₦airaland Forum

Central mosque

Oyamade:
Nice photo, is that a frozen river/lake in the background of that tower?

That's Olympic park in downtown Calgary.. not a river

Winter last year

Photo from calgary tower..

I thought this was a thread for living in Canada? The derailing is not healthy for this thread. We are adults let's act like one. Individuals have freedom of choices which is a fundamental right, we should thread with caution and bring back the is thread to its intended purpose.


Thanks

Hephgirl:
Dr's in za house..
What online courses can one do to get a side job while u prep for mcce.

Ekpekus vcole sweetrie

It really depends on you as an individual and your city of residence. I would advice, you research on colleges in your intended city and find courses or certification that are short and not expensive.
Some IMGs do challenge the health care aide certification and do well in that. It aids one to work while reading for exams.

Hephgirl:
So somewhere else for residency and come back will b an great option for one who is single.
But if u r arrived with kids
. How u wan leave ur husband and kids?

Lolz.. Then we occupy space for this residency or practice readiness. No time to check time

ugoiyke79e:
Very truee @bolded....
Thanks for your contributions vcole,ekpekus,sweetrie........
we shall all get there....
and a support group wouldnt be a bad idea though

There are a lot of support group for IMGs depends on the city/province you reside. In Alberta, we have AIMGA.
Also you can also see folks online..
Pls check this website RXPGonline dot com

vcole:
@ekpekus, that post was circulated before and when I read it, I shook my head because it has so many flaws.
@sweetrie The img pathway is a bit windy in Canada. As far as I know and according to the valid information given by mcc and provinces as regards medical practice, there are 2 pathways open to IMGs.

Pathway 1.
You write and pass mccee and nac osce. Then have a minimum of 7,7,7,7 in academic ielts not more than 2yrs old then you apply for the residency match called carms. Apps open in September and close in Nov or so yearly and I think interviews happen between then and January and the match occurs in March and residency starts in July.
If you have passed mccqe1, it makes you more attractive. If you have a reference from a licensed Canadian physician, it makes you more attractive. The province of Alberta has a separate img match from the Canadian/US grads match. Those img match slots are competitive. However, if you are able to get a recommendation from the aimga (Alberta img association), you stand a very good chance of matching a residency prog. The aimga has different requirements from the carms. They require a pass in mccqe 1 and ielts written not earlier than May of the year preceeding your intended match year.

Pathway 2
Physician practice readiness assessment aka PRA.
For now Manitoba, Sask, BC have PRAs. Newfoundland recently suspended theirs.
Requirements are pass in mccee (for sask and Manitoba you also need a pass in mccqe1 and mccqe2 or nac osce) + 2yrs evidence of family medicine residency or 2yrs of clinical practice with rotations in paeds, obsgyn, surgery, internal med and psychiatry. Your Nigerian clinical practice is very well recognised.
So if you qualify, you get assessed and if you are accepted, you sign a return of service contract for 3yrs (4yrs in Manitoba) and get posted to a rural area to work and after you finish you get your license. You'll however need to pass the family medicine fellowship exams.

Matching a residency prog or getting accepted into a PRA prog are both very competitive.
Also, bear in mind that in Canada, you can pass all of the MCC exams and yet not get into residency or get into a Pra for a while. So, it is always advisable to have other plans for career growth asides waiting to get a spot.

As regards pay, a resident earns about $250k annually and on the average a GP earns $300k annually. Specialist physicians earn more. The ministry of health pays a GP $150/each patient s/he sees. So if you do the math, $300k is pretty easy to come by. This is why they say when you eventually get your license it is worth it, if you're in for the money sha.

Yeah.. you are right. Alternatively, some IMGs go to UK or US for residency and come back here to start practicing.
My belief is this: As far as people get matched via CRAMS, then we fight for our place.. we have put our hands in the plough and no looking back.
Make we relate for one corner @vcole

sweetrie:
Good morning Dr Ekpekus, hehehe. I have this exact same info. I made further enquiries and the results were not pleasing. The problem being that after passing all the exams there are very limited spaces for residency program, and you can't practice without doing residency. So a lot of foreign trained doctors are stuck here. I got this information from Google, I was wondering if someone on ground could give more insight. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

The fear of uncertainty will be there no doubt. The fear of "what if" is bound to come but have this at the front of your mind "IMPOSSIBILITY IS NOTHING". Many IMGs have been matched, so you stand a chance.
Yes it's competitive, so are you.. brace up to the challenges and see them succumb.
We nor come Canada come look oyibo face, na professional we be and we nor go settle for less.
In essence all things are possible if you believe and work it out.

salford:
Going forward, you are no longer Ekpekus but Dr. Ekpekus....

Choi...see starting salary.... My friends husband in North Saskatchewan earns just above 200k per year as a doc, yet the wife would say he is not earning much... smh

Amen.. I claim am wella

nairalandefcc20:
man how do I contact you

You can PM me

sweetrie:
Hello.
Please with all the information I have gathered, they say getting residency positions for foreign doctors is almost impossible even after passing exams. Only 4% - 6% of IMGs get a spot after all Canadian medical graduates get their own spots. Any advices, suggestions and information would be highly appreciated.

Is it worth it knowing you won't get to practice for years??
@vcole and anyone with info, idea or thoughts. Thank you very much.

See my post above

Part 2

*5th Route
Do the MCCEE where you can, then come into Canada for MCCQE Part 1 & 2...

While preparing for the exams, you may not get a good job because You'd probably be on study visa...

NB: even though you have an MBBS from any of the countries, no Loc

um....

*Breakdown of salaries of the different levels of career*
When you come in through path1 & 2, when you apply,and they assign you to a rural community, you get a stat dose of $50,000 for 3months....

Then subsequently,

The basic salary is $200,000/annum

$=CAD

*1 Cad$ = N270*

For senior doctors (as you advance in experience and your job reviewed from time to time) it begins to rise from $250,000

And Heavy long-term Specialists earn up to $500,000 /annum.

Lecturing even up to PhD level you earn between $50,000 & $60,000/annum.

If you have been lecturing for years and as a Prof, you can go home with $100,000/annum.

So the man candidly concluded/advised the following....

1. Transition from Masters/PhD is very difficult, (many get stuck and end there) and if you'd be fulfilled Lecturing, then go through that route...


But if any still desires Clinical practice, you need to be patient, pass through the hurdles, "IT MAY TAKE TIME, BUT WHEN YOU GET IN, IT'D BE WORTH THE WAIT"

You'd earn more than engineers with >20yrs experience as starting salary....
The pass rate of MCCQE is not very encouraging.....(but all things are possible.....favor can follow you oh...)

And if you're coming in as a fresh Licensee, the waiting list is very long....
It could still take a while,

Its not automatic.

After all said and done..

In the multitude of counsel, there's safety...
&
All things are possible...in all

It's unto everyone according to his Faith..

..Please make informed decisions and tell others as applicable.

*CAVEAT* *
The above counsel is not a limitation on anyone, neither does it hinder from expression of personal Faith...

*Then lastly,*

*There's the PROVINCIAL NOMINATION PROGRAM*

Where a Province will nominate you, (after you apply and meet some criteria) for PERMANENT RESIDENCE ...
That is, you'd come in as a permanent resident...

However, eligibility criteria includes
1. EMPLOYABILITY
2. AGE
3. ADAPTABILITY
4.EDUCATIONAL LEVEL
5.LANGUAGE.

1. *EMPLOYABILITY* has to do with work experience.
They like finished products more than freshmen...

So for Engineers, and some other courses, their work experience counts...so they get higher points. The more years, the more points..

*Medical Doctors (whose only experience is in Nigeria), don't get the points..*

*2. AGE*
Ages 18 - 35 score the highest points (max 12)....in Nova Scotia

The older above 35, the lower....


*One last pathway* , is what I call
THE BOURGEOISIE PATHWAY

This is when you have up to $200,000 to start a business in Canada that will employ 4-6 and above number of Canadians as staff..

Apply and you'd get Permanent Residence stat.

So let me start with the Not so good news....

*1* , (for Medical profession) job experience in Nigeria, no matter how many years (Housejob, NYSC,MO,Reg, S-Reg, Consultancy) is not acknowledged by the Canadian system.

*No matter where you were trained, as far as your job experience is only in Nigeria, it doesn't count*

The only countries job experience are acknowledged by Canada are
*1. USA
2. UK
3. AUSTRALIA
4. IRELAND
5. SOUTH AFRICA
*
There were 5 ways to get into the Canadian system

*1st Pathway
If you have 4yrs of work experience in ANY SPECIALTY in any of the 5 countries (USA, UK, Australia,Ireland or South Africa), you will be absorbed directly into the Canadian medical system....you'd just only take an EVALUATION EXAM....

*Prognosis* :- very favorable, evidenced by the fact that that's the route even Canadian citizens are taking knowing that direct entry into their system is very difficult.....

*2nd Pathway:*
If you have 2yrs Internship in FAMILY MEDICINE in any of the aforementioned countries, you'd be absorbed directly too, as a Family Physician after taking an Evaluation Exam.....

Then the main advice is that Rural areas have a high demand for Family Physicians, and the pay is more, the stress is Less....

*Prognosis* :- highly favorable and highly recommended....as evidenced by confirmation from another doctor.

There is freedom and flexibility in the rural practice...

The doctors are fresh...

*KIV* :-
They both adviced doctors to get Married before rural practice because you will know /see everyone as patients....
And here, once someone has become your patient, there are some papers and hyperformalities (doctor-patient clauses) you have to sort out before marrying the person....�

They both adviced that it actually takes a while (i.e. through the above routes to be established, but that when you start earning, you will know it is WORTH THE journey/ SACRIFICE.

Then, if FAMILY MEDICINE is not your major end point, after being a registered doctor, you can then apply into any other specialty that you now desire...

Eg...if I like to specialize in O&G....thenn I go to Ireland to do 2yrs Internship in FAMILY MEDICINE, then enter Canada, get registered, and I now want to go into the O&G, I can now get Specialization opportunity and start O&G.


*NB: the main point is, the salary is not child's play when you get registered here....*

*3rd Pathway* : -

*Academic Route--*
That is to come in for Masters degree, get permanent residence and start doing their exams (EVALUATION and QUALIFYING EXAMS part1&2)...then get into the system...

*Prognosis* :- very poor.....
Evidenced by the fact that 80% of those that took that route end up as research assistants and teachers in College and universities...(even though the pay is good, but can't be compared with Clinical practice)....

They say many of our Regs and Consultants are trapped there as well....

And then just continue to PhD level.

*4th Pathway* :- (almost like the 3rd)
To come in for Masters (Funded by the School) , get up to PhD level, work a bit and then apply directly into Specialization (still after the examination) then enter the system...

The issue is that on the journey to PhD, you'd be engaged with teaching sciences, and you will be comfortable and may not have the time to start seating for the Licensing exams....

*Prognosis:* again, they said the majority of foreigners who take that route end up becoming Professors (since they're already high up the academic ladder) and keep teaching, never getting into the clinicals...
The pay for Profs is quite higher than ordinary lecturers, and writing thesis will not allow you prepare for "children's exam....

The only catch for the PhD holders is a stable job and theyre easily accepted when they apply for specialization.

salford1:
you met me well. lunch time, come chop

You don dey chop like Canadian abi? Looks good sha
When you enter town Abeg holla at your boy

MissShakara:
I thought PRs can apply for study loans which they can start paying after graduation? Or did I read wrong?

I'm in a licensed profession and from my maths, it could take me 3yrs to qualify to practice in Canada plus I plan to enrol in a masters program to get the much needed Canadian education.
Do you guys know of Nigerian lawyers who took this route? Do they have jobs? Are they doing well? What I'm asking is if it's worth the time and money at the end or would I be better of taking a cert or diploma program and switch careers.
I know this is more of a personal decision but I would like to hear your opinions and advice.

On the housing matter, my fear is that a mortgage may tie one down to a particular city and therefore limit options. But on the other hand, paying rent for 4yrs does seem like a waste...

For loan for PR, yes
For Masters I would advice weigh all your options first and see if there are alternative routes like bridging programs.
And I know you would also want to earn and spend Canadian dollars rather than dipping into the pof, so a part-time job might not be a bad idea..
Also research on this body "Immigrant Access Funds" they help professional settle while trying to get back to their career paths.

dupyshoo:
I pray so. The airline you booked with might be able to put you on another flight sha if you miss your flight.

Sure.. this was my case with westjet after we missed our connecting flight from Toronto as a result of Fly Emirates delay at DXB. Though landing process was swift

Ehrnie:
It sure does brov! Many thanks.

One last thing though - I've got a 1hr30mins layover between Vancouver and Calgary. Will this be sufficient for the landing process, as I don't want to miss my Calgary flight?

Many thanks,

It should be sufficient all things being equal..

Ehrnie:
Hi All - I have a (silly) question

So, if one is travelling to Calgary but has two stopovers one of which is in Vancouver. Where will the person meet the Immigration Officer who will conduct clearance + take all documentation? Vancouver or Calgary? If Vancouver, can the person give a Calgary address to post the PR card to?

Note that the Vancouver to Calgary journey is via Air Canada (i.e. the 1st airline partners with Air Canada).

I have asked google, but still need to be double sure.

Many thanks...

You do your documentation and landing process in Vancouver but give your Calgary address for your PR to be posted.
I hope this helps

Tosean:
Thanks for your points

I have a similar question as well

Can someone who's nominated by a certain province live and work in another province?

During provincial nomination application processing most of them normally ask applicants to sign some provincial forms, which are in form of an oat or agreement that u will live and work in there province.

If you do this, it may backfire when you want to change status from PR to citizen.. cos this canada have ways to track these things..
I Wil advise, just jejely stay for the province wey nominate you and after fulfillment of the obligation, which sometimes takes 2-3years, then you can find your way..

Nice discussion so far with amazing points however one principle in life is "Man know thyself".
This canadian dreAm is individualized as no one story fits all.
I usually advised, get as much POSITIVE information as possible on how things are done in diverse aspect of the Canadian society, then tailor it to your pursuit and goals.
Some bought house as soon as they landed and it was a good decision, others did and they regretted.

The Bible will say "Galatians 6:4-5, MSG Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."
In essence always make INFORMED DECISIONS as it suit your plan...

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

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

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

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!!! It doesn't look like scam but it is SCAM itself

MummyJaygirls:
So our popular affordable phones in Naija won't work in Canada? Eg, techno, itel, infinix, huawei etc

Infinity works as well as huawei but are very selective of mobile provider. Huawei works with Fido, chatr and kudoo but not with virgin.

SOTAJ:
No, I am in Alberta.

My oga I sight you... longest time

telias:
If you are on the verge of changing your phone, is it advisable to buy from naija or get it when you land?-Also generally, where are the best places to get phones? Also what should a new immigrant spend on their first car(family of 5) and where do you get the best deals?

You can get a Samsung phone from Nigeria, it works here. As for the car, follow honey86 advice

honey86:
Congratulations on moving to Canada. I wish to advise newcomers concerning jobs and settling in Canada. The truth is the current reality of most people who migrated is not what they expected when they decided to migrate.
After landing some people land their dream jobs while for others it takes a while. If you don't get your dream job please try to take up survival jobs because you have bills to pay. If you decide to take a survival job please continue to pursue your dream job and DO NOT SETTLE.
One mistake that our people make is that they start making long term decisions such as car financing,
mortgages while working menial jobs. What happens is that they are stuck and cannot take the courses they need to get their dream jobs.
A lot of people are unhappy here, bank manager working as home support worker or cashier when we have people from other countries who did not have education at all coming here to take professional jobs after going to school.
Don't rush to buy house and brand new car when you know you still have a long way to go. Nobody cares what you wear, whether you drive. No one cares. Build yourself up to where you want and then you can eat the fruit of your labour in peace.

By the way I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

One of the best advise on this thread... I endorse this message

Pastor Isaac Folaji I sight you there

Pidgin2:
When the likes of maternal and ugosample are busy with their hate campaign against Nigeria, posting rubbish on the internet, how will we be respected by other countries like Qatar?

Your matter nor be here o

gentleiphy:
You said Europe..thats a whole continent which is even smaller than Canada that is just a country...I use one day to go by train from leipzig in East Germany to get to Paris in France...criss crossing Holland,Luxembourg,Belgium and on to Paris...you will use 33hrs by road to get from Calgary to Toronto...you fly nearly 5hrs from Vancouver to Toronto..how many hours flight from Madrid to frankfurt ?...

Canada has vast land and beautiful cities...not to talk of the nature...even in Europe only Germany i can say that has what it takes to be called beautiful with infrastructures that can never be matched anywhere in Europe...but in all Canadians are a happy,peace loving,friendly and hospitality people...i have seen more than 16 European countries but none can give you the peace of mind that Canada gives bar the extreme cold o o cos that one no be here...at -45 degrees we still dey push am...unlike in UK where common 0 degrees people dey shake..

gentleiphy it has tayed o.. i sight you wella.. keep enjoying the maple land

If exam is a subject, surely that would top my list..

fcalvary:
My bus

I see you are using Greyhound.. I am assuming you left from Calgary abi Edmonton. What's the cost of a return ticket to Manitoba using that bus? Have some folks down there..