₦airaland Forum

Pidgin2:
Good, you are a Canadian and you love your country so what makes you feel you have bragging rights and I don't because I am a Nigerian?

What do you know about the things we enjoy here?

1) We pay very little tax here..

2) Our weather is never ever extreme, in fact we have so many months of good weather.

3) I can open multiple businesses and enjoy many months of tax exemptions

4) I can decide to start any legit business I chose with no questions asked by any authorities, all I need is to fill business opening forms and it is done

5) We actually own houses here without paying mortgage..

6) Land is easily bought here with flexible payment plans if one knows where to go

7) Whatever you do in your house e.g. borehole for water, installing solar panels, or using lister is all up to you

I can go on but I have got other things to do.

I am a Nigerian citizen and a very contented one at that, deal with it.

Pidgeot-babe, the man asked about opinions about if his "friend" should take the risk to migrate to Canada. As a dual citizen of both countries who has also lived in both countries, I gave my opinion. Really who else is better qualified to give such advice ? You started to catch feelings and brought you trouble my way. What's even funny is that you think the points you're making proves your case while in reality its proving why anyone who has the chance to leave should get out ASAP.

1. Paying very little tax is nothing something to brag about. When a society pays for something collectively as a whole, with the rich and big corporations paying more in taxes, it makes life cheaper and helps the middle. The very little taxes explains why the roads are horrible, infrastructure is a joke, gov't healthcare is almost dead last in the world, etc. I'll gladly pay more in taxes.

2. I'd rather prosper in a colder temp country than live in poverty in the hot sun.

3. Businesses get tax exempts here as well.

4. Starting ANY legit business you chose with no questions asked is not something to brag about. That's exactly why Nigeria is a ZOO. In a civilized country not only must you have to be qualified, they'll be inspectors to make sure safety, sanitation, etc is in order.

5. A very few actually owns houses there. The majority live in poverty, without constant running water, neppa,etc. The reason why most don't use/have mortgages is not because money is flying everywhere, and everybody is buying their houses with cash. It's because the majority of Nigerians live below the poverty line, high youth unemployment rate, and there is NO middle class in the country. In short banks would lose money and go under if they gave out mortgages like in the west. That being said, I know some in Nigeria who do have mortgages in Nigeria.

https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/nigerias-poverty-level-index-hits-72-2016-fitch-reports/

6. Land is easily bought with flexible payment plans ? Doesn't that sound like a mortgage.


7. Again Nigeria is a ZOO where most houses lack proper amenities. In 2017 we're still talking about boreholes ?

Please don't go on, you're embarrassing yourself.

Dual Canadian/Nigerian citizen who's perception of reality is not distorted by foolish patriotism. Deal with it baby girl.

Pidgin2:
Lol so because of Buhari I should discard my country? Your level of reasoning is too low. Go and seek wisdom from the elderly, you need knowledge.

Nobody is stopping you from running to Lybia and crossing over to Europe if you like. The OP is not poverty stricken this is why I asked him to look inwards, you are frustrated because you fail to look at what you have, the only thing you see is what others have.

Epic fail.

I'm a Canadian citizen.

Pidgin2:
Hey, stop listening to stories on the Internet try to get actual experience.
I have discovered that most people writing bad things about Nigeria are the frustrated folks who would rather cross to Europe through Lybia than to be productive to themselves.

You say we don't have running water here? Well, that's a big lie, we do. And if anyone does not then they can supply their own water by digging a bore hole for themselves or their communities (no one pays tax for this and you get constant water for life once this is done). They can form groups to achieve this if funds are limited.

Public schools are totally free here too and most of our leaders today attended these schools, people can also make choices based on their budgets on the kind of schools they want their kids to attend, they can also home school if they chose. As for light, we were paying only N87/ltr for fuel to run our gen in 2015, I believe we can get back to that again with good leadership. Some places do have good light supply. Alternative energy like solar and wind is being used privately.


Alternative medicine here is an option which people use (just like in China and India) our grand parents lived very long too. As for Western medicine, some states do give free basic health care to pregnant women and children under 5. Most government and state hospitals are heavily subsidized

Nigeria is not hell, contrary to what you might think so someone earning N400K a month can expand his wealth greatly in an almost tax free country. Everything depends on him and his God

Go and find your president before comparing naija to a western country. Still digging Bore hole in 2017. You've proven my point.

Schwartz:
Have you lived abroad before? Or you are just assuming things? He will earn more doing what job exactly? A person on the lowest minimum wage will earn more than 400k equivalent indeed Do you know how expensive it is to live abroad? Do you know what it means to pay bills? [b]Do you pay tax? [/b]plus other deductions? How much do you think you will have left as savings at the end of the day? What visa is the guy even planning to use to relocate? [b]someone earning 400k in Nigeria is rich and comfortable. [/b]The equivalent of that in dollars wont do much. You wont be rich with that money in Canada. This is 2016 Nigerians should stop having this mentality that once you come abroad you 'HIT" so much money or that you will be swimming in cash. Before you settle down here you will face challenges. Then again the weather there is really cold. Today its 1 degree celcius in Germany, we had to wear gloves, head warmer and the whole winter garbs. Everyone was rushing home. Then to hear that Canada is -46 degree today means that Canada is way way colder than Europe. I cant even see myself enduring that kind of cold.

Yes we all pay taxes. What you conveniently left out is that my/our taxes pays for our children school fees, roads, healthcare, police, government pension etc, and a million other benefits people in naija can only dream about. Is someone who earns 400k in naija really comfortable after they pay literally everything out of pocket ? Children school fee, fuel for the gen, high food cost, etc ? What about the stability these countries offer, such as peace, running water, 24/7 power, etc ? My friend look at everything in the grand scheme of things. Money isn't everything. Also it was 5 degrees in Vancouver today, -4 in Toronto. Stop spreading false information.

Schwartz:
Don't try it! I repeat DONT TRY IT! I live abroad, I have seen first hand what Nigerians who relocate straight from Nigeria without a waiting job offer go through. You will be starting life afresh. Your certificates and work experience you acquired in Nigeria will have to be put aside. It won't do anything for you. You have to start with menial jobs first. Then gather money and go back to school. Write multiple qualification exams. All these take years. When you are done, if you didn't read a course that is in short supply eg Medical field, IT and a few others you will face rejections before you MAY get a white collar job. For those who read economics, business admin, etc your chances are slimer especially in Germany where I reside plus I believe its so in other places too. Because I know for a fact that Nigerian women take to Nursing in the USA for the reasons I mentioned. Here in Germany the day I experienced -24 degree everyone was shaking from cold even the whites where covered so much, a lot of them were wearing thick face masks. And Shinarambo said today its -46 in Canada. That is very extreme for anyone. The grass is never greener on the other side. Remain in Nigeria, when you want to travel abroad go for a visit, With that kind of salary you earn in Nigeria, no county will reject your visa. I have seen many take this route you are about to take and they are regretting. Before you will reach the same level (managerial) you are now if you go abroad it will take many years and you may never reach it because trust me the whites you going to meet to compete with in the job market are far more educated and skilled than you can imagine.

Your destiny is not the next man's. Your post is filled with ignorance and bias. To begin with Shinarambo lives in the coldest part of Canada. I have never experienced -46. Winter in a city like Vancouver for example is usually 2 degrees, while Toronto for example is a few degrees below 0. Not to mention you'll get a good 6 months of good weather. As for economics prosperity, I also live abroad and I've seen Nigerians who are losers and some who are winners. You see here unlike naija, your destiny is literally in your own hands. Yes ones qualification will most likely not be recognized, because Nigeria's educational system is a joke. So one can easily go back to school for the 4 years and obtain Canadian qualifications, or they can sit down and continue to complain. I've seen many Nigerians obtain good jobs with 2-4 years after arriving here through hard work and networking. My cousin arrived here 8 months ago and faced the same issues. He took a professional exam, used his naija bank experience, and just got a very good working for a major bank here in Canada. All this within 8 months. He has his own place, gets paid ON TIME, has money in the bank, etc. He shakes thinking what his future would have been like had he stayed in naija. Whereas I know useless Nigerians who have been here for 10+ plus and still do minimal jobs. Here is based on merits. And yes over here you have to work for everything you get. Lastly this made me laugh. "With that kind of salary you earn in Nigeria, no county will reject your visa". To begin with, the money he makes is small boy change over here. What's that 800 or so Canadian dollars. And secondly, as you can see with Trump's executive order, 3rd world passports aren't respected around the world. So long as you carry that green passport, you're never guaranteed a visa period.

I'm always confused why people who live ABROAD always discourage those back home to come abroad. With all your "hardship" abroad yet u still dey there. Enemy of progress I swear.

Alikote:
irrespective just put up advice and suggestion

Come to Canada and get citizenship. He'll then have the option of living/working in either country, whichever one benefits him. 4 years wait to get citizenship is nothing in the long run. One shouldn't put all their eggs in one basket, and naija simply isn't a stable/predictable country. I can't live in a country where the President just disappears when they want.

Pidgin2:
Is this a joke? Stay in Nigeria, invest in real estate and travel around the world when you retire. Ignore all the short term thinkers here please

And if he can't get visa? You see the issue staying in Nigeria ?

oohunt:
I am opening another thread about life in Canada for immigrants or Permanent Residents.

I am one of the lucky ones to have been invited (ITA) to apply for PR. I have never been to Canada before. And I will like to prepare myself and my family for this major CHANGE.

Let this thread be an avenue for people that immigrated to Canada (with their families) to share their experiences and help newbies not to make mistakes.

Kindly share your experiences and comments on:

* When you landed at the airport?
* What are the immigration rules to follow?
* How do you carry all that cash with you? For example: a family of 5 will need $25,923.
* Which province did you settle in and why.
* Where you live and why you like it or don't like it? Tips on choosing the right neighborhood, mortgage plans, proximity to work etc.
* How easy was it to settle in, with your kids? How did you go about finding the right schools for them? What is their school system like for toddlers (age 5 and below)?
* Can a mother combine work and taking care of the kids with the husband being in Nigeria?
* What culture shock have you experienced?
* Tips on how to cloth and cope with the cold weather
* Are there Nigerian food/restaurants etc? Are they very expensive?
* Can one start a business (exportation, consultancy) in Canada?
* How much does your family survive on in a month?
* And any other ...

We are looking at settling in Calgary, Alberta, and will appreciate any advice at all.

Hello Justwise. Please consider the importance of a thread like this which is essential to prepare families. I opened a similar one in the past: https://www.nairaland.com/3273411/living-canada-life-canadian-immigrant. And you pointed me to the thread about "Students coping in Canada" which contains a lot of information focused on the life of a student. Similarly, the "Travel to Canada" threads contain guidance for applications. I think we need a thread that is not about application or education but about LIVING in Canada. Thanks.

I can’t answer everything, just the things I’m sure about, as it’s been a while.

# Was first in Ontario now Alberta. With Alberta having oil I found there were more jobs, and Alberta has one of the lowest taxes in the country. Sales tax is only 5 percent.

# Live in a middle-class neighborhood. I have no complaints. Choosing a neighborhood depends on you personally, nobody can answer that. Mortgage plans depends on your credit score, the down payment you’ve made, etc. Again this is something personal that nobody can answer.

#It’s not hard to settle in a civilized/developed country. All schools are decent really.

#You can combine work and taking care of the kids, but it’ll be hard and you may not see the kids as much. Welcome to North America.

# Other than the cold which you’ll become climatize, there’s no real culture shock. Everyone from around the world lives here, and western culture is popular and not as foreign as other cultures. Plus you have enough Nigerians here to feel comfortable if you start feeling homesick.

# Just buy warm clothes. As for the cold weather, you have heaters literally everywhere you go. Plus we get a good 6 months of warm weather, so it’s not cold 12 months out of the year like stereotyped.

# A naija dish can go for 10-12 dollars a plate. Jelloff, stew, goat meat, and a can of coke for example.

#You can start any business you want as long as you follow rules/regulations

# How much someone can survive on depends on that family. Again, this is a personal question.

Calgary is a good, clean, and progressive city. I find Alberta to be more progressive than other provinces. Choosing Calgary was a wise choice in my opinion. What made you pick Calgary ? Welcome to Calgary.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpnO1HOmtfE


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9Fhp-XJ6xo&t=9s

Alikote:
my friend that earns 400 k monthly with real prospect of peak earning of 800 k in 10 year want to quit and move to canada through skill migration or post graduate diploma...he has an MBA already we have been having discussion for and against pls would like forumist staying in Canada to advice him cos you have tested both world

person is 35 year oil ,operation manager of an oil and gas firm,has a house 10 m and pension account of 5 million ,engaged hold an MBA degree
with Cgpa of 4.0/5

thanks

This your "friend" sounds like yourself. Pack your bags and go my friend.

deltadeltadelta:
There is nothing in Canada jawe! Very expensive and somebody might die of cold before getting his/her citizenship!

Elaborate

And people will say those of us who live abroad have to face racism and kiss the white man's ass. Nobody here who's a senior citizen have ever been deprived their pension regardless of race. I'll say it and I'll sat it again, black racism is worse than white racism, and black racism kills.

Pidgin2:
Lies.

Get real. Illiterates are in positions which needs a degree. That's unheard off in developed nations.

Pidgin2:
It worked for a lot of people I know. It's not just two out of 20, why do you guys peddle falsehood like this?

If you have applied for multiple jobs and cannot get one then you need to check yourself.

This happens at a higher degree in naija than most places. That's the point.

Osahon7:
and for the records, Nigerian Degree has helped a lot dude..Ask Dr.Bennet Omalu, Ask the over 10000 Nigerian trained physicians in the US todae.. They will tell you how they value Thier degrees

Naija degrees are useless for employment.

SURGEE:
Yes i quite agree with you. But i really don't think prices would increase. the Canadian government even have a lot to gain with the influx of young and well educated international students so they would equally create soft landing policies that would motivate more international students.

In fact, the government can even decide to waive application fees for the countries affected by Trump's executive order. For example the University of Manitoba now waive such for applicants from those countries for fall 2017 admission, Check here

http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/graduate_studies/admissions/programs/index.html

I'm even projecting the possibility of the government/institutions reducing the international tuition fees if consideration is given to the Canadian Federation of Students petition on the high fees paid by international students, just as stated on the link you posted.

My assertion is that Canada has a very large land mass and will continue to need more people, not just ordinary people but highly skilled and professional people with the potential of contributing immensely to its economy which is a win win situation for them.

They collect our international tuition fee, which adds up to their international inflow, and also create immigration policies (PR Route) that allow us to use the knowledge gained from their institution for canada's economic and societal growth.

Please who send me all this my story self.


SURGEE

I agree, all makes sense. Trump is quickly destroying America's economy.

Seems like application for international students trying to get into a Canadian university has gone up due to Trump's anti immigration stance. Will Canadian universities increase prices?



http://m.therecord.com/news-story/7099954-canada-to-benefit-from-foreign-student-surge-

JustCare:
Hello good people. I have been reading in the background lately, the numerous educative posts on this thread. I commend the great work you guys are doing here.
I need someone to kindly attend to my question.

In a case where a prospective student tells the VO that he has no intention of returning to the home country after graduation, what could be the possible outcomes of the interview?

BTW a news from NYT today: https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/01/26/world/canada/international-students-canadian-citizenship.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur&_r=0&referer=http://m.facebook.com/

I have a cousin in naija who I'm funding his education. I'm trying to get him here through this route. I sat down with a representative at a local college, who deals with international students and I asked her this exact question. She said while immigration knows most IS won't return especially from naija, and the country is looking for young/education individuals to migrate here, saying you have no plans to return is an automatic rejection. It's that way because they want you to have a plan to return back home in case things don't work out here. They want you to have a back up plan.

00DE00:
Simply excited that you honoured us with your presence. I have read through a couple of your post and saw where you talked about good paying jobs in the oil sands. As most people here know, it takes a while to get going and for some, it's difficult to continue down the same career path. Thus the benefit of a good paying job while gaining valuable experience. If it's not too much to ask, could you kindly share with your "people" areas where good paying jobs are guaranteed/available with little or no barriers to entry and what certifications might be needed.
We have a lot of people that are skilled in the application process but very few discussions has been on settlement. I honestly believe that your invaluable insight will go a long way in aiding several people with plans/hope of migrating. Thank you

P.S.....If you feel buttered up, I can assure you that it was intentional!.

This made me laugh. Thanks

bikerboy1:
Dude, no disrespect meant..

Are you not a Nigerian?

Why do you keep excluding yourself by saying your country.

Please be a little patriotic. Thanks

What's their to be patriotic about ?

progress69:
Oga wetin u nor know, u nor know. Make we hear word.

And for ur info its 7k for those that do CM and not 10k.

Even ur assertions does not guarantee green card too.

How manny companies employ Nigerians and file for them? How many have u seen. What is the ratio to those we got married legally or did CM?

Why will i not get my green card if i am legally married to a citizen?

Oga one way traffic. Looks like u had probs with your marriage?

Mtcheeew!

Fort someone who hasn't left naija soil you seem to know a lot.

cosade:
Yes, there are millions. Mind you, graduate is not synonymous with "fresh graduate".

Check this link:
https://politics.naij.com/358097-salaries-in-nigeria-statistics.html

Even for fresh graduates, check this link and see what some are earning in the private sector:
https://www.google.com.ng/amp/nigerianfinder.com/entry-level-salaries-of-nigerian-companies-and-agencies/amp/?client=safari

I know of graduates earning N500,000 monthly in private secondary schools and goes on sponsored training abroad yearly.

Fort every successful graduate you have 20 selling peanuts or prostetuting. Stop making the exception look like the norm.

40manlappy:
Is there anything wrong with that?

no. Is the Canadian government recruiting in naija ?

MISTAICEY02288:
Bro may God bless you for me. Abeg help me ask am ooo cos me no sabi.

You're making the marriage route seen easy. If it was so easy why won't all the illegals especially Mexicans do it ? If you entered the US illegally it's near impossible to do that route. And if entered legally, you have to go through interviews, prove you've been married for at least 2 years, before you get the permanent green card. Even getting someone to go through with the whole process is hell. You got to pay them like 10k USD, they'll have to remember and collaborate both your BS stories, live together,etc. You'd be surprised how fast these fake marriages fall apart when the man/woman doesn't really love you, leaving you back at square 1. And of course if it doesn't work out, that 10k does not get refunded. I feel that 70 percent rate is false but I have no proof. But bros, stop simplifying the thing.

All these people want to come to Canada? Really

Getbizzzy:
Yea, something like that, how did they do that?

Sneaked into the US and claimed refugee. They denied him then he sneaked into Canada and claimed refugee. Canada will listen to his claim and will most likely grant his claim. Parts of the US/Canadian border is not guarded by custom agents. Actually a large amount.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrtWDbFUKxo

freshtestimony:
Thanks for posting this, exactly when I needed it for my niece

Just a side note. The average masters tuition is close to 10k Canadian. So that's like 7,500 US per year for tuition fees.

lagosrd:
It seems. People just sees you as too strict. By you're just saying the gospel truth about what is obtainable. Pls can I know which school offers the cheapest tuition for international students and most preferable in your opinion. Thanks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Av0F5ZqSTw

These are Universities. Colleges are far cheaper though.

laraxxx:
WATCH VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDUoqlUTv00

These people will not go back and they're looking to exploit the market for their self interest. Not necessarily to help build Nigeria.

Pidgin2:
If you had the option to chose between living with your kids and grandkids in a loving home when you are old or living in a home for the elderly with food and medical care which would you prefer?


Haha to you no sane humanbeing should love Nigeria, right? Well I'm not grasping for anything to love about my country because the country as an entity has offered me all I need to prosper; the land is green, the soil is fertile, there is abundance of rain and sunlight and I am grateful for this.

The home is usually not loving. It's filled with hostility as the elderly person is usually a burden. Having your loved ones coming by every now and then, while maintaining your independence is a better balance.

DPizzy:
Thanks for the explicit response bro! I actually intend givung both the Pnp and Express Entry a shot, so whichever click...
My experience so far has been fair enough! Considering my heavy workload...Their course curriculum here is very intense, and it is structured to make one think critically...I basically had little or no time to juggle jobs with my coursework during my first two semesters...However, during the last summer I had to maximize my working time and finances, i must have made about $13k during the 4 months working about 64 hours per week...It wasn't easy though! All went down into paying some portion of the tuition, books and the recursive bills...

People here are very friendly, and they're always willing to help especially the elderly ones...For me, canada is the best place to be for now in several aspect. The advantages over the likes of UK and US is just too numerous to mention....I was actually considering the US prior to my coming, but after doing my homework I got to realize Canada represents a more viable investment, with the chances of securing stay upon graduation almost guaranteed coupled with affordable tuition...I was basically discouraging a friend that was bent on studying in the UK, have never been a fan of the the UK though...

Overall, I would say it worth all the effort of long visa processing and competitive University admissions....The quality of teaching, the standard of living, and the very many opportunities it offers is just too good...I will encourage anyone with intention of schooling abroad to give Canada a shot, you just can't go wrong...It is liken to a win-win scenario...But the cold here na die, it is like living inside deep freezer for 6 consecutive months...
Sorry for any typos!

Which Province/City are you in ? Thanks for confirming everything I've been telling people for some time now. Why people pick the US or UK before Canada is beyond me. Both countries international fees are easily 50 percent more than a Canadian school, and you'll be most likely told to leave after graduation. Then you go back to naija with all that money spent on international fees, just to sit down at home and be unemployed. I too have told many to come to Canada, only to be ignored. Years later and a deportation notice from the home office or US immigration, they're now back in naija applying as a skilled worker to try to enter Canada lol. You'll get a 3 year work visa since you graduated from a Canadian University. Ask people with experience or hire an immigration lawyer to help certify that PR card. That should be your sole focus as that'll guarantee you citizenship. Forget the oilfields for now. DO NOT leave Canada until you get that card. As for the weather, you'll become acclimatize. And once you buy a car, you'll be driving around in a warm car, you won't even notice/care about the cold. So you made 13k or 3.1 million naira in 4 months. Why didn't you leave Canada, go to Ajegunle, and buy a house outright ? Why stay here and suffer ?

Welcome to Canada.

Getbizzzy:
But how did the man that sought for asylum get there (Canada)?

Are you talking about this case ?

http://globalnews.ca/news/3180522/ghanaian-community-in-winnipeg-comes-together-to-help-frostbitten-refugees/