Ray of hope - FSW - 1

[guelphite]

Honestly, if anyone that already has a competitive IELTS score is still on the fence about Learning French as an "extra", the latest changes to how French is taken into account in the CRS points system should make it a no brainer. Personally, a B2 in French across the board pushed me to a whopping 518 points, from 468 which is not "safe" nowadays. 518 is a score I would've only dreamed about before said changes took place. This is coming from a candidate with only a year of work experience and sure enough, a great IELTS score and a Master's degree. The peace of mind you get after getting a solid French score is just priceless.

Fair. I haven't taken the TEF but am probably at a B2 level. I got ITA before I could take the test. It takes a lot of work to get to that level... B1 is more feasible, I just wanted to be honest with people that it is a lot of work if you are starting from scratch (I wasn't)

 

[cemivac]

Fair. I haven't taken the TEF but am probably at a B2 level. I got ITA before I could take the test. It takes a lot of work to get to that level... B1 is more feasible, I just wanted to be honest with people that it is a lot of work if you are starting from scratch (I wasn't)

That's a key takeaway, of course! It'll take time and absolute dedication, but if you're diligent about your studies, it can definitely be done concurrently with other "profile maxing" activities, such as acquiring more work experience or an additional degree.

I'd even argue that at this point, there's a case to be made for a decent IELTS + TCF (french) score over a "perfect" IELTS, too! So as long as you can meet the requirements for the additional 50 or so points by having enough proficiency in both, the former would probably be a better use of an applicant's time than just grinding away at an IELTS score that'll get you 3,6,9 additional points at best.

 

[jrossi]

Nothing is ever sure, but scores in the 480s should be fine... there are kind of "shelfs" with points. For single FSW applicants who have never worked or studied in Canada, the max you can get without any "extras" is 481 (perfect IELTS, 29 or younger, masters degree, 3+ years work experience).

Unless they change the rules, I highly highly doubt scores in the 480s won't be sufficient...

But for 474, I think that should be fine but learning french is not a bad idea. You don't need to get all the way to B2 level to get points. Getting to B1 across the board will get you 4 points I think?

If they stop the 5,000 ITAs (for some reason, a new variant of the coronavirus that can't be fought with a vaccine, a change in public opinion about immigration, a conservative government, whatever...) and change the CRS criteria to give, let's say, 20 extra points to CEC, suddenly, I'm not quite sure 480 would be a safe score.

What I'm trying to say is we never know. Back in January, I was sitting at 469, in a time where we just had a 469 draw 3 weeks earlier, and the first draws of january/february were all touching the 471-472. So, as you might have guessed, I heard A TON of "don't worry, 469 is more than enough, the score will drop for sure". I was not comfortable with that, so I started learning french. By march I earned 6 extra points (due to french), and got to 475. I was super excited... I mean, "come on, at 475, my ITA is guarantee at the next draw, right?". And then the CEC/PNP trend started. And then 3 months later I turned 31yrs old, and got back to 469...
What I'm trying to say is: never take a score for granted, because we never know what can happen next week. A new trend on the draws (CEC/PNP), a change in the CRS criteria (french points, CEC points, who knows?), etc.
Express Entry has been just so unstable lately, it's really hard to predict for sure what's going to happen. So, as always, my only recommendation is: don't stop studying and improving your score, until the day you get your ITA.
Otherwise, you (anyone who's reading this) might be losing valuable time, because you were sitting still.
A quick reminder: the CRS score is some sort of a reflection of how well prepared you're to adapt to the Canadian economy. So, improving your score not only helps you in the EE selection process, but might also be helpful for you to develop the skills necessary to make your post-landing plan succeed.

 

[joconstantine]

If they stop the 5,000 ITAs (for some reason, a new variant of the coronavirus that can't be fought with a vaccine, a change in public opinion about immigration, a conservative government, whatever...) and change the CRS criteria to give, let's say, 20 extra points to CEC, suddenly, I'm not quite sure 480 would be a safe score.

What I'm trying to say is we never know. Back in January, I was sitting at 469, in a time where we just had a 469 draw 3 weeks earlier, and the first draws of january/february were all touching the 471-472. So, as you might have guessed, I heard A TON of "don't worry, 469 is more than enough, the score will drop for sure". I was not comfortable with that, so I started learning french. By march I earned 6 extra points (due to french), and got to 475. I was super excited... I mean, "come on, at 475, my ITA is guarantee at the next draw, right?". And then the CEC/PNP trend started. And then 3 months later I turned 31yrs old, and got back to 469...
What I'm trying to say is: never take a score for granted, because we never know what can happen next week. A new trend on the draws (CEC/PNP), a change in the CRS criteria (french points, CEC points, who knows?), etc.
Express Entry has been just so unstable lately, it's really hard to predict for sure what's going to happen. So, as always, my only recommendation is: don't stop studying and improving your score, until the day you get your ITA.
Otherwise, you (anyone who's reading this) might be losing valuable time, because you were sitting still.
A quick reminder: the CRS score is some sort of a reflection of how well prepared you're to adapt to the Canadian economy. So, improving your score not only helps you in the EE selection process, but might also be helpful for you to develop the skills necessary to make your post-landing plan succeed.

How is your application going, mate?

 

[jrossi]

How is your application going, mate?

In accordance with IRCC my Eligibility is Passed, and Criminality is started. I already did my Biometrics as well. So, now i'm pretty much awaiting for ghost updates and the Ready for Visa mail. But, I'm not that hopeful that I'll receive the PPR before the 6 month mark.

 

[cemivac]

If they stop the 5,000 ITAs (for some reason, a new variant of the coronavirus that can't be fought with a vaccine, a change in public opinion about immigration, a conservative government, whatever...) and change the CRS criteria to give, let's say, 20 extra points to CEC, suddenly, I'm not quite sure 480 would be a safe score.

What I'm trying to say is we never know. Back in January, I was sitting at 469, in a time where we just had a 469 draw 3 weeks earlier, and the first draws of january/february were all touching the 471-472. So, as you might have guessed, I heard A TON of "don't worry, 469 is more than enough, the score will drop for sure". I was not comfortable with that, so I started learning french. By march I earned 6 extra points (due to french), and got to 475. I was super excited... I mean, "come on, at 475, my ITA is guarantee at the next draw, right?". And then the CEC/PNP trend started. And then 3 months later I turned 31yrs old, and got back to 469...
What I'm trying to say is: never take a score for granted, because we never know what can happen next week. A new trend on the draws (CEC/PNP), a change in the CRS criteria (french points, CEC points, who knows?), etc.
Express Entry has been just so unstable lately, it's really hard to predict for sure what's going to happen. So, as always, my only recommendation is: don't stop studying and improving your score, until the day you get your ITA.
Otherwise, you (anyone who's reading this) might be losing valuable time, because you were sitting still.
A quick reminder: the CRS score is some sort of a reflection of how well prepared you're to adapt to the Canadian economy. So, improving your score not only helps you in the EE selection process, but might also be helpful for you to develop the skills necessary to make your post-landing plan succeed.

That final statement really drives the point home IMO. Life post landing in Canada can already be rough as it is. Learning an additional official language or acquiring additional qualifications can only open additional, perhaps much needed, doors.

 

[BlindGoku]

In accordance with IRCC my Eligibility is Passed, and Criminality is started. I already did my Biometrics as well. So, now i'm pretty much awaiting for ghost updates and the Ready for Visa mail. But, I'm not that hopeful that I'll receive the PPR before the 6 month mark.

When do yo cross the 6 month mark after AOR? Did you asked for GSCM notes, or how did you got to know the status of your application? Do you know your VO?

 

[Kiran Jayachandran]

Hey guys, i have a query.

If I receive an ITA and eventually PR without spouse or kid accompanying, how long it take to get visa or PR for them? And what are the procedures?
Is there any Freeze period before applying PR for them? Could someone please guide me what is the procedure and timeline for this?

 

[jrossi]

When do yo cross the 6 month mark after AOR? Did you asked for GSCM notes, or how did you got to know the status of your application? Do you know your VO?

In early April. I did request notes in December, but haven't received them yet. But I don't expect to see any significant information, since at the time I requested, I did not provide my biometrics yet. Now that I did, I'm waiting a few weeks to request notes once again. I got the status of my application by submitting a webform (they take around 3 weeks to reply back, btw).
In accordance with the webform, my VO is Mexico City.

 

[joconstantine]

In early April. I did request notes in December, but haven't received them yet. But I don't expect to see any significant information, since at the time I requested, I did not provide my biometrics yet. Now that I did, I'm waiting a few weeks to request notes once again. I got the status of my application by submitting a webform (they take around 3 weeks to reply back, btw).
In accordance with the webform, my VO is Mexico City.

Interesting. Your application, like mine, just dodged Ottawa VO.

 

[seadrag0n]

In early April. I did request notes in December, but haven't received them yet. But I don't expect to see any significant information, since at the time I requested, I did not provide my biometrics yet. Now that I did, I'm waiting a few weeks to request notes once again. I got the status of my application by submitting a webform (they take around 3 weeks to reply back, btw).
In accordance with the webform, my VO is Mexico City.

If Eligibility is passed, that means the documents which we submitted like the work reference letters, proof of funds etc. are accepted?

 

[jrossi]

If Eligibility is passed, that means the documents which we submitted like the work reference letters, proof of funds etc. are accepted?

I believe so

 

[jrossi]

Interesting. Your application, like mine, just dodged Ottawa VO.

Based on the data from myImmiTracker, it looks like Ottawa is only processing inland candidates. Everybody else is being forwarded to a regional VO.

 

[ns317]

Based on the data from myImmiTracker, it looks like Ottawa is only processing inland candidates. Everybody else is being forwarded to a regional VO.

Nah a lot of FSW Outland people are also with Ottawa (like me). But their processing has been so slow lately due to capacity constraints that they still seem to be processing the candidates with AOR from the initial part of last year (which were largely CEC inland people), before the FSW draws restarted.

 

[aj534160]

In accordance with IRCC my Eligibility is Passed, and Criminality is started. I already did my Biometrics as well. So, now i'm pretty much awaiting for ghost updates and the Ready for Visa mail. But, I'm not that hopeful that I'll receive the PPR before the 6 month mark.

What's ur AOR date mate?