laborel:
Good day everyone, both landed and about to land and thanks for the reviews so far.
Please I need an advice as I prepare to relocate.

I have Professional Masters degree in Process Engineering, MPE and first degree was in Chemical Engineering. Then, my experience here in Nigeria is in Downstream/Terminal Operations, Maintenance and Projects and am also a PMP. But I intend to go into Process Engineering(Process Engineer) in Canada.

Please,how do I go about this and what do I need to do with respect to getting a job and career switching?
I will appreciate detail response from the seniors in the house.

Please help your brother.


Hello Laborel.
First thing in you have to register with the body in charge of Engineering in your province.For example in Alberta you can register with APEGA or ASET. It takes a while to process your application so you should start as soon as possible. You an start from Nigeria.

You can be what you want to be in Canada but mind you once you land here you cannot use the designation "Engineer" (PEng or EIT) or "Technologist" (CET, TIT or CT) until you are licenced from your province. So for the medium to long term you may want to start pursuing your licensure.

For short term plans, you may want to look at bridging programs for Engineers and/or taking short Engineering courses. Also for work you can consider technical roles that does not require one to be licenced before you can work. Example is Process tecnhician or Process Operator. Such roles can count towards your canadian work experience and understanding of Canadian work culture and expectations. Once you are licenced you can then tailor your resume appropriately and apply for EIT Process Engineer or CET.

So you have to look at the long and short term goals in making your decision.

Hope this helps


Thank you.

Underwoodd:
@Ballerz, Please I tried sending you a PM...Please can you help with the FRSC letter. I have sent them emails but no response. Thanks..

yimiton:
Hello guys,

Please those that have successfully received response from FRSC in Abuja by email, was there anything in particular that you did?

I have sent a mail to NDLverification@frsc.gov.ng since September 25 and till date, no acknowledgement or response from them. I sent a reminder yesterday but I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever get a response.

Ehrnie:


Hi - The total cost was CAD162.72. See breakdown below:

$100 for the upgrade, $7 for delivery to APEGA, $30 for the additional copy they sent to me (can't remember if this is compulsory), $7 for delivery to me, then Harmonized Sales Tax of $18.72. If the additional copy is not compulsory, then you might decide not to go for it. It is pointless.

All the best!

Ehrnie:


Hi - it was about 2-3 days, 5 days max. My school sent it electronically.

Esughusughu:

Depends on how the University responded. If it was through electronic mail, you would get an update within 1- 3 days. For postal mail, it would take quite longer.

Ehrnie:


Hi - I got my passport + CoPR back before I started my APEGA Registration. I don't recall any question on citizenship but I know there was a question on PR status (can't recall how it was worded though). Someone on this thread said he/she called APEGA and they confirmed that YES, you can start your registration outside CAN. I think that's the best thing to do because the application process can take up to 9 months. The last thing you want is to get to CAN and not be able to get a job related to your discipline because you are waiting on APEGA to come through.

I have just skimmed through the APEGA guide for P. Eng & Licensee and I see the citizenship question was asked. Perhaps this is what you are looking at instead of the Member-In-Training form....

With regards to the years of work experience I think I have a bit of clarity on that now after speaking with a friend who is an Engineer in Alberta. So, if you indicate your work experience (which is over 4 years), you can be eligible for Engineering Licensee. An Engineering Licensee is someone that would have been eligible for P. Eng status but just lacks Canadian experience. So, the same rules apply where one still must work under a PEng to gain the 1-year experience.

Note that if you go for the Licensee option, you will have to write the NPPE exam and fill in a logbook outlining your work experience. In my opinion starting with EIT is a better option since you’ve not written the NPPE yet and once you write it and all your experience is logged in and accounted for, you’ll get your PEng automatically.

The choice is yours -all the best!

Esughusughu:
So my supposed airbnb hosts canceled my reservation
We got chatting and I answered their questions. Though, I could sense this dislike for black people from the undertone of their inquiries. But hey! a stranger is coming to stay in your apartment, hosts need to be rest assured that they too are safe.
Then the question of my nationality, avoiding to answer that would seem dodgy, there was no point stating another place, since they could request for my ID. Conversation ended with me mentioning Nigeria. Lol....I already knew what that meant before they replied me 36hours later that they'll be traveling and I should keep exploring, which I'm doing right now. Please those who used this platform and had good experience should pls share theirs

yimiton:
Hi Teewhy31, any update on your Pick up mail? I received mine today and my profile has been approved.

einsteino:


please can you or someone else attest to the bolded? i just want to make sure the extra cost is not for nothing.

Ehrnie:
Hi - just trying to catch up on the WES/APEGA enquiries. Okay this is my own experience;
- I already had a WES ECA report which I used for EE and all I did was upgrade this to the WES ICAP course by course report. This is what the upgrade is called. If you start from the APEGA website, it will direct you to the WES page to apply for this upgrade. APEGA has a very detailed PDF doc on their webpage that outlines the steps to the WES evaluation they require.
- I had previously outlined the total cost I paid for my evaluation. It was $162.72 CAD which included a $7 delivery to my UK address. If you don't need the additional copy delivered to you then don't go for it. Just ensure you add APEGA as a receipient and pay the $7 delivery to APEGA.
- WES requested a verification of my transcript from my Nigerian Uni (BSc)...even though I had done this before for my 1st ECA report. They didn't ask for my MSc (Uk) to be reverified (or maybe they did - I don't know). It is my understanding that they need not reverify my transcript, but after several calls and emails to WES and they kept saying the same thing "your university has to verify your transcript as this wasnt part of the initial ECA verification" I had to obey (lol) to avoid further delays. Please note that I didn't send any certs or transcripts to them. They already have the certs and all they wanted was the transcript verification.

Now I can't recall which of the ICAP options I chose (but I doubt it's basic) but from the total cost I paid I'm sure you can figure out which of the two it is.

APEGA have now received my documents and are satisfied..meaning I chose the right upgrade option.

I hope this clarifies things?

Ehrnie:


Hi - did WES give you any reason why they couldn't verify your first degree? It would have been good if that was sorted back then to make this process easier for you now.

Okay, if WES claim they have your 1st degree transcripts, then I'm sure they do. Trust me, if they don't have it, they will let you know asap. You could also login to your WES account to see the docs they hold for you. There's always an audit trail of your WES activities etc. in your account.

The number you've quoted is the phone number for WES. The issue is that you can be placed on hold for close to an hour....but eventually, they'll pick. I sent them emails via their "contact us" page...there is a form to lodge your enquiries and hit submit. They respond like a week after.

I understand this WES / Nig Uni matter can be very frustrating, but all the best with it & let me know if you have any further questions. Shalom.

impish:
I was so sad and disturbed watching this. Wow!

Honestly, today was a revelation for me. I was going to do a blog post about it later, so seeing this is a sign that I really must write about it. The gist of it is that today on the bus, we met 2 homeless women. They were talking openly about the fact that they were homeless and living in shelters. They both had 1 child each in foster care as well. I was shocked and disturbed by this conversation, I couldn't wait to get off the bus.

Why was I shocked? Did I not know too well that there were poor people in this world? I did, but I was shocked that they were able to speak freely on a packed bus about their plight. I later realised that I was also jolted by the fact that there were homeless people in this Canada, the "land flowing with milk and honey", the "chance for a better life" Canada! I am not naive, I lived in England for a year during my MSc. I knew that even developed nations had homeless people. Perhaps it was God reminding me of this fact, because till today, I hadn't seen any homeless person in Canada. Maybe I just wasn't looking closely enough.

Then I did some soul searching. We didn't come to Canada because we were broke. No, all the money in our POF was ours. Not a dime was borrowed! We had worked hard in Lagos and were comfortable. However, we came here seeking better opportunities for our kids, a more stable environment for them to grow up in. A system that worked. A country where good healthcare was not a luxury but a right of all citizens. We worked hard in Nigeria and we had proven to ourselves in Lagos that hard work and determination pay off in the long run. Thank God, because I would be feeling deflated and shattered right now if we had fled from poverty in Nigeria to Canada.

Instead, I left the bus more determined. It was a reminder for me that all those "opportunities" we were seeking for our kids were and had been available to everyone. However, what would set our kids apart in the end would be our home training, our instilling in them the mental toughness they require for life. Our constant prayers for them. We have to lead by example. We have to work hard, so that they grow up knowing that they have to give 100% in everything that they do.

Anyway, what I am trying to say is that I am sad for these ones. I am sad that they were desperate enough to flee to Canada illegally. However, I wonder sometimes.....I know there are some who in spite of their hard work, they just could not make it in Nigeria. I know we are a developing nation and we have so many challenges that I can't even be bothered to list, but there are also some among these ones who just want the child benefits that the Canadian system has to offer. Who do not want to work, but want the system to work for them. However, unfortunately, it is just a vicious cycle and the rot continues.

May God help us all! Off to write my blog post!

Mrs. O
www.mycanadianfling.com

Ehrnie:


I didn't request a separate transcript. All I did was to chase up my Uni to respond to the email they got from WES.

I actually do not know what the re-verification process entails and I have no clue what was contained in the email to my Uni (perhaps WES asked for another transcript). The WES rep told me an email had been sent to my uni with instructions on what is expected of them. My uni kept it confidential as well, and told me they had responded to WES.

It is my understanding that any correspondence between WES and Universities are highly confidential and should not be shared with the applicant - I guess that's why WES insist transcripts must be in sealed envelops. This is my opinion.

Ehrnie:
Hi All - I have an enquiry about APEGA Registration (for engineers) and I believe someone can help.

So I had my credential evaluation completed via WES, which what I used for my EE application. I have received my PR now.

To get myself prepared for Canada, I decided to register with APEGA to get EIT status. So, I applied for an upgrade of my WES report (i.e. I applied for the course-by-course evaluation). My understanding is that my universities do not have to send my transcripts, degree certs or complete any verification again since this was done previously. Strangely, I got an email from WES few days after applying for the upgrade that my application is pending because they are awaiting verification from my universtity. I am wondering why my university will verify what has already been verified.

I have sent two emails to WES via their contact page and yet no reply. I was on the phone this evening to a representative that was insisting my uni has to verify my transcript. I called again 2 hours after and spoke to another person. She also said the same thing (makes me think they have a scripted message they just read out to everyone). When she saw I wasn't having it, she said she will forward my enquiry to the appropriate dept and they will be in contact with me.

Please has anyone experienced this? Also, what medium can I use to call-out WES...as it is now this email and phone calls ain't working.

Sorry for my lengthy post...whew.

Ballerz:
Driving
So I came to the driving centre today.
The queue was s long. But I was determined to get that sorted and out of the way.
Came with my Letter from FRSC, the license itself and Passport.

It got to my turn, did all the documentation, paid the 105 CAD, I proceeded to the screen. My heartbeat started racing faster than Dywane Johnson. This is the fate of the furious. I had seen people who did not pass and had to go queue up again (you pay 15 CAD for retake) but because of the queue and time, I really needed to pass. I had done enough practice test in Nigeria. (Here is the link I used. http://www.g1.ca/g1-practice-test/ Practice till you are clocking 100%. The questions were exact.)

Download the driving instructions manual and read when you are less busy or bored. When you have a good understanding of their rules, the practice test will be quite easy and a breeze. (Just Google it or send me a mail, I will fwd the pdf one I have).

I have also been told, if you are not sure, just skip. The test is divided into two sections. 1. Knowledge and Sign test. You can only fail four per section. So strategy is to ensure you get your 16 straight. So if you don't know/not sure, just skip so that even if na the last four you fail, you are good to go because once you fail more than four, the test stops. e.g. you fail number 1-5, that is game over.

So sha, I continued my test with heart racing, finally finally screen said I passed. I bounced off my seat like a boss awaiting my temporary license / result confirmation.
Cheers folks

Blackbuddy:
Please see a link to The Official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver's Handbook for Ontario,

https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers-handbook

This link is for other provinces, http://find-a-driving-school.ca/drivers-handbooks/

Ballerz:
Driving
So I came to the driving centre today.
The queue was s long. But I was determined to get that sorted and out of the way.
Came with my Letter from FRSC, the license itself and Passport.

It got to my turn, did all the documentation, paid the 105 CAD, I proceeded to the screen. My heartbeat started racing faster than Dywane Johnson. This is the fate of the furious. I had seen people who did not pass and had to go queue up again (you pay 15 CAD for retake) but because of the queue and time, I really needed to pass. I had done enough practice test in Nigeria. (Here is the link I used. http://www.g1.ca/g1-practice-test/ Practice till you are clocking 100%. The questions were exact.)

Download the driving instructions manual and read when you are less busy or bored. When you have a good understanding of their rules, the practice test will be quite easy and a breeze. (Just Google it or send me a mail, I will fwd the pdf one I have).

I have also been told, if you are not sure, just skip. The test is divided into two sections. 1. Knowledge and Sign test. You can only fail four per section. So strategy is to ensure you get your 16 straight. So if you don't know/not sure, just skip so that even if na the last four you fail, you are good to go because once you fail more than four, the test stops. e.g. you fail number 1-5, that is game over.

So sha, I continued my test with heart racing, finally finally screen said I passed. I bounced off my seat like a boss awaiting my temporary license / result confirmation.
Cheers folks

Ehrnie:


Not sure I can fully answer your query because I didn't use a Nigeria or CAN address. I used a UK address and didn't have any issue. Why not try the step below;

As you type into the “City” field, a list of pre-existing entries will appear. The list will narrow down as you continue to type each letter. If the city already exists in the list, you can select it by clicking on the name when you see it. If the city does not exist, you can continue typing and enter the new city name.

Let's know if that works...

All the best!

Ehrnie:
Hi All - I have an enquiry about APEGA Registration (for engineers) and I believe someone can help.

So I had my credential evaluation completed via WES, which what I used for my EE application. I have received my PR now.

To get myself prepared for Canada, I decided to register with APEGA to get EIT status. So, I applied for an upgrade of my WES report (i.e. I applied for the course-by-course evaluation). My understanding is that my universities do not have to send my transcripts, degree certs or complete any verification again since this was done previously. Strangely, I got an email from WES few days after applying for the upgrade that my application is pending because they are awaiting verification from my universtity. I am wondering why my university will verify what has already been verified.

I have sent two emails to WES via their contact page and yet no reply. I was on the phone this evening to a representative that was insisting my uni has to verify my transcript. I called again 2 hours after and spoke to another person. She also said the same thing (makes me think they have a scripted message they just read out to everyone). When she saw I wasn't having it, she said she will forward my enquiry to the appropriate dept and they will be in contact with me.

Please has anyone experienced this? Also, what medium can I use to call-out WES...as it is now this email and phone calls ain't working.

Sorry for my lengthy post...whew.

greetings:


Use LinkedIn,its your best bet! After a whole day of searching and searching, we found Nigerians in roles we would apply and we're willing to help.

Cheers!

britiko:


Yeah. You get just an opportunity with career edge. Make sure you utilize it properly and prove ur worth. I got my first HR job thru them but was absorbed by my host company few months into my contract.It was an awesome experience for me. I'm truly grateful to God and them.
It's worth the try!

TheWatcher212:


Hello, how did we go about the EIT for APEGA? By default, it took me to the PEng registration straight away. Can you share a link or offer some form of guidance? Thanks.

TheCongo2:
The last time my fridge broke down, I had to call a repairmen to fix it. And the bill came to $600.
Last Sunday, my wife informed me that both our whirlpool washing machine and dryer weren't working. The washing machine wasn't draining water whereas the dryer wouldn't start at all. Two weeks earlier, she had noticed the dryer would keep on spinning when its door opens(it supposes to stop spinning when the doors opens).

My wife suggest to call the repair men or to buy new machines. To me it was a BIG NO to both options given that HIGH cost.
Therefore, I decided to fix them by myself. Ispent many hours online searching how to fix both machines. From my search, I discovered that the issue with the washing machine could be either the switch lid or the water pump. As for the dryer, I found out that the issue was the heater element, the fuse and the door switch.

From the Youtube videos I was able to determine which tools I would need to remove the defective parts from both machines. I run to the HomeDepot store to buy the require tools. They basically sell everything at Homedepot, from home appliances to tools to ...

With the new tools bought at HOME DEPOT, I opened my washing machine and removed the switch lid and the water pump. And then I opened the dryer to remove the heating element, the fuse and the door switch. I took all those parts to a local store that sell appliance parts to request new parts of the same model.

I came back home to install the new devices on the machines. The washing machine started to work properly. It turned out that the issue was the lid switch. As for the dryer, it started to turn on but it wouldn't spin. Further search online prompted me to check the belt. I open the dryer to locate the belt and I discovered it was broken. I run back to the local store that sell parts to buy a new belt. After installing the new belt, everything started to work properly. And the dryer would stop spinning when its door open.

I have learned in few days to fix both the washing and dryer. I have saved a lot of $$$$$

Tips: Please learn how to do it yourself. All you need is the internet. Also, make sure you get yourself a tools box.

SpecimenXY:
Please I need a clarification on use of T-Bill as PoF especially as regards the 6-month validity rule (please indulge me should this sound silly).

Is it that:

A. I must have had the T-Bills for 6 months before accepting ITA

OR

B. I should buy a bill with minimum 6 months validity immediately after ITA?

Thank you.

Kayla10:


Chop knuckle o jare

honey86:
There is something else I'll like to share about getting a job in Canada. Please try to attend the newcomer programs available for new immigrants. They'll help with writing your resume, give you tips on Canadian workplace culture.

Another helpful resource are recruitment agencies. Sometimes they start you off with term jobs. Please don't say no. It's an opportunity to learn the workplace culture and at the same time gaining the 'Canadian experience'. Sometimes when they see you are good they give you a permanent role. If the company you are working with doesn't, the agency themselves can recommend you to another company for a more permanent role.

Also CRA, Canada Revenue Agency is a good place to start. They usually give term to start but it's good experience and good pay. If you work hard they'll keep renewing till they have more permanent roles available. They are hiring right now and from what I was told they are going to be hiring till spring. They have evenings and morning shift so you can combine with school.

Side note: please try not to take food that Iru to work if you are going to be using the microwave. � Please spare us the exotic smell. � Thank you.

salford1:

Blackbuddy's reply is so robust that i dont even know if there is anything else i can add to it...Everything he said is on point. Alberta is going totally renewable for electricty genedation by 2025 i think..alot of coal plants are being closed.. Sask definitely by 2030. Infact, alot of electricians at where i work are being sent for training in solar installations. Alot of colleges are adding new solar and renewable energy programs to their list of courses offered.

Chemical Engineering has many options incase drilling doesnt work out. Is your drilling experience offshore or onshore...Oil exploration in canada is mostly onshore
Do you have transferable skills from your previous experience? you might want to do a thorough market research yourself into what the chemical engineering field is like in Canada.

Engineering in Canada is not like Nigeria or some other EU countries where people pack certifications
..certifications would only be good if you want to work in some technician roles.

Note that some of this certifications pay well too, and if you are not focused, you might even forget about engineering.. An example is an indian guy i know working as a power engineer (Process/steam/boiler operators are called power engineer here in canada). The lad took some certificates courses in power engineering. The certifications starts from 5th or 4th up to the way to 1st. He is now on his 2nd class...and his biweekly cheque after all deduction is $3500. The last time we spoke, he seems to have forgotten about going back into engineering proper for now. I dont blame him... Another field were people get a few certificates and start making lots of money is NDT. If you chose Alberta, there are many other certificates e.g in the safety field that may just be good for seasonal employment. check out enform.

To get into engineering proper, All you need is your degree, PMP along the line and MBA if you want to move to management within the organization after gathering lots of experience and probably moved around within the same organization..

In the US MBA is highly valuable within the engineering profession, but not much in Canada. It doesnt really give you any advantage in "breaking" into the market except you are looking into engineering sales and not practice. Most engineers i know with mba in canada only went for it when they feel they have hit the roof in career advancement at work and not as a means of breaking into the job market.

Blackbuddy:


Hi, I believe you will be able to find a position to start off with based on your current experience while you pursue the necessary engineering licensure. A break down for this was recently shared on the thread by salford1, https://www.nairaland.com/3617393/living-canada-life-canadian-immigrant/52#59515959

I wouldn't advise rushing into an MBA just yet, not that it isn't good but you may come to find life pulling your career in another direction in your field. I would feel you should land first, see what is happening, see where employers are hiring vis a vis your skills, network with people already working here, see where various sector of industry are heading and where/how you can position yourself for the long term future.

An example, some people I know in Saudi Arabia are already thinking how they can transit their engineering skills in the petroleum sector towards solar technology as the Saudi government is diversifying away from dependence on revenue from fossil fuels. So likewise, research online and see where engineering is going in Canada and how you can position yourself to be in a good place 5 years from now professionally instead of doing 'catch up' at that time.

I have a friend here who was into power systems back in Nigeria, batteries and electrical back up systems etc. Having landed here, he got a job in this same field through Linkedin but is now studying for an opportunity to get into solar power as a tech. He got his job and started to read and pass each stage of licensing and certification required for his job. Having gotten some certificates under his belt, he has switched to another employer and doing well. This guy is also now able to do minor electrical work for people and getting paid for it, private practice.

The Ontario government is going big on solar power having shut down coal power processes a few years back. As manufacturing concerns are looking for cheaper and environmentally friendly power sources, they are taking advantage of government incentives to acquire and install solar power systems, not only nuclear. A lot of people are also getting solar systems for their personal homes and getting incentives from the provincial govt for this. Once one installs a solar power system in your home or personal business, you get a reduction in your hydro bill especially if you are generating and feeding power into the public grid. So you can imagine the sort of work/contract opportunities for the companies and people who have experience in this area.

If after you land, you still want the pursue the MBA, good and fine. At least you would have 'seen for yourself', the way the wind is blowing and set your sails accordingly. My main point is please be open to what is available through lots of research for someone with your skills. Networking and reaching out to people on ground will save you lots of time and bring you closer to your aim. I came with certain expectations too based on my previous experience in control, audit and fraud investigation but I ran my ideas by those I met on ground in my banking and finance area. I learnt from their experiences and coupled with the training for experienced newcomers I received, I made some moves. Not long after, I found myself in AML Investigations, a related field I wouldn't have thought of back home. Less then 2 years at this job and another unit in the same bank is coming to poach me to join them on High Risk Investigations because of the successes I've recorded in my current unit. This is another people manager role, the only person hired at that level with non-Canadian experience in the group, no fancy certifications, just experience and demonstrated skills. If I was not open to research, study and mentorship, the story may have been different. If I had discounted my foreign experience, I would gone on a round-about journey only to arrive here in some donkey years whereas my directors value what I have to offer. I still pursue mentoring opportunities and also actively mentor others in return, that way, I'm ahead of the curve, always in the know as to what is going on. Please see this post I made concerning some organizations dedicated to helping newcomers find some success after landing, you can get in touch before you land to learn of how they assist and see if their services make sense for you. https://www.nairaland.com/3617393/living-canada-life-canadian-immigrant/43#59077193.

Hope these tips help.