Thanks for the clarification.


Mrs O, mycanadianfling blog

toyogirl:
I checked with a friend who is currently @ Windsor...He reconfirmed the high quality of Catholic schools but stated that anyone choosing to settle in the GTA has to present baptismal certificates for parents (husband or wife wd suffice) & children..

salford1:

na waoh. which one be low class immigrant again...lol.
I hope that "someone" is originally from a first world country for him or her to classify immigrants into classes based on some funny criteria.

I was thinking about that too.
I was wondering if by poor immigrants they mean immigrants with no education.
Skilled immigrants or students are never classified as poor. They have to bring their own money into Canada.
Refugees and asylum seekers are classified as poor given that they have to rely on Financial assistance from the Canadian government.
And the bulk of refugees come from third world countries.

Wao! Thank you. This is a whole lot of information

What are your thoughts about Byron please? I read that the transit system isn't that great. One will need a car to run all errands. I also read that it is a good neighbourhood with good schools,and lots of young families. I however think that the rent in the Byron area is a bit on the high side,pls correct me if I'm wrong. May I also ask what your thoughts are on the Oakridge, west mount and Hyde park areas . Are there specific public kindergartens I should look out for in these areas?

TheCongo2:


Wow ... You know already about Richmond Street, I am impressed.

Anyway, I took my kids out today to get you some pics of Western University and its surroundings.
To answer your question, yes you can share a room in an apartment within 1 km from the University.
One way to go about it is to post a free ad on kijiji indicating that you are a WU student looking for a room starting September 2017.
You will have to open an account with kijiji and it is free https://www.kijiji.ca/h-london/1700214

There is one building near the university that I would like to recommend you. The address of the building is 1235 Richmond Street. OMG, this building looks like a five stars hotel. (Please see picture below)
A lot of Western University students rent into this building during the school year.



I went into the building to speak to the Front Desk lady.
She told me that a student who wants to share a room in this building should expect to spend within $600 to $900 Canadian per month. There is a Free shuttle bus running from the building to the university every hour I think. The ride may take 5 to 15 minutes, depending on which part of Western University you going. The Spenser Building is located next to Western Road which is on the other side of the Western University. So, it would take you about 10 to 15 minutes with the shuttle bus.

Now, This building (1235 Richmond Street) has a website luxelondon.ca
If you want to share an apartment, you can post an ad on the website under "find a roommate" http://www.luxelondon.ca/roommate-matching

For more information about the building call 519-913-3334 and ask to speak to Fernando or send a email to admin@luxelondon.ca

On a different note, there are a number of other buildings next to 1235 Richmond and they all seem to be nice. I didn't ask about the other ones given that the building 1235 seems to be standing out of the pack and it seems to be the place where I have seen many Western University Students.

If you want to call the www.clvgroup.com, don't ask them about the apartment on Wonderland Road South given that this will be too far from Western University. Instead, the clvgroup has a set of building on 939 Western Road, not to far from the University . It seems like a lot of Western University students rent there as well. I asked a resident if there is a free shuttle bus for Western University students but she told me she doesn't know of any. However, there is a City bus going from there to Western university.

cc: jugzy

@TheCongo 2 Please ignore the kindergarten part! I should be able to sort that out based on their rankings.

Thank you

jugzy:
Wao! Thank you. This is a whole lot of information

What are your thoughts about Byron please? I read that the transit system isn't that great. One will need a car to run all errands. I also read that it is a good neighbourhood with good schools,and lots of young families. I however think that the rent in the Byron area is a bit on the high side,pls correct me if I'm wrong. May I also ask what your thoughts are on the Oakridge, west mount and Hyde park areas . Are there specific public kindergartens I should look out for in these areas?

MissShakara:
Hi Maternal

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

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

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

Awww @ Ayoola am so jealous right now, I wish I have so much info like you right now. @thecongo thank you so much.

Please I still want info about Corner Brook, I will be heading there for my M.Sc at MUN, please i want to be able to sort out my accommodation before i go and also want to know about the place in general.

I have a friend in St. John's but he said he doesn't know about Corner Brook- Grenfell campus and the distance is about 5 hours on road.

Please jurus come to my aid.

(1) pls, can one land in Montreal and subsequently schedule a local flight to another province?

I also want to believe, i can land in any province i want, even if it is different from what is written on my copr. (2) Am i correct ?

chinchum:
(1) pls, can one land in Montreal and subsequently schedule a local flight to another province? Yes you can have your initial landing done in Montreal and move to your intended province

I also want to believe, i can land in any province i want, even if it is different from what is written on my copr. (2) Am i correct ? Yes you can land and settle in any province except Quebec for which you need to get their own PR/CSQ to settle there

Hello, see above.

Blackbuddy:


Hello, see above.

Hi bro, you've got mail!

famous17:
Awww @ Ayoola am so jealous right now, I wish I have so much info like you right now. @thecongo thank you so much.

Please I still want info about Corner Brook, I will be heading there for my M.Sc at MUN, please i want to be able to sort out my accommodation before i go and also want to know about the place in general.

I have a friend in St. John's but he said he doesn't know about Corner Brook- Grenfell campus and the distance is about 5 hours on road.

Please jurus come to my aid.

Blackbuddy:


Hello, see above.

ok sir. I saw the quoted below while searching online for info hours ago.

Where to Land?

You can land anywhere on Canada regardless of what you have mentioned in your original application.

However, if you first enter Canada at a port of entry in the Province of Quebec, you must have been accepted by Quebec and have a valid Quebec Certificate of Selection or be prepared to document your clear intention to reside in a province other than Quebec .

how does one document the boldened?

Amakyzuu:
Hello, pls can you tell me more about skilled trade? Do you have experience in any skilled trade now? Are you certified here in Nigeria or you will go into it when you land in canny? How can one start working towards it with zero experience esp in plumbing or welding... Thank you.

I'm a construction supervisor and so have basic knowledge in a few trades especially construction related- carpentry, welding, painting, tiling, masonry, plumbing and electrical but not deep enough to be called a tradesperson. I intend penetrating their construction industry there via a skilled trade as they are well paid and I enjoy working with my hands. Construction Manager is my eventual destination but I'll love to savor the journey. The best pathway into the trades is through apprenticeship as it offers the opportunity to earn (higher than national average salary) while learning. You may want to do a little more research yourself to make an informed decision. Canada is experiencing a shortage of skilled trades at the moment and I foresee the trend continuing for a little while. I have a Master's but don't mind starting afresh and getting my hands a little dirty. Nigerians don't really seem to want to tow that line; I wonder why.
Anyway all the best in your/our Canadian journey.
Cheers.

Algbenguze:


I'm a construction supervisor and so have basic knowledge in a few trades especially construction related- carpentry, welding, painting, tiling, masonry, plumbing and electrical but not deep enough to be called a tradesperson. I intend penetrating their construction industry there via a skilled trade as they are well paid and I enjoy working with my hands. Construction Manager is my eventual destination but I'll love to savor the journey. The best pathway into the trades is through apprenticeship as it offers the opportunity to earn (higher than national average salary) while learning. You may want to do a little more research yourself to make an informed decision. Canada is experiencing a shortage of skilled trades at the moment and I foresee the trend continuing for a little while. I have a Master's but don't mind starting afresh and getting my hands a little dirty. Nigerians don't really seem to want to tow that line; I wonder why.
Anyway all the best in your/our Canadian journey.
Cheers.

There would always be shortage of trades professionals..Trade is very very good if you can get in. very few professional jobs pay close to $50 bucks an hour normal time... $50 is even classified as low wage for some specific trade. Some electricians make so much in the summer that they sometimes take the whole winter off. Some popular trades are now becoming competitive to get in nowadays as more people are realising how well they are compensated. if u can, get in asap...

chinchum:
ok sir. I saw the quoted below while searching online for info hours ago.


how does one document the boldened?

A few days ago on this thread, someone posted their landing experience and categorically told us that they had a connecting flight through Montreal. As they landed in Montreal, their landing formalities were done there and they proceeded to their actual destination. I suggest you read backwards to go through this first hand positive experience of landing at Montreal.

salford1:

Your best bet would be to search on linkedin for agric professionals. I know Canada is big on exporting wheat, canola, grains and beef. Canola industry alone in Canada is worth $1.2B a year. You would have to look at the prairies (Southern Manitoba, Southern Saskatchewan and southern Alberta) in that order. A few pics of farm fields I come across often times. Wheat, bins, corn, and Canola.

Thank you.

salford1:

There would always be shortage of trades professionals..Trade is very very good if you can get in. very few professional jobs pay close to $50 bucks an hour normal time... $50 is even classified as low wage for some specific trade. Some electricians make so much in the summer that they sometimes take the whole winter off. Some popular trades are now becoming competitive to get in nowadays as more people are realising how well they are compensated. if u can, get in asap...

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

TheCongo2:


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yooku:


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

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

maternal:


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

Your explanation about Canadian Customs in Mexico rejecting travelers to Canada makes so much sense. Now, I understand why Mexicans aren't rushing into Canada. For a very long time this topic has been boggling my mind.

Wow! Thanks for this very detailed description of London. You totally blew my mind. Obviously, you live there and if you can speak this passionately about it, it's definitely a nice place to live.

To your question, I haven't moved to Canada yet but London is my dream city.

TheCongo2:


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

salford1:

There would always be shortage of trades professionals..Trade is very very good if you can get in. very few professional jobs pay close to $50 bucks an hour normal time... $50 is even classified as low wage for some specific trade. Some electricians make so much in the summer that they sometimes take the whole winter off. Some popular trades are now becoming competitive to get in nowadays as more people are realising how well they are compensated. if u can, get in asap...

Wow! Just wow!!! Thanks Salford for the info and encouragement. I don't intend to take any time off though (as a typical 9ja guy) but I've always enjoyed working with my hands. Please can u just give a hint which of the Provinces would be most attractive to trades. No information is too much.
Thanks

salford1:

I inquired with a new Catholic school (opening in sept) not too far from my place in Calgary. I was told that I need to show baptisimal certificate...without that, we would be put on standby till they cater for all Catholic faith pupils.

Hello, am catholic and looking to settle at Calgary with family. Pls what area of Calgary is this new school located? Is it k-12?

maternal:


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

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

Blingyrie:

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

White= a lot of corporate jobs.

Blue= a lot of hands on jobs like tradesman

Do students who stay off campus, pay taxes? Or it only applies to citizens of the country?

Also anyone knows how the meal is like on campus? From a Nigerian standpoint.

Qadi:
Do students who stay off campus, pay taxes? Or it only applies to citizens of the country?

Also anyone knows how the meal is like on campus? From a Nigerian standpoint.

The only people that don't pay taxes are native Canadians known as Indians
You will need to show a native registration card to avoid paying taxes in stores

TheCongo2:


The only people that don't pay taxes are native Canadians known as Indians
You will need to show a native registration card to avoid paying taxes in stores

Actually, Native Canadians are known as Indigenous peoples or First Nations. 'Indians' for them is now a negative racial term and not accepted anymore.

Blackbuddy:


Actually, Native Canadians are known as Indigenous peoples or First Nations. 'Indians' for them is now a negative racial term and not accepted anymore.

Correct. Thanks for your input.

Gymme:
Having read from the beginning of this forum, my mind is set on pointing out that Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are not the only provinces for new immigrants to move to. Haba!!! The Atlantic provinces are there too. British Columbia has an economy that ALL provinces are envious of: Balanced budget for the past 5 years. VANCOUVER is the only city i won't advise anyone to move to. There are many other economically-sound cities in BC: Kelowna, Abbotsford, Kamloops, Prince George etc.

I just don't get it why new immigrants tend to move to those popularly condensed cities where few jobs are chased by SO MANY qualified applicants. Plus the living expenses there is on a high side.

Well, you can say 'it is better to go to a place where there are Nigerians or people with similar background'. There are Nigerians in smaller/medium-sized cities. There is no city in the world you won't see a Nigerian and/or a Chinese. Quote me!

You can call me team small city or medium-sized city. Why go to those cities where you spend all your hard earned foreign currency (naira in this case), barely get a good job (probably not in your field because you need to do some certifications etc), pay high rent, even pay school fees (for those that have kids).

Talking about schools for kids. A friend that lives in Calgary pays about $18k to send ONE child to school while we pay NOTHING on kids schooling here (a medium-sized city in British Columbia and 'probably' cities with similar sizes). The glare reason is because the population in those 'bigger' cities is more than public school capacity there and as such, private schools excel. Please know that public schools are more preferred here because most private schools are for religious setting.

So bro @Philip3 and others, British Columbia is a province you can move to too or better still, as a new immigrant, why not move to a place with medium-size, acclimatize yourself (and family) to your new environment/culture. Afterwards, you move to wherever you want if you need to relocate. Not a fan of going to bigger cities because of 'popularity' then do some menial jobs JUST to survive. BC is a province i love and will continue to love because no city is extremely populated than others EXCEPT Vancouver and that is basically because of the weather (they hardly experience SNOW, for those that don't like snow).

In the end, it is a matter of adequate information and personal choice.

Nice word of encouragement from you bro... Please what can you say about Richmond,BC... One of my sibling is on a verge to moving in through arranged employment, he was given two job preferences available to him 1. General Foreman-Richmond, BC 2. Construction Site foreman-Prince Albert, SK.... Can you advise on any of the city. Thanks

Blingyrie:

Hello, am catholic and looking to settle at Calgary with family. Pls what area of Calgary is this new school located? Is it k-12?

it's in the SW and its k-6.

Algbenguze:


Wow! Just wow!!! Thanks Salford for the info and encouragement. I don't intend to take any time off though (as a typical 9ja guy) but I've always enjoyed working with my hands. Please can u just give a hint which of the Provinces would be most attractive to trades. No information is too much.
Thanks

All provinces have tradespersons in demand. Some provinces like AB and SK have higher wages for tradespersons than others.

Qadi:

Also anyone knows how the meal is like on campus? From a Nigerian standpoint.

i find the meals served in typical canteens okay, but this would greatly depend on individuals due to preferences. Expect to spend $7-$10 for a meal.

@salford1 @Thecongo

Thanks.