₦airaland Forum

ifegy: Well, I can't speak for him unless I know the exact details of his experience. If there was a credit card involved, then what I can say is that banks do offer students, including international students, credit cards. A credit card will typically have a dollar limit up to which you can borrow, although I have to say that a 5K limit for a credit card for an international student with no credit history in Canada sounds very high. As well, increasing the credit limit on a credit card typically requires that you convince the credit card company you have good reason, such as increased income, for requesting that increase. However, assuming the figures quoted are correct, bear in mind that credit card debt is VERY high interest (typically 20% or higher), and unless you pay off the entire balance on the card every month, you will end up owing some serious money. And if you don't make regular payments, or fail to make payments, your credit history and rating will be negatively impacted. This could impact job applications, future loan applications (eg a mortgage, car loan), etc.
All in all, credit card debt is not recommended.

@ifegy.....thanks a lot for your advice you are more than a million

shiborobo: Thanks brother....can I have another means to work in canada without my student visa?

@ifegy.....a friend told me he's brother travel to canada on a student visa and he applied for a srudent loan off campus in one of there banks there and a loan of 5kcad was given to him not in cash but with credit card and he said he can get more up to 20k......how about that?

naijasexy: As an international student here in Canada, one is not eligible to work outside campus for the first six months. To gain eligibility, you must spend a minimum of 6 months as a FULL-TIME student and with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (during those six months) then you can apply for your OCWP (Off campus work permit). This takes about a month to process and processing time for online applications are always faster. Upon procurement of your OCWP, you can then apply for a social insurance number (takes only about 5 minutes). This number ensures that taxes are duly deducted. With this, you can find employment off campus.

Note that if for any reason your GPA drops below 2.0 after procurement of your OCWP, your working privileges would be withdrawn by the Canadian government and they might even ask you to mail your OCWP back to them until you are able to raise your GPA.

If however, you come as a landed immigrant, you dont need to wait six months. just get your SIN and find employment.
As for getting jobs, McDonalds is literally always hiring. So is Tim Hortons. Whatever job you get be it serving coffee or flipping burgers, be sure to accept if you must survive as living cost is relatively high.
If you dont get a job off campus, there are numerous job opportunities on campus. You could work in your school cafeteria, at the library. All you need do is ask questions and look out for fliers. You should be fine.

Accommodation: I would suggest that in your first year, you live in residence (on campus). Living off-campus right from the first year is not advisable because you have to give yourself time to acclimatize to the new environment of your school. Typically, general information gets to those who live on campus first before those who dont and one thing you always wanna ensure is that you are in the know all the time. It is only after first year you can confidently move out of residence if you want to and get cheap accommodation outside.
Try to make friends with people (Nigerians and other nationalities) during your first year so that you can at least find someone to co-rent an apartment then you can split your bills equally and save some money. The average cost of a 2 bedroom apartment is $700. You pay half of that if you split.

That said, try to find an apartment where all the utilities (light, electricity and internet) come in the bill. You dont wanna be paying $350 for rent and pay an extra $60 for utilities.

To call home at cheap rates, always use a calling card. NEVER try dialing an international number directly on your mobile. That is so expensive.

Woww there's nothing to ask again you have said it all...one more question can I have another means to work in canada without my student visa?

Paschal137: @Shiborobo, Are you a PR or citizen of Canada?

I have not been to canada but soon by GOD's grace my applications is in queue, waiting to be processed.

ifegy: You can't get a student loan unless you are either a permanent resident or a citizen, unfortunately.

If you go to a publicly funded college or university, you can work after 6 months, but you are very, very unlikely to be able to earn enough to cover your school fees by working as a student.

Thanks brother....can I have another means to work in canada without my student visa?

Na true talk my brother

@ifegy I still dey wait for your response on how I can get a student loan in canada?do you have any ideal on student loan in campus or off campus in any of the banks in canada?

how can I apply for a student loan in bc canada and do I have to work before I can get a loan?

You can go to the nearest police station to get it but iyaganku police station would be better if you reside in ibadan.