IELTS Result

Last December 3, my husband took the IELTS General Training Test in CDO.

Today, we got the result and he didn't meet the minimum score of CLB 7.  He fell short on Reading😔

We are fully aware that things like this might happen, yes, we are sad and disappointed but we decided to give it another try.  He plans to give more time in reviewing then do a retake in March after his incentive trip to Spain mid-February.

We are praying for a better result. In the meantime, we want to spend time with families and celebrate the holidays.

Merry Christmas!

IELTS Review and Payment

Today, my husband registered online and paid Php 9300 for IELTS General Training exam and another Php 5000 for review. He is expected to take the test on December 3 and since he is currently based in CDO, he decided to do both there. 

With less than a month before the big day, he is cramming now to review for the four areas (Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing). What makes it more difficult is he has to balance his time between work and review so he plans to do it after work and during weekends. 

We are praying so hard to get at least the minimum score of CLB 7 and that means no grades lower than 6 for all the four areas of the test.

(Source:Language Test Equivalency Chart)

Immigration Consultancy and Immigration Lawyer

My husband and myself thought of getting help from an immigration consultancy and lawyer since we wanted to make everything right. First, we went to an immigration agency in one of the malls in Mandaluyong. I was the one who attended the seminar since my husband is based in CDO  and  I want to be the principal applicant. There were four other couples who were present during the presentation. The consultant first showed us a video of Canada then later on talked about the Express Entry. After which we had a one-on-one consultation with an agent and that's when I found out that I am not eligible as a principal applicant for Express Entry since my job is on NOC level C.  Potential candidates for Express Entry are required to have a job under NOC level O, A or B as they will be applying for permanent residency under Federal Skilled Worker Program. Luckily, my husband's job is under NOC level B that time so he is qualified as a principal applicant. But he  must also meet the minimum eligibility criteria from the six selection factors and have a score of at least 67/100 points to be eligible.  Below are the  six selection factors:

(Source:Six Selection Factors)

Next, we seek the help of an immigration lawyer who is a Canadian based in Quebec. He was very accommodating and answers all our queries. Both my husband and I emailed our curriculum vitae to him and as expected my husband is the one who is qualified as a principal applicant.  Here is the email we received from him right after submitting my husband's CV:

Please note that I searched first if the immigration lawyer is authorised to represent us in our application. I used this link  Representative Verification to verify.

We know that both the consultancy and lawyer will greatly help us in preparing and submitting all the necessary documents BUT both required fees that are beyond what we can afford. 

What we do now is we research more, read different posts and blogs, follow forums, and check each provinces' websites for any immigration news and updates just to equip ourselves of everything we must know.

How It All Started

It was in September this year when my brother received the approved family sponsorship of his family that started it all.  We knew then that it will be a new beginning for them. Canada has a lot to offer and we want to experience those things, too. It may take a while before we get to our dream but we have to start somewhere to get things going.  

We all used to our routines here in Manila. Wake up early in the morning to beat the traffic; go home late to extend our time to work as it means extra pay; attend to kids' needs at home and in school; pay bills every 15th of the month; eat out on weekends if budget permits, if not, just cook and eat at home; and the list goes on. We tend to spend less time with our kids and focus more on work. We unconsciously doing this but the effect is very visible. Before things get out of hand, we decided to try moving to a new place. We need to get out of our comfort zones, we need a fresh breathing space, we must meet new people and learn something else, we still have to grow as an individual, we need to be together as a family. We need this JOURNEY.