Chikicaka:
Hello guys, I am new here but in dire need of advice from diverse opinions, January 1st 2017 I made a firm resolve to try and leave this country and though it started as a joke but slowly but surely I got PR for both Canada and Australia, I wasn't able to save a dime all through last year and my savings is at an all time low because I wanted this and luckily for me I got them, I studied Civil Engineering in my undergraduate days but I am into freelance programming now, I am confused on which to go for because I didn't plan to get PR for Canada but because the process looked do-able i just decided to take the shot and go for it and it also clicked.

I am 26, not married and wasn't able to get a job with the PR's, so would like advice on which country would be easier to start over, get a minimal job pending when I am able to get my big break, save, survive and grow from there taking into account my educational and current work background, weather and distance, minimum wage, Racism factor, Economy, job availability, better Nigerian network and other factors I didn't mention.

Please guys would really love inputs...


PS-My bro says ppl would want to know how I did it, t'was simple I used the Express and Skilled migration routes respectively. And I am still in shock because never in my dreams did I ever consider I would get not one but two...#truetalk

The cost of living in Australia is significantly higher than Canada's. Furthermore, Australians usually take home more per month, but how much more money does one have in their pockets after each month is what matters. The bit more money per month won't matter with a high cost of living. To be honest, this isn't about Canada vs Australia. This is about the United States. A Canadian citizen usually has access to the American labour market (depending on their profession), the biggest market in the world. And both countries economies are highly integrated. I'm personally not turning down North America for Australia personally. Not to mention there are more Nigerians in North America than down under.

behati:

What if he's telling the fill story? I'll be shocked if this is the first time you're seeing a PR denied visa. it happens all the time, check canadavisaforum. Please let this rest!

They got denied because of economic reasons. He or she already said so. According to my math they've been working for 7 months so it's understandable. Who even knows how much they're making sef. But to say the border officer asked how they got their PR? That I don't believe and leads me to think he or she has something in their past. This seems to be more than an economic reason. The hate towards Nigerians is a nonsense excuse when you're a PR here. The person should just talk true talk.

Demiyike:


I dont believe they are acting on any instruction. I had my visa interview yesterday , with my husband and my 2 children and we were given no documents were asked and we have been here for just a year . They just asked to see our previous US visa and in less than 2 mins were out of there

This person is not telling the full story.

StNonsky:


I showed the lady. She even asked me how I got my permanent residence. It’s crazy. Im still in shock myself.

I have a hard time believing this personally. What's the real story my guy.

StNonsky:


More to what story please? I have had the job since December 2017. No documents was asked. Never been to the US.

So you have a job for about 7 months ?

StNonsky:
Hey everyone. I am Nigerian and Canadian PR for 1 year and have a job but was DENIED VISA to the US on June 19th on grounds of not having “strong economic ties to Canada” Can some1 explain what this mean. Who in his right mind would forfeit his PR status to go stay back in the US illegally? I am very sad and upset! I sense some racial bias because of my black skin colour. A married pregnant Nigérian lady was also denied right before my eyes. This is embarrassing. Share your thoughts please

There's more to this story. How long have you had your job ? Have you ever been to the U.S ? Do you have some sort of record ? Talk true talk if you want advice.

solos007:
Hello E-Fam,

Please would like some input on this.

I have some pending interviews like part of this week and next week.

I have an offer of 65k/yr presently from the first interview I have ever done in Canada just last week.

Just got into the country last month...started applying for jobs the first week of this month.

For someone in ONT is this good offer or should I see what the other guys will offer.

Elder Blackbuddy Help your boy oh!

Take the offer right away. Stop playing around.

sleekchic:


This was quite scary to read, what impact do you think conservatives being in power will have on immigrants that are already there, pardon my naivity but they can't reverse their PR status can they? How about in job search and housing or benefits,do you think it could affect immigrants in any negative way? How were things for immigrants before the liberal party came into power?

Nothing will happen. Political parties talk nonsense just to get votes. Canada has a balance of power between political parties, provinces, etc. In order to get something done like pass or amend a law/policy, it can take a lot of time. And if it's not in the best interest of the country, such as slowing down immigration, it'll never happen. Even Quebec has their own immigration laws. The truth is Canada needs immigration more than immigrants need Canada. They just pretend that it's the other way around. In short Canada would become a 3rd world country with a shrinking economy without immigration. Immigration to Canada is what food is to a regular person. They're not slowing down immigration anytime soon. Have no worries. An interesting article to read.


http://nationalpost.com/news/canada/0615-na-death

So 2018 so far in Canada can basically be summed up like this: lots of people are dying, fewer people are being born, but it’s okay because immigration remains strong.
Those patterns hold true throughout much of the country.

salford1:

The defeat in Ontario was so bad that they lost their party status. The believe here in the west is that Ontario was a liberal strong hold. Trudeau is still not ready. I am actually suprised he paid over $4Billion for that pipeline considering the fact that he is anti-oilsand
That move was a bad political move in my opinion.

He took a risk which wasn't well planned. The money paid for the pipeline won't stop the prairie from delivering their block vote to the Conservative in the next election. His action has also caused some liberal and green voters to switch allegiance.

The minimum wage hike by Kathleen was a wrong move too. Employers just reduced hours and became more lean with the operations of their business. The hysteria quickly died down.

Not trying to turn this into a political thread.

Provincial and federal elections are completely different. Just will win again. Also the 4 B pipeline was necessary. It was for the national interest. Justin was never anti-oilsand. That was a narrative created by western Canada which still holds hate to his dead father.

hustler:


Aunty Maternal biko no vex. The Immigration centres that i have been to are Immigrant Services Calgary downtown. I believe you can register with them online prior to landing. Ive also been to CCIS and they have been of help too with regards to filing of tax/benefits etc for newcomers. The Bank was the Govt owned Bank of Alberta called ATB Financial. They really have cool products specifically for newcomers too like all the other banks but i found their own products better suited to my individual needs as an “upcoming albertan”. For the apartment i checked on Rentfaster and had my cousin help me call on my behalf.

Its uncle. No vex taken. Any successful story should be followed up by specifically how it was done. We're here to help each other out, and make the landing process as easy as possible. So I did it for you.

1. Immigration services. Immigration service Calgary will help with employment, integration, converting qualifications, etc. As mentioned you can register with them online before landing, or one can call or email them about any immigration questions. And if you're not landing in the Calgary area, they'll link you with a local immigration service anywhere in Alberta you're staying. Out of province I'm not sure. The Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) also helps with such services as well.

https://immigrantservicescalgary.ca/

https://www.ccisab.ca/


2. I've never used ATB but I've heard good things about them. One can call them before landing to ask what services they have for new comers.

http://www.atb.com/contact-us/Pages/default.aspx

hustler:
Arrived Calgary, Alberta early last month. Just wanted to share my quick settlement story. Weather has been relatively great. Got registered with Immigration centres and have received tremendous help there. Got a 2 bedroom apartment in the NW area for 1,300 which is ok. A friend helped me with securing that and I did not have to make payment for 3 or 6 months in advance. Just a refundable security deposit and first month rent. Like most have mentioned previously here, you will need a vehicle especially in the NW as small grocery shops and stationery stores are not easily accessible by foot. I got tremendous help with my Banking needs from a Nigerian working in a Bank. Free Banking for one year, 2,500 MasterCard limit with option of a Line of Credit etc. He says after the one year I can still transition to another free banking account without minimum balance if I want. He even helped to refer me to employers in the Finance Industry and one of them has even called me for interviews already and I only met the guy on an online forum oh. Also, like many have mentioned here previously you have to target your resumes to job postings. What else am I missing in my story? Anyways it has been a great number of days being here with no regrets (except that there is no suya here lol) . Let me know if you have any enquires I may be of help. Thanks to everyone who has previously dropped useful information here.

You should go into more details on the immigration centers, the bank account, and how you secured shelter. These are essential things for newcomers. Be more specific on these things please.

salford1:

Alberta is where the money is if that person is willing to move to Ftmac or Grand prairie for oil related jobs.

Calgary for example is now very competitive due to:

1. the high number of immigrants moving in.
2. the large number of grads uni's and colleges churn out especially Sait.

The care job people get easily in Winnipeg is quite tough for people to get in Calgary even with the health aid certificate.

Interestingly, an uncle moved to from Calgary to Winnipeg late last year to start a job with Manitoba Hydro, but there are definetly some careers choices that are almost non existent in the prairie regions.

Edmonton has a lot of jobs. The jobs in northern Alberta have a lot of fly in/fly out. So you can make the oil money while still living in Calgary or Edmonton. I like Calgary out of every city in Alberta. Good jobs is a bit more difficult to get there for sure. More so than other Alberta city.

papaking1:


Winnipeg is good if you are just coming from Naija but after some time, if you are the big dreamer type like me you will begin to think of relocating to another place with bigger opportunities.

Like all of Canada, you will basically be starting afresh here. Canadian experience and education are key here.

The city is geographically big but you can drive around the city in 2 hours or less.

There are so many Aboriginals and many of them can kill you for a stick of cigarette. Some of them are okay but the majority of them appear jobless with a good number of them homeless even though they get substantial benefits from the govt.

Most Nigerians here are into care jobs - personal support worker and security jobs. the major reason for this is that apart from being able to get, the jobs, especially the care job is quite easy (if you don't mind taking care of others, even bathing and cleaning their poo).

One thing I have noticed here is that factory jobs and other hard labour jobs usually pay less, so Nigerians usually just do the easier and better-paid job of home care. I have seen a few that owns their own business and other that have decent jobs but mostly its care jobs especially the women.

I have seen some people relocating to Calgary once they get their citizenship and I will probably follow this route when I obtain my citizenship.

The people are nice though with a lot of Indians and Philipinos.

Govt is very supportive and they help you with rent assist, daycare subsidy and there is a place (Provenchial) where you can go anytime to get furniture, mattress, clothes and other stuff to help you fill up your apartment for free.

Most places are good to live-in but if you have kids you will want to avoid downtown area because that's where the majority of Native lives.

Alberta is where the money is. Why do you have to wait to get your citizenship though ?

iPopAlomo:




Sorry... have you attempted cutting hair before...?

That's irrelevant. What is style or what looks good is subjective. It's like professional stylists. Who's to say their style is better pass others ?

adesbaba:
Hi all...I have 2 questions

1..Pls can anyone share their experience in buying a house cos av read lots of thoughts abt it on this thread,just want a personal experience plss


2..I already av 2 years work experience here in naija in banking operations,...after landing I intend working for like 4 years more in an organization.. After which I intend going to UK for my MBA(chose UK cos of their reputation more than most Canadian skuls and also the one year thingy)...after the MBA,I plan going back to my Canada to continue my career growth or probably switch to consulting ,which as always been my dream . ....pls aw do u see my plans gurus In the house... Also will my UK MBA not be an issue in Canada Coys

Congo and Salford have already said it. And such ignorance is why some immigrants fail. My cousin did the same thing and went to do a masters in the U.K. before coming to Canada. Biggest mistake he has ever made when it came to his life and professional life. Doing such a move will set you back years, I guarantee it. All because of a foolish/ subjective ranking probably paid for by the university? In 2018 people still care about such bullshit rankings ?

TheCongo2:


Hello maternal,
That is a good point you made. I was thinking about that as well.
But then again what about the nannies. Many ladies are getting permanent resident status by working as nannies. There are agencies bringing nannies from the Philippines. You can also sponsor a nanny from your home country.
Would you say there is a difference between a nanny and a barber?

Sponsoring a nanny from your home country can be hard. Canada has an aging population, as a result anything in the healthcare industry is in big demand. Psw, nurse, etc. Most Canadian will not be caregivers, taking care of people's needs or changing old people's diapers. Lastly the caregivers are skilled workers from the Philippines. They take a 1 year intense course which costs alot. Then go through a background check, etc before coming here. These aren't anybody coming to Canada. Caregivers getting PR is understandable. A barbar ? A monkey can do that job.

Ejadike:
Good morning from Nigeria. Please can I am you? I really need some insights from you please.

You can ask it here

TheCongo2:


Coming to think about...
My barber is Jamaican. He once told me he first came to Canada on a visitor visa and tnen was sponsor by the barbershop for permanent residence

That's hard to believe. Barbars are not in short demand.

PrettySleek:

Did u see me in your dream? Did they send u? Please stop disturbing me, I didn't ask u to quote me, I didn't ask for your opinion, so take it and shove up your ass as deep as it can go. Now get lost!!!!

Jobless woman go find work.

PrettySleek:

Oh u have d time to gossip? Hmmm OK I don't. And please keep that nonsense for somebody else.

Yet you're on this thread and even replied to me. You're equally as jobless.

PrettySleek:
People should leave her alone and she should stop explaining herself. I hope some people will have sense now, in life u can't live your life by other people's standard. Like she said, she met someone, fell in love and got pregnant, that's her life, her standard. I have my standard too, I must be married before I get pregnant. Everybody with their own abeg! They have flogged this matter enough please I am tired. I don't understand y people are killing themselves over her matter, I don't understand y she feels the need to explain herself to people, to seek their approval or whatever. Can we go back to more important things like how to vote buhari out in 2019 or world cup or health workers strike?

When you turn 40 with no husband or pikin your standards will lower. You too will find the nearest gate man to give you belle like Linda. If she can gossip about others why can't we of her ?

onatisi:

and what is bad in been a baby mama ?this lady is someone most men will die to marry , she is rich and famous , it is OBVIOUS SHE IS JUST WAITING AND WILL PICK THE RIcH MAN AT HER OWN TIME . now she is complete , she will soon have a child and if she likes she will have another one , they will enjoy the best of everything and she will continue getting richer and more famous while haters keep dying on social media criticizing her

At 40 years old no man is dreaming of marrying her. In fact she'd be a bad investment when it comes to marriage. She scrambled and got her gate man to give her belle before she became too old to have a child. This is what all this is about, nothing more, nothing less. The fact 1 pic of him isn't shown says a lot.

Trustme2:

They don't accept our degree for the purpose of employment but they accept it as a basis for postgraduate studies! Why? Am just curious

With money and toto any idiot can obtain a Nigerian degree. No sane employer would take the risk on a Nigerian graduate in Canada. School is big business. A school has no issues admitting you if you're ready to pay the fees. And if you fail ? You repeat the class and pay the fees again. Understand?

Iyamefa:
Guys in Ontario,

Please pardon my question, it might be a bit insensitive.

Is this how emergency alert will be going forward? I understand it’s importance and all but I thought it was just a notification the first time so that anytime there is a province based general emergency, we will know. Now, radio, tv, phones, everything just paused and alert came on about a child last seen with a woman and to call 911 if seen. The alert even disconnects a call just to get one’s attention.

Pls is there a way one can ‘unregister’ from this alert services?

People like you is why Africa is what it is today. Let someone's child die, who cares, as long as my call isn't cut off. You're in a civilized society, get use to it.

just15:
Dear All

I thought I should ask why people prefer to process the Canada express entry more than Australia because if you check the tread on Canada it far exceeds that of Australia

please what are the challenges,pros and cons of going to Australia through express entry.

There's a thread on this already. I think Canada's is easier and being beside the U.S. is a bonus.

Tojued:


Why?

More jobs

rukayatd:
Please , I have 3 questions.
1. Is there any telecom (field service engineer ) here and your experience and views


2. Is there any environmental scientist, biologist and there about available.

Do you think Edmonton is Better than calgary

I can only answer # 3. I'd pick Edmonton over Calgary any day.

Osahon7:
The baseline of everything is that, you shouldnt leave your well paying job here in Nigeria for a future that is not certain in canada. Except you are a Doctor, Nurse or you are ready to start a carrerr in the health profession. Canada/USA dont care weda you are a bank manager or not in your country. Bank mangers,CEO&MD are not Occupations. They are positions.

You don't think a Nigerian doctor or nurse wouldn't have to go back to school as well ?

fairfora:
Canada is the world's most intolerant country. They are simply playing God with their moves to stop immigrants seeking asylum. America is more liberal, when it comes to issuance of visa, provided your mission is legitimate. In canada's case, they're too strict in granting visas to countries like Nigeria. They could delay your application for as long as 6 months, without any guarantee of your visa application being successful at the end of the day. Despite their strictness and their express entry programme open to professionals, they are not any better as the country's economy is now in a unstable and messy. Crime rate in Canada is on the rise. Funny enough, they cannot do anything to stop US from performing their legit immigration duties

These are all lies.

linearity:


But, they can’t stop Asylum seekers from Nigeria that will be discrimination, just like Trump is finding it tough to enforce his ‘moslem ban in the US’, the government end up spending lots of money in court over many years defending their actions and also been cast in a bad light by many other countries.

More so under, ‭international laws especially, the 1951 Refugee Convention, Canada cannot ban Nigeria Asylum seekers, rather it must process each application in good faith, fairness and in accordance with it’s domestic laws.

They will be forced to take in their asylum applications and process them through the system. This though will increase the workload, scrutiny and may lead to some genuine cases been denied and some fraudulent ones beating the system.

Abeg. Self preservation is the a country's president or prime minister's first duty. If or when any of these migrants pose a serious risk to the citizens safety or economy, new laws/measure will be passed within 24 to 48 hours max. They will pull out of any international law. When the individual took a gun into parliament and attempted to kill the prime minister and mp's, new laws/measure were passed within 24 hours if not less. If even one of these migrants seriously harms a police men or commit some sort of terrorism against the Canadian people, watch how fast immigration laws change. International law, UN,etc all those organization is just for show. Any government would override them for self preservation or their country's best interest. Trump's Muslim ban is pure ignorance/racism. But he was successful in banning citizens of certain countries from entering the US. Because his admin used facts.

Electroweb:


So therefore its not easy for an old person (immigrant) with permanent residency or a canadian citizen to travel to his initial home country to retire.

You can. You just have to make sure you meet the residency requirements in you're a PR. As a citizen you have the right to enter any time you want. Nobody can deny you entry into Canada. Lastly you won't retire in naija. Not full time any way. You'd be insane too.

Canadianfly:


I totally understand you and Nogen. My concern is I have 2 languages I speak at home with my kids. We want them fluent in Igbo, unlike these new generation parents that see native languages as "local". So we speak Igbo to the kids and English where they don't quite get what you're saying to them in Igbo. Of course they learn And communicate in English from school. Now my concern is if the French schools have a no English policy, my kids will be fluent in French from school and fluent in Igbo from home......English disappears. That's the concern I was raising at your initial post.
I wanted to know where and how they would continue English? I'm really concerned about this, if I sort out their not forgetting English, then it's French school all the way for them oh.

Where do you live? English can't disappear in Canada honestly.