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Master degree in progress... Apply for EE now or wait for degree?

M

mcybr

Member
Oct 16, 2015
17
0
Hello all! I am currently in sort of a dilemma. I have a Bachelors from the US + 3 years of work experience, and am currently working on getting my Masters - I graduate in September 2016. My dilemma is; should I submit my application now (I still need to take the IELTS, TEF and get my ECA certifications...). So my question is, should I submit my profile now, or wait till I have my Masters before submitting my profile? I know every profile is valid for a year, so I would like to give it my best shot. Plus I would hate to have to go through the ECA process twice (once for my Bachelors, and once again for my Masters)...On the other hand, who knows if the rules would become more stringent with time? Any suggestions/recommendations would be great!

Also, as an aside, is it worth it to take both the TEF and the IELTS? I am a native speaker of both French and English, which would help me point-wise. On the other hand, both exams are almost 600$... Is it worth it, really?

Thanks in advance!
 
Everything depends on your CRS. Not having the Masters yet (you can't get an ECA done till you finish the course) and having just the Bachelors ECA for now would substantially lower your score. TEF would add a maximum of 24 points and that is only if you ace all sections in the test.

Recommend that you apply under EE next October after getting your Masters and the associated points. For now, you are unlikely to have enough points to get a regular ITA.
 
Thanks for the quick response! I did the free Assessment from the Canada visa attorneys (I'm not sure how valid those are), and got a CRS of 465, and was told good CRS points started at 450. Not sure if it was a marketing ploy on their part, but they did urge that I apply ASAP in order to maximize on current laws, thus my dilemma right now... Also, when does the one year validity begin? The moment I create a profile, or the moment I complete my application?
 
mcybr said:
Thanks for the quick response! I did the free Assessment from the Canada visa attorneys (I'm not sure how valid those are), and got a CRS of 465, and was told good CRS points started at 450. Not sure if it was a marketing ploy on their part, but they did urge that I apply ASAP in order to maximize on current laws, thus my dilemma right now... Also, when does the one year validity begin? The moment I create a profile, or the moment I complete my application?
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Suggest you apply ASAP with 465 cause its a really good score.
From last 2 draws, the score is 450.
 
They have given you an estimated score. You haven't done your ECA, IELTS or TEF yet. That score isn't valid because it is built on assumptions. And extremely optimistic assumptions by the looks of it.

Your actual score today would be far lower. In fact, you wouldn't even be eligible until you have a valid ECA and IELTS.
 
If you have a US bachelors, it's very likely to be equivalent to a Canadian Bachelors.

I'd say have a go at IELTS, you may score well enough to be above 400 points and get a PNP nomination

My 2 cents!
 
One_Topsy said:
If you have a US bachelors, it's very likely to be equivalent to a Canadian Bachelors.

I'd say have a go at IELTS, you may score well enough to be above 400 points and get a PNP nomination

My 2 cents!
Click to expand...

But why spend 1500 extra when they can easily land a regular ITA next year after completing their Masters. That would be enough to push them over 450 given their language skills as demonstrated here plus the TEF trump card they hold.

Unless they are in a hurry to get their PR before graduation, I don't see any reason to donate those 1500 dollars to Ontario. :)
 
I agree with Asivad. Until you have the ECA and language results, that score is only an estimate. Even when I did have those done, when I did the free check on that site it gave me 25 points more than what I actually did have.
I've heard the French exam is really tough, tough enough that native French speakers struggle to get full marks. And I know plenty of native English speakers who didn't get full marks in IELTS too.
Given the above, I'd wait until you have your masters completed to create a profile to save on doing two assessments.
 
mcybr said:
Hello all! I am currently in sort of a dilemma. I have a Bachelors from the US + 3 years of work experience, and am currently working on getting my Masters - I graduate in September 2016. My dilemma is; should I submit my application now (I still need to take the IELTS, TEF and get my ECA certifications...). So my question is, should I submit my profile now, or wait till I have my Masters before submitting my profile? I know every profile is valid for a year, so I would like to give it my best shot. Plus I would hate to have to go through the ECA process twice (once for my Bachelors, and once again for my Masters)...On the other hand, who knows if the rules would become more stringent with time? Any suggestions/recommendations would be great!

Also, as an aside, is it worth it to take both the TEF and the IELTS? I am a native speaker of both French and English, which would help me point-wise. On the other hand, both exams are almost 600$... Is it worth it, really?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Mate, it's pretty simple. Use the online calculator and see your points. If you get higher than 450 then apply now, otherwise wait your MSc which will give extra 15 points I believe.
 
Asivad Anac said:
But why spend 1500 extra when they can easily land a regular ITA next year after completing their Masters. That would be enough to push them over 450 given their language skills as demonstrated here plus the TEF trump card they hold.

Unless they are in a hurry to get their PR before graduation, I don't see any reason to donate those 1500 dollars to Ontario. :)
Click to expand...

True! Was thinking the OP is a desperado - like me ;D
 
Thank you everyone for your responses! Purplesnow and Asnivad were especially helpful and realistic. I think those language tests will definitely be the clinchers. I will go ahead and prep to take them next month; if I get good enough scores, I will apply this year, otherwise, I will hold off on the 1500 donation to Ontario :P. I just think it would be great to be (more) set upon graduation, rather than spend an "idle" year trying to figure it all out...!
 
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