Jackie Wafula currently resides in Toronto, Canada where she moved after quitting her job in Kenya to pursue further education in the North American country.
In a video on her YouTube channel, she explained that she moved to Canada after her school application was accepted.
However, as of now, Wafula is at a crossroads after failing to renew her work permit and currently stays in Canada as an illegal immigrant.
Here is her story as told by WoK.
Wafula moved to Canada in 2017 after coming across an opportunity to pursue further education while working after class hours.
She explained that her dad convinced her to try out the opportunities, after which she started doing research on the best schools and places to live and work.
“I picked Windsor, Ontario because according to my research, Windsor is cheaper and warmer compared to other cities,” she said.
After picking a school, Wafula started the application process after consulting her dad and within three days, the school had responded to her application.
She received the enrollment letter thereafter and proceeded to apply for a study permit and a visa which only took two weeks.
“I came to Canada during Summer; it was really warm so it was a smooth transition because I’m from Mombasa where it’s very warm,” she said.
Wafula settled in Canada, moved into an apartment and applied for a SIN number which allowed her to work.
“I had to get a job as soon as possible so that I would be able to help my dad pay for my tuition fees, rent, food and all that,” she said.
For a month, Wafula was unable to secure a job until she came across an Indian lady who helped her get a job as a Resident Assistant within the campus.
However, the job was not paying well as she would make a little over $2,000 every month, forcing her to look for a second job.
Through a friend, Wafula was able to secure another job at Tim Hortons Restaurant where she worked as a baker from 3 AM to 7 AM.
In her quest to earn more money, she sought for a third job, and was hired at a Chinese Restaurant.
“I worked three jobs and still had to go to school. I had to organise my schedule and make sure that I don’t miss classes, exams and assignments,” she stated.
Following her graduation from campus, Wafula applied for a work permit and was granted a three-year work permit after which she secured a job as an insurance broker.
She has worked as an insurance broker since them but following the expiration of her permit, she has been unable to renew it after Canada announced that they won’t be renewing permits for immigrants.
“I have tried my level best to apy for jobs that would sponsor me; I tried to convince my employer to sponsor me to stay in Canada but all my efforts weren’t working.
“Canada has humbled me, I’m literally back to square one. Illegal immigrant. I’m laughing but I’m crying inside… I have given myself six months to see if I’m going to get permanent residency in this country. If nothing comes out of it, I’m just gonna go back home,” she stated.
