Wow! That's impressive!I'm on the same boat as you are. If I can give you an advice: have you thought about trying to attempt TCF/TEF to get "just enough points"? I mean, you might not need a B2 in all skills. Most people achieve C1 on CO and CE before they achieve B2 on EO/EE.
Take my example:
30 yrs old, 2 Engineer Degrees, IELTS (9, 8.5, 7.5, 7.5) on first attempt as well, and 6-yrs of professional experience: 469 (would be 474 if I had 29 yr).
Around December I started learning french as well... On March 9th I did my TCF Canada test, and got 505 for CO & 502 for CE (which means CLB8 for both skills), which gave me 6+ extra points. That's what happened with less than 4 months of studies!
That TCF result was just enough to increase my CRS to 475. If I had got 525/524 on CE/CO, I would got CLB9, and would have 481 right now! Now, notice: I got Z-E-R-O points for EO/EE. Zero.
If it wouldn't be for the COVID-19, I would have my ITA now.
And... on June 6th I'll lose 5 points (birthday), and will go back to 470 (which I don't think will be enough for FSW once the regular draws are brought back). But, I'm not scared. I continue to study french every single day, and I'll attempt TCF again once the test returns to its normal schedule. I'll get CLB9 in both CE/CO and possibly a CLB5 on EO, which will allow me to return do 477.
Also, achieving a high level of french might be a great way to start a career within the Canadian Government. Outside of Quebec, less than 16% of Canadians speak both English and French, if you can do it, I believe employers will value that.
Thank you so much for this exposition. To be honest I never really looked at it from that angle, I just had my eyes on B2 at least to be able to gain those coveted 42 points.
It's interesting to see what you achieved in 4 months because that's within the timeline I set for myself(4-6 months) with intensive study and immersion.
I doubt you will be needing to write another TCF but at the same time it's so comforting to know that whatever happens you will be fine because you have a solid back-up plan. That's the beauty of the time and effort you put into it.
French is a lovely language to know and I am excited to see how all these hardwork will pay off in Canada. More power to you, you have greatly inspired and encouraged me. Thanks a lot for your advice.