Prep Stories by PrepMeWell is a series where past students share how they prepared for their proficiency exams, what worked, and how it shaped their journey to Canada and beyond.
If you have been told that IELTS takes multiple attempts to pass or that the road to Canadian PR is too complicated to navigate, then Sandra’s story is worth reading.
Here is how it happened.
How did your Canada PR journey begin?
It started in late 2024 after a friend and colleague moved to Canada. I reached out to ask about the pathway he took, and he connected me with an agent who seemed to have all the answers and said everything I wanted to hear. He promised a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) job offer, accommodation, covered travel expenses, and a fast route to permanent residency. He said the entire process would cost ₦7 million, with an initial ₦4 million deposit.
Deep down, I knew it sounded too good to be true, but desperation is such a powerful emotion. I ignored the red flags and trusted the referral because I really wanted the process to work. My family and I eventually paid the ₦4 million deposit.
But weeks turned into months, and the updates never changed. The agent kept saying he was waiting for the employer’s LMIA letter. When I asked for a refund, he blocked my number.
That was when I realized I had been scammed. I later found out that my supposed friend had come to Canada on a study visa, not the work permit he had claimed he used.
After a lot of back and forth and pressure from my family, we managed to recover ₦3 million, but ₦1 million was gone. So was the time, trust, and energy I had put into the process. I was emotionally and financially drained, and back at the beginning.
How did things change after that?
My mom eventually connected me with an immigration expert, KC a.k.a Lyrical from PrepMeWell, through someone she trusted.
At first, I was skeptical because of my previous experience. I remember saying, “Agents again? Will it work? Those people are always after money.”
However, the first conversation felt different right away. He asked detailed questions about my profile, explained the Express Entry process clearly, and gave me a realistic breakdown of what I needed, including my IELTS score, WES evaluation, proof of funds, and other requirements. From the conversation, he sounded like someone who really knew his onions.
There were no exaggerated promises or pressure. Everything was transparent and properly explained.
For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was finally moving in the right direction.
What was the next step you took?
The IELTS exam and my biggest fear was having to retake the exam. I had heard too many stories of multiple attempts before getting the required score, and I was not mentally or financially prepared to fail. I knew I needed to take the preparation seriously and pass on my first attempt.
Lyrical recommended that I enrol in PrepMeWell’s one-month IELTS class. He explained that if I stayed committed to the classes and practised consistently, one month could be enough.
That was exactly what I did.
How did you prepare in just 4 weeks?
I joined the PrepMeWell IELTS classes and started preparing immediately.
My tutor, Madam Boluwatife, was exceptional. She explained every part of the exam thoroughly and never rushed through any topic. If something was unclear, she made sure it was clear before moving on.
The classes helped me understand what the examiners were looking for, how to structure my answers properly, and how to avoid common mistakes. I also practised consistently outside class and followed all the guidance I was given.
My confidence increased after every class, and by the time I sat for the exam, I already felt like, “I don finish work.”
4 weeks later, I passed.
Can you give us a breakdown of your band score?
I had 9.0 in Listening, 9.0 in Reading, 8.0 in Speaking, and 8.0 in Writing, with an overall band score of 8.5.
I was extremely happy with the result because it reflected the effort I had put into preparing. The classes, practice sessions, and guidance were worth it.
What happened after your IELTS results?
My IELTS score gave me a strong advantage in the Express Entry process.
After my WES evaluation came through, I entered the Express Entry pool with a CRS score of 481. Since the draw scores at the time were still higher, Lyrical suggested I begin PrepMeWell’s French classes as a backup plan to improve my CRS score further.
A few months later, while I was attending one of the French classes, I saw news that the CRS cutoff for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) draw had dropped below 470. I sent it to Lyrical immediately, and his response was, “Welcome to Canada.” I knelt and screamed. After months of stress, uncertainty, and prayers, my first thought was, so God is really on my matter.
How was the waiting process after submitting your application?
The waiting period was honestly one of the hardest parts of the journey.
After submitting my application and completing my biometrics, I waited months for updates. Although I knew the process could take time, the silence still made me anxious.
At one point, I was told to submit another document, and that made me panic. But Lyrical calmly explained exactly what I needed to do, and helped me respond properly.
Then the waiting continued.
What was your reaction when you finally got approved?
One evening, I received a notification that my application had been updated.
I logged into my portal nervously and saw an information letter. It didn’t look like the approval updates I had seen others post online, and for a moment I thought something had gone wrong.
But when I opened the letter, it was my approval.
I completely broke down. I fell to my knees, I could not stop the tears, and I just kept reading the letter over and over again because I could not believe it was real. After everything — the scam, the lost money, starting all over — it had finally worked out.
That is one moment I will never forget.
What would you say to someone currently preparing for IELTS?
I would say that PrepMeWell tutors know this exam inside out. They know exactly where most candidates fall short, whether it is Writing Task 1, speaking fluency, or reading under time pressure, and they don’t give you generic advice. They look at where you are specifically struggling and give you targeted strategies that are personalised to you.
With this level of preparation, one month can be enough. You just have to stay committed and keep showing up, even when things feel uncertain.
Don’t let one bad result stop you from trying again. Sometimes, the right guidance is all it takes to change your story completely.
Sarah E.O
Are you planning to take the IELTS?
If you want to pass on your first try, just like our students do, send us a message today. We’ll help you with registration, preparation, and everything you need to hit your target band score.
