einsteino:

Oh boy. At least you have the job already, that is a ray of hope. I just feel for newly landed immigrants, they were hoping to get a job to offset bills.

It really will take a while for the job market to come back up. Some people who can't work from home are losing their jobs. Small businesses are shutting down. I'd honestly not advise any prospective immigrant, who has a job in Nigeria, to land within the next 3 months.

salford1:

This is actually true. A good example in my city. There are docs living in $1,000,000 houses and there are also other docs living in $500,000 and $350,000 houses.

Very true. A colleague in one of the small jobs I did when I just landed was earning same exact wage with me but was driving a $50,000 electric car. Me? I was managing to keep my head up.

salford1:

No ooo. I just shock small

For that same amount, one can rent a near new 3 bedroom house plus basement with a fenced landscaped yard in some cities in some other places.

It is well o.

Ontario's real estate market is messed up. It's just unimaginable. Can't wait to leave.

salford1:

I was thinking that was on the low side as well. I live in the middle of nowhere Saskatchewan and my monthly expenses for the same family size is just over $4000 or more sef with only one child in Part time daycare. I can only imagine what it would be for Toronto. Na boss people dey live for Toronto side and Vancouver.

You na big Oga naw. I doubt you were spending that much when you just landed and were finding your feet. With time, one starts to earn more and spend more. Mortgage, more cars etc

I live in the Toronto area with my family and we don't (well, we try not to) spend up to $4,000 monthly.

salford1:

A basement for $1800

You wan laugh us now abi?

XX01:


I would say between $4,000 and $6,000. Rent is about $3,000. Then there might be daycare costs, etc.

For median wages, check on https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis/search-wages, https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/location/geo9219 or https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/State=Ontario/Salary

I think cost of living is very subjective. A family of 4 can spend $8,000 per month while another family of same composition will spend $3,500 in the same Toronto. One can get a 2 bed basement for $1,800.

I assumed $0 child care fees since ON gives new immigrants full subsidy in the first year of landing and subsequently, if they fall below a certain income threshold.

Audrian:
Please when offered a job in Toronto, in healthcare services what salary range should one expect/bargain, that would be enough to cover all living cost for a new immigrant (for me & spouse no children yet)

What role? What specialty?

It can range from $15/hr as a PSW to $200/hr as a Cardiothoracic surgeon.

*Edited* Average monthly living expenses for my family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) in the Toronto area is somewhere between $3,000 to $4,000.

You and your spouse should spend less.

pearlobi:
The senior ladies here, I'm curious...please what hairstyle did you make before relocating. I don't know what to do to my hair. I have a couple of wigs, but I get sick of wigs easily. Don't know if to braid for now. Please advice. We move by next month.

I cut my hair and now wear it short.

salford1:



You can also change careers if you so desire. There are many lucrative courses/careers you can explore. Just research what course you feel you would excel in, and check if it is demand in your province of choice. Target employers that offer descent wage/benefits. You don't want to get stuck with a student loan debt after studying a course with bad prospect. My employer just hired a smart 22 years old Nigerian recent grad of a regular 2 years instrumentation tech diploma from a community college here in Canada. Excluding bonus, starting wage is 90k. In 3 years, his salary would be 101k with yearly 2% increase till 2022. With OT, he is looking at atleast 150k per year. Interestingly, he doesn't even have a PR yet, he is currently on a pgwp.

Just sitting right here, feeling small.

Please is there vacancy in this your company?
I've zero experience in Engineering/Tech, but I can do all things through Christ.

marinaojo:
I just want to know if there is any LPN or BSCN program i can easily get into anywhere in canada with my undergraduate degree that does not focus on o'level, or any other pathway into nursing. thank you.

Your observations are very accurate, especially for schools in and around Toronto. Had same observations few years ago when I was researching my options.

I honestly wouldn't advise the LPN route for someone who already possess an undergraduate degree, especially if they can get into the BScN program or better still, a second degree compressed one.

The only program I found in Ontario that is more forgiving of older prerequisites and an average GPA is the Compressed Nursing BScN prepared program at Lakehead University, Ontario. A few of my friends applied there and were admitted. One even has an Art degree, which means she didn't do most prerequisites, and was still admitted. You take Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology, Statistics amongst other courses, in your first year. Much better than paying so much to do them at Athabasca and still not be guaranteed admission into Nursing afterwards. I heard the program is good but intense as you need to maintain an average cGPA of 70% throughout.

It's officially a 3year program but you can finish in 2.5years if you decide not to take one summer off. I think they're still accepting applications for Fall 2020.

Act fast. Goodluck.

tba11:
Hello,
Please can someone help me. I want to buy my plane ticket because am meant to be in Canada be4 MAY 4 for Fanshawe College (which is a one year program).

Pls wanted to ask if I buy a one way tickets will it be an issue when I get to Canada or to be on a safe side I should buy two way tickets instead.

If you're on a PR or student visa, you should have no problems traveling with a one way ticket.

MummyJaygirls:


Buahahahaha, oshey! Shoulder rubber. Talk say u dey find babe, no dey derail person from her plan.

This woman! When you go change?

MissyGSam:
Hi My Fellow Australians

Happy New Year!

Is anyone relocating (or planning to relocate) to Sydney? My family and I and happy to host you for a few days till you find your accommodation and generally settle down. In fact you will be welcomed with hot, spicy Jollof and cold orange juice, with the possibility of dodo, and of course all for free.

What is in it for us? Nothing, or should I say the blessings of God.

So why are we doing this? Well, let's just say, it is our own way of giving back and serving God this year. When we arrived a fellow Nigeria we barely knew took us in, accommodated us and feed us for FREE. So yes we are giving back.

Why Should You Trust Us:
Good question. Unfortunately, I don't have a convincing answer. As Nigerians I know we know SCAM is real. But I am happy to answer questions to ease your fears.


Family Composition
We live toward Western Sydney
Family of 3
You get a room to yourself.

Honestly, you're one of a kind. Accommodating someone in any developed clime is such a big deal. May God bless you and increase you on every side.

NumeroUno7:
Please share us photos of this great season.. I am longing to experience what a white Christmas looks like

At Mont-Tremblant ski resort, Quebec.
More to come.

CanadianWasp:
It's funny but Christmas literally is my most favorite time of the year! I LOVE watching the snow fall, I love that it starts getting dark from 4pm, then the Christmas lights and decorations pop! I love playing my Christmas songs (so much the kid now runs under the table in protest when I start, lol). I have lots of Christmas activities lined up, including Naija 'kparakpor' this year (I'm not one to take pictures, but I'll try, lol). And the Naija parties, you don't even need to know who is throwing the party, just know the venue, lol.

Truthfully, Canadians can have really boring activities, but we are Nigerians, we bring our own fun

Soul sister! Christmas brings out the kid in me. More so, in Canada.

The decorations. The lights. The music. The shopping. The snow. The gift culture. Every one, from the mail man to the mall security, saying "Happy holidays" with the biggest smile and not because they want "something for the boys". . .

Just cozying up with the kids in holiday PJs, watching Christmas movies with some hot chocolate and intermittently looking out the window to watch the snow fall. Driving around the neighborhood late evenings, just to look at people's home decorations and if you're feeling adventurous, you go skiing or ice skating.

What's not to love?

Indeed, the most wonderful time of the year.

Plus, the Santa here really does look like he's from the North Pole. Much easier to explain to my inquisitive kids.

Oyeleye2011:
In addition, I will encourage you to take PTA/OTA program which is more Rehab career path rather than taking HCA program which is more Nursing career path. PTA/OTA will give you a depth knowledge about Rehab in Canada and also help you to pass your College of physiotherapy board exams in future because as you are working, you will be developing your skills. PTA/OTA do the same thing as PT/OT except for assessment and few therapy treatments such as manual therapy etc. The job is guaranteed for PTA/OTA and HCA in all levels of care such as LTC, Acute and Community care. RTA is also good but you might not get the skills you needed for your transition into Physiotherapist in future because it is activities based career such as games and so on. Lastly, PTA/OTA program is two years Diploma program in most colleges in Canada while HCA is 6-8 months Certificates program and RTA can be either certificate program or diploma program. I don’t know all the colleges in your province Alberta because am in BC. But I know one college in BC that does all the 3 disciplines PTA/OTA/RTA in one 2 years Diploma program. There are many colleges across Canada that offering HCA program but few colleges offer PTA/OTA and RTA program in Canada. I hope I am able to give you more insight into Rehabilitation career in Canada. Sorry, I wish I have more info about Alberta but I don’t because am in BC. I wish you good luck in choosing your career in Canada. Best of luck.

Good info. Thank you.

AnthonyAk:


So ur not even here and ur giving advice to people like ur in the system

I'm not??

Once again, you're very well informed.

AnthonyAk:


When rent is $1800 per month for a one bedroom you will be surprised how basic things become a luxury that very many never get to enjoy.

but what do i know? Ive only lived in Vancouver since my teens.

Getting women is not work atleast when u have all the chips. the ball is literally in your court which is how its supposed to be.

@bolded. . .Everything bro. You are very well informed.

Me, I'm just here to learn from people like you and possibly get some food, shelter and finesse.

AnthonyAk:


Yup just women. Most are hungry and need shelter. But its a handful of men that tend to enjoy the majority of the best women. Including a nice car and house , a bit of finesse is needed.

So all women need are food, shelter and finesse?

Sense will not kill you.

AnthonyAk:
The common thread here is people think you can come here and they are sharing money at thr airport.

Things are tough if you don't come here with proper qualificstions and use those qualifications to their fullest your setting your self up for a very difficult time.

Money wise one needs atleast $30 - $40 per hour (~$55k to $75k annually) to say you want to pay rent, maybe pay a car lease pay your bills and still save something small.

With regards to dating , it can be daunting for sure but its not impossible. Depending on where you live, there are lots and lots of beautiful women of all races in the big cities. Like any other women, they want things so it can be intimidating. Once u get over it u realize they are just women.

Smaller cities have it a bit easier. the women aren't as exposed and may be more open.

For the most part you cant be looking like an "Immigrant". Society has sterotypes that they expect from young black males. Loyalty in my opinion is also relative to what is around her. If your young , black and successful. You will tend to get your pick of the best as there aren't many young black and successful men.

@bolded. . . Really?

Olori121:
Believe it they are scammer,I was this week at southern sun hotel,I regretted wasting my precious time going there,I had to call someone to take care of my kids for me which I have never done before yesterday.
Personally I don't believe in any free things and I told my hubby they are scam that who will just tell you they have free voucher for you just like that in this Nigeria where most people want to collect the little you have and add to there own but he said we should go that if they say we should pay will they force us and I said No,that was how I went there wasted my precious time and they are still even explaining rubbish when I stood up that I am going but my husband been a gentle guy was still trying to scope them and giving them reason why he can't pay(who have time for that one again when they have already wasted my time)I didn't even collect there usesless voucher again.

Epele.

mbhs139:


Unfortunately, in the year of our Lord 2018, my elder brother has fallen victim with his 1.1million gratuity money. I'm crying right now, because the consequences is already affecting my own finances, if you know what I mean.

He never consulted me before taking this action. In fact, when I asked him what's the name of the company he paid money into, he said he can't remember. To tell you how dumb some people could be if you cannot remember the name of the company you paid a whopping 1.1million naira into.

Now, how do I tell him that he has been scammed?

Chai! How are people this gullible though?!

Livy2018:
Its not about been strong, you will learn to schedule your day when you get here. Having a car has really helped me though and yes, I have a family who lives less than 3 mins away, plus the benefits of having Nigerian neighbors who have become my family here, you will need each other at some point.

Good you gave this context.

Raising 3 young children alone in Canada, without any support, is really difficult. I wouldn't advise anyone who has options to do it. But if you must, please preserve your mental health.

Coolmedown:
Hello Everyone,

I need serious advice from experienced people especially those who left Nigeria for greener pastures in Canada. I have a job that pays me little above N300k monthly in Nigeria with additional annual allowance of about N900k. I have a wife with 4 kids. I have been considering relocating to Canada with my family but I am not sure whether I can get a job that can sustain my family. I do not want to take decision that I will regret in future but I really want to give my children good education with better opportunity thereafter. Should I quit my job and relocate or send only my family to Canada while I continue my work in Nigeria and just be visiting them from time to time?

Your monthly income is approximately #400,000? And you're a family of 6?

Guy abeg come over ASAP.

Canadahelper:
Wanted to add my 2cents on this racism issue . I’ve lived in Canada for close to 7years and in three different cities .

Are there individuals who are racist ? Absolutely. But the reality is they’re very irrelevant, sure you may have someone on the bus make a rude comment (although this has never happened to me) but really does that stop you getting a job or earning a living ? The answer is no

My advice is come here with an open mind.Its one of the biggest keys to success . Too often I see our naij folks come here and only stick to naij folks perhaps for fear of racism . This is the wrong approach , a lot of opportunities I’ve had some of which are life changing have come from networking with Non Nigerians and Non Africans .. and the funny thing on several occasions I’ve been asked why nigerians sometimes don’t like to interact and socialize with non nigerians .. you can imagine we are complaining of racism and yet we are the ones refusing to interact with other people

In fact I know people whose first interaction with a non nigerian is at a job interview and of course they mess up . people need to realize when employers mention communication skills it’s really not just whether you can speak English , it’s also does this person key in on certain jokes and how social will this person be if hired. To buttress this point , my very first internship I had the typical nigerian mentality of go to work , work hard and mind my business . At the end of the internship , my boss had to do an evaluation , he was full of praise BUT the only area of improvement he noted was “keeping to myself / not socializing enough “ .He was the one who told me here in canada you need to open minded and social because promotions and all aren’t necessarily based on who works the hardest but rather who is liked the most .

I know I digress a bit from racism but point being let’s all be open minded

I absolutely agree with you.

geebaby10:


Thank you for this. You just opened an angle that I had not considered yet. We can have the baby and then leave! At what age can the baby travel. It will be a short flight to Houston. I know from Toronto its about three hours? Let me find out about this. Thanks.

Fortissimo thank you as well.

Please while I am researching and cracking my brain all suggestions are welcome.

This should be your best bet. Most airlines can fly a week old baby.

Zeewirld:
Good afternoon, Is it possible to just do a soft landing in Canada after getting the migration documents and return back to Nigeria before final departure to Canada let say in 2 years time?

Simple answer? Yes.

Just don't apply for any benefits during the 2 year period.

mamacajah:


@Geebaby10, in addition to this advise, which I concur with, I would suggest you pick Alberta. There is a RCCG church in Calgary , and from what I know in USA, those places are always ready to support fellow nigerians on birth and delivery. I can even give you contacts there. 7-10 days after delivery, fly to your family in US. Even some people who give birth in US, go to deliver in one location and come back to their family base becos of cost options, how much more, in your case. Also, I am not sure how true this is, but I was told if you have an american child, the child can not have canadian citizenship. that is there is canadian-americn dual nationality but no canadian-american nationality ...I stand to be corrected...

Hope this helps in your decision making..wow..that child is so blessed... even while in the uterus, strangers are helping out already....it will always be a great life for your child, never lacking help when needed and favour all the days of the child's life.

Not true.

Fortissimo502:


Child is a US citizen. Visa (ETA sef) not required. Can be stamped in for 6 months as a visitor and extended inland till the PR process is complete. Life ain't that hard when you got the right passport.

You're very correct.

I would only worry if they were going back to Nigeria to have the baby. With a US passport, they can sponsor the child inland. A friend just went to the US from Canada to have her baby. She's back in Toronto now and in the process of sponsoring her son.

However, I honestly doubt if it's a more cost effective route. Except you find a really cheap hospital. Then again, having support during that time is very important.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Stylequeen:


We will eventually. We just want to be able to visit at least for now.

Are you saying it's impossible to visit except we relocate permanently?

This is interesting. I don't know whether to try or not.

By all means, please apply. Every case is different. Just take your time to write a convincing purpose of travel letter. Stress on the ties you have in Nigeria.

Stylequeen:



Thank you for the response @justwise. I really appreciate. I have a copy of his PR card and data page of his passport. I also have loads of pictures we took in the US and here in Nigeria so not a problem.

I'll be paying for the trip so I"ll be using my own documents to support the application. Do I need a letter of invitation from him?

Also what kind of documentation do I need from my daughter's school? A letter of introduction? Do i need to give them a guide on what the letter should contain?

Thanks a lot.

A friend was in that boat and was denied TRV severally with a reason that she had "immigrant intent" cos of the husband's status.

Have you considered going through the spousal route?