Tezza6

Hello

I want to apply for PR through the Express Entey system but am overwhelmed by it all and don't have the time to look into everything with work. I was wondering if anyone could recommend any reputable agencies/consultants that arrange everything for you?

Thanks

Novocastrian

They don't exist. Just do it yourself.... start with the wiki and then use CIC information. You'd have to do all the legwork yourself (with invaluable help from this forum) anyway, so why wage thousands of pounds on an agency?

Tezza6

Is the first step taking the language test to determine my score and see if I have enough points to enter the pool?

Novocastrian

No. Assume maximum points on language if you're a native english speaker (which you appear to be ) then do a dry run on the EE CRS. You'll need at least 450 points to have a shot at it.

christmasoompa

You can enter the pool with any score, you just won't get an invitation to apply for PR with less than 450-480 as a rough guide. But no need to do the IELTS just to guesstimate your score, you can do that anyway. Assume you'll get max points as you're a native speaker, and that will help you work out your score.

Once you know you score enough, then you can book your IELTS - I personally wouldn't pay £400 or so on an IELTS and ECA unless you're fairly sure you would get PR.

As said above, no need for a consultant unless you have complicated circumstances. You'd have to do most of the paperwork gathering anyway, so not sure I'd bother unless you've got a criminal record or medical issues etc.

HTH, good luck.

Novocastrian

<channels Marlon Brando>

I coulda been a modender.

Tezza6

Ok I'm trying to work out my score now. CRS - C. Skill transferability I'm not sure on my score. I have a bachelors degree 3year course so do I have 25 or 50 points?

christmasoompa

25, 50 is only for those with two or more educational certs (i.e. if you had a degree and masters, or degree and diploma). If you've just got the degree, then it's 25.

HTH.

christmasoompa

Ah, if only.

Tezza6

Ok based on the results in scoring below the required minimum,therefore I assume my only hope is if I can get a job offer? How likely is that? I've heard it's hard to find a job if you're outside Canada and can it be any job as long as it's an offer?

christmasoompa

It can't be any job, no. It would have to be a skilled job, and just a job offer isn't enough - to get the 600 points for arranged employment you must also have a LMIA. So for that you'd need experience and qualifications relevant to the job as the employer will have to prove you're more suitable than any Canadian that has applied, hence why just any job isn't likely to work.

As for how likely it is, it's not likely at all unless you have specialist skills (what do you do?). That's why most people go over to Canada to job hunt in person, and that's how they get their job offers. A lot on the forum have been successful that way, unfortunately Canada is a very different type of job hunting and it's all about personal contact, so just sending applications via the Internet rarely results in even a response!

Have a good read of the Job Hunting section of the Wiki which should help get you started.

Best of luck.

Tezza6

Hmmmm ok.....well I'm going out in September for 2 weeks so maybe I'll be able to do some hunting around then. I'll look for the thread now and have a read,thanks

christmasoompa

Definitely a good idea. If you've found the job hunting section of the Wiki (in the Wiki, not a thread!), then you'll have found that's the best way to go about it. Arrange some stuff before you go and hopefully you'll find an employer prepared to go to the cost and hassle/paperwork of hiring you.

A lot will depend on how in demand your skills are though. What do you do and whereabouts are you going in Sept?

Tezza6

Oh right,ok will try and find it now.

I'm currently a works planner for a housing association. I look after tradesmen and coordinate repairs on properties so would be ideally looking for an office based job. I also have friends there that I'm hoping can try and help me out with some information. And I'll be in Vancouver the first 2 weeks of September.

So when you say try and set some things up before,do I look to try and contact places directly or job websites?

christmasoompa

Contact employers directly - as per the Wiki. I'm not sure how likely it is that an employer would be prepared to sponsor your LMIA, but worth a try!

Best of luck.