dupyshoo:
We will rent it out and use part of the rent money to pay mortgage. The rest will be used to pay part of Canada mortgage.

Sounds like a nice plan.

Ehrnie:


Many thanks @slowlybtsurely @dupyshoo - I should have probably asked this question before clicking on the "book flight" button . I can only pray that the 1.5 hours is sufficient since i'm the only one travelling.

Thanks!

No worries. Even if you miss your connecting flight, the airline would usually put you on the next available one. Hopefully, it won't be the next day.

dupyshoo:
I pray so. The airline you booked with might be able to put you on another flight sha if you miss your flight.

I pray so o I don't want to start dipping into my PoF to buy one way ticket from Vancouver to Calgary. Haaa - my hard earned PoF

Hehehe.

Ehrnie:


I pray so o I don't want to start dipping into my PoF to buy one way ticket from Vancouver to Calgary. Haaa - my hard earned PoF

SlowlybtSurely:


Sounds like a nice plan.



No worries. Even if you miss your connecting flight, the airline would usually put you on the next available one. Hopefully, it won't be the next day.

I may just pass out if it's the next day...haaaaa after flying over 10 hours, that would be torture

Yes my sis.

Hehehe, @Ehrnie, you will sleep in Vancouver. You will use that opportunity to know Vancouver.

SlowlybtSurely:


Sounds like a nice plan.



No worries. Even if you miss your connecting flight, the airline would usually put you on the next available one. Hopefully, it won't be the next day.

. Torture or fun?

Ehrnie:


I may just pass out if it's the next day...haaaaa after flying over 10 hours, that would be torture

dupyshoo:
. Torture or fun?

My sister please don't let me "know Vancouver" that way o. Please

Ehrnie:

I may just pass out if it's the next day...haaaaa after flying over 10 hours, that would be torture

Would you rather trek?

It should be fun though. As na only you dey waka go. If to say children join, body go tell you.

I thought PRs can apply for study loans which they can start paying after graduation? Or did I read wrong?

I'm in a licensed profession and from my maths, it could take me 3yrs to qualify to practice in Canada plus I plan to enrol in a masters program to get the much needed Canadian education.
Do you guys know of Nigerian lawyers who took this route? Do they have jobs? Are they doing well? What I'm asking is if it's worth the time and money at the end or would I be better of taking a cert or diploma program and switch careers.
I know this is more of a personal decision but I would like to hear your opinions and advice.

On the housing matter, my fear is that a mortgage may tie one down to a particular city and therefore limit options. But on the other hand, paying rent for 4yrs does seem like a waste...

salford1:

Imagine this family: Wife is a lawyer back home in Nigeria
husband is a doctor back home in Nigeria. Husband and wife both picked up survival jobs to secure their pof. After 1st year, they rushed and bought a house for 500k cos pastor visited them at the condo apartment they were renting, and pastor said the condo apartment was not befitting for professionals like them..Pastor introduced them to a Nigerian agent. Mortgage payment is around $2300 per month. Husband makes $2000 per month, wife makes $1600 per month...after tax on combined income, take home is $2700....They really don't have a free income, but they were able to get their mortgage approved through the naija estate agent and the Indian mortgage advisor at the bank.

Licensing exams is now becoming an hard nut to crack. They both studied with the little time they have after working their butts off just to pay the huge mortgage payment and bills. Their mind were occupied with avoiding defaults; therefore, none of them could quit their jobs to study cos of mortgage payment; hence, their exam preparation suffered and they failed in the exams. They were struck of the register after exhausting the limited attempts they had. They are now stuck in mortgage payment and survival jobs..Canadian dream is fast becoming a canadian nightmare...coild they have done it better? True story..

dupyshoo:
I pray so. The airline you booked with might be able to put you on another flight sha if you miss your flight.

Sure.. this was my case with westjet after we missed our connecting flight from Toronto as a result of Fly Emirates delay at DXB. Though landing process was swift

MissShakara:

I thought PRs can apply for study loans which they can start paying after graduation? Or did I read wrong?

I'm in a licensed profession and from my maths, it could take me 3yrs to qualify to practice in Canada plus I plan to enrol in a masters program to get the much needed Canadian education.
Do you guys know of Nigerian lawyers who took this route? Do they have jobs? Are they doing well? What I'm asking is if it's worth the time and money at the end or would I be better of taking a cert or diploma program and switch careers.
I know this is more of a personal decision but I would like to hear your opinions and advice.

On the housing matter, my fear is that a mortgage may tie one down to a particular city and therefore limit options. But on the other hand, paying rent for 4yrs does seem like a waste...

For loan for PR, yes
For Masters I would advice weigh all your options first and see if there are alternative routes like bridging programs.
And I know you would also want to earn and spend Canadian dollars rather than dipping into the pof, so a part-time job might not be a bad idea..
Also research on this body "Immigrant Access Funds" they help professional settle while trying to get back to their career paths.

You are right. As a pr you qualify for student loans and that application even takes into consideration whether you have to pay rent or mortgage when they are assessing your financial need. I was going to bring this up as well when salford posted this about the purchase of a house being a limiting factor for this person's studies because I do not see how.

@ dupyshoo, you do require a job for which you are no longer in the probation stage to qualify for a mortgage. You may be self employed and qualify but you have to pay a minimum down payment of 35%, same as if you bring in foreign income for the purchase. There are also rules that determine the value of property you are qualified for a mortgage for. There is a rule that your monthly mortgage and property taxes and utilities like condo fees and heating all put together should not be more than 40% of your gross monthly income. (I am not too sure of this 40% but it is about that range). So, naturally, a family income of $50k should not qualify for a mortgage for a house valued at $500k even if they put down a 35% down payment.
These persons going to get Indian or Nigerian mortgage lenders to obtain approval for homes that they wouldn't be able to qualify for otherwise are bending the rules to favour themselves.

MissShakara:

I thought PRs can apply for study loans which they can start paying after graduation? Or did I read wrong?

I'm in a licensed profession and from my maths, it could take me 3yrs to qualify to practice in Canada plus I plan to enrol in a masters program to get the much needed Canadian education.
Do you guys know of Nigerian lawyers who took this route? Do they have jobs? Are they doing well? What I'm asking is if it's worth the time and money at the end or would I be better of taking a cert or diploma program and switch careers.
I know this is more of a personal decision but I would like to hear your opinions and advice.

On the housing matter, my fear is that a mortgage may tie one down to a particular city and therefore limit options. But on the other hand, paying rent for 4yrs does seem like a waste...

If this is so, how do people manage to get mortgage approval through the backdoor? Are there no underwriters that check affordability before final approval? If this continues, I can foresee house price crash soon as people will start defaulting in their mortgage payment.

Don't lender even do credit check in Canada? One single default here will almost guarantee you rejection as you need a good credit rating to get mortgage.

What happens if interest rate rises as they are so low now? What about house maintenance?

Anyway, make den give my family mortgage.

vcole:


@ dupyshoo, you do require a job for which you are no longer in the probation stage to qualify for a mortgage. You may be self employed and qualify but you have to pay a minimum down payment of 35%, same as if you bring in foreign income for the purchase. There are also rules that determine the value of property you are qualified for a mortgage for. There is a rule that your monthly mortgage and property taxes and utilities like condo fees and heating all put together should not be more than 40% of your gross monthly income. (I am not too sure of this 40% but it is about that range). So, naturally, a family income of $50k should not qualify for a mortgage for a house valued at $500k even if they put down a 35% down payment.
These persons going to get Indian or Nigerian mortgage lenders to obtain approval for homes that they wouldn't be able to qualify for otherwise are bending the rules to favour themselves.

Thank you for your advice. There are bridging programs but verrrrry expensive...like $30-40k expensive. There is also a cheaper option of self study then pay for just the exams.
I put the masters in the mix for the sole purpose of networking and getting references..because even after passing those exams, one is required to secure an internship called articling position which last for about a year before taking the Bar. So I thought the masters may help in providing leads for such positions, will check well anyway.
Yes I'll definitely pick up any job while studying, I have mouths to feed.

Ekpekus:

For loan for PR, yes
For Masters I would advice weigh all your options first and see if there are alternative routes like bridging programs.
And I know you would also want to earn and spend Canadian dollars rather than dipping into the pof, so a part-time job might not be a bad idea..
Also research on this body "Immigrant Access Funds" they help professional settle while trying to get back to their career paths.

Thanks for the clarification on student loan cos I need that option in case I decide to go for plan B.
So if that is the case then I don't see why the couple didn't get into school for any desirable program...although it must be full time program and as professionals maybe they were hell bent on getting their licence alone.

vcole:
You are right. As a pr you qualify for student loans and that application even takes into consideration whether you have to pay rent or mortgage when they are assessing your financial need. I was going to bring this up as well when salford posted this about the purchase of a house being a limiting factor for this person's studies because I do not see how.

@ dupyshoo, you do require a job for which you are no longer in the probation stage to qualify for a mortgage. You may be self employed and qualify but you have to pay a minimum down payment of 35%, same as if you bring in foreign income for the purchase. There are also rules that determine the value of property you are qualified for a mortgage for. There is a rule that your monthly mortgage and property taxes and utilities like condo fees and heating all put together should not be more than 40% of your gross monthly income. (I am not too sure of this 40% but it is about that range). So, naturally, a family income of $50k should not qualify for a mortgage for a house valued at $500k even if they put down a 35% down payment.
These persons going to get Indian or Nigerian mortgage lenders to obtain approval for homes that they wouldn't be able to qualify for otherwise are bending the rules to favour themselves.

salford1:
Interesting discussion so far. Was a delight to read every contribution to the discussion.

Very very interesting discussion. Kudos to the contributors. Sir salford we dey expect more pictures ooo

MissShakara:

I thought PRs can apply for study loans which they can start paying after graduation? Or did I read wrong?

I'm in a licensed profession and from my maths, it could take me 3yrs to qualify to practice in Canada plus I plan to enrol in a masters program to get the much needed Canadian education.
Do you guys know of Nigerian lawyers who took this route? Do they have jobs? Are they doing well? What I'm asking is if it's worth the time and money at the end or would I be better of taking a cert or diploma program and switch careers.
I know this is more of a personal decision but I would like to hear your opinions and advice.

On the housing matter, my fear is that a mortgage may tie one down to a particular city and therefore limit options. But on the other hand, paying rent for 4yrs does seem like a waste...

I have a younger colleague back from university. She studied law back in Nigeria. She came to study msc at the university of manitoba. Not long after she graduated, she moved to i think nova scotia and is now working as an articulating student or sometjing like that with the government of NS. I think that is the final step to get her license to practice law in canada. There are not much jobs better than government ones in Canada.

SlowlybtSurely:


Would you rather trek?

It should be fun though. As na only you dey waka go. If to say children join, body go tell you.

Hahaha I am a child o...is it because I am migrating? Don't be deceived o...I am a child (of God).

Ekpekus:

For loan for PR, yes
For Masters I would advice weigh all your options first and see if there are alternative routes like bridging programs.
And I know you would also want to earn and spend Canadian dollars rather than dipping into the pof, so a part-time job might not be a bad idea..
Also research on this body "Immigrant Access Funds" they help professional settle while trying to get back to their career paths.

Yep..immigrant access fund is good. That was what my spouse used to pay for her preparation lessons and licensing exams. Some of the bridging programs are not free. She initially approached one, the best one in the city, she made it through their competitive process, and she was also eventually billed $15k. We pulled out and she attended got on one which was free, but she did not gain much from it. She said it was a waste of time. Fianlly, took the IAF, studied hard on her own for 2 years, bought materials on amazon and cleared all her exams.

Sometimes, having a canadian education could open doors. Alberta health service for example is notorious for hiring graduates from Canadian uni for some specific professions. Its almost impossible for grads from foreign uni to get some jobs despite having a license to practice. (They dont state it but it is pretty obvious).

yokus:


Very very interesting discussion. Kudos to the contributors. Sir salford we dey expect more pictures ooo

you met me well. lunch time, come chop

soja84:
Great Job Guys!I really appreciate your numerous advice here.
I intend to move over in March with my family.My spouse and son.
I presently work as a Sales Manager in the FMCG sector.I will like to know what it will take for me to get a similar role over there.If not exactly the same but something close.I intend to land in Regina first because I have a family friend there but am open to moving to where ever sales jobs thrive most.
Also,what are the courses I need to take before coming over that can aid my career?
What are the chances of sales people over there?

Hello soja, I also plan to move to regina next march.....same reason influence my choice of landing there first.
can we rob minds?

salford1:

you met me well. lunch time, come chop

You don dey chop like Canadian abi? Looks good sha
When you enter town Abeg holla at your boy

Blackbuddy:


Hi, I'm still waiting for the names of these companies but I would advise that you be careful please. Canada is not a bed of roses as you may have read being explained here by some persons. While the government is trying to bring in more experienced, skilled hands, there is also a large population already here who still don't have jobs. It's not because they are not looking for work but have not been able to stay above the competition or sell themselves the right way to land a good role. And we have thousands of qualified people here, some of whom you may know as family members or friends struggling to find work or better job opportunities.

So when somebody is now saying he wants to give you in Nigeria a Canadian job over all the people who are already here legally, willing and able to work, I would advice caution. It is a lengthy and expensive process to process LMIA it is not just for any menial job as you stated. Also just as people get rejected for PR application so also does LMIA application from employers get rejected. So what's the guarantee of success and who foots the bills if the process fails? Who are the employers these agents are representing and why this off shore recruitment? Ask yourself, why would these so called agents appear to overlook landed people with papers to offer you who is thousands of miles away a job when one doesn't already have any papers? Like we say, shine your eyes please.

I sent you a PM sir...please reply.

Wonderful points made on both sides regarding the to buy or not to buy a house debacle! Made for excellent reading I must say. Now for those jjc's (like me) that want to simply rent and are being confronted with new meanings for the word HYDRO and stuff instead of phcn and lawma, please can we have an extensive beginners guide to renting a house in canada. Preferrably customised to suit a family with kids... Before person go mis-rent oo

dupyshoo:
Although I am not yet in Canada, I stand to disagree with you. House prices can go up or down due to several factors. One of which is recession. High interest rate can also make house demand to go down which will likely lead to low price.

I have seen people with negative equity on their property even after years of buying the house.

I however think if you have enough money for deposit, still have a lot of money to survive and good & stable job, why not?

The question I however have is without a stable income, will you get a lender to give you the loan required to buy the house? Please I will appreciate it if someone can answer my question

Hello dupyshoo,

Actually, the RBC bank has a program to assist new immigrants buying their first homes in Canada. You have to be living in Canada FOR LESS THAN 2 years to qualify for this program and there is no credit check.
http://www.rbc.com/newcomers/

In addition to that, RBC will also give you a credit card as a new immigrant without any credit check.
My recommendation is that if you can get the mortgage with RBC, GO FOR IT.
You can chose to buy a house that can be easily put for rent and let your tenants pay your mortgage. Instead of spending your energy into hard labor as a new immigrant, you can always invest into real estate and collect money from your tenants.
I have seen for instance people buy houses around college campuses and rent rooms to college students.

In life, it’s risky to take a risk, but it’s even riskier not to take any risk at all

That was my 2 cents.

Hello.
Please with all the information I have gathered, they say getting residency positions for foreign doctors is almost impossible even after passing exams. Only 4% - 6% of IMGs get a spot after all Canadian medical graduates get their own spots. Any advices, suggestions and information would be highly appreciated.

Is it worth it knowing you won't get to practice for years??
@vcole and anyone with info, idea or thoughts. Thank you very much.

sweetrie:
Hello.
Please with all the information I have gathered, they say getting residency positions for foreign doctors is almost impossible even after passing exams. Only 4% - 6% of IMGs get a spot after all Canadian medical graduates get their own spots. Any advices, suggestions and information would be highly appreciated.

Is it worth it knowing you won't get to practice for years??
@vcole and anyone with info, idea or thoughts. Thank you very much.

Vcole would be best able to answer this question since she is a doc. She must have gathered enough info. I know some province have programs in place if you want to work in small towns or northern parts of provinces as a family physician for a few years. A friend's husband was on that kind of program with an health region in northern saskatchewan. I think his contract is ending this year, and they are planning to move to a more urban location. I am not sure if the program is still on or suspended.

salford1:

Vcole would be best able to answer this question since she is a doc. She must have gathered enough info. I know some province have programs in place if you want to work in small towns or northern parts of provinces as a family physician for a few years. A friend's husband was on that kind of program with an health region in northern saskatchewan. I think his contract is ending this year, and they are planning to move to a more urban location. I am not sure if the program is still on or suspended.

Thank you. I have read of such programs. The general consensus is that the available spaces are very few. Thanks again. I will continue researching

Hi czaratwork

We are awaiting your response.

Spent the whole of Sunday looking out for your post

Thanks alot

saskgirl:
@czaratwork please when you can,I'm anxious to hear about your ACCA to CPA conversion .thanks

Ekpekus:
You don dey chop like Canadian abi? Looks good sha When you enter town Abeg holla at your boy

Bros...remember the popular saying: When in Rome, do as the Romans do Would surely holla you when i am in town.

Finally gotten here after two "lazy" weeks.

Very informative and interesting thread, officially moved here from the EE thread. Planning and preparing for our trip in a couple of months.

Seen familiar faces, sorry monicas

@40manlappy, your post led me here.

Cheers all, may we all live to witness and actualize our canny dreams.

pauloverdi:
Wonderful points made on both sides regarding the to buy or not to buy a house debacle! Made for excellent reading I must say. Now for those jjc's (like me) that want to simply rent and are being confronted with new meanings for the word HYDRO and stuff instead of phcn and lawma, please can we have an extensive beginners guide to renting a house in canada. Preferrably customised to suit a family with kids... Before person go mis-rent oo

Hydro is power. When you rent, you can have things like hydro, water, internet, etc specifically under your name. Meaning on top of your rent, you'll be getting those bills. Or you can rent a place that is all inclusive. Which means your rent also covers all those things mentioned above. At times you can get half and half. So your rent would cover water as well but not internet. When I use to rent, I'd always try to get all inclusive. But if those things above are under your name, not paying them can/would affect your credit score.