₦airaland Forum

TheCongo2:
Bro, testimonies are meant to give strength and inspiration in a hopeless situation. Please, don't underestimate the power of a testimony. Some people live by faith.

Fair enough. I agree. But if I fail a test and do a testimony, don't you hit the books harder to make sure you pass this time around ? You can't do testimony then continue doing the same thing. God helps those who help themselves as well.

lavivaavril:
Sorry to take us back but pls do all these things about Alberta apply to people who are in the financial industry and not IT/ oil and gas?

Toronto is the financial capital of Canada. That's where those jobs would be.

salford1:
LOL...my naija people and religion sha....
Not getting a job could be as a result of many factors...competition, better qualified candidates, bad interview skills, job withdrawn, applicant not been sensitive enoughe.t.c basically..it could be anything...
Imagine if i was a muslim and the way he kept referring to bible verses here n subtle insult/attack within those verses.. justwise would have beeen dishing out bans..

My brotha I dey u. Everything na religion with African. You no get job. Person say move to X (a smaller city) which get at least minimum wage jobs, and cost of living is cheaper. Person now come put God for the matter. Another person now come do testimony about his success in Toronto, as if one persons destiny be the next man's. The broke person wey still no get money and job, come holla "amen". As if that testimony go change his condition. I tire. People we're talking about probability here. Simple math.

Fusion23:
Nice also to add Ottawa has some good High IT paying jobs , especially Kanata, but Toronto is still the main hub.
But more population.

Yes true. Also with the crazy trump in power some US IT firms were looking to set up shop in the Ottawa area. I don't know how far they've gone with that though.

maziude:
Good Morning Maternal,
I trust you are doing well.
I just arrived Ottawa a few days ago.
At present, I am loving it already.
However, what advice in general in terms of housing(I intend moving to a one bedroom apartment in a couple of months), vehicle (especially the driver's license acquisition and vehicle purchase in the near future), etc would you give a new PhD student that just moved in?

Thank you.

Move to the Quebec side. Rent is extremely cheap there. I've seen 1 bedroom like 6-700 all inclusive. As for your license you'd have to do your research yourself. Call the DMV. Do you have a license from naija ?

I think there's a miscommunication here. I'm simply giving my opinions and 2 cents. I'm not against a new immigrant moving to a big city. Do as you please. I'm just trying to let other new immigrants coming into the country, that other options exist as well. And for those who are in a big city and struggle, you have nothing to prove. There's no shame in looking at other small or mid sized cities. It all depends on your priority at the end of the day, like most things. I personally don't want to pay 1 million dollar for an average house at best, spend hours in traffic everyday, compete with thousands for 1 job, etc. But if you like city life, tall buildings, while hanging with the boyz at suya spot listening to davido, by all means "the 6" is the place for you. I want my time and money to be freed up for myself and family.

my 2 cents

impish:
Thanks maternal. I would like to know what the city is like generally, the people, are they multicultural, friendly etc. Also, cost of living - is this in line with Toronto or cheaper/more expensive? If cheaper or more expensive, to what degree?

Thanks for your help. You all do great work and make this site a very useful tool to us intending immigrants.

Best regards,

Mrs. O, mycanadianfling blog

Ottawa is a pretty multicultural city. You have a good amount of west Africans (Nigerians) and east Africans (Somalians). People are friendly. But its Canada, don't start a problem and you won't have a problem. Ottawa is definitely cheaper than Toronto in every aspect. A million dollar house in Toronto would cost you 400k here. My friend who moved from Toronto to Ottawa, as his wife refused to raise their son in the "expensive GTA" as she says, was paying close to 400 dollars per month for car insurance. In Ottawa it went down to like 100 dollars per month. He drives a Toyota. So do the math. These little things add up especially when you have a family to feed here, and family to help out back home. Also no long bumper to bumper traffic like on the 401. It affects your monthly fuel cost, as it'll be cheaper.

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

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

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


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

cc: salford1, TheCongo2, Blackbuddy, Fusion23, Gymme

1. cost of living is cheap and respectable. Its a government town, so if the cost of living was as high as Toronto for example, people wouldn't be able to survive.

2. Housing is cheap here. Mine was 260k, though I put 30k of renovations in it. My guy just bought a house with 4 bedrooms and a 2 car garage for 380k.

3. Daycare and schooling is the same as anywhere in the country I believe. Other than Quebec, daycare cost if not subsidized will kill you. Other school is free as it comes from our taxes, except post secondary of course.

4. Here's the catch. Ottawa is a government town so most people are employed by the government. At times it can be hard to get a government, especially if you can't speak English and french. There are some private companies as well, but not as much as government jobs. If you can secure a good paying government job you'll love Ottawa and you won't be going anywhere. That's the key, like in most cities. A decent paying government job, mixed with the low cost of living and you're laughing.

my 2 cents.

impish:
Good question. We are moving to Ottawa, and any useful information would help out a great deal.

Thanks guys in anticipation of your assistance.

Mrs. O, mycanadianfling blog

What do you specifically want to know.

TheCongo2:
My sister and her husband were doing fine in Whitby, Ontario. They had good jobs and a mortgage. In 2010, they just wake up one morning and decided to sell their home and moved to Calgary.
Now my sister keeps telling everyone that living in Ontario was a complete waste of life and time.

The thing is a 6 figure salary in Alberta goes a lot further than 6 figure salary in the GTA would. Just based on the cost of living alone. I'm just curious, what does your sister and in-law do for work.

salford1:
Are you a PR? you mean you landed in may. Less than 2months ago. Did you not land with the required settlement funds?

Don't mind him/her. That's why I said give us more info so we can help you better. I suspect this person may have visa issues or some sort of work restriction. Can't even find a minimum wage job in the GTA ? That's suspicious.

Oluwapelumi87:
@TheCongo2 I am telling the God honest truth when I say that I have not been able to find any sort of work in Toronto. I have registered and met with many recruitment agencies and only 2 of them were prepared to put me forward for 3 roles since May. The employers decided not to proceed as I didn't have 'Canadian experience'. I have applied for work outside my field including retail and hospitality but again have been told I am not qualified to work in these fields.

Go and apply for a minimum wage call center job. They're always hiring.

mamatwiny:
Please list high paying trades in oil field?

my hubby is a Qaqc inspector( elect and instrumentation) in a korean coy that constructs oil facilities. He has also done safety officer work and has nebosh and qms lead auditor. Are those jobs regulated in Canada?

Electrician, pipefitter,etc. Perhaps someone here in the trade can answer the last question. But yes almost everything is regulated here. I'm sure your husband can obtain Canadian qualification or equivallent. Then add the abroad experience on his resume. Networking is the key.

Oluwapelumi87:
Hello, thank you for responding. I have tried to send you a direct message to give you more details. Please let me know if you have received it.

I've received it and ignored it. Ask me what you want to ask me here. We're all here to share info and learn.

Oluwapelumi87:
I am NOT asking for money online. I am asking for advice or connections of how I can land a job.

Toronto is fools gold. You fell for it, like ive been telling others here to avoid that place. I know the struggle. You're competing with millions of people for a few job positions , high taxes, high rent, high housing prices, etc. My advice? Pack your stuff and head to Alberta. Job or no job. Figure things out when you get here. But if you tell me more about your background such as education, I can help you more.

Oluwapelumi87:
Hello,

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

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

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

Thank you in advance for your help and support.

Are you asking for money online?

40manlappy:
@salford1, @maternal @TheCongo2

What do you know about living in Ottawa? I would like to hear from you apart from what I have read online. Thanks

What exactly do you want to know. I know the city inside and out.

Blingyrie:
Excuse my ignorance, what's the difference between white and blue collars?

White= a lot of corporate jobs.

Blue= a lot of hands on jobs like tradesman

Yooku:
Wow, $50/hr and more for the skilled tradespersons? That's a real testament to the usefulness of those with the practical hardcore hands-on skills.

50 an hour is actually a very low wage for a tradesman. I've seen over 100 an hour in the oilfields.

TheCongo2:
When I first read your comments, my first intention was to get a voice recorder to go around the City and let Londoners address your concern. But, then I realized I wasn't going to be able to upload the voice file on nairaland.

The person who told you that London is filled with Hispanics and very low class immigrants didn't paint the correct picture of London to you. London is by far what that person had described to you.

First of all, Canada is not the States. You will never find a congestion of Hispanic immigrants anywhere in Canada like you would in the States.
Do you know that Mexicans don't need a visa to enter Canada? Nevertheless, a lot of Mexicans would prefer going through the trouble of risking their lives by paying thousands dollars to smugglers to cross the US border illegally or to jump the wall between US and Mexico all for the sake of living in the United States. For reasons known only to Mexicans, they don't want to come to Canada where a visa isn't a requirement to them. And a trip to Canada by plane would be safer and cheaper to a Mexican than paying smuggler to enter the States illegally. I don't think there is any place in Canada where you can hear the Hispanic language on an ongoing basis unless you go to a Hispanic Church or involved with Hispanic people . I never heard Spanish on the streets of London from random people.

If someone told you that he had seen so many Hispanics and very low class immigrants in London, Ontario, I can only see one thing: This person was staying at a homeless shelter in London. The homeless shelter is the only place that would fit the description of the London that was painted in your post. Not only the shelter is the place you would meet many new comers (mostly refugees or asylum seekers) who are trying to settle in London or in Canada but also Canadians who for one reason or another had lost everything and are trying to get back on their feet.

Anyone who has full time employment in London, regardless of the job type, would be aware that the work force in London is mostly made of white. You were given an incorrect picture of London by someone I strongly suspect had never got involved into the fabric of live that makes the City of London. A colleague friend of mine who is French Canadian (white) had always complaint to me that London is the first city she had ever lived in that is so full of white people. She is used to diversity. She was born in Montreal and had lived in a numerous cities in Canada and in Bordeaux, France. According to her, London has the highest density of white population per square inch in Canada.

London, Ontario, is the only place where I have seen an African immigrant single mother purchase their first homes. I went to school in New York City, I had been to Montreal, Toronto and it is close to impossible to see a single black mother purchase her home in those cities. In London, Ontario, I didn't see just 1 but a good number of them. As a matter of fact, almost everyone I know who had moved here had been able to purchase their first home.

By the way, where are you located if you don't mind me asking?

I use to think the same thing. But Mexicans most go through Canadian customs IN Mexico before landing in canada. Just like how in most major Canadian airports people go through US customs first before landing in America. And Canadian customs reject a lot of Mexicans. A Mexican can't just grab their passports and come here. If they could they would.

MissShakara:
Hi Maternal

We are a family of 5 planning to move to Alberta. We are ready to start over on any good career path so we don't plan on restricting ourselves based on what we do here in naija. I'm a lawyer and my husband works in a bank but with a science degree. We are fairly young, in our early 30's. Is there any prosperous career pathway you could suggest for us given we want to settle in Alberta. We don't mind going back to school for a short program.

Also we are torn between Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton. I don't know why am pulled towards Lethbridge anyway but I would like to hear your views and that of anyone else who live in these cities.

This all depends on what visa/status you'll be coming in as. I'm assuming you're coming as a skilled worker ? I've never lived in Lethbridge, but as a newcomer I wouldn't go to a small town. I'd go to a decent size city. You'll need the networking to eventually reach your goals. Plus I personally wouldn't raise my children in a small town. Honestly I can't give you an answer regarding a career path. I would come to either Edmonton or Calgary. Try to get my qualifications recognized, then go from there. You'll meet new people and start to network. From there you'll learn a lot about the country then start to decide which path you can go. As for which city to go, I'd go to Edmonton before Calgary. I feel there are more opportunities there. Calgary is more white collar. Edmonton more blue collar.

40manlappy:
Please, is this applicable to most industries or it's just peculiar to the oil industry? Would appreciate the clarification because what I have read generally is that Ontario is the hub for finance and banking jobs.

No just mainly the oil. But remember the oil industry creates other side/relevant jobs. That's what people forget. An oil company still needs an accountant for example, or an expert with a fiance degree. They may also need a business analyst as well. You also have to factor in the cost of living. While you're in Toronto chasing a finance or banking job, you're easily paying more taxes and 1 million dollars for a house which would cost 400k max in Alberta for example. Do the math first and take everything into consideration. That's all I'm saying.

VEIL1234:
Hi Maternal and other gurus in the house,

What advise would you give regarding career path in canada to someone who has MSc Sustainable Environmental Management from USask?

Just planning ahead, my husband is on study permit and would be done next year, just want to be strategic about the next stage after school.
I have an open work permit and I am a HR professional but still in Nigeria, any advise on my own career path would do too. Attractive provinces too will do, even though we have our eyes on Sask or Alberta but I just thought it wise to seek advise from the seniors and those on ground already just incase we are missing out on anything. Guys please let's hear your opinion. Thank you.

I'd focus on securing both your permanent residency first. But to be honest, your husband should have all these answers if he did his homework and networked while at school. I also hope he attended numerous career fairs and attempted to do internship. But if I had to guess, I'd say Alberta and Sask are good places to go for him after graduation. His skill set would be needed there due to those provinces natural resources. As for you, do what makes sense. But be set on doing HR here if that doesn't work out.

TheCongo2:
My sister and her family have relocated to Alberta from Ontario. She has been saying the exact same words you have posted.

Its an employees market here. Meaning, there's so much competition here among companies for talent, that a potential employee can sit back and watch companies fight over them. Furthermore, with 6 plus major oil companies here and their lucrative salaries, they drive up the price for skilled worker. Hence why Albertans have the highest per capita salary in the country.

lumzy1:
I plan to settle in Alberta or Ontario and my occupation is Petroleum Geologist. Since functioning as a Geologist requires getting registered as a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.), I want to ask what is the possibility of registering with Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) from Nigeria. And also between Ontario and Alberta which has a better prospect for a Petroleum Geologist in terms of job availability.

Alberta without a doubt. If I knew what I know now (I sound old) I would have never step foot in Ontario. I always tell newcomers to come to Alberta. The opportunities here is unbelievable. To answer your question, if you plan to be a geologist, Alberta is obviously the place to be with the oil being here. I currently work in the oilfields along with many Nigerians. My guy is actually a geologist. Though I don't know how to get certified. I would suggest to do the certification here (in Canada). Nothing done in naija would be trusted.

One last advice to newcomers. Chase stability and prosperity, NOT the name of a fancy degree. People here don't care about your status or what fancy degree you have. I work with literally small boys (mid 20's) with just a high school diploma, along with some professional courses, and years of experience making 100-250k per year. If you have a relevant trade, you'd be worshiped here. Whereas, I know people with fancy degrees but are unemployed or under-employed. My point is do what makes sense, not what you think others think of you.

kaysce:
Abeg Abeg help me, i need your help and advice- pls feel free

Please i need your advise... i am thinking of migrating to canada/australia currently, i am employed but salary (150k) is getting easily eroded by the increasing cost of living/surviving, hence very minimal savings. i have some years of marketing and Project Mgt experience and a uk MSc. Based on your various onground experiences, please what are the prospects for me abi make i just just chill jejely with this naija and push for the best: i need all possible ongroud realities to help make my decision:

1. Are there jobs for foreigners (that can sustain anyone and ofcos keep savings)?
2. What should be his BTA target (since i know nobody there to accommodate me for a while)?
3. Is it a good decision to make (leaving Nigeria for canada (without any work provision, relatives, bare minimal savings or accommodation availability?)
4. What kind of job should i be scouting for that can make things easier for me?
5. Which of the cities should i be directing his plans to?eg toronto, ontario, sask, new found labrador, news brunswick etc
6. Are uk degrees recognized in the labour market, or do I still have to do a degree upgrade in Business/marketing/sales
7. how long do you think it will take before I get a job in my line (do need to do a degree/upgrade); I hear of doing survival jobs till u get a job. I have a valid niaja drivers licence.
8. which provinces in Canada do you think I can get a job quickly and salary range.

 @zandora, @maternal, @nobody, @shinarambo, @justwise, @jydo, @boss13, @olajide. in sort everybody, i really need your varying advise.

Canada is looking for immigrants, due to an aging population and negative birth rate. I'd apply as a skilled worker, which would give you permanent residence (PR) on the spot if approved. Your MSC from the UK should be recognized as a masters here in Canada as well, when you get it equivalent. You simply can't compare the two countries. Pack your load and come, don't even look back. Really what are you leaving ? But these are MY opinions and everyone should do a their own research.

1. There are jobs for everyone. You can get a survival job easily. One that allows you to pay your rent and chop some food. Getting the amazing private/government job is the issue.

2. All depends on you.

3. I'd rather make a mistake than have regrets not trying. My friend it's not that serious. You won't land here and become homeless the next day. You must even have X amount of dollars before being allowed to come here in your account any way.

4. Get/Take whatever you find at first.

5. Me PERSONALLY I'm coming to either Calgary or Edmonton. Still one of the best job markets in the country in my opinion. I see a lot of Africans striving here.

6. You should be able to get an equivalent. My cousin has a masters from the UK and has gotten jobs, and interviews for very good jobs.

7. That depends on you and God. You'd have to take a road test again with your naija license.

8. Nobody knows that but God.

Amaizu:
Aside the issue of French language, how does the Quebec province rate as a place to settle. Discovered that no one is talking about this area. Regards

That province has one of, if not the highest taxes in North America. Not to mention you don't want to deal with the constant french. Though they do speak a lot of English in Montreal for example. But there are a lot of Nigeria in Montreal.

pauloverdi:
Hi guys. Have been hearing lots of advice about staying away from the big cities like Toronto and Vancouver because they're expensive to live in, but I'm thinking that the big fish are found in the ocean, not lakes and streams.. I'd like to hear from someone who immigrated for work and landed straight in any of the big cities. What was the transition like? Is it better to move to a small surburb first?

The transition is usually hell and it sets people back years before they realize their mistake and leave. People are giving first hand advice and you're here talking about big fish. That's not how it works here. If you can stay away from those 2 cities you mentioned.

crystalmar:
Thanks Salford.

These are all too valuable tips. Now I am a bit worried. I passed my driving test in the US. Canada seems to be more stringent though.

Pls could you share the link to the post in my email (crystalmark007@yahoo.com) I would like to do further reading there and any other valuable resource I might get before attempting my test. I have sent my passport for my PR so I should be in Canada before year end and I intend to get my license ASAP.

Thank You very much.

What's bringing you to canada if you're settled in the U.S.? Anyway if you have your full license in the U.S. with no outstanding tickets or driving violations, your license should be transferable here. It's all the same thing here.

Tinyemeka:
Do you mean one has to stop at 'every' single stop sign positioned along the road? I don't mean traffic lights or Zebra crossings o.

hahaha yes. This is why people fail. And if you don't stop and end up hitting someone,you're going to jail. Also, some city's have cameras which catch you when you're speeding. You'll get a speeding ticket in the mail a few weeks later.

WellEndowed:
Not necessarily. Some Nigerians travel to countries that are easier to get into. That's why we have plenty of them in Europe and in the US. Some choose countries just for its "NAME". There are many Nigerians in Europe and it's not because of the money. Many are there because they feel anywhere is better than Nigeria. Heck even the Nigerian community in India is growing gradually. I hear in the US you can file for family members to join you (green card), could take up to 7 years. Good luck if you want to try that in Australia. I have had people tell me that the reason why they don't even dream of moving to Australia is because the immigration law is too tight and the travel distance to Nigeria is no joke. Even I would rather send my extended family members to Canada and the US than Australia because it is so much easier to get in. The laws aren't as annoying. The US and the UK are well known. Nigerians are bound to throw themselves there. Plus Australia is only a few hundred years old compared to these other countries. It wasn't well known back then. People are only beginning to realise that it is indeed a country/continent located somewhere on planet earth

There are many Nigerian in Europe. Jobless/illegal immigrants/many are married to citizens/many roam the streets. These people would choose Europe to other countries because they can move from one country to another within Europe quite easily. In fact I found the Ghanaians in Europe to be more settled(with better jobs) than Nigerians.

Well I was being broad. To begin with what type of immigrants are we talking about ? Educated immigrants with the funds to migrate, or desperate individuals just looking to get out ? If the latter then yes they'd just go anywhere. I'm talking about educated immigrants. I still feel for these immigrants, Canada and the US are the places to be. The US and Canada are not easy to get in or legitimize yourself. In Canada you must be a skilled migrant, unless you marry someone or was born here. Same with the US. Of course you have refugees, and other programs, here and there, but the bulk come through that way. But their laws aren't as hectic or annoying as a Australia. Hence the answer to the question.

EzeUche1:
I have a friend who lives in Australia and he loves it, but he doesn't understand why Nigerians do not like traveling to the country compared to the United States and Canada.

Should Nigerians look at Nigeria as well?

It's simple, money and prosperity. America has the world's biggest economy with some state's economy being bigger than a lot of countries in the world. Canada's economy is top 10 in the world. With both countries economy, culture,etc being extremely integrated, it's really one big country and economy which no country or continent can match in the world. Nigeria's in North America typically do better than the ones in Europe and so forth. Wherever you see a large Nigeria community, there's money there. That really answers your question.