Hi All, I was directed to post my question here, as I had originally posted this in a different section of this forum.
I am new to this forum, and have decided only recently to apply for a Canadian PR. I have a bachelors degree in Engineering (Computer Science), with 6.5 years of experience in the industry and am working as a senior software engineer in an MNC in Bangalore, India. I do not have a job offer from any Canadian firms yet (though I have been looking out on several job portals)
My IELTS scores are: R:9, L:8.5, W:7, S:7 and is valid for the next two years. I am yet to get my ECA from WES (will start with it in a week's time).
I am married, with a 1.5 year old daughter. My wife too has a bachelors degree in computer science and has been working for the past 5.5 years in the same industry as I am. But she has not attempted an IELTS test yet.
I have a couple of questions before I create an EE profile, and I am hoping I would get answers and tips from the helpful folks here:
1. Should my wife go in for an IELTS test as well? Would it make much of a difference?
I'm assuming you are the Principal Applicant. It isn't mandatory for the spouse to take the IELTS. If they do take it, that can add up to 20 points to the CRS score. Check here for details ---> http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/express-entry/grid-crs.asp
2. My IELTS assessment using the tool on the CIC website was 437 - Is it a good enough score to go ahead?
Not yet for an ITA. The lowest cutoff so far in 11 draws has been 453 and it is expected to stay north of 450 in the medium term. But it is a good enough score to apply for various provincial programs though even those are almost done with filling up their quota for 2015. Check the specific PNP threads on the forum for details
3. Would I get any points for bringing my kid along?
You don't get any points for bringing your family along. But if you don't add them as "accompanying" in your PR application, they can't land in Canada with you when you get your PR visa. You'll have to sponsor them later and that is a much longer process with wait times in the range of 12-24 months.
4. Should I get an ECA for my wife as well?
I'm assuming you are the Principal Applicant. It isn't mandatory for the spouse ECA to be completed. If they do get it done, that can add up to 10 points to the CRS score. Check here for details --->[/b][/color]
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/express-entry/grid-crs.asp
5. I am 29 years old now, and my score came to about 72: Is this right?
IELTS: 24
Age : 12
Experience: 15
Education: 21
Total 72
Seems about right if you've taken it from here ---> http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-factors.asp
Do note that this is just program eligibility and you'll need to get your ECA done before you can setup your EE profile completely and be eligible for the draws.
Would be very grateful for your help! Also, I am new to this, and if I am posting in the wrong place, my apologies.
Thanks!