Immigrating as a Couple via Express Entry
A Visual Guide to Listing a Partner as "Non-Accompanying"
The Strategic Choice: Accompanying vs. Non-Accompanying
When applying as a couple, you must declare your partner. The key decision is whether they will immigrate *with* you (accompanying) or *after* you (non-accompanying). This choice has significant impacts on your application, score, and timeline.
✅ Accompanying Partner
- ✔️ Both partners get Permanent Residence (PR) together.
- ✔️ Partner's qualifications (education, language) contribute points to the CRS score.
- ✔️ A simpler path to starting your new life in Canada as a family.
⚠️ Non-Accompanying Partner
- ✔️ Only the main applicant gets PR initially.
- ✔️ Principal applicant is scored as 'single', potentially yielding a higher CRS score.
- ✔️ Partner can be sponsored for PR later, after a significant waiting period.
The CRS Score Dilemma
The primary motivation for choosing the "non-accompanying" route is to maximize the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The system awards points differently if you apply as a single individual versus with a partner, especially if the partner's credentials are not as strong.
This chart illustrates how CRS points are allocated. An applicant scored as 'single' can gain more points from their own credentials, whereas an 'accompanying' spouse's points are added separately, slightly reducing the principal applicant's maximum potential from core factors.
The Golden Rule: Declaration is Mandatory
You must always declare your spouse or common-law partner, even if they are not accompanying you. Hiding your relationship status is considered misrepresentation.
CONSEQUENCE OF MISREPRESENTATION:
5-YEAR
BAN FROM CANADA
Non-Accompanying Partner's Checklist
Even though they are not immigrating with you, your non-accompanying partner must undergo mandatory checks to ensure they are admissible to Canada. This is crucial for preserving your right to sponsor them in the future.
Medical Examination (IME)
Must be completed by an IRCC-approved panel physician. This is required to prove they are not medically inadmissible.
Police Certificates
Required from every country where they have lived for 6+ consecutive months since age 18. This checks for criminal inadmissibility.
Biometrics
Fingerprints and a photo may be required if requested by IRCC for identity verification.
The Two Paths to Reunification: A Timeline Comparison
Path A: Accompanying
VS
Path B: Non-Accompanying
The Letter of Explanation (LoE)
If choosing the non-accompanying route, a strong, truthful LoE is highly recommended. You must provide a valid reason why your partner cannot immigrate with you at this time. IRCC scrutinizes applications where the only apparent reason is to gain more CRS points.
✅ Valid Reasons
- 👍 Significant job or business commitments abroad.
- 👍 Urgent caregiving duties for family members.
- 👍 Finishing a degree or other personal commitment.
❌ Reasons That Trigger Scrutiny
- 👎 No reason given, just listing as non-accompanying.
- 👎 Partner is already living with you in Canada on a temporary visa.
- 👎 The only logical explanation is to boost the CRS score.
Key Pillars of a Successful Application
Navigating this process requires careful planning and honesty. Success hinges on three core principles. Ensure your application is built on this foundation to avoid refusal and future complications with sponsorship.
