₦airaland Forum

Kenn55:
You are comparing 2 very different cars here. Rav4 is a 2.5L 4 cylinder engine while Acura mdx is a 3.5L 6 cylinder engine so the difference in power output will be large.

In my opinion, if it's about snow, both can work. To be on the safest side with the rav4, you can go for XLE AWD instead of FWD. Your AWD plus winter tires is perfectly fine for heavy snow except probably in rare cases of unusual snow storm. In those cases, only the F150s and the likes survive.

Acura mdx is also good. My cousin drives the car for 4 years now and I haven't heard any complains from him.

Thanks a lot

I plan to take the grant only.


My income for 2024 is 0.


My income for 2025 is 0.


My course starts Jan 2026, and the program is applied for in Nov 2025, meaning I will be applying for the OSAP in 2025 towards '2026 start of programme'


However, I am positively sure I will get a job in 2026.


My course, though full time, I am more than confidence I can juggle my job and the course because its a purely online pre-recorded course. I can always go to work and do my course in the evening after I'm back from work.


The issue is this, if I file my tax for 2026 in 2027, wouldn't OSAP convert my grant to loan based on the fact that

Since I would obviously have an income in 2026, wouldn't that trigger the OSAP guys to come after me in 2027 stating that I already have an income -even though i started getting the income way after my school started - and as such I was not meant to be taking OSAP or I should have reached out to them so they could have stopped subsequent OSAP payment.

eniola1010:
I plan to take the grant only.


My income for 2024 is 0.


My income for 2025 is 0.


My course starts Jan 2026, and the program is applied for in Nov 2025, meaning I will be applying for the OSAP in 2025 towards '2026 start of programme'


However, I am positively sure I will get a job in 2026.


My course, though full time, I am more than confidence I can juggle my job and the course because its a purely online pre-recorded course. I can always go to work and do my course in the evening after I'm back from work.


The issue is this, if I file my tax for 2026 in 2027, wouldn't OSAP convert my grant to loan based on the fact that

Since I would obviously have an income in 2026, wouldn't that trigger the OSAP guys to come after me in 2027 stating that I already have an income -even though i started getting the income way after my school started - and as such I was not meant to be taking OSAP or I should have reached out to them so they could have stopped subsequent OSAP payment.

I don't think so. Benefits are based on previous year income. The only way your 2026 income will affect you is if you are applying for any benefit in 2027 then your 2026 income becomes a factor.

Since it is a Jan start date, they will approve you based on 2025 income. I think you are good

Kenn55:
I don't think so. Benefits are based on previous year income. The only way your 2026 income will affect you is if you are applying for any benefit in 2027 then your 2026 income becomes a factor.

Since it is a Jan start date, they will approve you based on 2025 income. I think you are good

Exactly, i am not applying for anything in 2027 at all. Thanks tho. Be like you done hack this canada thing

eniola1010:
(1) thinking of buying used 2020 rav4 or used 2020 acura mdx. I would have loved the rav4 but its a bit too basic and its horsepower is 203 which may not be powerful to pull through heavy snow, but i know toyotas are very reliable.
And as for the mdx, its a more powerful car and the horsepower is 290 it can pull through snow i guess. It has so many functions like heated seat, heated steering and so much others. But i am skeptical because a car like this having too much funtion and very low price might be prone to eletrical issues.
Although i plan to use winter tires in winter anyways. Which one of the two is a better option?


(2) asides copart, fbmarket place, is there a reliable auction yard one can go to to pick up used, reliable certified cars. I know most places u need a dealer license or some sort of license for this, i will sort that out, but where in ontario can one find such reliable auction yard that categorises cars into good, fair and bad so you know exactly what you are getting into.

Cc jedisco ferfer 73O9

Brother, that is a lot of power, 203 or 290 and more than enough for everyday people. The specialty winter tyres also gives you more capability although I am not sure that will be necessary since both are available in AWD, right? A few thoughts...

1) I think the most important thing here is to look at your budget and work with that.

2) The next thing is to do your research well. Brother-in-law just told us they are being billed 5 figures for a '21 highlander transmission/other issues. Now that is a problem! And we are still wondering how we missed something as obvious as that because if you just google the common problem(s) with this car, that's what will come up. Inspect if fb market/get guarantees if from dealer. Look through the carfax report and watch for timely maintenance/oil change etc.

3) Also, its important to consider depreciation too. When you buy a car, you may not use it till the wheels fall off! So when it is time to offload it, we all want it to command the highest amount possible. Use this tool to compare what their value will be in a few years (https://caredge.com/depreciation). What about the cost of ownership/maintenance - (https://www.edmunds.com/tco.html).

3) It is good that it is a 2020 rav4 so it is not Canada's most stolen vehicle (https://www.equiteassociation.com/top-10-most-stolen-vehicles). Personally I am choosing reliability over any other thing, weather is harsh here and in most parts of Canada for months and I need what I drive to be dependable whilst also being relatively pocket friendly to maintain.
Cheers.

ferfer:
Brother, that is a lot of power, 203 or 290 and more than enough for everyday people. The specialty winter tyres also gives you more capability although I am not sure that will be necessary since both are available in AWD, right? A few thoughts...

1) I think the most important thing here is to look at your budget and work with that.

2) The next thing is to do your research well. Brother-in-law just told us they are being billed 5 figures for a '21 highlander transmission/other issues. Now that is a problem! And we are still wondering how we missed something as obvious as that because if you just google the common problem(s) with this car, that's what will come up. Inspect if fb market/get guarantees if from dealer. Look through the carfax report and watch for timely maintenance/oil change etc.

3) Also, its important to consider depreciation too. When you buy a car, you may not use it till the wheels fall off! So when it is time to offload it, we all want it to command the highest amount possible. Use this tool to compare what their value will be in a few years (https://caredge.com/depreciation). What about the cost of ownership/maintenance - (https://www.edmunds.com/tco.html).

3) It is good that it is a 2020 rav4 so it is not Canada's most stolen vehicle (https://www.equiteassociation.com/top-10-most-stolen-vehicles). Personally I am choosing reliability over any other thing, weather is harsh here and in most parts of Canada for months and I need what I drive to be dependable whilst also being relatively pocket friendly to maintain.
Cheers.

Thanks for ur immense input

Advice please
I am 40 married and I have 3 kids
I have a PHD and want to move to Canada, what is the best route please
PNP or study

chygurl24:
Advice please
I am 40 married and I have 3 kids
I have a PHD and want to move to Canada, what is the best route please
PNP or study

Go learn french And pass tcf/tef is ur best route

njambert:
Well I mentioned by AWS certs on my resume. I think you should write either CompTIA A+ or CCNA, it'll help you get interviews for IT support roles. I applied to roles mostly on Indeed. Skills necessary for it are Ticketing systems(eg ServiceNow), Active Directory, Windows, TCP/IP, DNS, Microsoft 365, SQL, etc. Just check IT support role skills(Sevice desk analyst/IT Support technician/Technical support specialist/Technical support representative/etc) on Indeed and see the most common skills.
You do not necessarily need to know all these, but have a high level overview, and be able to create good experience stories out of these technologies for your interviews. But be reminded that the interview for such roles are generally more behavioral focused than skill focused. So spend more time on the latter than the former.

Hi bro, I see it's been a while since you logged into NL.
Help on this topic is very much needed.

Hi everyone, I do have a question. Is it just me or it’s so difficult to get a job in Canada? It’s so crazy and strangely challenging. I’ve spoken with a few guys who have been here for a while (2018/2019 arrivals) and was told it was easier in the past. The job market is unbelievably horrible at the moment, and the tech bubble, which is obviously waning, evidenced by the series of layoffs, didn’t help matters at all. Almost every job vacancies on LinkedIn have >100 applicants in just a few hours of posting. To everyone, I’ll appreciate any ideas on areas or fields with lesser competition that one can pivot into. Any roles with a fast learning curve where you can learn the ropes very fast and get up to speed in no time?

JIREN01:
Hi everyone, I do have a question. Is it just me or it’s so difficult to get a job in Canada? It’s so crazy and strangely challenging. I’ve spoken with a few guys who have been here for a while (2018/2019 arrivals) and was told it was easier in the past. The job market is unbelievably horrible at the moment, and the tech bubble, which is obviously waning, evidenced by the series of layoffs, didn’t help matters at all. Almost every job vacancies on LinkedIn have >100 applicants in just a few hours of posting. To everyone, I’ll appreciate any ideas on areas or fields with lesser competition that one can pivot into. Any roles with a fast learning curve where you can learn the ropes very fast and get up to speed in no time?

We currently live in an interesting time. The job market is tough for everyone. In Canada here, the tariff from US is really hitting bad because large employers are being affected. The rise and use of AI is another factor entirely.

However, in the midst of all this for "proessionals", I am discovering that people on "streets" are really busy. A guy came to change my tires and oil change and charge $210 for less than 1hr job told me he still has about extra 3 other appointments as at 4:30pm. Guys who tow vehicles are charging $300 for less than 20Km trip etc.

It would be nice to know your field and another thing is for LinkedIn, they are mostly the big firms that a lot of people are keeping their eyes on but for medium size firms, they are still hiring.

Career pivot/flexibility is the way to navigate this trying period.

eniola1010:
I plan to take the grant only.


My income for 2024 is 0.


My income for 2025 is 0.


My course starts Jan 2026, and the program is applied for in Nov 2025, meaning I will be applying for the OSAP in 2025 towards '2026 start of programme'


However, I am positively sure I will get a job in 2026.


My course, though full time, I am more than confidence I can juggle my job and the course because its a purely online pre-recorded course. I can always go to work and do my course in the evening after I'm back from work.


The issue is this, if I file my tax for 2026 in 2027, wouldn't OSAP convert my grant to loan based on the fact that

Since I would obviously have an income in 2026, wouldn't that trigger the OSAP guys to come after me in 2027 stating that I already have an income -even though i started getting the income way after my school started - and as such I was not meant to be taking OSAP or I should have reached out to them so they could have stopped subsequent OSAP payment.

Its good that you already planned it out and you could maximize this.

Caveat, when you start making the money after your program and the government comes with taxes, please don't hesitate ooo because they will surely come...

Hello guys, please What is the best and faster way to renew my passport in Canada, my passport will expire by may next year

olubams:
However, in the midst of all this for "proessionals", I am discovering that people on "streets" are really busy. A guy came to change my tires and oil change and charge $210 for less than 1hr job told me he still has about extra 3 other appointments as at 4:30pm. Guys who tow vehicles are charging $300 for less than 20Km trip etc.

Career pivot/flexibility is the way to navigate this trying period.

Noticed quite a few handy workers seem to be thriving especially if one targets the right industry. Encountered a hairdresser who recently started it as a side hustle but now almost always fully booked that she's pivoted and does it fulltime.

Kunfu:
Hello guys, please What is the best and faster way to renew my passport in Canada, my passport will expire by may next year

If you are close or in Ottawa (Nigeria High Commission is here), best is to just apply to get it done there. Not close to Ottawa, you can search for contact less option. You could do everything remotely and just send your old passport to them via mail and they will do same with your new passport. I have heard some success stories about this option online.

JIREN01:
Hi everyone, I do have a question. Is it just me or it’s so difficult to get a job in Canada? It’s so crazy and strangely challenging. I’ve spoken with a few guys who have been here for a while (2018/2019 arrivals) and was told it was easier in the past. The job market is unbelievably horrible at the moment, and the tech bubble, which is obviously waning, evidenced by the series of layoffs, didn’t help matters at all. Almost every job vacancies on LinkedIn have >100 applicants in just a few hours of posting. To everyone, I’ll appreciate any ideas on areas or fields with lesser competition that one can pivot into. Any roles with a fast learning curve where you can learn the ropes very fast and get up to speed in no time?

The job market is extremely competitive right now. So the best way out is really non conventional jobs. Find a service that pple need and start a business.

I’ve been in tech all my life but it’s never been this crazy. Apart from the AI bubble, all the crash tech programs also killed the market and made over saturated. Because when you tell pple to ‘learn cybersecurity in 6 weeks and land a 6 figure job’ , or learn data analytics and earn a 6 figure salary in 3 months’ , pple will rush it and come to the market expecting to land that 6 figure job. Now pple with the actual experience are lost in the noisy crowd. Everyone is lying on LinkedIn. So many fake testimonials on social media that can absolutely not be verified.

Funny thing is smaller companies are still hiring at their own pace, but even recruitment teams are overwhelmed. So many applications. We’ve hired a few pple this year in our tech team. and it’s primarily been referrals. Cos it’s just easier. No one has to deal with hundreds of AI resumes.

If you are in tech, here is my opinion.
- look for tech roles in non tech companies ( manufacturing, construction, healthcare, etc). Those are less competitive.

- go to networking events in your local communities and talk about what you do to new people. You get access to small companies that way and engage. Many of them don’t want to hire online. They wanna connect, and hire.

It doesn’t have to be tech tho. You can pivot into trades and make a lot of money as long as you can learn fast and provide good services.

Please, is teaching a good profession to go into in Canada?

I currently teach in Nigeria and I plan on getting the teaching license of a province before I move.

I am also taking online courses on KYC/AML.

olubams:
We currently live in an interesting time. The job market is tough for everyone. In Canada here, the tariff from US is really hitting bad because large employers are being affected. The rise and use of AI is another factor entirely.

However, in the midst of all this for "proessionals", I am discovering that people on "streets" are really busy. A guy came to change my tires and oil change and charge $210 for less than 1hr job told me he still has about extra 3 other appointments as at 4:30pm. Guys who tow vehicles are charging $300 for less than 20Km trip etc.

It would be nice to know your field and another thing is for LinkedIn, they are mostly the big firms that a lot of people are keeping their eyes on but for medium size firms, they are still hiring.

Career pivot/flexibility is the way to navigate this trying period.

Bibitayo2:
Please, is teaching a good profession to go into in Canada?

I currently teach in Nigeria and I plan on getting the teaching license of a province before I move.

I am also taking online courses on KYC/AML.

Teaching, you cannot go wrong with this. The only challenge might be the culture shock. People usually starts with sub teachers and eventually transition to full-time. In Alberta, because the teachers went on strike recently, the government is planning to hire more teachers but the timeline is not known yet but for me, I have not met one teacher that is not employed.

Thank you so much for this.

olubams:
Teaching, you cannot go wrong with this. The only challenge might be the culture shock. People usually starts with sub teachers and eventually transition to full-time. In Alberta, because the teachers went on strike recently, the government is planning to hire more teachers but the timeline is not known yet but for me, I have not met one teacher that is not employed.

JIREN01:
Hi everyone, I do have a question. Is it just me or it’s so difficult to get a job in Canada? It’s so crazy and strangely challenging. I’ve spoken with a few guys who have been here for a while (2018/2019 arrivals) and was told it was easier in the past. The job market is unbelievably horrible at the moment, and the tech bubble, which is obviously waning, evidenced by the series of layoffs, didn’t help matters at all. Almost every job vacancies on LinkedIn have >100 applicants in just a few hours of posting. To everyone, I’ll appreciate any ideas on areas or fields with lesser competition that one can pivot into. Any roles with a fast learning curve where you can learn the ropes very fast and get up to speed in no time?

It was easier in the past. Job market is crazy right now but people should not loose hope and probably get a side hustle if they can.

Nope, it won't trigger anything.

eniola1010:
I plan to take the grant only.


My income for 2024 is 0.


My income for 2025 is 0.


My course starts Jan 2026, and the program is applied for in Nov 2025, meaning I will be applying for the OSAP in 2025 towards '2026 start of programme'


However, I am positively sure I will get a job in 2026.


My course, though full time, I am more than confidence I can juggle my job and the course because its a purely online pre-recorded course. I can always go to work and do my course in the evening after I'm back from work.


The issue is this, if I file my tax for 2026 in 2027, wouldn't OSAP convert my grant to loan based on the fact that

Since I would obviously have an income in 2026, wouldn't that trigger the OSAP guys to come after me in 2027 stating that I already have an income -even though i started getting the income way after my school started - and as such I was not meant to be taking OSAP or I should have reached out to them so they could have stopped subsequent OSAP payment.

Bibitayo2:
Please, is teaching a good profession to go into in Canada?

I currently teach in Nigeria and I plan on getting the teaching license of a province before I move.

I am also taking online courses on KYC/AML.

Hopefully this is not coming late.

Do you have a B.Ed, M.Ed or NCE? I think its never too early to start the ball rolling on getting in touch with the appropriate provincial teacher's regulatory board about what you need to do to obtain a license. They are the ones in charge of licensing. If they tell you to do bridging courses, please go ahead and do it as long as you have set your mind on going the teaching route in Canada.

There are people (Christians especially) who prefer to teach in the catholic school system compared to the public - it's a long story.

There are rewards for Canadian teachers on earth and in heaven, Mum was a public school teacher for 35 years in Osun state and a fully paid monthly pension is cause for thanksgiving! Let's not start what we can't finish if we talk about active service remuneration - military years especially.

Lastly, check out the grid for Alberta here - https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/ecc-alberta-teachers-salary-grid.pdf

Good luck.

JIREN01:
Hi everyone, I do have a question. Is it just me or it’s so difficult to get a job in Canada? It’s so crazy and strangely challenging. I’ve spoken with a few guys who have been here for a while (2018/2019 arrivals) and was told it was easier in the past. The job market is unbelievably horrible at the moment, and the tech bubble, which is obviously waning, evidenced by the series of layoffs, didn’t help matters at all. Almost every job vacancies on LinkedIn have >100 applicants in just a few hours of posting. To everyone, I’ll appreciate any ideas on areas or fields with lesser competition that one can pivot into. Any roles with a fast learning curve where you can learn the ropes very fast and get up to speed in no time?

The job market is actually easy. If you look into unionized blue collar jobs you'll be laughing. If you change your mindset to "I'll do whatever makes sense", oppose to "how will people back home look at me ?" when looking for a job, you'll be fine. Municipalities are hiring transit operators, road workers, etc. A lot of jobs available.

maternal:
The job market is actually easy. If you look into unionized blue collar jobs you'll be laughing. If you change your mindset to "I'll do whatever makes sense", oppose to "how will people back home look at me ?" when looking for a job, you'll be fine. Municipalities are hiring transit operators, road workers, etc. A lot of jobs available.

Maternal still dy alive

Thank you so much for your reply.

I have a BSc and a PGDE, and I have been doing some research on obtaining a teaching licence in one of the provinces. I really just want to understand the financial situation of teachers compared to other professionals.

It is well known that teachers are low-income earners in Nigeria. Is it the same in Canada?

Would you advise someone to go into teaching in Canada?

Thank you.

ferfer:
Hopefully this is not coming late.

Do you have a B.Ed, M.Ed or NCE? I think its never too early to start the ball rolling on getting in touch with the appropriate provincial teacher's regulatory board about what you need to do to obtain a license. They are the ones in charge of licensing. If they tell you to do bridging courses, please go ahead and do it as long as you have set your mind on going the teaching route in Canada.

There are people (Christians especially) who prefer to teach in the catholic school system compared to the public - it's a long story.

There are rewards for Canadian teachers on earth and in heaven, Mum was a public school teacher for 35 years in Osun state and a fully paid monthly pension is cause for thanksgiving! Let's not start what we can't finish if we talk about active service remuneration - military years especially.

Lastly, check out the grid for Alberta here - https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/ecc-alberta-teachers-salary-grid.pdf

Good luck.

Teachers are middle class earners in Canada and in many countries. It used to be like that in Nigeria as well.

Bibitayo2:
Thank you so much for your reply.

I have a BSc and a PGDE, and I have been doing some research on obtaining a teaching licence in one of the provinces. I really just want to understand the financial situation of teachers compared to other professionals.

It is well known that teachers are low-income earners in Nigeria. Is it the same in Canada?

Would you advise someone to go into teaching in Canada?

Thank you.

maternal:
The job market is actually easy. If you look into unionized blue collar jobs you'll be laughing. If you change your mindset to "I'll do whatever makes sense", oppose to "how will people back home look at me ?" when looking for a job, you'll be fine. Municipalities are hiring transit operators, road workers, etc. A lot of jobs available.

Hey Maternal, long time bro. I just randomly jumped on here and I’m happy to see you’re still active. About the unionized jobs you mentioned — I’ve never worked in a unionized environment myself, but I’ve always heard it can be tough to get in because of the politics around it.

What’s your take on that? Are things actually more open now, or is it still the same story?

TheCongo2:
Hey Maternal, long time bro. I just randomly jumped on here and I’m happy to see you’re still active. About the unionized jobs you mentioned — I’ve never worked in a unionized environment myself, but I’ve always heard it can be tough to get in because of the politics around it.

What’s your take on that? Are things actually more open now, or is it still the same story?

Afternoon Congo,

Yes it's tough to get in full-time permanent because all your problems would be over, especially as a minority in Canada. The politics is that the whites don't want us to get in.

These jobs being more open depends on supply and demand. Right now a few cities are hiring a lot of transit operators, so ones chances of getting in is a lot higher for example. I'd aim to get into a mincipality, provincial, then federal in that order. But private sector is a scam in my opinion.

Hello Everyone,

I just came into Ontario as a Permanent Resident as Veterinary doctor.

I need information on things I need to do and benefits I should not miss.

Thank you

Bibitayo2:
Thank you so much for your reply.

I have a BSc and a PGDE, and I have been doing some research on obtaining a teaching licence in one of the provinces. I really just want to understand the financial situation of teachers compared to other professionals.

It is well known that teachers are low-income earners in Nigeria. Is it the same in Canada?

Would you advise someone to go into teaching in Canada?

Thank you.

I do not think we need to worry about the financial situation of teachers compared to other professionals unless you are thinking about pivoting to those professions. We should be more concerned about if the remuneration is good for your short term, medium term and long term needs. And information about teachers' remuneration can be gleaned on the internet. Each provincial professional teaching body has their collective bargaining agreement and I have attached that of Alberta for you in the previous reply. You can search for that of any province to have the info.

The most important thing here is to continue to engage different provincial licensing bodies (Shop around! My info could be obsolete but most of them will require a credential evaluation like WES/others to Canadian equivalencies to determine if you have the 'B.Ed' that some provinces require to have an unrestricted/professional A license) so you have a clear idea of what you need to do to have a professional license to teach.

Thank you so much for the insight.

ferfer:
I do not think we need to worry about the financial situation of teachers compared to other professionals unless you are thinking about pivoting to those professions. We should be more concerned about if the remuneration is good for your short term, medium term and long term needs. And information about teachers' remuneration can be gleaned on the internet. Each provincial professional teaching body has their collective bargaining agreement and I have attached that of Alberta for you in the previous reply. You can search for that of any province to have the info.

The most important thing here is to continue to engage different provincial licensing bodies (Shop around! My info could be obsolete but most of them will require a credential evaluation like WES/others to Canadian equivalencies to determine if you have the 'B.Ed' that some provinces require to have an unrestricted/professional A license) so you have a clear idea of what you need to do to have a professional license to teach.

Still on blue collars…Just incase someone might find this useful- https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/support-skilled-trades-apprentices/loan.html

Apprentice Pipefitter, electrician or insulator is a financially rewarding path into the energy sector especially if you’re in Alberta. Red seal journeymen in Alberta are ballers and there’s likely more energy projects in next few years IMO.
No be everyone go get tech jobs.
#DoYourOwnResearch