HI. just want to share my experiences and ideas.
I am by the way here in Calgary, ALberta.. We migrated here last 2009 and currently have Permanent resident status. I was a fresh graduate and CPA board passer when I came here, so I don't really have the experience of working as CPA in the Philippines. Honestly speaking, having only those credentials (BSA grad, CPA passer) is not really helpful for me to find a job related to accounting, even clerical jobs. But I think it varies to different people. Connections would really be a great help to find those kinds of jobs, i believe, because they would want somebody recommended by someone they already know. Based on my experience in job searching, employers would really prioritize someone with related degrees,certificates, or experience that are earned here in canada. But if you already worked in related field for quite sometime there in the philippines, they could probably consider that. I know it is really hard to start form the very start, especially to those who already enjoyed their work in there. I think, what I can only suggest (if you will find it hard to find similar job that you have in the Philippines) is to get certificate (which can be earned for at least 6months or so, depending on the certification), you can also grab the opportunity of free training that is usually offered by immigration agencies or groups (free or may cost lesser than usual fee).
What Filipinos usually do here is working while studying. Working as cashier, sales clerk, waiter, etc. for your first few months is common in here. It won't be that painful
you can use what you earn during those times for your personal needs/bills or for your tuition if you are planning to continue studying. I tell you, you can even save some. you just need to be more patient because that is part of adjusting to your new environment. furthermore, those jobs is also considered as canadian experience. But as they say, make sure you will not stay too long in those survival jobs. Having enough connections and experience, I know you will be much closer to the job that you want.
In my case, I am currently registered as a CGA student. If you are BSA grad in the Philippines, they would normally assessed your transcript as having completed the Foundation Level in CGA prgram ( except those that you need to have in canadian context like Business Law). Right now, I'm in Advance level. I'm taking one course(subject) every session(summer,fall,winter,spring). As of now, I'm heading on my examination for my third course here. By the way, I had a loan to finance my studies as what students usually do here since it is,indeed, expensive. I availed the Immigrant access fund loan. Application was easy, but payable after two years, though(in my case). If I will take one course per session which the CGA recommend (but you can request for additional load), I can probably get all courses done for less than 3 years. I am taking online studies since I work at morning and it is more convenient (you dont have to transfer credits if you took course from other post secondary school, no need to request for examination since you are already registered when you take online course, and they send you your books which is included in your tuition). But if you are planning to take CGA, take note that completion of the courses is not enough, 2 years of experience in related field(refer to their web site) is required. It is advisable that while studying, you are also working in completing the required experience. That is what I am struggling right now. My job is not even related to accounting. So now I am thinking of looking for a related job first. I am planning to get a certification for a few months as a full time study. BUt I am still making up my mind on how it will work given that I need to work, even part time, and still take CGA course. I might not enroll in CGA for the next sessions.
But, just so you know, CGA just emailed every student about MEntoring that they offer for those people who are experienced in foreign country. I think this will be very helpful for those who want to complete the requirements for being a CGA faster, given that they have number of years of experience in the field. SOrry, I forgot some of the details.
Hope this helps. Good luck to us
