Survival fee

A rough calculation of the cost of maintaining my legal status here since graduation

post-graduation work permit (1 year) - $150
lawyer fee - $2000
waited: 2 weeks

Soon after, new immigration law passed which allows for an open work permit up to 3 years. New grads like myself rushed to get the paper renewed.
post-grad work permit extention (3 years) - another $150
waited: 2 months

Passport about to expire, renewal - $70
waited: 2 months

ILETS test - $250
waited: half month to book, 13 days to get results

Temporary resident visa - $150 (multi-entry)
ongoing, waiting time unknown

CEC application - $550
ongoing

***
Legal fee: $3320
Apartmental rental: $500 x 15months = $7500
Meal: minimum $150 x 15months = $2250
Transport: $25 x 15months = $375
Phone: $40 x 15months = $600
_________________________________
Survival Fee Grand Total: $14,045


Think about it, that equals roughly $1000/month which actually sounds good? (I don't think I can survive on RMB1000 living on my own).

But here's another calculation, if I didn't have a full time job and live on minimum part-time wage, which is $8(before tax) here in British Columbia, Canada, I'll have to work 6.25 hours a day to earn up 1000/m. And just how to attend school as an international student ($1000+ for one course) thinking I might pay that fee by part-timing 6.25h/day...

This sounds tremendously bleak.