I really need your help guys and girls. I am really interested in relocating to Canada and i have been very touched by the great life or greener pastures over there...at least compared to the dire, bleak situation we have in a country like Nigeria.

Now, let me get straight to the point. I am in my early thirties, unmarried and have a low-paying job at the moment. I have a BSc in Mass communication (majored in Advertising and PR), and an MSc in Business administration (Marketing) from a private and federal universities respectively. I have experience in marketing communications, sales, public relations and e-ticketing. I also have skills in drawing, writing and fashion designing. Let's say that Nigeria has not been good to me because i cannot even afford a laptop not to talk of starting a business. I do not have a boyfriend and my job is not encouraging but i had to take it rather than sitting down idle.

I want to go to Canada but there are two options:

1) As a student : Processing time is fast but very expensive considering that its a two year diploma program where my family have agreed to sponsor just the first year while i take care of the rest. Now, let's call a spade a spade...as much as i am eternally grateful for this, we all know its not easy working and schooling...(Its Holland College at PEI). And if one is making a minimum wage of 10-12 pounds an hour, for 20 hours a week, it can barely cover accommodation costs, transport to school, feeding etc not to talk of the tuition proper.


2) As a skilled migrant: An agent based in the UK said i qualify as a skilled migrant and so on but was asking for 2,500pounds in professional fees to cover all the running around or whatever but i will need an account balance of 6,000pounds equivalent (if one converts it to Naira, na to buy plot of land for Lekki na). But this option rules out school wahala so one goes straight into hustling for a good job directly. But the processing time can take forever.



N.B. Yes i have an Msc but please i am willing to hide it if that will better my chances at getting a job (which i do in Nigeria as the jobs are few and far in between) hence the diploma plan in the first place. Also limitation of funds.

I need your help please. What do you suggest?

OpeLovely:
I really need your help guys and girls. I am really interested in relocating to Canada and i have been very touched by the great life or greener pastures over there...at least compared to the dire, bleak situation we have in a country like Nigeria.

Now, let me get straight to the point. I am in my early thirties, unmarried and have a low-paying job at the moment. I have a BSc in Mass communication (majored in Advertising and PR), and an MSc in Business administration (Marketing) from a private and federal universities respectively. I have experience in marketing communications, sales, public relations and e-ticketing. I also have skills in drawing, writing and fashion designing. Let's say that Nigeria has not been good to me because i cannot even afford a laptop not to talk of starting a business. I do not have a boyfriend and my job is not encouraging but i had to take it rather than sitting down idle.

I want to go to Canada but there are two options:

1) As a student : Processing time is fast but very expensive considering that its a two year diploma program where my family have agreed to sponsor just the first year while i take care of the rest. Now, let's call a spade a spade...as much as i am eternally grateful for this, we all know its not easy working and schooling...(Its Holland College at PEI). And if one is making a minimum wage of 10-12 pounds an hour, for 20 hours a week, it can barely cover accommodation costs, transport to school, feeding etc not to talk of the tuition proper.


2) As a skilled migrant: An agent based in the UK said i qualify as a skilled migrant and so on but was asking for 2,500pounds in professional fees to cover all the running around or whatever but i will need an account balance of 6,000pounds equivalent (if one converts it to Naira, na to buy plot of land for Lekki na). But this option rules out school wahala so one goes straight into hustling for a good job directly. But the processing time can take forever.


N.B. Yes i have an Msc but please i am willing to hide it if that will better my chances at getting a job (which i do in Nigeria as the jobs are few and far in between) hence the diploma plan in the first place. Also limitation of funds.

I need your help please. What do you suggest?

Rule out the agent aspect because he is in for your money and you don't need him to tell you whether you are qualified or not, you are educated enough to find that out, there is a thread here for federal work skills where you can read or ask question to find out whether you are qualified or not.

If you are not qualified through work program then education is the next option for you.

If your parents are able to keep you going for a whole one year you should be able to use that year to save for next year, though as you rightly pointed out it will be difficult but with hard work and full concentration you should be able to make a meaningful progress.

Alternatively you can go for a loan to finance the second year then pay back while you study.

Loan seems like a good idea. But who will give an international student studying in Canada, loan? Pls could you clarify. Thanks.

OpeLovely:
Loan seems like a good idea. But who will give an international student studying in Canada, loan? Pls could you clarify. Thanks.

Probably referring to getting a loan from Nigeria...
Try posting on the study in Canada thread: https://www.nairaland.com/3024188/travelling-canada-part-10. You might get ideas about cheaper schools, ways to cut costs/save money, etc.
Note: If you apply for a graduate program, you are likely to get assistance from the school in terms of teaching/graduate assistantships, etc. And a graduate degree will do more for you in the long run than a diploma.
Info about skilled migrant programs also here: cic.gc.ca, official Canadian government immigration site. As JW said, you can do it yourself; absolutely no need for an agent. Spend time, research and follow the instructions.
All the best anyway whatever you decide

OpeLovely:
Loan seems like a good idea. But who will give an international student studying in Canada, loan? Pls could you clarify. Thanks.

I was referring to loan from Nigeria not Canada

Please go to a University to avoid the Purpose of Vist Nightmare. Your visa will be denied if you opt for college.

OpeLovely:
Loan seems like a good idea. But who will give an international student studying in Canada, loan? Pls could you clarify. Thanks.

Why don't you just look for funding from Nigeria. I believe you should be able to get a scholarship into a good canadian school if you go about it very well.

Canada seems to be a land with great opportunities.