The 4 hours I spent with you guys was beneficial and you all suceeded in re-igniting the fire.. '''the way i dey see am now e no go pass 2012 ohh'''... by the way what was I thinking off...lol!
@ tinuade thanks for the hospitality today. I believe is a good meeting for us all.
The advise below is from another forum but it will be useful to all. Enjoy
The advises already given are true but I will add some things as a resident in Canada at the moment. You may be able to take some better decision if you are ready to face some facts that are highlighted below (it may look lengthy because of some details because it may be of help to educate as many as may need the information, kindly bear with me):
1) Canada is a country filled with a lot of opportunities. It is a lot different from countries like UK and even America. The number of illegal immigrants here are very low so it is easier to get into the system. However, there is usually a gestation period for your investment to florish. Accountants are doing great here. A major factor is where you reside, grace of God and luck as it is everywhere. Dont think of settling down in popular cities like Toronto. Im not saying the place is bad but you can try some developing provinces. In all, Canadians are one of the best people to relate with though they are strict on rules. No cutting corners. It is true you will face others who you are competing for thesame jobs here but you can have a great edge if you are ready to face the reality on time by getting any of the certification here.
2) Since the era of Enron, accounting profession had changed. There are lots of rules you must be able to know as a guide hence, you must get certification via CA, CMA or CGA. Even if you are partly certified, you can easily pick a good job. Not for Nigerians alone. Even Canadians, it is thesame. For those in Engineering field, especially those in Energy industry, you can get a job withing same month of arrival. It is not so with accounting. Canada believe in their own certifications. Even with 6 months diploma, you are better than some managers when you get a job here. The first rule is that you must think towards getting a certification here. That does not mean there are no exceptions but very few. Meanwhile, the moment you get certified here, you will surely pick very good job with very good pay. That is guaranranteed. They value their eduation here and sincerely, it is true.
3) However, if you have ACCA, you can get immediate certification as a CGA with your writting a course and you can pick a job faster here. The reciprocal MOU was just signed last year. When ICAN enter into mutual agreement, it was with CA, a body that requires you to be a Canadian citizen before you can be certified. Even when they seems to have changed, most people do not really relate with them. Most people join CGA and CMA. They all know ICAN. You can get some exceptions in their certification process to push you ahead. The accounting certification courses here are expensive because the benefits are enormous, but as a resident, you can get govt loan for any form of EDUCATION you do here. You will pay with great convenience.
4) Just like it took sometime for someone who came to Lagos before he can start working, it is also thesame here and everywhere. It may not be something you get on the day you arrive here but you can start on a good job within a short time. The issue of menial job is not common here as in the other countries. No employer can exploit you here. Everyone is equally protected by law. If you accuse someone of racism, it may lead to jail if confirmed. Infact, when you prepare your resume here, you dont put things like age, place of birth, gender, etc. Even if your school indicates your counrty, with a good resume cum experience, they will call you. Most employment starts with your getting trhough an employment agancy that has the jobs and link you to the employer. They are being paid for their services and when you perform in their tests, you are done. As an accountant here, your best tool is being good on excel. It is a prerequisite. Most of the agencies will test your proficiency on it.
5) You must be ready to sacrifice writing their exam even if it is to pass few courses. The moment you do that, you are on track. All jobs are regulated here. The moment you get some certifications, there is a minimum salary you can be paid. Meaning, nobody can demeaning or cheat you the way things seems to be in Nigeria where Chartered Accountants were Tellers in banks and even on contract jobs.
6) Government have a lot of programs including orientation here free of charge to assist an average immigrant to start life. They have some welfare benefits you are entitled to as a legal immigrant. With resident permit, so many benefits awaits you.
7) With my experience, I noticed that the citizens are placing some barries for people to enter their systems because as reasonable human being, if they dont, they will be sent parking from their land. They dont read so much here and when you come with ``plenty`` certificates as we do in Nigeria, without any barrier to slow you down a bit, you may outshine them hence they want you to proof your qualifications. The moment you are able to do that, no barriers again.
If you have resident permit and you have a good job in Nigeria, come and settle your family first. Get as much reserve (savings) as you can then come and join up. Even if you are managing, still try and make provision for something to assist you before you complete any certification (average of 6 months). That was my own approach and i`m seriously better for it. Some living expenses here are a bit expensive especially accommodation. But for food and basic things to settle down like furnitures, beddings, TV, Fridge etc, you will get them FREE (It sound odd but true). Govt will supply you majority of food items you need for your first one year. You will only need to buy few things that have expiry dates like milk and bread. Many Nigerian are doing well here. I will advise you to link up with some of those who are here that you know to confirm some of my claims.
J
9) Education is free for the children until they enter University. You are even paid child care benefit monthly which may be close to some people`s salary in some Nigeria employments. Many that are here came for the future of their children and it all depend on you on what you felt. Those whose children schooled here dont face what a new immigrant faces on arrival. Their parent already planted them on the land.
10) The economy is improving at a great speed here after the meltdown. The discrimination people fear is not as much pronunced. Maybe because of where I am based, but you have all opportunities to succeed. You can also predict the level of possible progress of things as you get on here.
11) Nobody can like you more than you like yourself. The decision on what to do is purely yours after weighing the pros and cons. While some may feel good coming, some may not. However, most of those I know that came here, I dont think it is common to see anyone that want to run back to Nigeria. If your view is based on the fact that ``without pain, there may be no gain``, you may try it out. For me, I was doing well in Nigeria and here, by God`s grace, no regret for coming. I wish you the best of luck.
Fiirm
Immigration Forum
