I just could not help but comment on this post, especially the all caps line of number 7 part A!
I would say that is Highly situational and having lived in Calgary for Seven months attended all the places mentioned below and even more , been opportuned to meet with immigrants from different countries and hear their stories, met with hiring managers in my field and had been humble enough to ask for advice, I believe I know what I am talking about.
Therefore @ agent of change, those words should be your " opinion" which you have the right to share But not the Right to impose.
@ all planning to land and for those looking forward to getting the PR card, prayerfully more than anything make your way here. Please do not get " carried away" by the hype of " oh I am relocating to developed country, I am tired of Naija etc".
Remember that relocation and coming to a new country is just One part of the journey. Oh yes, Canada is beautiful ( even though I disagree at times) , it is not the end of the world and your life will definitely continue from the point of the bend you are taking which in your case is the immigration process.
I would not lie to you and tell you that your journey will be smooth,( that is situation- specific), I can bet it would be challenging! Therefore, start to prepare incase your plan S's do not work out as quickly as you can, what would you do. No matter how much you bring in, as long as you don't have an income, truth is you are depleting your savings. I have seen nigerians on the street of Calgary. They carry face for you on the streets, in the train , everywhere! I do the same anyways. So my point on that note is, you need to have a plan!
Lastly , I have has the opportunity to meet a hiring mgr that interviewed with earlier in the year, and asked her why I didn't get the job and what her advice would be. Guess what her reply in a hush tone was? " I did not have Canadian experience " even though I had 7 yes of experience in the industry in Nigeria. Here is the point, Canadian experience is the most critical underlying factor in this country of ours, however being what they are, they will never come out straight to you on it. So pls do your research and if working in tom hortons, retail or volunteering will give you the Canadian experience you need to put on your resume, then so be it! Calgary is an EXPENSIVE city, you cannot AFFORD to be without a job for too long!
I would end by saying, I have seen people get jobs even from Nigeria, I have seen people get jobs within a few months of being here ( they worked for MNC/ MNEs and had great work experiences anyway) and I know someone that got the same job I was interviewed for in a month of being in Canada. So remember, your case might be different, but if your plan A doesn't work, go get experience as your plan B in a survival job. Their definition of experience here is = meeting with Canadians, interacting with them, learning their lingo!
At this point, I rest my case!
quote author=Agent of Change link=topic=30420.msg2555080#msg2555080 date=1378578784]
Hello friends,
Good morning to you all.
I just thought I should share my one month experience in Calgary Canada with you.
I attended the CIIP program in London to get more information on how to survive in Canada and the knowledge I acquired from the 2 day event has changed my life.
BEFORE LANDING IN CANADA.
One - Before landing in Canada, ensure you have all your academic qualifications accessed or start application for your professional license if your job area is regulated. Please ensure you get copies of your transcript sent to the Licensing body in Canada. Make sure you have an account or update your account on LinkedIn and state there that you are looking for new openings in your area of specialization in Canada. LinkedIn is fantastic and it got me more than I expected. Remember LinkedIn is open to all so ensure your English and punctuation's are correct. In fact, me I always give it to my wife to look at before I post anything. A second pair of eye won't hurt.
Two - You need to network with people already in Canada to find out what is required in your area of specialization to get a job before you land. Associate only with people that are better than you....my take on fulfilling your dreams in Canada.
Three - Talk to people on how to get a place to stay or temporary accommodation. People in Canada are damn too helpful and if you don't know anyone please go to Google and look for B&B in your area. We stayed in the hotel for almost 2 weeks before we got our own house.
Four - Ask someone in Canada to send you a Canadian type resume. The resume is different from Nigeria or European resume. Here, they are more concern about your soft skills than your technical skills. Every Immigrant have technical skills and so, your soft skills get you the jobs.
Five - If you have anyone in Canada, ask them if you can use their address and telephone and update your resume with the information. That gives you an edge to start networking or getting interviews before you arrive. Visit Indeed.ca, Workopolis , LinkedIn, Careerbuilder.ca and others and apply before you get here.
Six - Get all the require documents ready for Canada as stated on the CIC.GC.CA website. You can read all the numerous comments on landing experience in Canada but everyone always have a story to tell. The immigration officers here will always welcome you no matter the circumstances that brought you to Canada. Please make sure you have the correct landing doc for all family members, proof of fund ready and list of goods to follow (IMPORTANT).
Seven - You will surely get to Canada safe. Remember," what is conceivable can be achieved... Don't stop digging until you hit GOLD". DONT UNDER SELL YOURSELF AND DONT DO ANY STUPID JOB NON PROFESSIONAL JOB ... You are destined for the top and not the bottom. It may sound harsh but that is what I have learnt here. Looking for a job is a full time job in itself.
WHEN IN CANADA
First - Welcome to Canada and land of reality and opportunities. Reality set in immediately and your new life begin. Remember is your life and not the life of others. Only God and humility can give you early success in Canada. Rest for the first day and on the second day go to SERVICE CANADA OR ANY REGISTRY to get your SIN. once SIN is done, please go to the bank to open an account before applying for Alberta health card.
1. Get your SIN
2. Go to the bank and open your account. Please tell the account officer you need a proof of address document or a void cheque showing your name &address to enable you get an Alberta health card. Royal Bank of Canada, TD bank and Scotia Bank can help you with that. Remember to get a credit card to start building your history in CANADA.
3. Get your health card. for people coming to Calgary, you will get the Alberta Health Card.
Second - Proceed to Catholic Calgary Immigration Service (CCIS) or Newcomers center. They will provide you with all the help you need to settle in Canada. These organizations will help you with job search info, resume and settlement information.
Third - Please attend the CCIS new immigrant programs. There you will meet with new immigrant and other consultant that will share their experience on how to succeed in Canada. CCIS will introduce you to mentors and employers that will help you achieve your dream in CANADA.
Fourth - Make new contacts. Please make friends with other nationality rather than making a lot of Nigerian friends. Interacting with other nationalities will make you integrate faster into the country.
Fifth- Talk to professional about jobs and find out from your local library when professional network or meet or ask CCIS.
Six - ASK QUESTIONS....No one is an Island.
I will send more updates later.
Remember...YOU ARE A WINNER, A CHAMPION AND THE BEST.
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). My medical result reflected in my ecas after I got my PPR. So have faith. I believe they should be calling you anytime from now IJN. I know it cannot pass October. Just keep thanking God for its arrival.