What steps to take to increase chances of invitation for Canadian PR

[Ravi Natarajan]

I am a software engineer with 15 years of experience.
I hold both masters and bachelor degree.
I am married and currently 41 year old and will turn 42 in June.
In IELTS, I have scored CLB 8.
I do not have close relatives/friends in Canada to to gain points using relationship factor.

With the above data, my total score is 315 (without spouse) and 318 (with spouse)
I thought of increasing my IELTS score, but even if I score CLB 10, I think, I will end up with total score of 409(without spouse) and 408 (with spouse).

With the 409 score, I think, I have zero or very minimum chances to get the Express Entry invitation.
I am not sure about my chances of getting invitation through the PNP provision.

I am looking for some advise on what should I to do increase the chances of getting the invitation either through Express Entry or PNP.

Will learning French instead of scoring IELTS CLB 10 will increase the probability,or
Learn some technologies which is in demand in Canada in Information Technology field.

Please advise.

 

[bellaluna]

It's really only PNPs, IMO. It's only January, so most PNPs are still closed while waiting for the 2019 immigration quota to be finalized. Start checking around March.

It will take you several years of learning French to get to the level where you can reasonably earn points for it.

 

[Ravi Natarajan]

Thanks @bellaluna for your reply. I am not sure what is IMO, can you elaborate on that.

Also,
1. Will it benefit anyway if I try to increase my IELTS score from 8 to 10?
2. I am not new to French, but i need to practice on improving it. Will having French score will give any preference in the PNP nomination.
3. With my current situation, should I give priority to English or French?