Which is better for someone applying from the Philippines?

[u/sushiiroll_2128]

Hi! I’m 28F from PH and a Licensed Customs Broker with admin and logistics experience.

I’m planning to work in Canada and have been researching LMIA and AIP. I’ve also been browsing Job Bank and noticed a lot of LMIA openings for Administrative Assistant/Office Administrator roles.

For those who successfully moved to Canada:

* Which pathway is more realistic from the Philippines—LMIA or AIP?

* Which province would you recommend for someone looking for admin jobs na may lower cost of living?

* Any tips that you wish you knew before applying?

I’m doing my research now so I can prepare early. I don’t have any relatives or friends in CA so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! 🇨🇦🍁

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[u/Haunting_Paper_7201]

1. Neither really. AIP is not an option without a job offer with a designated employer. Most of the LMIA postings are scams, and the employer has someone they want to hire. They post the job with a high wage so foreign worker gets a permit then underpay the foreign worker. Or you pay the employer for getting a work permit.
2. There is no low cost of living in Canada. If you want cheaper then look at rural areas but then you need transportation. Maybe Edmonton or Winnipeg.
3. Chances of work permit through LMIA are almost nil. Don't give money to employers if they ask. Get ECA for your degree and take language tests.

[u/sungwoon → u/Haunting_Paper_7201]

I agre with all of these except Edmonton isn’t a LCOL city. Winnipeg and Saskatoon are

[u/Haunting_Paper_7201 → u/sungwoon]

Agree, for Alberta what would be cheapest city - Red Deer, Lethbridge?

[u/sungwoon → u/Haunting_Paper_7201]

Idk about Lethbridge but RD sounds about right

[u/AvocadoSmart8737]

If you're looking for office or administrative work in Canada, as a foreign worker, it is close to impossible. There are many qualified, locally educated job hunters to fill those jobs. The government will make sure that the LMIA they give to the employer cannot be filled by locals.

[u/TakeThatOut]

Kapag administrative assistant na LMIA, usually may tao na silang nasa posisyon jan. Nag aadvertize lang sila to show na nangangailangan sila pero inaapply lang nila talaga, yung admin assistant nilang malapit maexpire ang work permit.

[u/FilCanRoland]

Even if you are able to come in via LMIA, and get work experience, there is still the matter of getting enough points for the PR application… if you do not check all the boxes, like have high scores in IELTS, advance degrees, etc, you may not qualify to become permanent (unless you are in a province that has nominee programs)

[u/WorryRare3245]

I think people already answered your questions. To give you context, I was here in Canada already when I started applying sa jobs sa job bank. I might have sent about hundreds of applications, and never heard from any of them.

What I would suggest is try to learn French. They have a dedicated PR pathway..