₦airaland Forum

ayodele234:
Young man only a fool will compare both countries in terms of advancement but greatness has never come from comfort. That's why I laugh at folks who think giving birth to their kids here has any kind of advantage. Greatest comes from struggle so you might want to rethink that philosophy of I don't want my kids to shout "up Nepa". Let your kids live in Nigeria till they turn 18. Just thought I give you a life changing advice. Peace dude

Now restoring to philosophy ? Greatness comes from struggle ? I'm sure those in naija struggling don't mind because they feel greatness will come out of it one day. We're talking real life here small pikin. Onye ara.

ayodele234:
Young man, quit with the bull*shit already! The middle class is shrinking, the American middle class is dead and will never resurrect. And stop with that converting currency bull*shit, poverty is defined by where you live and not by converting currencies. Earning $30,000 in New York is poverty and can be compared with someone earning 25k monthly in Nigeria. You keep on talking about college when people like Warren Buffet and michael bloomberg are encouraging people to become plumbers instead of going to college. The problem with Nigeria is that we value paper certification like some god, young man they don't mean shit. America was built on innovation and what you are capable of doing and not by sitting in one bull*shit class to be taught what is already known.

Of course ignore everything. Poverty is also compared to quality of life. You like to leave that one out small pikin. I only encourage college if it's a trade or a professional degree. I know you didn't attend college or probably couldn't get in, but reading and comprehending is important. And like I already knew, you're based in the US. Comedians like yourself, if I buy you a one way ticket and told you to go back and never return, your attitude would change. All of a sudden naija wouldn't have the 2 million richest people or the igbo boys making millions from imports. You're just an entertainer.

NewSheriff:
Hello sire, nice to know you work in the oil and gas industry in Canada. There's something I think you should be able clarify me about. I have a second class lower degree in Geophysics and wants to further my education in Canada and work there thereafter. I'm applying to Southern Alberta Institute of technology (a college) for a bachelor of applied technology in Petroleum Engineering. What's bothering me now is, due to the fall in oil price, how easy will it be to get a job in the industry with such degree? Is it worth the investment?

Oil prices go up and down. It was 28 USD per barrel like almost 2 months ago now its at 43 USD steady. I work at the Shell Albian site and they've made a lot of layoffs, but thank God I wasn't one of them. I can't answer your question as I'm not God and I can't tell the future. But I would go ahead. Even if you can't find a job within your field, their are many good paying jobs related to the oil sands which one can do and make very good money until a position opens up. For example you can pull 34 dollars per hour driving a truck for 44 hours per week. That's close to 78k per year. Companies will also add an extra 1k per month on top your salary to offset your cost of living (it can get a bit expensive living up north). Shell does a bit more than the 1k per month for us. So 78k plus an extra 12k, that's easily 90k per year. Add some overtime if you have the appetite for it, and you can pull 6 figures per year easily until you get something in your field. I'd go for it personally.


http://www.fortmcmurrayonline.com/jobs/job69146/fuel.oil.truck.driver.job.aspx

SmartMugu:
Pls re-read my first post and highlight what translates to whatever you're saying about me now. I feel like we are saying the same thing in two different languages, yet we are both typing in English, which is weird. What have you said that goes against what I said in my original post? I'm open to corrections, please point out what I said in my original post that you would to correct me on.

All I was trying to tell everyone can be summarized easily

1. Living somewhere is different from visiting the same place.

2. Choosing to live somewhere instead of just visiting comes with its own type of drama that isn't same as in Nigeria.

3. Be prepared with the right information before jumping on a plane because you just want to get out of Nigeria.

I grew up and schooled in Lagos.
All I knew how to do in Naija back then was school and hustle until I dipped out in 2004 right after college. Several folks here on NL were probably still in their diapers the night I dipped out.

What type of hustle in Lagos can you narrate to me that I haven't done or I'm not aware of? Unless the idea came from Mars. So, I understand hustle and don't school me - in your words.

I personally think it would help anyone that has hustled before in Nigeria to hustle less when they make it out of the country, and having access to the right information can get them prepared. Unfortunately, you and others took it like I'm discouraging anyone.

Congrats on your two visits to the UK, I can't count how many times I've been there.

Yes, I'm married to an American, but I've been an American myself from birth, so I didnt have to marry for papers. I was raised in Nigeria decided to bounce after college in Nigeria
I didn't leave any stable girlfriend in Nigeria and decided to marry an American I dated for over 6 years here about 4 years ago and we have two lovely kids and are still happy together after 10 years together.

I don't agree with going back home to find some random girl to bring over like several Nigerians do.
Is that a crime?

No one is trying to school you, school yourself with the information available to you.

No vex, but you're a walking contradiction. It's actually become comical and insulting to those trying to leave naija. I won't even get into. But all I want to say is that despite you claiming to be a wise/business individual, why can't you see the business moves your parents did for you ? You think borning you in America was a coincidence ? You think you "deciding" to comeback to America after college was a coincidence too ? My friend even the naija you're hailing your parents knew was crap and planned your easy escape. If you didn't have that yankee passport you'd be back in naija struggling, looking for a way t come abroad. Lets please all respect ourselves abeg, and not discourage those praying to be in your situation.

SmartMugu:
From your point #5, only a fool would say Nigeria is better than Canada or the US. Also, only a fool will just jump on a plane without thinking of what to expect wherever they're heading to, which is the reason I made my initial comment. Im not related to anyone here and don't have a problem with being point-blank on saying what could save them some troubles - information is key. Many Nigerians have been brainwashed with the wrong information about life overseas and that has been on for decades. The only ones that have realized it are the ones that have seen things themselves.

When I first got to the US, all I knew about the US were all I saw on TV and word of mouth. I went through a lot to get where I am today, but it would have been different if I had access to the right information in the beginning.

Your point #1, $1200 per month for the kind of place I want for myself and my family isn't much, and I obviously took the deal because I could afford it. I mentioned that again for those that haven't factored the fact that putting a roof over their head wherever they're heading to think about that.

No comment on your point #2, Im sure any smart Nigerian living overseas should own something back in Nigeria and should be ready to book the next available flight if they want.

On your point #3, I don't know of anyone in the US making 6-figures in dollars and getting government help. I have never gotten a dime from the US government towards anything because of my income. I guess Canada is different, I don't know why the Canadian government should pay for your daycare if you make $100k. As I mentioned in my original post, visiting a place is a different experience from living there. I visited Canada several times but never lived there.
What happens to those that only make like $10k per annum. Those are the types the US government help. Do those that make $1m per annum still get government help in Canada?

I understand healthcare is free in Canada, it's not in the US. About $600 is deducted from my paychecks every month for my family's healthcare insurance. I haven't even been sick nor seen a doctor for about 2 years, yet about $300 is taken from me bi-weekly.

Your point #4 is noted. Thanks for clarifying.

Whether you make $1 dollar or 1 million we all get the same benefits. Obviously the one making 1 million will get taxed more. Again nothing is free in Canada, our taxes cover it. THE POINT is with the system here, life is better abroad and one can make it here, especially in Canada as the government will help you when you're down. I'm just saying your experience isn't a fact. Your experience is your experience.

SmartMugu:
Probably with some government help, which depends on your income. Most people I know don't qualify for government assistance based on their income.

Canada is different from the US. Healthcare is free in Canada, it's not in the US. So, I wouldn't be surprised if Canadian government supports the residents for daycare to be that cheap in Quebec, but that still would depend on income in the US. The super-broke ones in the US get free daycare support from the government, but who wants to live like that?

I can't imagine any private individual setting up a daycare anywhere in the US or Canada for $10 per day without any subsidies from the government, unless they have robots in place to do the actual baby-sitting. Robots or computer don't have to go by the minimum wage. I would prefer to have my kids watched by a person, not a machine.

You have proven my point why people would prosper and live a better life here. The government cares !!

SmartMugu:
There is nothing biased about my comments. Both Canada and the US are great places to live. I have been living in the US for a long time now and really don't see myself living in Nigeria any time soon with the bad news everyone reads about Nigeria everyday here on NL. It appears nothing really works back there anymore. I probably won't fit in anymore until after spending a good amount of time in Nigeria again. Rather, I'd just visit every year or so.

Back to your points on costs of living, I live in Atlanta, Georgia, and have been paying $1200 per month on mortgage for my house for the past 5 years. That is $14,400 per year. With that amount, some folks could be landlords in Nigeria. Ask around about this city, I know some folks paying about $1600 - $3000 per month on rent or mortgage in different areas of the US, so I don't see anything biased about this comment.
You can actually check it out on www.willow.com yourself. You could pay cheaper in an apartment or living with roommates, I lived like that several years ago but I preferred something else when I started my own family. Those that live with their parents can sometimes live free depending on what kind of parents they have. No lies here, neither is anyone trying to discourage anyone.

One difference between the US and Nigeria - some people can afford to build their own houses in Nigeria, in the US most people rely on mortgages that could span 30-35 years depending on several things. I live here in the US and go to Nigeria often, even have stuff happening there. So I know the difference between both worlds.

On your comments on daycare costs, have you ever paid for daycare? You mentioned Canada, if you've ever been to Canada, you wouldnt say what you said about Quebec, Canada. I have been to Canada more than 30 times, I have friends with kids living there and I have never heard of a $10 CAD per day daycare before. You mentioned Quebec in Canada, the minimum wage in Quebec is $10.55 CAD per hour, so why would anyone watch your child for $10 CAD per day? Or were you referring to just one hour of the day?

If daycare was that cheap, I'd be glad to pay for 3 years straight and not worry about weekly daycare payments.
For me, for two kids, I've been paying $300 per week for the past 3 years. I actually think that's a good deal. That's another $14,400 per annum. Google the cost of daycare in Atlanta. Actually, read some comments on this forum http://www.city-data.com/forum/atlanta/783493-cost-daycare-intown-atlanta.html
The costs people mentioned in the link above are just for one kid. I have two minors. Not complaining, because I'm used to the system already and earn enough to pay it and other bills. Compare to someone coming from Nigeria with 4 kids not knowing what to expect. It could be harder for them not knowing they can't find a maid like they had in Nigeria here.

See if you can find anything cheaper in this area. If you do, please don't hesitate to share the location. I definitely won't have someone living in a drug-infested neighborhood watching my kids for trying to be cheap. I can't imagine my kids coming back home high on something at their ages.

From the tone of my original message, you should be able to tell I didn't mean to scare anyone nor discourage anyone. It's great here and I personally don't really see myself living in Nigeria anytime soon for now. If I want that for myself, why won't I want that for anyone else? I was only shedding some lights on the realities that some of us don't know about before jumping on the plane so we can all be prepared.

You mentioned that you make 100k per year, what you didn't mention is if you were referring to Naira, USD or CAD. If you meant Naira, that's about $400 per year. That's about what some people spend on groceries for a month here, especially when they have kids. I haven't heard of anyone making that little a year in the US. On the contrary, people tend to pay their rents for years in Nigeria, which is unheard of in the US. Also, I haven't heard of anyone paying $400 per month for rent anywhere in the US, so what you currently make a year wouldn't put a roof over your head for a month in the US, unless ure squatting with someone.

I can defend everything I said anywhere, anytime and hope to clarify on some misconceptions. I bounce between the US and Nigeria a lot and I know what I'm saying.

Again, not discouraging anyone - just some heads-up type of talk.

Im done with this topic, everyone can think however they want to think.

I'll answer your questions in numbers again. It keeps the discussion organized.

1. It doesn't matter what your mortgage payments are, can you afford ? If 1200 per month is a bit too much, why not save a higher down payment so your monthly payments could be lower ? Again planning. These homes you claim some people can afford to build in Nigeria, lets be honest, we're talking about corrupted politicians or people from abroad. How many common man in Nigeria can afford their own home ? While you keep on bashing the mortgage scheme, at the end of the day someone abroad will eventually home their own home and build massive equity on it. In Nigeria unless you have a lot of money liquid cash, good-luck. Lastly, stop comparing someone who has a good paying job abroad and gets paid every 2 weeks consistently, to someone who earns 1 US dollar per day. Apples and Oranges. Of course someone abroad can afford to pay 14,440 on mortgage per year. Furthermore, don't compare the quality of the average house abroad to one in Nigeria.

2. I also own property in Nigeria and a side business. I'll be in Lagos 3 weeks from today. I also know what I'm talking about.

3. I live in Canada. I have a child and yes I've paid for daycare before. In Canada, taxes are slightly higher but we get a lot more back from the government up here. The Ontario provincial (equivalent to a state) government will also give free college tuition for students who come from a household of 50k or less.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/parenting/the-one-province-that-gets-daycare-right-in-canada-think-7-a-day/article14933862/?page=all

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/is-tuition-really-going-to-be-free-for-some-ontario-students-despite-the-skepticism-heres-how-itll-work

4. I live in Canada. The 100k is obviously Canadian.

5. To sum it up, stop comparing both economies and the cost of living. It's just not comparable. At the end of the day, the quality of life and prosperity is better here than in Nigeria. Regardless of the 1st world problems we face over here. My friend stop it.

SnakeDoctor2020:
Don't mind that smartmugu guy, i really don't know what kind of life you are living in US but as for me, i am very comfortable here.

I think he messed up his life when he came abroad. Either way he needs to understand his reality is not the next man's.

SmartMugu:
I don't think anyone would ever say America is not a great place. It is. There is a difference between visiting the US and living in the US. I guess people get to understand the US more when they decide to live there.

By the time you start working, making money and find out much of it is going back into the system, then you'll understand why people said those negative things about this beautiful place.

When you eventually start seeing that the cost of your accommodation for 2 months is more than some people need to pay for a similar place for a year in Nigeria. Factoring in other bills like car note, auto insurance, gas, taxes, 401k etc. Those add up pretty quickly and dictate how much you're left with after those deductions. When you start racking up credit cards, then you'll realize you're actually gradually getting enslaved and can remain in the US working and working to be free again.

No one prays to get in trouble, but when people start to deal with legal issues like child-support, traffic issues, alimony, or some criminal issues, then they're further trapped in the system. Nobody wants that to be their portion, but some people have been labelled criminals for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. All they can do is work and work to give the system what it wants from them. Some just give up and end up like the returnees you mentioned.

Also, when you start a family and understand how much daycare alone takes from your paycheck per week, you'll understand more. If God blesses you with a set of twins to start with, as long as you can budget at least $1000 a month for someone to watch them while u go to work, ure fine. In Nigeria, most people would rather hire a maid and pay them about $50 a month for that. So, it's easier to save in Nigeria than in the US and Canada that you mentioned.

Have you ever wondered why the US passport can get US citizens almost anywhere in the world, yet Americans hardly travel like Nigerians do? My opinion is that many people living in the US are at what they'd call "comfort zone". Many US nationals haven't seen anywhere else but the US and can only assume that's how the rest of the world is.

I've been asked a few times by some Americans that if it's true that Africans live on trees, how did I learn English etc. I'd just suggest they visit Africa themselves to find out. I guess many only rely on what they see on TV - some bushmen documentaries from some weird part of Africa, with bare-chested men and women and they just assume that's how we all look. I know Nigerians ain't nothing like those bushmen stuff they see on TV. Some Nigerians are blessed enough to cater for some of their cities for years, many don't know that because all they know about is their country.

Many others that would love to travel are buried in debt and bills or don't even know what a passport and a visa looks like. Their mom and dad probably never had one. The same amount of money you invested on your trip, some would rather put that towards a bill and remain here, never trying to see anywhere else because the bills are more important. To me, the system is designed for everyone to keep working and end up spending whatever they make in the US in the same country.

I would think a person making $100,000 per annum in the US would prefer a job that pays $50,000 in Nigeria. Why? Everyone living in the US pay for the comfort the US provides. Depending on that person's lifestyle, even though they make over $100,000 (about N33m in Nigeria today), they may end up still living from paycheck to paycheck. On the other hand, someone that makes meagre $50,000 in Nigeria can actually save about half of it because the cost of living in Nigeria is actually lower.

I wish no one thinks I'm trying to discourage anyone on their travel plans. I'd encourage people to go anywhere in the world they like -it changes people's mindset to know things are done differently in several parts of the world. This is just to give an idea of what to expect if anyone decides to live there. Visiting a country is different from living there.

It all takes planning though.

Welcome to the US bro.

Your post is bias against Canada and the US.


1. People in the west get paid way more and CONSISTANTLY than people in Nigeria. You factor in cost of living, and rent is not as bad as you're making it seem to be.

2. Don't break the laws and you won't have any criminal issue. Child support is necessary sometimes. I can't believe the system here makes men financially responsible for their child.

3. Each region/state is different when it comes to child care. In my province it depends on your yearly salary, while in Quebec for example daycare costs 10 Canadian dollars per day. Though they pay a lot more taxes there.

4. When you live in one if not the most developed nations in the world, their really isn't a desire to live anywhere else. Why would I go from a Bentley to a Honda ? I think that's more the issue than wealth.

5. Stop it. Mostly the elites or very well off can travel abroad. Because very few travel outside of Nigeria now you're making it seem like anyone there can pick up their bag, get a visa, and spend 1200 USD on a plane ticket. A country where most make 1 USD per day ? That's 365 USD per year.

6. I make 100K per year. I live a very comfortable life and have money in the bank. If you're in the west and make 100k per year and you're living pay to pay, you're living above your means. The cost of living is cheaper in naija ? I disagree. You literally have to pay for everything including unplanned expenses out your pocket. Gen,Fuel,children school, transport, etc.

SmartMugu:
Glad you're seeing it yourself. I bet if someone had told you when you were in Nigeria, you would have thought they were lieing. It's a great place, but it comes with a cost. I wish everyone in Nigeria could be granted visas to th US, let's see if most of them won't run back to Nigeria.
If the Nigerian government fixes the roads, electricity etc, I'm sure most Nigerians overseas will want to go back home.

At your comment about where people get capitals from, I'm sure you're already aware the US is more of a credit economy vs Nigeria that is a cash economy. You can actually take out huge loans with good credit, so you don't have to wait on someone to explain how they did it when you already know how some people are - many would prefer you to follow them rather than walk with them, the first lesson I learnt in the US.

You honestly believe Nigerians if granted a Visa to the US would run back? Do you honestly believe that ? No sh!t if the Nigerian government would fix the roads, neppa, etc most Nigerians would return. And if I had Messi's skills I'd be the best soccer player in the world. The problem is they do not want to fix those things. Also if they did, do you think you wouldn't be getting taxed the same way there as abroad ? The problem with some Africans who come abroad is that they want all these wonderful services, but they don't want to pay for them. Of course people in the west (I'm in Toronto) are taxed to death. How else will the fireman, police officer, etc. be paid ? Lastly if you plan your life well abroad, it'll be sweet. Bills shouldn't consume one if you live within your means. They should stop trying to impress those back home.

Cala:
As I said before , you need a lawyer that knows about it to be able to do it. Canada is flexible so it can be done. I have visited Canada 3 times so I know what am saying. However you have to be very desperate to take my advise. If not just be patient and follow the express entry route so you can have rest of mind.

You don't know anything. I live in Canada and I'm a citizen. These western countries have laws which are respected and followed. All these lawyers will do is just give one false hope so they can continue paying them. They're crooks. I've seen American citizens be denied work permits while visiting Canada. You think they'll even listen to a Nigerian ? Maybe if one claims refugee, they can get a temp work visa. But that's rare and an extreme case.

Goziehits:
Thank you maternal, I sincerely appreciate your response and advice.

Yes my masters was earned in Denmark. I am preparing to take IELTS in early June so I can apply for the skilled worker program.

Its nice to know that there are great opportunities for Geologists in Calgary.

Thanks again

Np. Just remember to inquire if your Europe degree will be recognized here. If not, find out how long and how much it'd cost to get it recognized here. Please do your full research before trying to come here so you're not caught by surprised. My friend got his degree in Canada so he had no issues.

kife:
I love the encouragement.
One begins to wonder what then is the fate of Economics major? Cos it's d sci Lords I get to hear about all the time

Hope they too can earn this 80k, 100k that sounds like blood money to me
Thanks for the anticipated response.

Hello,

I have no idea to be honest. I know my friend makes around 70k working with the federal government here. But I'd apply for the skilled worker program if you can, then come here. You can always change profession and you'd qualify for gov't loans if you can't afford to pay for your school fees. These are the occupations they're looking for, perhaps you can try to fit economics into one of these job categories. See number 191 on that list. Remember, your degree/qualifications will most likely not be recognized in Canada. So do your research before thinking about coming here.


http://www.immigration.ca/en/fast-track-high-demand-occupations.html#Occupation

Cala:
I've heard of people that were able to change to work permit in Canada from visit visa. You need a good lawyer to be able to do that. Another option is to marry a Canadian citizen. Those are the only options I know.

It's impossible to come in as a visitor then get a work permit. The Canadian government is not stupid and they've seen it all. Nothing is new to them and one will get deported if he/she trys them. Always come legally if you can.

Goziehits:
Hi everyone. I will be visiting Calgary for a week-long conference (in June) and I will be very happy to meet some helpful people.
I have lived in Denmark for over two years (currently living there on post-masters residence permit), I have also visited the UK and the US (still have a valid visa) in the past.

As I am interested in settling in Canada because I have a greater chance of finding a job in my field (Geology) or related, I will need some help on possible ways of making this possible (legally). I am aware of the federal skilled immigration program and I am working on it; will be sitting for IELTS and I have already had my Degrees (Bachelor and Masters) accessed by WES. However, I want to consider other options. I have a valid 2 years Canadian TRV that expires next year.


Thank you in advance!

I can't answer your questions but I have a cousin and family friend who were in your shoes. I'm assuming your B.A/Masters are from Denmark ? If so go back to Denmark and apply for the skilled worker program. It should take like a year max with no issues. And you'll come into Canada as a permanent resident (PR) with full rights as a citizen except for voting. And obviously a citizens citizenship cannot be taken away. DO NOT TAKE SHORT CUTS. My cousin just landed in Canada like 2 weeks ago under the skilled worker program. He got his masters and was living in the UK. It's well worth it.

My family friend is a geologists in northern Alberta but lives in Calgary. He just bought a house there. He was an international student in Canada, graduated, got a 3 year working visa then eventually PR. He was making around 100k per year when oil prices were high, now he makes around 80k per year. Very good money in that field and I think Canada is looking for people with that skill. Come in as a skilled worker, you won't regret it.

OpeLovely:
A whole graduate with Masters degree sef dey do salesperson job or is being paid 30/40k every month and is sometimes being owed salaries. I prefer relocating abroad because the government cares about its populace. You get benefits especially when you are a permanent resident or a citizen, access to free health care, uninterrupted power supply, etc etc etc. You live a well structured life and when you convert your earnings to the current exchange rate, then you can still thank God! Ordinary mechanic or bus driver in Canada for instance earn averagely 70,000 dollars per annum not to talk of a graduate with work experience!!!!

Wrong. With overtime, working on holidays, an ordinary bus driver can make well over 100k Canadian dollars per year. Mind you, this jobs includes benefits and a government pension plan. Lastly, a job like a bus driver only requires a secondary school education. You can buy/build a house back home, and you get to live in a 1st world country with clean roads, healthcare, running water, etc. I also work in the oil-fields in Canada and I know people with a secondary school education making anywhere from 100-300k canadian dollars per year. For doing something as simple as a heavy equipment operator or "laborer" (they do nothing). This is not even a debate. Even with a good job, ones quality of life is still crap in naija.


http://www.metronews.ca/news/ottawa/2013/04/02/hard-work-no-breaks-pushes-oc-transpo-drivers-pay-past-100k-says-union-boss.html

Hello,

I think some are confused or may have given out some wrong info without knowing. Just to clear some things out since I'm a Canadian citizen. If you're born in Canada you get automatic citizenship UNLESS your parents work for a foreign government and you're currently in Canada working, and you happen to give birth. So if you work for the embassy/High Comm and you're in Canada on business, and you happen to give birth, he/she would NOT become a Canadian citizen and will have to take Nigerian citizenship only. Other than that exception, if your child is born here they are a citizen period. This is the situation an Indian man is currently facing in Canada. He was also born in Canada.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/deepan-budlakoti-supreme-court-case-dismissed-1.3423725

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/supreme-court-wont-hear-citizenship-case-of-ottawa-born-man/article28435213/

Now as for the benefits being born in Canada. Just from the top of my head:



1. Highly subsidized University. If you add in the free grants/bursary & scholarships citizens get, you can graduate school with little to no debt.


2. Healthcare covered through taxes from the day he/she is born, till the day they die. No questions asked, and they'll never see a bill.


3. Visa free travel around the world. Only a selective few countries a Canadian citizen needs a visa to enter. Those countries aren't of any interest to most any ways.

4. Ability to live and work in the US through an agreent with both governments if your child gets a job down south.

5. Free education all the way up to the University level.


Someone asked whats the difference between having your child in Canada vs US. Not much other than the healthcare. Having a Universal healthcare system here, vs, a private system in the US makes a world of difference. It'll give your child a peace of mind.

ThreeGEEKS:
Please I need help this is very important.
OK a family member just told me he is planning on furthering his studies in the UK because the course which he wants to study is not offered much in Canada (Cyber security) but he plans to go to Canada afterwards since with his UK degree, it could help him have an edge since the market for that career is still growing.
Please who thinks like I do that this may just be a bad idea. Please I need constructive criticism.

I can best answer this as my cousin just did this and I live in Canada. To begin with cyber security is big here. Dem yahoo boys work overtime in Canada robbing banks online or stealing people's ID to make fake credit cards. Your family member will secure a job here quickly, whether with a bank or police force.

As for his plan to come here via UK, I'd recommend it. My cousin went to the UK from naija, did his master's then applied for the skilled worker program. With his UK degree and few years of work experience Canada was glad to give him a visa. He'll be here within a week and will be a permanent resident (PR) once he lands here. He'll have every right as a Canadian citizen except he won't be able to vote or get certain government jobs. He can become a citizen in 4 years though. If he did all this in naija it'd be tougher for him to get approved without a doubt

mrkels:
People are getting proud of becoming baby daddies today.

What happened to becoming happily married and starting a good family for yourself and society.


What kind of useless and indecent generation is this?

Lets hear. The modern day marriage composes of a man purposing, marrying the women, posting a "family or "wedding" pictures all over their "family" home, while the man beats his wife and goes out and cheats. The "husband" will usually have several side-chicks or at times at least 1 child outside of the marriage. How many married men were caught cheating during the Ashley Madison leak ? Specifically pastors ? Davido is not hiding anything and embraces fatherhood. Lastly at least he's raising his child unlike these "married men". Nowadays all you have to do is put a ring on a woman's hand and you have the immunity to do as you please, because at least on the surface you're not sinning. abeg. Growing up in naija the worse men were married men.

kayceemadu9:
pls what are the requirements as an international student,esp as a Nigerian graduate.. can I study and work at the same time,are there scholarship s for nursing in Canada??

You'd have to contact the admission office.

sucre26:
The American passport is above all you have mentioned above. With the way things are going these days ,I'm sure that you won't want your child to come home 1 day from school crying that all his classmates are US citizens. Its better to lay that foundation now if you can afford it.

Yes. Furthermore your child can study at any American University at the citizens rate, can live/work in America, can work in neighboring canada through the nafta agreement, can travel to 160 countries visa free, etc. His/her life would be a million times more prosperous

ynkthomas:
Did you say high rate of unemployment? What is the rate of unemployment in the US? Some people just make up things...the rate of unemployment in Nigeria is low abi? SMH

Gun culture has it pros and cons, robbers can`t rob you like they rob anyhow in Nigeria cos they don`t know if the home owner has a gun or not.

She's talking from a Canadian perspective

bachangel:
Hello everyone! Congrats to all the Mums to be.. Been following this blog for a while now. I have been married for about a year now and we are expecting our 1st child.

My question comes from a very different direction. wonder if anyone has questioned or attempted to justify how worth it having a baby in the US is? When I worked out the costs, with the current exchange rate it works out to be N4m. (This is about a quarter of our savings).

N4m includes flights, hospital bills, shopping and accomodation. Although I will be staying with family before the baby is born and will move to an apartment when my hubby joins me just before baby and afterwards. I do like my space, especially at such a sensitive time. It also seems to me that several people are fine with having a baby in the US while their husbands stay back at home maybe to save cost or whatever but that is out of the question for me and his presence is the most important thing but that raises cost a bit.

So my husband and I are really unsure for the following reasons.

1. Giving birth in Nig will cost me N0.00k because my office will pay for it all. In the US we have to spend a reasonable chunk of our savings.

2. There is no risk of my hubby missing the birth cuz in the US he can only be away from work for 3 weeks max and babies smtimes decide to come out 2 weeks ealier or later, making it hard for him to be there in time and also leave the US together.

3. In Nigeria, I can work up until the week I'm due, leaving me plenty of time to spend with my baby afterwards.

4. I can have a proper naming ceremony 8 days afterwards with my whole family, also sentimentally, the same Doctor that brought me into this world 30 years ago, will also be my OBGYN and help deliver my own child.

5. I would be in my own comfortable space at home, and its just less stressful than the logistics of travelling.

Ofcourse the advantages of the US, ...the passport and....not sure what else...better healthcare I guess.

So my question to other Mums to be, Did you struggle with these kind of thoughts or other sentimental reasons? It wld be nice to hear your feedback. Between I already have a US visa.

Thanks!

P.S: Because Ive seen how abusive it can get here, I hope people can genuinely see I am only sharing my concerns and trying to see if others had similar concerns. If these things never crossed your mind, lucky u.

Your child being a US citizen outweighs every negative thing you've mentioned. Don't do this to your child, get him/her that passport.

veecee29:
Hi guys,my husband and I are planning a vacation in Canada.However,I will be d only in need of a Canadian visa because my husband is a U.S citizen.He will be flying from U.S while I will be flying from Nigeria should the Visa be issued.I have a good job in Nigeria,a pending U.S immigrant visa application but no travel history.Please I need to know my chances of getting the Canadian visa and also how best to package my application.
Thanks in anticipation of ur positive response.

Why not just go to the states ? Your story doesn't add up. Why not wait.to be heard from US immigration ?

erico2k2:
well like I always say to people, Abroad is for the young hustlers, don't come abroad when you are above 29 years of age, thats wrong timing.Abroad is an Avenue to get initial capital for one to set up in life,I was lucky enough to travel just at 23 years of age not many people are that lucky some came when they where 35, papers will remove 10 years from their life except the pros. add 12 years to your age at arrival, grand pa don come be that.

That's a lie. My father came at 45, bought and finished paying for his house here, built a house in naija and is living off 2 pensions.

kayceemadu9:
please I'm a microbiology student in naija...I would like to study nursing in Canada...what are the pros n cons of nursing in Canada... how long does it take? pls I need your advice.thanks

Its a 4 year degree.

Pros- they're looking for nurses and it pays well.

Cons- long hours and constantly being on your feet.