time.

Other nice neighborhoods include Erin Mills, Churchil Meadows, City Centre, Creditview, Meadowvale and Dixie off the top of my head. I have friends living in these areas who have had no cause to complain. Once you find an accommodation you like, just Google about the property and the neighborhood to find out if there are any averse issues. You'll do fine though, Mississaug is a great place to live.

Iyamefa:
Hi guys,


Thankful for the last few days of warm weather here, seems it’s dropping back to negatives this afternoon though.

Landed seniors in Ontario pls help. We just got our health cards and looking for a family doctor now. Does anyone know any good family doctor around Mississauga/brampton that’s accepting new patients? I’ve registered for health connect but thats not a guarantee hence this question.

Thanks guys

Hi, in which city are you based and at what intersection are you living? I've lived in Mississauga and now live in Brampton and may be able to direct you to some.

kissoflife:


Thank you Sir for lifting my spirit. Please do you have any Companies, recruiting companies I can consider?

Also what Province would you advise for me. I am trying to prepare for landing very soon. I need guidance as I plan to start job-searching before my arrival

Hi, you can see my previous posts on job searching and preparations. Also take a look at these recruiters in the GTA and other areas that you can reach out to. Check out their websites to see what's available job wise;

https://www.roberthalf.ca/en/work-with-us/our-services/technology

https://www.randstad.ca/jobs/s-technologies/ontario/

http://www.ifg-global.com/candidates/areas-of-expertise/technology.html

http://www.hays.com/

http://jobs.lannickgroup.com/search_results.aspx?section=1&key=&loc=0&spec=2&empl=0

https://www.allegisgroup.com/careers/jobs/search

http://www.vtrac.com/services/human-capital-management/#tab-id-2

https://www.procom.ca/app/jobs

https://www.aplin.com/job-search

http://teamrecruiter.com/candidate/job_board/

https://www.aerotek.com/career-opportunities

DatechMan:


Really? Oga Blackbuddy. I go like to meet you o.

Make I PM you asap

Hi chief, I've replied your PM

DatechMan:
Wetin person eye no go see.
Na so I take enter one chance.

I was coming from work on Friday, when I met this Indian guy at the bus station. We got talking and some brief introduction about what we do for a living and all. He asked for my number, saying he may be able to connect me with his boss who seem to be looking for Electrical Engineers. We exchanged numbers actually. He said he would get back to me over the weekend.

I was a bit delighted, and was thinking maybe my miracle don dey load. . Na so I holla am for Saturday evening. He called me back and said he spoke with his boss and he said he would need to know me first before anything can be done. Therefore, I should meet with him(the Indian guy) tomorrow(Sunday) at 7pm as that is the only free time in his schedule. Lol.

To cut the long story short, na so I go meet this guy for one McDonalds on McLaughlin. To my greatest dismay, the guy begin yarn opata about building Pipeline. Pipeline? In short he was introducing a form of MLM or some Investment scheme.

I dey look the guy head like say make I cut am. This guy chose the wrong client. If na for Lagos, I know wetin I suppose do you. I just sitdown listen well as he dey quote Robert Kiyosaki et al. After the whole drama, I was even expecting him to buy me a snack or something. The guy dey ask stupid questions. He was surprised to hear I pay $550 as rent and he thought my shoes are very nice. Poor Indian guy.

I guess my miracle never load finish.

To think that I also received such an offer outside a grocery shop on Hurontario, Mississauga 2 years ago. The IFG/WFG hustle game is strong here in Canny. Thanks for sharing, this brought back memories as a job hunter. I also posted my resume to indeed.ca and monster.ca and the next day, got a call to come in for an interview. Hopped on the bus over there only to hear the long story of how I should become a street trekker for WFG. I just smiled at the guy through his preaching and told him I'd get back to him. Politely sent him a text the next day saying thanks but no thanks. I just filed the experience away as 'adventures in hustle land'. Don't worry, you miracle is still on the way. It's only a matter of time before your preparation and efforts will meet with the right opportunity.

P.S. I drove by that McLaughin location on Saturday evening, perhaps we crossed each other?

mclarry:
Hi Blackbuddy, just a quick one. What address did you use while filling your declaration form onboard as you were moving into a hotel?

Thanks!

Hi, I simply put city which was Mississauga. Nobody asked for more.

mikkyphp:
Hello All, invaluable thread i must say.

For those who landed and stayed temporarily in an Airbnb apartment, i am wondering, what address did you fill at the airport for your PR card to be delivered to when ready?

thanks.

Hi, I landed and did not give any address at the airport as I went to a hotel from there. I told the officer that I would update an address online when I get a fixed abode. The guy shook my hand and told me to ride on. You can update your address or change it within 180 days of landing at this link, https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/introduction.do?app=coanotify

Feygbe:

Hello Blackbuddy, pls can you send me the link for work from home opportunities?

Here you go, https://www.alpineaccessjobs.ca/recruiting/reg/login/#reg-form

Negotiate:
Another vital question please.

Landed peeps, is there really anything wrong with basement appartments?

I see that they are sometimes cheaper, however, a number of persons pass on them.

What could be wrong?

Hi, the major reason for some people avoiding basements is that they are cold. Secondly, if the sewage line of the property or adjoining area develops a fault/bursts, there is the tendency for raw sewage to find its way/seep into a house through the basement. Please note as the name implies the basement is at the base of the house, partially submerged and therefore, the one point of the entire domicile structure where cold in the surrounding earth seeps into the building. However, where the developers/landlords must have spent extra to insulate it during construction, this cold issue is mitigated. People who have really young kids also tend to avoid it but the cold issue is easily remedied by buying portable heaters for the winter months. A lot of people with kids I know use basements and get heaters to take care of the cold issue. Other persons like the basement option of acomodation because you`re more likely dealing directly with the home owner when you want to rent and they may waive the requirements of credit checks, references/guarantors, employment proof when you want to rent. They are also more likely (not always) to include your utility bills, (electricity, water, gas, internet) in your monthly rent making things cheaper and life easier for you.

Rocorleone:
Please check your mail too. I have been tryna contact you.

Hi, I`ve responded

bbaby84:
@blackbuddy please I sent you an email. Please respond at your convenience.

Thanks.

Hi, I tried to reply you twice but your email kept bouncing my response back. Maybe you should reset your email address on your Nairaland profile then resend your email to me. I'll be expecting it, cheers.

Rocorleone:
vcole blackbuddy salford1 salford

Does anyone know if it's possible to apply for PR while still studying for a Master degree in Canada even when one has over 4 years Nigerian working experience in Civil Engineering?

Yes, you can apply for PR through EE on the basis of your previous work experience so far you can provide all the requirements. You don't have to currently be working to apply, just get all the requirements for Skilled Worker program and dive into the pool.

Rocorleone:
Happy New Year to you'll.
Thanks to vcole and blackbuddy

Please I need the advise of Practicing Doctors in Canada and others with experiences...
My Sister will be having her induction as she graduate after studying Med & Surg. in Nigeria, but I want her to come over to Canada to Practice.
How do I go about this...
Please I need explicit details on how.

Thanks

Happy new year! While we await the guidance of landed doctors, please share this link with your sister to get started on the route to licensure; http://physiciansapply.ca/practising-in-canada/

kazchick:
What about those with families especially if you are a single parent and the child is in daycare

The public transport system especially outside Toronto is very reliable and kids under 5 years ride for free all day, everyday

http://www7.mississauga.ca/documents/miway/fares/Agent_Price_Card_8.5x11-May_01_2016-D3.pdf

teeoba:


Thank you so much.
This is very helpful. I tried sending you a message but nairaland only lets me send an initiating contact email for you to respond to. I do hope you got it.
Just in case you didn’t, if it’s not too much trouble, you could send her details to me at: akint30@gmail.com
Really appreciate your help.

Regards.

Hi teeoba, I've replied your nairaland message. You should have it in your email now and we can take things from there.