EE Questions

[Immigreat81]

Hi All,

Great forum. Apologies if these have questions have been asked before but wasn't able to find all the answers / updated information.

1. Is the ECA needed prior to applying for express entry? Or are only the IELTS scores needed?
2. Speaking of IELTS, what's the preferred sample test sites used here?
3. Is there a validity period for police clearance certificates from countries we USED to live in? I read somewhere that they're valid indefinitely BUT also read somewhere that FBI clearance is only valid for a few months. So should we apply for FBI PCC only after getting ICA.
4. How long has it taken people to get FBI PCC from outside the US?
5. Is it okay to be unemployed during EE application? And during ITA period?
6. Is a birth certificate needed for the spouse (secondary applicant)?
7. Are more points awarded if we choose one of the less popular cities to apply in? Or does it not matter?

Again, apologies for all the questions. Appreciate the experts giving their input for whatever they know.

TIA!

 

[DelPiero07]

1 - If you're not eligible under CEC then yes, if you apply without it your profile is most likely going to be deemed ineligible.
2 - No idea, the test is a joke.
3 - Valid as long as it was issued after the last time you lived in that country.
4 - Check FBI threads.
5 - Yes.
6 - No.
7 - No.

 

[Immigreat81]

1 - If you're not eligible under CEC then yes, if you apply without it your profile is most likely going to be deemed ineligible.
2 - No idea, the test is a joke.
3 - Valid as long as it was issued after the last time you lived in that country.
4 - Check FBI threads.
5 - Yes.
6 - No.
7 - No.

Thanks for the answers! Why do you say IELTS is a joke? Is it that easy? Wishful thinking I'm sure

 

[nokia3315]

Thanks for the answers! Why do you say IELTS is a joke? Is it that easy? Wishful thinking I'm sure

IELTS is not easy but could not agree more with DelPiero07, not only the test but them IELTS & their british council friends are a joke.
Check the link below for IELTS tips
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/struggling-with-ielts-listening-need-help-urgent.351732/#post-4664776