kennykolabo:
Please i need help and advise.

My cousin and her husband (with PR) in Canada invited my parents (Dad and Mum) to Canada for an occasion.
In the letter of invitation they stated that they are inviting " their uncle and his wife"
Please will my mum apply separately (create an account on cic.gc.ca and apply as an applicant) or will my dad apply and include that my mum will be going with her.

Kindly assist please

r4blessing:
ur dad should apply and include that ur mum is going with him. I did same for my parents, it's actually faster

kennykolabo:



Thank you for the feedback.

Please while filling the eligibility questionnaire for this question "[b]Do you have a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and is 18 years or older?" please are I to answer YES as the answer cos its niece and uncle relationship between my cousin and parent. For this, u would see a question mark next to the question that would define who a family member is. And according to the definition it doesn't include cousins

Secondly Please i am not really clear with this question " Are you accompanying a family member that has status in Canada, or has recently been approved to come to Canada?
does it mean that they are asking if anyone is coming with my dad or how should i answer based on the fact that my dad and mum are both invited.
Thanks

einsteino:



I currently work in an engineering firm as a Project coordinator, anyone who visits my linkedin would see this and use my story as an example of someone who was a Project Engineer in Nigeria and was able to land a Project coordinator role in Canada without much sweat but he would miss the bull's eye if he doesnt get a hold of me to learn more than what he can infer from my linkedin.

vululadilolo:


But a guy who seems to have a plan and a good understanding of how the society in which he migrated to works, can't stay "broke" forever lol...

Really good job you are doing here!

Good luck in your future endeavors.

waynetemi:


Hi. I noticed you mentioned you are a Project co-ordinator. I am looking for oportunities in this role.I have 3 years experience as a project coordinator, was pmp certified at some point and would mind some pointers on getting a job. Do you mind helping? i haven't landed yet but need to get ready so i hit the ground running.

salford:

Telling him what industry you work in might help him answer your question appropriately. E.g A project coordinator in IT or manufacturing would have different job roles to a construction project coordinator. Your experience in an industry carries more weight than certification (an added advantage).

amdman:


Thank you so much for your frankness. One must have a balanced expectation before making the sojourn into these lands. To me, the best survival jobs are those with late/night shifts, leaving the day free for you to attend to your job search/interviews. Taking too many excuses to be off work can get you fired.

The issue of 'Who know man' is real. That you are referred/recommended by someone can be the tipping point in deciding whether or not to employ. This can sometimes be understandable when you view the issue from the employer's lenses. For example, my employer will spend over $20,000 to train me over the next 3 months, yet they don't have a guarantee that I will be there by the end of this year. A recommendation from their reliable employee therefore helps them to form an opinion and make the hiring decision. However, that is not to say 'who know man' is the only way... afterall I wasn't recommended by anyone.

From the foregoing, abeg... make we dey help fellow Nigerians. If you work in a structured organization, help other Nigerians to get in (yes, they are qualified)... as other nationalities are helping themselves. While it's easy to help those we know, let's also remember to help those that are not so known. Put in a good word on their behalf, go out of your way to find opportunities for them.

If you have landed and are interested in the financial services industry, PM me.

einsteino:


and broke if I may add.

einsteino:
Occasionally, I am approached to give insights on life in Canada, Jobs and integration. I am not quite sure I am in a good position to answer as I have only been here for barely half a year, and then again I can't possibly know the prospects for every field and every person, so its hard for me to say anything specific to a wide population, and I am quite cautious making uninformed statements that could end up being the bedrock of someone's life decision. Nonetheless, I feel if I scribble some ramblings about what I think and have experienced, there maybe a thing or two to take from it. I have chosen to reply here to leverage on the possibility of people who may know better to peer-review and correct the errors in my thoughts.


When you start planing your trip to Canada, you learn of the numerous immigrant settlement schemes, bridging programs and even academic programs/courses that could help you integrate into your industry. Generally speaking, it is a good way to start out on the gamble but I would say don't be carried away by their lustre. They each have different success rate depending on your field, background and goals. Do not be in a haste to jump at them, do your research to know which is best for you. I have met quite a number of immigrants that invested their time on one scheme or the other without it leading to the expected end/significant result. Understand that the staff of these program are actually paid to tell you only the success stories, some to no fault of theirs as they rarely ever have a balanced narrative on the outcome of their programs. The best way to learn if it's worth your time is from those who went through it.


You also may have heard that it is important to know how to write a Canadian Resume, a good one for that matter. Nonetheless, don't fall into the group that spends all the time in the world studying resume writing, unless you make really crappy resumes. Resume format are themselves not miracle centers, so you just need basic knowledge of resume writing(take this with a pinch of salt because "basic" is relative). I think what really matters is what you can put on that resume, what you already have/know. See it this way, if I take what maybe a fantastic resume belonging to Okonjo Iweala and replace her details with mine, chances are the former fabulous resume would turn out lack lustre. So if you already know more than the basics of resume writing, you would better invest your time by focusing on how to get your foot in the door, and many times the missing link would be local experience, skills, reputable credentials and networking(yes man know man dey canada small lol).


So assuming you are now at the point where you feel you have some gaps to fill to make your resume sparkle. Which path do you tow? Gaining Canadian degree or relevant Canadian experience? It is important to know to prioritize, go with which would be more relevant/convenient to your goals. Another thing to consider while planing is relevance, Canadian experience in just about anything may not pass as much in your field e.g having experience as a Customer service rep would likely be utterly useless when applying for a Civil Engineer position. If you choose to go get a Canadian degree/credential, don't assume having Canadian degrees in just about anything would get you a job. Degrees are not paid for here, make sure the market exist for it. I say this because I have met a number of Canadians(with credentials from reputable Canadian institutions) that are struggling to land jobs in their fields. oh yes!


An immigrant could apply for over 100 jobs and fail to land one. If you happen to be that immigrant, don't let it get to you, just keep going or try to figure out what you could do differently. Don't be too hard on yourself, and never see it like its an appraisal of your life. As I mentioned, immigrants are not alone in the hustle, some Canadians are underemployed too.


An occupational research is vital especially if you decide to switch careers. Start out by evaluating the relevance of the discipline/specialty in Canada. Study the labour market, know where there are jobs for you. Don't let news like YYY Province was unable to fill 20,000 vacancies bamboozle you, get down to the details, find out exactly what sort of jobs those 20,000 jobs are? are they the kind of jobs you would move to the province for? Checkout the projections for your field/career of interest, know the factors that impacts it, demand and unemployment rate across provinces, is your job seasonal? know the wage(do not rely on average wage, Mean is not statistically as important as Mode in this kind of distribution). Also learn what and how long it would probably take for you to get in, I didn't say for anyone o! Nothing is as important as introspection and making decisions that take into cognizance your own realities and background.. Ask yourself how would the reward compare if you invest your efforts in a different field.


lastly(stupid me, this should have been the first thing sef), make sure you disabuse your mind of Canada being a Utopia even if you choose to settle in the part that has the postal code "L0M 1T0". This is particularly important for those who unlike me, had a fulfilled life in 9ja lol. If you have overly high expectations of Canada, you may find life quite challenging here and you want to be mentally ready for that. To get ahead easily and quickly, you may need to humble yourself. Inshort that one go be default settings when the bills start pouring in and forces you to do do what you have to do until you find what you want to do. It isn't uncommon for a Senior Bleep to have to apply for a Junior YYY while working a survival job in the meantime to pay bills. Nor is it uncommon for the Uber guy to have a PhD in Engineering , even your successful Mentor may have done similar things in the past. What matters here is just your goals and plans, be strategic about it, hopefully with time you'd get to your destination.


Footnote: Canada is a leveler, so it is easy to to think we are all the same as immigrants from Nigeria and such we can extrapolate off anyone's case. This causes some people to erroneously tow a path because XX who is an immigrant from Nigeria just like them is doing it, without knowing jack about why it is okay for XX to and may not be okay for them. A good number of people here still have businesses, investments or spouses in naija that funds their living expense here, some came with fat savings, and some agbayas like me are still single, such category of persons have a large margin of error for their plans that you may not have. Point is while you get advice, try to also learn if its applicable to your situation, don't just jump in on everything said. We are all different, there are people who for the sake of their kids wouldn't mind anything Canada throws at them. On the other hand, some people by virtue of their psychological wiring wouldn't find fulfillment and happiness without their career. Know yourself and know what sacrifices makes sense for you and configure your plans accordingly, don't get bullied by what the majority thinks because at the end of the day your truth wouldn't subject itself to an election.

realhovaps:
is there a group for this Canadian travel thing as in Whatsapp my no. 07088153414 add me

prizequest:
Does a self employed man in his late thirties with a degree in economics has a chance of moving to canada?

can anyone give me a rundown and cost?

Folafikemi:
Me I want to to join the police in my province o. How do I go about that... Pls don't consider my question as been funny or silly I just need a direction...

joo2018:
Depends on your province.

Apart from Ontario and Quebec, most provinces, territories and municipalities use RCMP as their police force. To join RCMP, you must have lived in Canada for the past ten years in addition to being a citizen or PR (see here).

Ontario's requirements are easier, check Ontario Provincial Police's site (here) or your intended municipality's police force site.

omidan21:
Einstieno.u ve just said it all. Especially this part you said " On the other hand, some people by virtue of their psychological wiring wouldn't find fulfillment and happiness without their career". In all honesty.this journey isn't for everyone.but every Nigerian is just rushing into it. Pls forgive I wish everyone planning towards EE a positive outcome. But what am saying take for instance I ve a friend that gave birth to all her kids in US they ve US paali already. They are doing very well here .living in a Behind posh estate. And I ask her why she stressing canada entry .she said for the future of her kids and am like.but ur kids are US citizen already naah. Herself and husband works in a Government parasatal they ve never spent out of their salary [we all know as it they go so I won't elaborate much on that ]. And less stressfull work .I vexed at her cause really there are people out there that Need this slots more. So I wonder how herself and her husband wont get depressed when they get there and are faced with taking little jobs for a while , jobs that no matter how little they wld work their butt for every hour paid and no extra money from runz unlike the parasatal they worked for here in Nigeria . Even if they get good jobs. People that ain't use to spending from salary. For almost 10 yrs of their lives .aw they want take do their lives in canada then. She vexed at me that I didn't want the best for her and I was like toohh no vex ohhh.

Obtay:
Hmmmm,
Thanks for this.
Just part of the reasons we are still staring at that COPR till date.We really need to come prepared,psychologically,emotionally wise.It might be a huge financial drop for us (considering we really are doing okay here )till we balance back but we are trying to look beyond the financial gains and focus on other benefit.Hopefully we summon the courage to soon.It is well.

One key thing that keeps crossing my mind is,if we decide to send kids abroad to school when they are of age(to say my kids are just 5yrs and 6yrs now).How are we sure we will still be financially fit then to pay the huge fee as international student? especially going with the way naijas economy is going and who knows what tommorw really holds.Then case of security challenge these days(heartbreaking)
..
Sorry to bother you all with my thoughts,,just alot running through my mind.

.
May God direct us all aright.

.

jennyvick01:
brilliant write up einstein.Very informative post. Thanks. BTW did you sit for your NSE (Nigerian Society of Engineers ) exams in Benin City??

Folafikemi:




What's PSW pls and as a Logistics supervisor in Nigeria with good knowledge of IT support, what part can I switch to on the survival job pls bro.

captainhoo:


This part is golden. Most "success" story tellers leave out the "defining" details, giving unrealistic hope to people. Most publicise their fancy job and ignore the hustle job that provided them with what it took to land the fancy job. When it doesn't work out like the fancy story, they feel sad.

Folafikemi:




This is another eye opener. Bro by family of 1, u mean say na only u Waka come... Lol and how do u get to style ur hair itself and still look good. I think I will learn some bathing skills her before I come over o. It can at least fetch me few bucks

amdman:


So you actually think it is normal to live on income from runs and other corrupt means (as that's what the bolded suggests)? This is one of the things that living in a place like Nigeria turns you into. Just so you know, your high tolerance for corruption and cutting corners is not normal and even the couple knows. Allow them to move to where they can live normal lives of living via honest labour.

jjohndoe83:
einsteino,
I pray for you from my heart that God almighty will bless you and cause his face to shine on you and show you mercy in all that you do. Amen.

I have been so enlightened by your posts and its time to brace up for the next few years of my life! I would love to be your friend (they say friendships don't start this way, but who cares?).

Your post is the realistic eye-opener that I've been yearning for in all my permutations about coming to Canada. I have to do more research and prayerfully consider this.

Salford1,I thank you very much too. You have been consistent and supportive. God bless you richly. Amen.

Oga Topsmamen, kindly help us create a hyperlink to this discussion on page 1. Thank you.

joo2018:
Depends on your province.

Apart from Ontario and Quebec, most provinces, territories and municipalities use RCMP as their police force. To join RCMP, you must have lived in Canada for the past ten years in addition to being a citizen or PR (see here).

Ontario's requirements are easier, check Ontario Provincial Police's site (here) or your intended municipality's police force site.

einsteino:



I am sorry if I painted such a pessimistic view of Canada, but TBH it may not be a walk in the park, esp in your first year, it can be a bittersweet experience. Maybe I should tell a story.

2wks ago I had a chat with my boss at lunch, and as an icebreaker he asked me what I do when I get home. I just chuckled "I sleep, that's all there is to do when you get home mid night and have to worry

So to answer your question, you already answered them and the way you analysed it is so beautiful, I really can't do a better job. I would just echo what you have answered in a different way. I was admitted to Memorial University of Newfoundland(Canada) years ago and deferred the admission to enable me save the tuition and apply for my Study Visa, that was my initial planned way of coming to Canada. when it was time to apply for the Visa, I just couldnt despite having saved what was supposed to be the tuition in naira, Buhari had been elected and you know what happened. So If you think of your kids, the uncertainties in 9ja, and you havn't a lastname that guarantees their future, Canada would be worth the gamble. If you think of yourself and your career you could be in doubt about coming here, esp if you have a top level career and are doing great(esp if you were able to raise POF without osusu, bambiala and family support like me). The whole thing is a dilemma, I know of people who were successful at their careers in 9ja, retired and had to use their pension to financially support their grown ass kids because no good paying job for most young people, yet over here kids start working in high school.

For me, I know I can't bear to live permanently in Naija again, I simply dont have the means to provide good roads, 24/7 electricity without the noise of a gen for myself, clean air(I nagged all through the time I was working in Lagos about how much I hated the polluted air and the chaos we call a city, we don't even know it is a problem). What is there for me to go back to? is it relatives? half of them are either already out or trying to get out of a country where walking down the street at 2 am with a good phone or car greatly increases the chances of being robbed or kidnapped(I return home 2am atimes here and walk with an air of safety that surpasses the one I would have at Oshodi in broad daylight). and above all, knowing that Nigeria's core issues wouldn't be solved in our days.


So it really boils down to coming to terms with the choices before you and realistically seeing it as a possible lose some to win some. Like I have said before, no land is a utopia but there comes a time in one's life when you feel home should be a country whose aspirations are worthy of your efforts and not merely a place where your ancestry lies. If I were a Jim Ovia or married to an Alakija, I would live my whole life in 9ja. but knowing who I am, PR is the best thing that has happened to me in recent times. I hope this helps you in making a decision that reflects on your background.

MummyJaygirls:


Are u sure about the bolded?

Ontario's requirements are easier but have u seen anyone join easily?