If you are applying for Canadian permanent residency (PR) through Express Entry as part of a couple, you need to know that you can list your spouse or common-law partner either as accompanying or non-accompanying on your application. This choice can affect your application process, CRS score, and how your partner becomes a PR.
Accompanying vs Non-Accompanying
You must always include your partner in your immigration application. Leaving them out is considered misrepresentation, which can lead to a refusal or even a ban from applying to Canada for five years.
- Accompanying: Your partner will be included in your PR application. If your application is successful, they will also get PR at the same time.
- Non-accompanying: Your partner is listed on the application but will not move to Canada immediately. If your application is approved, only you get PR.
Here’s a simple table to show the difference:
| Partner can get PR along with you | Partner must be admissible | Partner affects CRS Score for Express Entry | Partner is included in calculation of family size for settlement funds purposes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accompanying | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Non-accompanying | No | Yes | No | Yes |
When to List Your Partner as Non-Accompanying
IRCC allows you to list your partner as non-accompanying if there are valid reasons for them not moving to Canada at the same time. For example, your partner might have a stable job abroad or family responsibilities that prevent them from joining you immediately.
However, if your partner plans to move to Canada with you right away, do not list them as non-accompanying. Doing so falsely is considered misrepresentation and can result in your PR application being refused or a five-year ban on applying again.
How Listing a Partner Affects Your CRS Score
Your profile score under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) can change depending on whether you list your partner as accompanying or non-accompanying. The maximum points for core human capital + spousal factors is 500.
For example, Shannon is applying through the Canadian Experience Class:
- Shannon, 27 years old, has a master’s degree in biology, one year of Canadian work experience, one year of foreign work experience, and a CLB 9+ language score.
- Her husband Jeff, 32, has completed secondary school and has a CLB 6.
If Shannon lists Jeff as non-accompanying, her CRS score is 539, which is enough to qualify for recent CEC draws. If she lists him as accompanying, her score drops to 513, which may not meet the cut-off.
It is possible to list a partner as non-accompanying and then sponsor them later after you become a PR, but only do this if you truly intend for them not to move immediately. Using this strategy just to boost your CRS score without intent to separate is considered misrepresentation.
Situations That Can Cause Problems
- Partner already in Canada: If your partner is already living with you in Canada, listing them as non-accompanying is inconsistent and may trigger a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL).
- Adding a partner after submission: If you initially listed a partner as non-accompanying and later try to add them as accompanying, IRCC will reassess your application, recalculate your CRS score, and may question your honesty. Only do this if your marital status changed after submission.
Dos and Don’ts When Applying as a Couple
Don’ts:
- Don’t hide your partner. Always disclose them on your application.
- Don’t try to bypass inadmissibility issues by listing a partner as non-accompanying.
- Don’t give inconsistent information or submit misleading documents.
- Don’t try to add a partner after receiving an ITA unless there is a legitimate reason.
Dos:
- Submit accurate documents, including marriage certificates or proof of relationship.
- If you plan to sponsor your partner after becoming a PR, understand the Family Class sponsorship process. Sponsors must remain in Canada throughout the process.
Can Both Partners Apply Separately?
Yes. Both partners can submit their own Express Entry profiles, each listing the other as an accompanying spouse. Only one application moves forward once an ITA is received—usually the profile with the higher CRS score. The other can be withdrawn or allowed to expire. This can help if one partner qualifies for a special draw the other does not.
Q: Can I list my partner as non-accompanying to get a higher CRS score?
A: Only if your partner genuinely won’t be moving to Canada right away. Listing them dishonestly is considered misrepresentation.
Q: What happens if my partner joins me later?
A: You can sponsor them under the Family Class sponsorship process after you get PR.
Q: Can we both create separate profiles to improve chances?
A: Yes, as long as both profiles are accurate and only one application proceeds once an ITA is received.
Q: Does listing a partner as non-accompanying affect settlement funds?
A: Yes, your family size still counts for settlement funds, even if your partner is non-accompanying.
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