Our express entry and CRS scores

 I woke up at around 5 am today and immediately checked my cellphone for any message from WES. And there it is. An email from WES saying that they have completed their evaluation and that I should log on to my account to view it.

I immediately went to my WES account and was able to download a copy of my evaluation. The report said that my institution is recognized and I have a Canadian equivalency of 4 years. Yey!

So now it's time to complete our express entry.

Believe me, I had butterflies in my stomach as I was filling out the forms. We were very careful with all the details because an error can lead to not being accepted in our application later on, or being barred from the pool for 5 years.

There were a lot of information that we need to be ready with. Fortunately the website had instructions and clarifications.

Finally, we were done and our Comprehensive Ranking System points were generated. We were also given a job seeker validation code. So we went to Job Bank and created a profile as well.

Our CRS was just 359 points, way below to be able to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The lowest scores of those being invited were at around 440 and up. 😕

But then I remembered a recent news about Ontario inviting those with scores for as low as 351. This was just in March 2018. There is renewed hope. We prayed after getting our score and we believe that as long as we trust in the Lord, He will continue to direct our path. Right now, all we need is faith and trust in Him, and to continue working towards our goal.

Today is the day! Sort of

 I have been waiting for April 27 for a few days now. Today my ECA results would be released! This also means I can get to file for my Express Entry!

However, we are 12 hours ahead of Canada, depending on the province. So that means,WES would probably release my results tonight.

Anyway, I have been tensed these past few weeks. I think it is also the reason why my skin has been breaking up. 😕

I told myself I would fill out the EE form on April 28.  But impatient me, I have actually filled out the Come to Canada tool, and already have my GC key. I also have created a profile in the CIC website. But stopped short of choosing whether it is for EE, visit or study.

Signing up for an account at the CIC website is actually lengthy. There are a lot of security questions that I filled up. If you are planning to sign up, make sure that username, passwords and all the security questions are hard to guess, but easy to remember for the applicant.

So this is me, excited and anxious about tonight or tomorrow. I know that as soon as I receive an email from WES, then I would start on the EE journey and waiting game.

We just need to pray and trust this plan to the Lord. I know that He will lead the way.

Our IELTS experience

One week before April 7, IDP emailed both me and my husband about our schedule. They emailed us first thing Monday and informed us that our speaking test would happen on Wednesday, April 4 at Marco Polo Ortigas. He is scheduled to have it at 8:50 while I would have it at 10:50.

Both of us were so tense that we were not able to sleep. We woke up at 4 am and decided to get ready. We left the house at 6 am to ensure that we would be in Ortigas before 8am.

To be honest, we were not able to really practice as both of us were so busy with work even though we allotted one month for review. Upon arriving home, time was usually spent with our baby E. I guess this is one of the reasons why we are so tense.

During the speaking test, we were asked about a specific topic and we are allowed to talk about it. The interviewer would give follow-up questions to ensure that the candidate would continue to talk about it. There were also some topics that we need to discuss under a specific time limit.

I think I finished by a little after 11am. Hubby waited for me so we were out of the venue by lunch.

Saturday, April 7, is our chosen exam date. The venue assigned to us was at AIM Center in Makati. Instruction was to be at the venue no later than 8:00 am for the 9:00 am start.

We arrived at Greenbelt at around 6:30, and since we were less tense now compared to the speaking test, we were even able to enjoy our breakfast at Mcdonald's 😁

The Registration
We were at the venue at 7:30 and they were still setting up. There were actually a lot of us already at the venue that early. I guess all of us were afraid to be late.

We were amongst the first to register and go inside the testing room. We brought the same ID we used to register, the same as the speaking test. Bringing a different ID would mean no test. In the venue, our name was assigned to a seat and table. Hubby was actually far from me so I have no idea how they arranged our name. I am not sure if it was alphabetical since my passport used my maiden name so it was still different from hubby's. Once inside, we waited for an hour for all the seats to be filled in.  Belatedly I realized that we should have allowed the others to get into the room first. You see, once you get inside the testing room, you are no longer allowed to step outside.

The actual test
The test started at exactly 9 am, and finished at 12 noon. We started with the listening test with an allotted time of 40 minutes. They provided headphones and I really needed to listen very carefully. Some of the statements were actually confusing. Also, all statements were said only once. We answered on the test booklet, then we were given 10 minutes to transfer everything to the answer sheet.

Then the reading test was actually for an hour. This time we were given some paragraphs on a certain topic, then some questions after. Again, we have to read very carefully. We have to really understand what the topic was. I actually finished early, then had time to re-read the tests. I changed some of my answers during this time. So when I submitted the test, I almost did not know if I answered correctly. 😔

Lastly, the writing test which would last for an hour. There were actually just 2 topics to be answered for an hour. The first topic should be answered in 150 words while the second one should be with 250 words. This was challenging because it has been so long since I wrote anything that long! I mean, most of us use the computer to type now. So it is easy to change items or thoughts in the middle. But the test required that we use a pencil! So longhand, it is.

After the test, it was announced that the results would be released on April 20. Two weeks of waiting! Results can be picked up at the IDP office. Since we also nominated our cellphone numbers, the results would also be texted to us.

I can hardly wait. I felt pretty confident. But I am really hoping to get high scores.

The Results
Come April 20, at 3 am, I have been checking their websites but no results were given. Finally, at 9am, the text came.

My score: Listening 7.5, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Speaking 7.0 for an overall band score of 7.0.

The website also gave a preview of the test scores and explained what each score meant. It also gave pointers for improvement.

To be honest I felt disappointed because I really wanted higher scores. I have been reading that higher scores would give higher points in the Comprehensive Ranking System. Still, I am thankful that scores were enough for me to enter the express entry ( I think).

So I suggest that anyone who would be taking the IELTS to practice, practice, practice. Unlike my husband and I. We actually were not able to do any review because we were swamped with work leading to the exam. So we are still thankful that we were able to get good enough marks.  (I actually downloaded practice booklets from here but was really unable to practice). 

One requirement done. Now we just need to wait for the results of my ECA so we can start our express entry profile.

Timelines and tracking numbers

 

This morning I brought my copy of my diploma, its English translation, and certificate of translation. I made sure that all of these had the WES reference number at the back. I also had the reference number and address printed directly on the back of the envelope. I plan to have it sent to WES today, March 12.

Good thing there is an LBC branch near our office. I went there during lunch break and paid Php1,460 for the courier to Canada. LBC told me that it would reach the destination in 3 to 5 working days, starting the count from tomorrow. In my estimate, it would reach WES by March 19.

It was fast enough. But before WES can even start the assessment, they have to wait for the Transcript of Records from my school. They told me 18 days. I checked their website for the status but it is updated for applications until March 7 only. I applied on March 7 so I don't think it was included in the list. In my estimate, my TOR would reach WES on the week of April 16 since it is the Holy Week on the last week of March.  Plus another 15 to 20 working days for the assessment. Tagal…

For IELTS, our schedule for the test is on April 7. Again, plus 13 days. Then results would come out by end of April. For both initial requirements, it would be safe to say that I would get it by first week of May. That's the only time we would be able to create our EE profile.

Additional note:

Sigh. I tried to check the tracking number that LBC gave and it is not showing. Now I have to email their customer service… ☹

Update:
LBC replied to my email and said that my package has been forwarded to their tie-up and would reach its destination on or before March 19. 😊

I would keep on praying and move on.

Sabi nga nila, panggulo lang 😊

WES and IELTS first

It has been months since I wrote here. Our timeline was disrupted because of some commitments. I also did not know that my hubby JA was actually thinking hard about this decision. A lot.

Finally when 2018 came, he told me that we would pursue it this time. He was actually planning ahead and thinking of scenarios. Then he gave me the timeline. And so here we are. 

Last Saturday, I booked a personal orientation for us at Gateway to Canada. It’s actually the same as pinoy2canada. But this time we went to the Alabang office. Mr. AA gave us the option of the Study Visa given our age. He was actually suggesting the same thing as the first consultant we talked to, when I had a free consultation months back. He mentioned that if we really want to leave early, we can target the September start of classes. We just need to show proof that we can pay the tuition fee.

He almost assured us that we would get a study visa in months time. Admittedly, it was more expensive. For a family of three, with me studying, we need to raise at least Php1.3M.
Breakdown:

• 600,000 for tuition for one year
• 400,000 for living expenses of the student
• 160,000 for living expenses of the spouse
• 120,000 for living expenses of the child.

This does not include other fees. The tuition too is just an estimate. It would really depend on the school that we want to get into. Plus the target is for 2 years so easily, we need to double the amount. If granted,  I can only work part time during that time while hubby will have an open work permit.  We replied that we would study the proposal. 

So here it goes - I thought. I would study again. I don't really know how I felt about that. Plus the bigger amount was not part of the plan. Yes, we were targeting to bring more funds but as living expenses.

That weekend still, after all the discussion, hubby challenged me about my confidence on my work experience. Of course I know my work. I have been in the industry for more than a decade. Then why are we both considering the study option route?

And it dawned on us - our selling point is both our careers and experience. We were not being cocky or arrogant but we have been in our respective industries for so long and we felt that it should amount to something. We prayed hard that weekend that He guide us with our decision. And however long we think and talk about it, the Express Entry pool and not the Study Visa program is the way to go initially. The study visa can still be considered, but perhaps later on. And also for some members of the family that we want to join us. Akala namin ganun lang yun. 

Everything happened a little fast after that. I know that I need to get my ECA and IELTS first before we can even create a profile.

That Sunday, I asked my mom to bring my diploma.

Monday, March 5. Mr. AA emailed me about the study visa program again and I replied that we would pursue the express entry. And that we need to secure our Education Credentials Assessment (ECA) and IELTS first. I also requested for a summary of expected expenses, which he quickly emailed.

I revisited my World Education Services account (I created one last January) and checked the requirements. I also googled and read blogs. I checked my diploma and realized that my diploma was in Filipino.

March 6, when I woke up, I googled for authenticated translations and saw LEXCODE. I checked reviews and it was okay. So I quickly inquired and sent them a scanned copy of my diploma for their quotation. They immediately replied and gave me the quote for Php560 inclusive of VAT. Not bad I thought. When I arrived at the office, I sent them a signed conforme and proof of my online payment. They were actually requiring just 50% for them to start but I don't want to hassle of logging in again. After confirming receipt of the conforme and payment, they said that they would start work on the translations and the document would be released the following day.

That night, I logged into the WES account again and paid the fee. They charged me CAD 322.05 inclusive of their tax and courier of results. I  used my Unionbank credit card and upon conversion, it amounted to Php13,398.17. (This was reflected in my card 2 days after). I also prepared the request form for my school. I emailed it to my husband who will print it in their office, and will also ask someone to bring it to UP. It was nearer to him since he works in Quezon City, while I work in Makati.

Wednesday, March 7, during breakfast, I checked IDP. There are 2 official institutions in the Philippines for IELTS as far as my research goes. One is British Council, while the other is IDP. I checked both their websites and registered with IDP. Why? The website was just easier for me to navigate in terms of scheduling. Also, there is a testing center in Makati. I booked for April 7 for both me and my husband.* We have one month to prepare.

That morning too, Sandie of LEXCODE emailed me and sent me a draft copy of my translations. Once I confirm, they will then finalize the document. I checked and it was okay so we arranged for pick up after lunch.

During this time too, I have been talking to my school over the phone as I need to send an authorization letter for the guy who brought my request. He also had to fill out again all the details. Good thing he is trusted by my husband. I talked to the registrar and explained to me the process. They would need 18 days for the documents to be prepared, plus another 5 days for the courier. They actually gave me the option if they would be the one to send it or should I pick it up. I asked what is usual that they do and they replied that they usually send it in the past. (Which was actually what WES requires too). I was just happy that it was not the first time to encounter the request. So I told them that they would be the ones to send it.

So that Wednesday, I got the authenticated translation and paid my school for the documents for ECA.

I planned to print out the diploma and translations and send it through LBC this weekend (WES does not require the original). 

Thursday, March 8, I went to Metrobank and filled out all the details for the April 7 IELTS as per IDP's email, and paid the fees. I also emailed them the payment slip. I had a meeting in the afternoon so I was not able to confirm if they received the payment.

Friday AM, March 9, I called IDP to check if they received the payment slip for our IELTS exam. The girl I talked to confirmed that they received it. So I was actually a little surprised when I received a notice in my email that they received the payment but the booking expired! And  I had to rebook (You're only allowed 48 hours to pay the fee for the booking to be confirmed). I want to argue with them but I did not have the time as I was on my way out for another meeting.

Was this a sign? I was thinking. Should I move the schedule?  The next schedule available in their site is April 21. That means additional 13 days before the results come out. That would be too long! But we cannot wait longer.

After my meeting, I immediately went back to my station and booked our preferred date. Fortunately, both went through. I also advised IDP that I have rebooked. A few minutes later, I received a notice in both my and my husband's email about the test confirmation. Whee! :)

An eventful week! And the wheel ran fast this week. All we can do now is wait and continue to pray. That soon, we would wake up and we would be in Canada with our baby E

* Be ready with a scanned copy of your passport or other ID that you plan to use for IELTS. The registration only allows 30 minutes for you to finish filling up all the details and uploading your ID. Note that it should not be beyond 1.5 MB.

** I may sound confident now writing this but note that this whole week, I have been having an upset stomach daily and have been waking up in the middle of the night. I was so stressed! I think the nervous fluttering in my heart has become permanent. I know a lot rely on me being the principal applicant. All I know is I rely on the Lord who gave us this dream and controls everything.