Hello All,

I am a man of 42years with 3 kids. I am currently working with Nigerian biggest Gas company as a contract staff and

on monthly salary of around 300K/month. There is no chance of being converted to staff position, but there is job

security and pension contribution by employer.

Before I got the job five years ago, i started this Canadian immigration process. I have  lost interest in the whole

process then all of sudden they said my visa is ready.

I have some other investments in Nigeria.

Should I abandon all these and migrate to Canada to start afresh?

U can go to canada and still come back to run ur show

Obeledu:

Hello All,

I am a man of 42years with 3 kids. I am currently working with Nigerian biggest Gas company as a contract staff and

on monthly salary of around 300K/month. There is no chance of being converted to staff position, but there is job

security and pension contribution by employer.

Before I got the job five years ago, i started this Canadian immigration process. I have lost interest in the whole

process then all of sudden they said my visa is ready.

I have some other investments in Nigeria.

Do I abandon all these and migrate to Canada to start afresh?

Depends on your profession, you can immigrate and make alot more than N300k a month. However, there are alot of factors that come into play here. Hence, with your age, family and investments in Nigeria, this is what I will do.

I'd "land" and make sure I get my permanent resident (PR) status and then return to Nigeria to continue my hustle. Truth is, you are probably better off in Nigeria. The PR status expires after 5yrs; you are eligible to renew it when it expires if you've been physically present in Canada for up to 2yrs. However, you wont need a Visa to Canada within those 5yrs if you want to go back and forth.

On the other hand, I may want to relocate my family (my kids especially, depending on their age). If they are in secondary school, public school is free in Canada. And if they go onto university, they pay Canadian fees. If they stay in Canada for 3yrs after landing and they become Canadian citizens carrying the Canadian passport and they dont need all this Visa wahala with the ultimate green passport. That way, you secure their future.

Congrats tho. I understand it's been a long wait. I just think it's too late to make that transition.

Goodluck with your decision.

Delta007,

Thanks, but since I am the principal applicant, will it be possible for me to migrate my family and stays with them for like 15days and come back to Nigeria.

Also if i am going back and forth what will happen after 5 years.

pls stick with your good paying job, you can not go over there and be huzzling.But you can go and have some nice time.i.e leave, etc.

Depends on the expertise you bring to the table.

What is your profession and academic background?

It all boils down to what can you end up potentially doing in Canada that is better than what you are currently doing and can potentially do in Nigeria.

Obeledu:

Delta007,

Thanks, but since I am the principal applicant, will it be possible for me to migrate my family and stays with them for like 15days and come back to Nigeria.

Yes you can. The Arabs and Asians are very good at this - they run their businesses outside of the country thus pay little tax but use the Canadian system well with it's free pre-university education and medical care. You can migrate your family and settle them in the country without any hassle.

Also if i am going back and forth what will happen after 5 years.

Like Delta said, the key is making up the required 2 years residency in Canada within the 5 year period. If you meet that requirement, you can renew your permanent residence status for another 5 years.

Like Delta said, do not be in a rush to move to Canada and quit your job. Go and 'land' and then give yourself some time to really look at your opportunities clearly to see where would be beneficial for you. Even if you decide not to emigrate to Canada, it will be good to get your kids over there, get them citizenship and give them the freedom/benefit of additional mobility.

Please Mr,dont u read the news?Cant u see the problem those countries are facing?The level of corruption over there as increased.I will tell u my uncle's experience he was a manager of John Holts in Ikeja and later decided to leave for USA with his family but now he his regreting it.

U are earning 300k a month men it is a hell of money together with Job security and Pension.Please and Please what u should start doing from today if u have not,Try to save atleast 100k a month.Since u said u are a contract staff look for other things doing also.Read this book "the richest man in Babylon".Sir u are lucky there are better and plenty opportunities in Nigeria.The standard of living here is cheaper than over there.Save in One year and buy a land.There are many people begging to be in ur shoes.I wish am the one.I am Presently doing my NYSC in Lagos,I read computer science,am seriously hunting for a job that can help me save money so i can do my Masters by nxt yr.So u can invest in me!
Goodluck Sir

uzotex1000:

Please Mr,dont u read the news?Cant u see the problem those countries are facing?The level of corruption over there as increased.I will tell u my uncle's experience he was a manager of John Holts in Ikeja and later decided to leave for USA with his family but now he his regreting it.

How? Where? When?

Insert Quote
Quote from: uzotex1000 on Today at 10:20:26 AM
Please Mr,dont u read the news?Cant u see the problem those countries are facing?The level of corruption over there as increased.I will tell u my uncle's experience he was a manager of John Holts in Ikeja and later decided to leave for USA with his family but now he his regreting it.


How? Where? When?


Lol. Hear say from another half baked graduate

Bros, This a great opportunity that so many people has been looking for. Pls. don't lost it. A lot of people has been given you a very good advise. I also do same job like you and I had applied for it but mine is yet to come. Then  I have about 5 poeple in my department with same that have left, these people earned more that me but they left when the opportunity comes. One of them was collecting more than 500k and was about to be given permanent Job. The guy became more confused than you and later choose to leave for his own reasons. Infact, I was not in support of that decison because his my friend. Believe me they guy got to Canada and get a permanent job in the same company he left in Nigeria. Oil & Gas Company, sorry, I don't want to mention name, they are very popular here and all over the world. He was taken because he has worked for them in nigeria anyway. As for your business, you can still find yur way through. This opportunity is not for you forget about your age but that of your children and thier future. No future in this country ooo. Think wisely.

jay bee:

Insert Quote
Quote from: uzotex1000 on Today at 10:20:26 AM
Please Mr,dont u read the news?Cant u see the problem those countries are facing?The level of corruption over there as increased.I will tell u my uncle's experience he was a manager of John Holts in Ikeja and later decided to leave for USA with his family but now he his regreting it.


How? Where? When?


Lol. Hear say from another half baked graduate

Too harsh I think. No need for name calling.

For the sake of your childrens education and future ----> go.
But for yourself ----> maybe not. Your Age, nigeria qualifications, ricisms and of cousre global competition for jobs will count against you. However you have a good chance with your experience in oil and gas. But before you make final decision try to contact friends/anyone you know living in canada for what is actually on ground. and also check out this site. http://www.notcanada.com/

You're about to make a big decision that could change your life, for better or worse.

The best thing would be to secure a job before moving to Canada, that way you're not depending on savings, but your job is paying for everything. And all these people saying your age, your age, I know a couple of people who migrated to the states after 40 and are doing extremely well right now. It just needs careful planning. Discuss it with your wife, and find out if Canada is the place you really want to spend the next couple of years in. Good Luck!!!

Badriyyah:

You're about to make a big decision that could change your life, for better or worse.

The best thing would be to secure a job before moving to Canada, that way you're not depending on savings, but your job is paying for everything. And all these people saying your age, your age, I know a couple of people who migrated to the states after 40 and are doing extremely well right now. It just needs careful planning. Discuss it with your wife, and find out if Canada is the place you really want to spend the next couple of years in. Good Luck!!!

Thanks for saying my mind. Not posting any other thing. Get a job first!

Thanks Debosky,

Boller,

These five guy that left from your department are they married, because a lot come into play when you have family.

for your own good dont go anywhere

jay bee:

Insert Quote
Quote from: uzotex1000 on Today at 10:20:26 AM
Please Mr,dont u read the news?Cant u see the problem those countries are facing?The level of corruption over there as increased.I will tell u my uncle's experience he was a manager of John Holts in Ikeja and later decided to leave for USA with his family but now he his regreting it.


How? Where? When?


Lol. Hear say from another half baked graduate

And with this analytical level, he would wonder why he is unemployable.

Boller:

Bros, This a great opportunity that so many people has been looking for. Pls. don't lost it. A lot of people has been given you a very good advise. I also do same job like you and I had applied for it but mine is yet to come. Then  I have about 5 poeple in my department with same that have left, these people earned more that me but they left when the opportunity comes. One of them was collecting more than 500k and was about to be given permanent Job. The guy became more confused than you and later choose to leave for his own reasons. Infact, I was not in support of that decison because his my friend. Believe me they guy got to Canada and get a permanent job in the same company he left in Nigeria. Oil & Gas Company, sorry, I don't want to mention name, they are very popular here and all over the world. He was taken because he has worked for them in nigeria anyway. As for your business, you can still find yur way through. This opportunity is not for you forget about your age but that of your children and thier future. No future in this country ooo. Think wisely.

I know I shouldn't be saying this but I can't resist. I apologise in advance for what I am about to say.

But with this level of English, there is no future for you here as well.

@ Poster,
I quite appreciate your confusion/worries. To deal with this issue, you need to make rational decision based on facts. I would suggest you put your facts together by asking yourself the following questions:

1. Why did you apply for the Canadian Immigration visa in the first instance i.e what was your reason/goal/ objective? Has the reason/goal/objective changed? Reassessing the original plan may help you refocus on the goal you set for yourself. Different people have different reasons for migrating

2. What professional qualification and work experience do you have? Are they global qualification that can be used anywhere in the world? Have you searched Canadian job/recruitment websites (e.g monster.ca) to see if there are vacancies that match your qualification?

3. I strongly suggest you ask somebody who is based in Canada for his view about opportunities (especially in Alberta where most of the oil companies are based), cost of living, etc. Finding out about the cost of living will help you determine the range of monthly/salary you should be looking at.

4. With regards to your pension plan, is it not possible to continue to contribute to the pension even if you are out of country? You will need to confirm this with your pension administrator.

You currently earn a reasonable salary in Lagos (N300,000K /month is about 2,400CAD and about 29,000CAD/PA). Would it be that difficult to get a job in Canada that will pay you the same or more? Questions 2 and 3 above will help confirm that.

As some others have advised, I will suggest you take vacation from your work and “Land” in Canada with your family in order to collect your PR card. I also advise that you start looking for job NOW while you are in Lagos so that when you go to Land, you may have some interviews lined up.

Finally, I suggest that you should not liquidate your investments in Nigeria YET until you have landed in Canada and see things for yourself (am assuming you can raise enough cash for flight tickets and temporary accommodation). Wish you the very best in your decision.

cheers

@sagamite
Haba! yes, his english is in trouble but that "theres no future for him here" is a lil' bit harsh.
But then i think u mean for him to work on and improve that area of his life.

@poster
u av heard it all. me thinks you should take advantage of the best that both worlds (countries) have to offer. u can continue working/biz here while u settle ur family in gradually. pls make sure madam will av smthing self-fulfilling to do there o.
All da best
and oh
congrats!

Yes,
They are all married with kids (2, 3) except one with no child yet, the one with nice job. @ Sagamite, thanks for the corrections. Prof. Idea is need, am not writing exam.

Boller:

Yes,
They are all married with kids (2, 3) except one with no child yet, the one with nice job. @ Sagamite, thanks for the corrections. Prof. Idea is need, am not writing exam.

No mind them, blow your grammer make I see who will cover your mouth

Boller:

Yes,
They are all married with kids (2, 3) except one with no child yet, the one with nice job. @ Sagamite, thanks for the corrections. Prof. Idea is need, am not writing exam.

OK, idea is need?

I will gave. 

Come on, men. Stop doing this.

@ Saga

chill out bro 'Idea is need' is a colloquial saying in pidgin, not a grammatical error.

Having personal experience of Canada myself, I can say it will be nigh impossible to get jobs from here - unless of course you have a very unique set of skills that are highly desired. Even if you do have such skills, they would rather see you face to face before making any commitments.

Albertan living costs are relatively high for Canada - the oil boom raised prices and costs considerably over the past 5-7 years. My advice would be to 'land' in Ontario - initially and then gradually move westwards. Toronto and it's environs offer high quality of life and many opportunities to earn income while waiting to get into your ideal job. That said, if you have friends or contacts in Alberta, going there directly might just suit you better.

I do agree you should visit the site listed above - notcanada.com. Though it is clearly negatively biased, it does have some truths about difficulties faced by immigrants to Canada. This will help you in forming a balanced opinion of the country as a whole.

BOLLER AND DELTA007 HAS SAID IT ALL,

GUY DO NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY, IF NOT FOR URSELF, DO IT FOR UR CHILDREN AND GIVE THEM A SHOT IN LIFE .
U CAN RENEW UR PR EVERY 5 YRS!!
SINCE U R IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR U WILL DEFINITELY GET OIL AND GAS JOBS IN ALBERTA,NOVA SCOTIA OR NEW FOUNDLAND!, THERE R LOTS AND LOTS OF OIL AND GAS JOBS THERE, JUST GET UR CREDENTIALS CERTIFIED AND THE REST IS HISTORY, OR BETTER STILL U CAN HAVE A CHANGE OF CAREER LIKE BE A CONSULTANT IN SAP, THE THING IS CANADA'S EDUCATION SYSTEM IS RATED ONE OF THE BEST SO IT,S A GOOD PLACE TO DEVELOP URSELF AND THAT OF UR KIDS,
AND THE BEST OF IT IS THAT IT GIVES U DUAL CITIZENSHIP AND ACCESS TO OTHER COUNTRIES .
SO GO AHEAD AND MOVE AFTERALL U HAD TO WAIT FOR 5 YEARS!!!!, ITS because OF THAT WAIT THAT I DROP THE IDEA OF APPLYING 5 YRS AGO!!, SO ITS VERY REFRESHING TO KNOW THAT PEOPLE ARE GETTING IT, CONGRATS!!!

@ poster,

Delta007's comment is very good; you shouldn't use just an idea from anywhere. Immigration decision is not a low level one.

Go and land first even if its for 1 week, come back with the family and do proper planning. Take your time, don't rush. You can stay in naija for another 2 years before taking your decision.

Forget about the recession, jobs are still there depending on your qualification and experience.

One more thing, you should put Calgary on your radar ASAP.

All the best!

By the way, the advice I gave you is what I did. Applied in 2001/2002 and landed late 2007 (got the visa late 2007 with medical expiring Jan 2008).

All the best!

I think you should stay in Nigeria.
This recession has made it difficult for new immigrants to settle and get jobs that used to be available. Nigeria is a hard place to live in. I come home to Nigeria every year. There is opportunity outside Nigeria but remember, that opportunity is intangible and not guaranteed. It does not work out for everybody. You are 42, with three kids. Its a big decision for you to swtch jobs and pluck your kids out of school. ?"If you make the move you are only doing it for your kids to get them a good education and great opportunity, not for yourself. So if you want to make that sacrifice for the kids then do it.

debosky:

@ Saga

chill out bro 'Idea is need' is a colloquial saying in pidgin, not a grammatical error.

Having personal experience of Canada myself, I can say it will be nigh impossible to get jobs from here - unless of course you have a very unique set of skills that are highly desired. Even if you do have such skills, they would rather see you face to face before making any commitments.

Albertan living costs are relatively high for Canada - the oil boom raised prices and costs considerably over the past 5-7 years. My advice would be to 'land' in Ontario - initially and then gradually move westwards. Toronto and it's environs offer high quality of life and many opportunities to earn income while waiting to get into your ideal job. That said, if you have friends or contacts in Alberta, going there directly might just suit you better.

I do agree you should visit the site listed above - notcanada.com. Though it is clearly negatively biased, it does have some truths about difficulties faced by immigrants to Canada. This will help you in forming a balanced opinion of the country as a whole.

Seconded.

okeyz:

BOLLER AND DELTA007 HAS SAID IT ALL,

GUY DO NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY, IF NOT FOR URSELF, DO IT FOR UR CHILDREN AND GIVE THEM A SHOT IN LIFE .
U CAN RENEW UR PR EVERY 5 YRS!!
SINCE U R IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR U WILL DEFINITELY GET OIL AND GAS JOBS IN ALBERTA,NOVA SCOTIA OR NEW FOUNDLAND!, THERE R LOTS AND LOTS OF OIL AND GAS JOBS THERE, JUST GET UR CREDENTIALS CERTIFIED AND THE REST IS HISTORY, OR BETTER STILL U CAN HAVE A CHANGE OF CAREER LIKE BE A CONSULTANT IN SAP, THE THING IS CANADA'S EDUCATION SYSTEM IS RATED ONE OF THE BEST SO IT,S A GOOD PLACE TO DEVELOP URSELF AND THAT OF UR KIDS,
AND THE BEST OF IT IS THAT IT GIVES U DUAL CITIZENSHIP AND ACCESS TO OTHER COUNTRIES .
SO GO AHEAD AND MOVE AFTERALL U HAD TO WAIT FOR 5 YEARS!!!!, ITS because OF THAT WAIT THAT I DROP THE IDEA OF APPLYING 5 YRS AGO!!, SO ITS VERY REFRESHING TO KNOW THAT PEOPLE ARE GETTING IT, CONGRATS!!!

Please, I never advised him to move. Infact, if I were in his shoes, I will NOT move; not at 42, with a family, a decent job, investments, probably a house with no mortgage, etc. I'd rather land with my family, check out the province of interest, make some solid contacts, plan to move my family on a later date (kids, depending on their age) and return to Nigeria to continue my life with my wife. You are not guaranteed a job (whether in oil and gas, etc) anywhere in Canada. It's not as easy as that. Just like Debosky posted, unless you have a unique skillset, it's quite difficult. As a professional (Engineer, doctor, dentist, nursing, etc ), you may be required to take exams that could take months to years, before you are certified to practice and unless you have a huge bank account to bankroll your family during this period, it may be tough and you may be forced to settle for odd jobs to cater for them. If in Nigeria, things become very rough, at least you have an option which you can fall back on (btween now and 5yrs time, when you are 47/48) bearing in mind that you have atleast "secured" the future of your kids with regards to education, healthcare, accessibility to basic amenities, etc.

BTW, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland does NOT offer lots of oil and gas jobs. I dunno where you get you info from but it's quite far from the truth; you are better off in Alberta but you may end up in the North pole of Forth Mac with no life, playing in the oil sands and cold.

@the poster, the choice is entirely yours. I'm not trying to discourage you but do not unestimate the transition (job, environment, lifestyle, weather, taxes, etc). It's huge especially at this stage in your life.

jay bee:

Insert Quote
Quote from: uzotex1000 on Today at 10:20:26 AM
Please Mr,dont u read the news?Cant u see the problem those countries are facing?The level of corruption over there as increased.I will tell u my uncle's experience he was a manager of John Holts in Ikeja and later decided to leave for USA with his family but now he his regreting it.


How? Where? When?


Lol. Hear say from another half baked graduate

Mr fully Baked LOL.

Lets hope you dont get over baked or burnt out too soon. I dont like people who dismiss people too quick.

This is just a forum board. He is entitled to his opinions. Besides this is not a TOEFL board!

Comrade Delta has said it all.

But erm, just to get one thing clear, a contract staff is a staff employed for a period of time and engaged for a particular project(s). No?
If yes, then there is equally no job security in the very sense of the word but @42 (with a family) with a good income and some nice investments at home? hmm. . .moving to canada is like starting all over again.
You will need to secure a home, job etc. sounds hectic but if you love challenges, you never just know whats goodies are in stock for you. It may also depends on your profession.

He said he has some job security though.