₦airaland Forum

To put it plainly, her medical degree from "Nigeria" alone is only good for getting back into practice.

In the eyes of employers in Canada, it does not mean anything (putting it plainly) by itself.

Based on her work experience, she would have gotten transferrable skills. Those are what she can use to fit into any field she can fit into.

Ability to communicate epathetically and care for patients of diverse populations is what allows doctors from Nigeria fit easily into Care (Support worker) roles.

If she was a head of a hospital, highlighting her managerial skills could earn her leadership roles in related fields.

If she did a lot of research, and has significant publications to highlight her proven research skill, there are opportunities in research in many organizations (pharmaceuticals, etc.).

A Medical degree alone would not get her to be considered to teach. Nonetheless, if she was a Medical Doctor who was also lecturing in a Medical University, that experience could be highlighted to explore teaching opportunities.

In Canada, it is more of your transferrable skill that determine what opportunities you can explore. Not like Nigeria where the focus is more on Paper Qualifications.

Sadly also, your experience from Nigeria will sometimes be looked down on and doubted, as sadly, yahoo boys and our politicians are not doing us so much good in terms of credibility; it is not uncommon to get some comments in Rural areas stating how they heard Nigerians fake their degrees, including medical degrees (you will not blame them for thinking that way, when they had to watch our president's Chicago University degree being called to question).
Your wife will have to prove herself to get the respect she deserves and that ususally means starting at the bottom and working her way to the top.

The settlement organizations in various provinces will do a good job in helping her explore her transferrable skills.

My advise if for a Doctor who loved medicine, she will not find joy / fulfillment doing anything else. Imagine being a consultant physician or surgeon from Nigeria and someone who is yet to finish high school is your boss. Not in every work place though. That tells you how low one sometimes would have to stoop to get cash to keep the family going to later conquer (doing jobs that do not require even highschool certificates).
So, best to help her work her way back into practice as soon as she can.

If she did not enjoy medical practice and is looking to explore other options, then the sky is her limit. With her smarts to survive medical school in Nigeria with the plenty saddistic lecturers in Medical Schools at different stages, she can excel in any field. Data analytics / Medical Informatics in an area I have seen Physicians excel in. Good prospects (https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Health-Informatics-Salary-in-Calgary,AB). Also, people who did not like medicine or do not want to go through the hassle of getting back into practice just yet, and do not mind pivotting into other health care related fields, Advanced Care Paramedics is quite good for those who like the rush of emergency care and it pays okay (https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/calgary-ab-advanced-care-paramedic-salary-SRCH_IL.0,10_IM970_KO11,34.htm).
Nursing used to be overated, but they get overworked for not so much. Not as lucrative and fulfiling in Canada as it is in the US (just my opinion and that of some who have explored this route and regret it). Sadly, all these routes, require taking up student loans and going back to school / study.

I wish you and yours the best. And I pray God guides you to make the best decision for your family.

Judasiscarriot:
Thank you so much, we remain grateful for your insightful advise.

Please, what are the ''If she can study well while working, there are jobs she can do that do not require any course (except CPR certification). Not prestigious jobs, but here in Canada, there is dignity of labor, so no one truly cares what you do''. Please, with the exception of health care, which we are all aware of, what other temp job can she easily be eligible for with her medical degree, without going back to school? Can she be a teacher? or

The advise

Judasiscarriot:
Hi,

i guess you a medical doctor. My wife is also one. Visa is already stamped. We are planning and motivating ourselves on how to succeed there. Please, what advise can you give. Most importantly, in respect to pathways and courses to study to have a successful stay there

Hello,

I would advise you do all you can to allow your wife to focus on passing her "relevant" exams and your family will be happy you did in the long term. Note: depending on her profile, she would need to find out what exams are "relevant" for her pathway to practice in Canada, as the requirements vary in different provinces depending on whether she completed Family Medicine Residency in Nigeria. This pathway is smoother, with fewer exams required.

If she did not do ANY residency training in Nigeria or any other country (as there are Specialist pathways for other specialties other than Family Medicine), that would mean she would have to apply for residency in Canada as the only other pathway to practice in Canada. The exams required for this pathway are more than the former, and it is competitive, but more Nigerian doctors match these days than ever before; so she should be encouraged and ignore any nay sayers in her circle.

As a last resort, there is the option of writing the UK exams and exploring going to the UK (where it is easier to get Family Medicine Residency / GP Training completed in 3 years and then return to Canada with no requirement to write Canadian exams.

Advise her to ignore anyone who tells her to do any course for an alternative career. If she can study well while working, there are jobs she can do that do not require any course (except CPR certification). Not prestigious jobs, but here in Canada, there is dignity of labor so no one truly cares what you do. The focus should be on making all necessary moves to get back to practice.
Hence my earlier advise that you support her in every way you can, even if it means being the only one working for a short season while she clears her exams, which is possible in 3 to 12 months with laser focus on the prize. She can actually even write the first exam (MCCQE 1) from Nigeria if it is relevant for her pathway to practice.

Once she lands or even before then, she should identify the Nigerian Medical Community (there are several groups) but some groups would require her previous classmates / colleagues who know her to refer her / vouch for her.

There are also some Organizations that are quite helpful and supportive (like AIMGA, BREDIN, etc. if landing in Alberta and several in Ontario) in providing relevant information and organizing study sessions for some exams.

If she focuses and clears all her relevant exams, with God's favor, there is hope. It is never 100% certain that one will match into a residency program on the first try, but it is best to clear all the relevant exams, and then leave the rest to God, as although match rates have significantly improved for IMGs, it is never 100%.

I wish you all a smooth journey in Canada.

Tomitomeroo:
Good Afternoon

I am trying to create a profile and i have a sister who is a PR but doesn't live in Canada. i not trying to claim point as she doesn't reside in Canada. would that be an issue later on as i know i would still have to declare that i have a sister there.

Kindly help please

Hello Tomitomeroo,

I would advise you fill your form as truthfully as possible, even if you do not "intend to claim" or do not need Siblings points.

When asked if you have a relative that is a Canadian PR or Citizen in the course of completing your application form, the truthful answer is "YES". They already have that information and would wonder why you ommitted the truth.
If you choose to answer NO to that question, as you do not need siblings points, you may get away with it; and later asked, you can explain that you answered NO since you did not intend to claim siblings points.
When filling in your immediate family members, you would not be asked if your sibling is a Canadian PR. At that point, they only ask for name, birth date, nationality and address (if I remember correctly). Your siblings Nationality would still be their country of birth (example: Nigeria) until they become Canadian citizens.

I really do not see how a Canadian PR sibling not living in Canada would affect you adversely.

Deciding on how to package your application is a personal choice. Just be sure you stay as truthful as possible and have a logical explanation for any choice if later asked to provide additional information.

Tayo112:
Hi all. I received ITA through the recent CEC draw. However, I planned on using NYSC for my work experience and I just learned that the school I served in has shut down. I also do not have the contact of the school owner. Is it possible to claim work experience without a work experience letter from the school? Thank you.

Hello Tayo112,

Congratulations on your ITA.

Please your ITA is a gold mine at this point. I would advise you to ignore any discouragement and do all you can to make an effort to submit your PR application as truthfully as possible.

This is from: "https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/job-experience-letter-for-canada-know-full-details-to-include/#:~:text=Alternatives%20to%20the%20employment%20reference,get%20a%20job%20reference%20letter".

It suggests possible alternatives to consider when you cannot get a letter from your employer. And for NYSC, many of these are easy to get. Example, your monthly allowance payments into your account, your NYSC posting letter, there must be someone who you served with that you remember who will be willing to write a letter for you, add pictures showing or documents confirming you both served together, copies of your NYSC IDs if you have any, etc. Include all proof you can get that would prove your case...

Engage the services of a CIC registered / regulated immigration agent or an immigration lawyer so you are sure they would not advise you to do anything illegal that will break Canadian immigration law to get you banned.

Bottom line, I would strongly encourage you to submit your application, if the NYSC letter from employer is the only hiccup. I am guessing you have other more recent work experience that would be more relevant.

I wish you the best and congratulations again on your ITA.

[quote author=salford1 post=87532823][/quote]Thanks for the connect Sir!
Please you got a mail.

.

abeesawlah12345:
Good afternoon everyone.
Just for clarity....I've submitted my express entry profile, but it's not showing any dependent . Though I'm married with a child, but my husband is not accompanying. My question is that isn't it meant to show my son as a dependent, or am I missing out on any thing?
Thanks

Hello!

You aren't missing anything.

There really wasn't a place to fill my kids' details in the EE profile when we applied (I doubt it has changed).

Your dependents will show (provision will be made for your child's details to be filled in) when you receive ITA and are completing your eAPR.

Otujodaja:
Please I have a question, has anyone or heard of anyone that has successfully used the one year SURE-P work experience for express entry and got PR. Will appreciate responses. Thank you.

Hello Otujodaja!

Sorry, I don't have any idea of exactly how the SURE-P program works but with what I have heard, you are posted to a school and you get paid monthly (sounds very similar to NYSC scheme if I am right).

IRCC does not know what SURE-P is. So I think you will be better of thinking of how to package your own application, with the wealth of resources on this thread (multiple experiences - must not be a SURE-P applicant's story alone).

All they (IRCC) are interested in is:
- Did you work? If yes, let your employer where you worked give you a reference letter stating your job duties and the duration of your employment. Any employment letter, posting letter, ID card can be a plus.
- Were you employed continuously for a period of at least 12months? If yes, your reference letter would cover for this. In addition, your account statement of salary payments is irrefutable proof of this.
- Were you paid? If yes, show them proof that it was not a voluntary role and you were paid a salary (your salary and mode of payment has to be stated on your reference letter and may be supported by salary account payments if available, payslips or salary certificate as applicable).

If you can answer yes to the above, you meet the minimum work experience requirement for express entry.
It could be in any employment (provided the job role / NOC falls in Categories A, B or O and NOT C or D) even if it is SURE-P.

Don't introduce any details to complicate your application.

finestboy1:
Hi Ebixxx. I wanted to ask you if having a Degree in Education is compulsory for NOC 4032.( Express Entry) Did your spouse have an Education Degree? Thanks.

Hello!

It is not necessary at all, as it is presently not a prerequisite for getting a teaching job in Nigeria. The requirement is that you should be qualified to work in the role you claim in your country, and in Nigeria presently, you are allowed to teach without an education degree {I learnt they (Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria) are going to make changes to that soon though and insist that only those with education qualifications - NCE, BEd, PGDE - are qualified teachers, but it has not taken effect yet}.

My wife does not have an Education degree.

Mirian91:
Please can one get reference letter from previous employee pre-ITA?

YES you can.

Provided it is a place you have left, your letter can be obtained anytime after you resigned.

I'd advice you try to get everything you might need (payslips or salary certificate in addition to the reference letter, etc.) from them at once so you don't have any need to go back. Look through PPR stories on page 1 and know what applies to your situation.

But the letter from your current employer (if you are claiming work experience for your current job) should be as recent as possible...

[quote author=salford post=87499422][/quote]Good day Sir.

Please I sent you a PM.

Kindly respond when you can.

Thanks!

Hello!

It will cost you next to nothing to get the reference letter from your Bank, so why not just include it in case your application processing officer might just decide to want to see it.

In my opinion, bank reference letter is a mandatory requirement. It is your 6 months bank statement that can be waved when you are using a gift deed. Again, this is just my opinion.

Some might have scaled through without adding some things, but no two applications are the same.

liftedkris:
Hi I have a question please

I am using gift deed for my prove of fund. Do I still need reference letter from my bank? I already printed the statement of account. Thanks

Mirian91:
Please I have an issue that has been giving me sleepless nights, I'll appreciate if I could be guided by these awesome members. The profession on my marriage certificate is different from my profession.

In my opinion, since you cannot change it, there is no point lossing sleep over it. Move on with gathering all you need for your application, and create your EE profile.

I don't think it makes much of a difference.
The marriage certificate is basically to confirm that you are married, so for that it will serve its purpose. Please do NOT be tempted to alter anything on your marriage certificate, else you will invalidate it and cannot be issued with an original replacement (although you can get a certified true copy which will still bear the same old info, so why put yourself through that stress).

My wife's designation on our marriage certificate was "corps member" and we claimed work experience as "teacher", yet no questions were asked.


Haven said the above, no two applications are the same. Have a plausible explanation for your situation ready, in the event you are asked. You said "that designation - 'Analyst' - was used freely by employees in your office and you performed similar roles", you can remix this as your explanation if ever you are asked directly to explain (which I doubt you will be).

Thanks.
I have responded.

finestboy1:
Congrats Ebixxx. Sent you a PM.

CONGRATULATIONS to ALL the ITA clinchers!!!

May your eAPRs and uploaded documents be error free, and may your watch till PPR and COPR be short, Amen!

CONGRATULATIONS @Jay35!!!

Jay35:
Quick news:
It is ITA!!
��
Should I drop my timeline now?
Lol

Thanks a million for your detailed response @Dr.Ekpekus!

I really appreciate.

Ekpekus:
Apologies for the late response..
In regards to the questions:
1. There is no bridging program for IMGs as seen with the Nurses
2. Pathways will be hugely dependent on your background..
Clinical pathway.. Residency, Practice Readiness, Physician/Surgical Assistant and these varies from Province to province
Non Clinical pathways can be further divided into two viz: regulated and unregulated..
For the regulated non clinical pathways: sonography, Emergency Responder, Nursing, Pathology Assistant, Physiotherapist, OT, Naturopathic etc
Unregulated non clinical: Research Assistant, Health educator, Transcriptionist, Health Care Aide, hospital clerk etc

Now the decision would be solely individualized as it fit one's long and short term plan, coupled with family and province of resident.

I hope this help

Congratulations!

bekayy:
@Esomimi @Natalie27 @Bankyh1905 @Ebixxx @Kpnick

Update: COPR

PRR: 13/12/2019
Submission: 17/12/2019
Approved online. 09/01/2020

I just received an SMS text from them just now to pick it up before Friday. Going there tomorrow, I guess it's late already.

Congrats everyone. All glory to GOD. To others, congrats in advance. ECSTATIC .
Shalom

Thanks Esomimi!

Congratulations too.

Esomimi:
Congrats!!! Wish I could go there to pick up myself. DHL is a mess right now.

Thanks so much!

[quote author=Jay35 post=85989075][/quote]

15 to 20minutes.

You drop your receipt you were given when you submitted your passport(s) at COUNTER 2 then sit in front of counter 1&2 and listen carefully for your name to be called (not through the Public address system, but by the person at counter 2).

You walk up, acknowledge receipt of the passport(s), then SMILE as you are handed your package.

Natalie27:
hahahahahaha, i was going to ask for a refund too... please how much time did you spend ?

Thanks so much @bankyh1905!

You were very correct.

Update:

Passport Submission: December 20th, 2019

Passport Collection: January 21st, 2020

N/B: I politely asked for a refund of fees paid for passport transmission, but I was told approval for implementation of policy came later for Lagos office, so no refunds were possible for those who already paid. (I just had to try my luck )

bankyh1905:
You're welcome! I didn't wait for the e-mail notification which I paid for. Something tells me yours is among the several bags that I saw while signing for mine. Cheers!

WOW!

Thanks a lot!

I really appreciate your response.

I will head over there soon.

bankyh1905:
You're welcome! I didn't wait for the e-mail notification which I paid for. Something tells me yours is among the several bags that I saw while signing for mine. Cheers!

CONGRATS @bankyh1905!

Thanks for the update.

Please when did you get your SMS or pick-up mail?

OR did you just go down to their office?

bankyh1905:
Update

Passport Submission: December 16th, 2019
COPR: January 13th, 2020

Passport Collection: January 21st, 2020

Hello @Dr. Ekpekus!

Please I would really appreciate your input regarding this when you have some free time, either here or via a DM.

Thanks in anticipation!

ebixxx:
Good morning house!
Glad to finally be on this thread and hope to join you all in our dream land soon. We submitted our passports about 2 weeks ago and expecting COPR soon.
We are presently considering moving to Edmonton, Alberta in June, but have no family in Canada, so willing to change our minds to anywhere opportunities for advancement abound.
Please landed seniors in the Medical Field (@vcole, @ekpekus, and all others), please can you assist with advice on Clinical and Non-clinical pathways to employment for IMGs to explore in Canada?
Is there any pre-arrival program that may be helpful for Doctors? (I came across PASS for Nurses).
Most of the info (regarding pathways for Doctors) on this thread are from 2017. I have also read from other threads of the challenges of getting back into practice even after Passing the Exams (due to limited Residency slots for IMGs).
Please kindly assist with practical advice based on your experiences (and those of others you know).
Information regarding alternative careers one can explore will also be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for sharing and helping us make informed decisions.

Hello @bankyh1905!

My wife (our PA) just received a notification mail that our Profile has been updated.

Checked and status reads Processing Complete (100%).
The final summary is application Approved. And all our passports are listed below and showing Document is valid.

With this, I am more convinced that the VO in-charge of December COPRs is all fired up, and all ours COPRs will drop next week.

[quote author=bankyh1905 post=85680721][/quote]

Thanks a lot!

I really appreciate!

bankyh1905:
You're welcome! Meanwhile, you should take advantage of the free pre-arrival services - SOPA (my fav), AEIP, Planning For Canada and Next Stop Canada - if you haven't done so already.
After registration (whereby you'll be asked to upload your passport request letter), you will gain access to online resources and you can also speak to counselors. They are available to answer any questions you may have about settlement, employment and others. You can find the link on your passport request mail or simply google search those acronyms. Thank me later.

Thanks a lot @bankyh1905!

I pray COPRs start coming in next week.

[quote author=bankyh1905 post=85680721][/quote]

Thanks a lot for your prompt response!

I guess the holidays may be responsible for the delays/change from the usual timelines.

Congratulations again!

I submitted on the 20th of December, so hopefully My profile will be updated next week.

bekayy:
My profile has been updated (was updated yesterday) but no text yet (to come collect the passport, maybe sometime next week). Congrats to you again
Submitted on the 17th of Dec.

Vicolak:
Congrats, you and your wifey deserve the speedy processing

Thanks a lot!

It is 3 weeks Post-Passport submission and I haven't heard back from VFS or CIC.

So I am trying to find out from those who submitted before me if the usual 3 weeks timeline for PPR to COPR has changed.

bekayy:
You know what time it is, It’s PPR Time. Whoop Whoop.

Shalom.

Hello @bekayy!

Please have you received your passport ready for pickup mail and COPR?

What was your PPR to COPR timeline?

Thanks!

bankyh1905:
Concluding part of my journey to PPR.
Cheers!!!

Hello @bankyh1905!

Please have you received your passport ready for pickup mail and COPR?

What was your PPR to COPR timeline?

Thanks!