OFW Life in Canada – Truth vs Dream
OFW Canada work permit reality
Ako si Mark, 32, from Cebu. 2 years na akong OFW sa Toronto. Maraming Pinoy ang nag-iisip: “Malaki ang sweldo, happy life!” Pero ang totoo?
Narito ang **truth vs dream** — para realistic ang expectations mo.
💭 Dream: “Magse-send ako ng ₱50k/month sa pamilya!”
Reality: After rent, bills, at taxes, natitira lang ₱25k–₱30k. Minipilit kong i-save ₱10k para sa PR fees.
Reality: After rent, bills, at taxes, natitira lang ₱25k–₱30k. Minipilit kong i-save ₱10k para sa PR fees.
💔 Dream: “Masaya ako dito, maraming barkada!”
Reality: Sobrang lungkot lalo na tuwing Pasko. 80% ng weekends, nasa bahay lang ako – tired from work.
Reality: Sobrang lungkot lalo na tuwing Pasko. 80% ng weekends, nasa bahay lang ako – tired from work.
Salary Breakdown (CAD $2,800/month)
- Rent (shared room): CAD $800
- Food: CAD $300
- Phone + Internet: CAD $100
- Transport: CAD $120
- Taxes & Insurance: CAD $400
- Remittance to PH: CAD $600 (≈ ₱25,000)
PR Process: Not Easy!
- Express Entry CRS score ko: 410 (too low)
- Nag-apply ako for Provincial Nominee (Ontario) – pending for 8 months
- Legal fees: CAD $3,000+
✅ Advice: Study first (PGWP route) mas madali kaysa direct work visa.
What I Miss Most
- Family gatherings (birthday ni nanay, fiesta sa probinsya)
- Simple things: halo-halo, jeepney rides, tambay sa sari-sari store
- Being present when my niece took her first steps
Would I Do It Again?
Oo — pero with eyes wide open. Hindi ito escape route. It’s a **sacrifice** for your family’s future.
Kung plano mong maging OFW:
✅ Research thoroughly
✅ Save emergency fund
✅ Prepare emotionally
❤️ Final Thought: Ang pera ay temporary. Ang presence mo sa pamilya — priceless. Balance lang ang kailangan.
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