The Partner Question in Express Entry One Choice Creates Two Different Outcomes

Your decision can raise or lower your score and alter how the system reviews your application.

Navigating Canadian immigration can feel overwhelming, especially when applying as a couple. For those planning to apply for permanent residence (PR) through Express Entry in London, ON, one of the most critical choices is whether to list your spouse or common-law partner as accompanying or non-accompanying.

This choice affects how Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) views your application, your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and ultimately, your chances of securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Couples often underestimate the power of this single designation.

This guide breaks down:

• The difference between accompanying and non-accompanying partners.
• When it makes sense to list a partner as non-accompanying.
• How CRS scoring works for couples in Express Entry in London, ON.
• Common pitfalls to avoid and best practices to follow.

Accompanying vs Non-Accompanying Partners

When applying for Express Entry in London, ON, declaring your partner is not optional. Omitting them is considered misrepresentation and could lead to refusal or even a five-year immigration ban. Applicants must decide between two designations:

• Accompanying: You include your partner in your PR application, and if approved, both of you receive permanent residence at the same time.
• Non-accompanying: Your partner is acknowledged in your application but does not accompany you. If you succeed, you gain PR while your partner does not.

	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

This table highlights how, even if a partner is non-accompanying, they must still meet admissibility standards.

Listing a Partner as Non-Accompanying

IRCC allows couples to list a partner as non-accompanying. This option is suitable in scenarios where the partner has professional responsibilities abroad, family commitments, or other reasons that prevent immediate relocation.

However, couples using Express Entry in London, ON must be cautious. If both spouses intend to live together in Canada, but one is declared non-accompanying, this could be deemed misrepresentation. The consequences are severe: refusal of PR and potentially a five-year ban.

How CRS Scores Are Affected

The CRS is at the heart of Express Entry in London, ON. Listing a partner as accompanying or not changes how the system calculates your score. Core human capital and spousal factors together carry up to 500 points. A partner’s education, work history, and language skills may either strengthen or weaken the overall profile.

Example Scenario:

Shannon is 27, holding a Canadian master’s degree in Biology, with one year of Canadian work experience and one year of foreign work experience, and a CLB 9+ in language proficiency.

Her husband, Jeff, is 32 years old, holds a high school education, has no Canadian work experience, and has a CLB 6.

• If Jeff is non-accompanying, Shannon’s CRS is 539—high enough for recent Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws.
• If Jeff is accompanying, her CRS drops to 513, below the current CEC cut-offs.

This example illustrates how non-accompanying status can increase a score; however, applicants in Express Entry in London, ON, must only make this choice if it accurately reflects reality—using it solely as a strategy risks misrepresentation.

Problematic Scenarios That Raise Concerns

Couples must tread carefully, as some situations automatically draw attention from IRCC:

1. Partner already in Canada – If your partner is living with you in Canada while declared non-accompanying, this contradicts your application and may trigger a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL).
2. Adding a partner post-submission – If you initially declare a partner as non-accompanying and later attempt to add them, IRCC will reassess your CRS and review your eligibility. This is only acceptable when there’s a legitimate life change, such as a new marriage, during the process.

Applicants using Express Entry in London, ON, should ensure their file remains consistent to avoid procedural delays or refusal.

Dos and Don’ts for Couples Applying Through Express Entry

Don’ts

• Never omit a partner from the application.
• Do not try to bypass inadmissibility by listing a partner as non-accompanying.
• Avoid inconsistent marital or relationship details across applications.
• Do not submit misleading or incomplete documentation about your relationship.
• Refrain from changing partner status after receiving an ITA unless a genuine life event justifies it.

Dos

• Provide accurate, well-supported documentation such as marriage certificates and Letters of Explanation.
• Familiarize yourself with Family Class sponsorship rules if planning to sponsor a partner after arrival. Sponsors must remain physically in Canada during this process.
• Carefully review the impact of your partner’s profile on CRS scoring before finalizing their status.

Couples who follow these guidelines when applying through Express Entry in London, ON, reduce the risk of complications and delays.

Can Both Partners Create Express Entry Profiles

Yes. Both partners may submit separate profiles while listing each other as spouses. For example, Mary can be the principal applicant in one profile. At the same time, Bob creates his own as the principal applicant in another.

Immigration authorities issue an ITA, the more substantial profile proceeds, and the applicant withdraws the other profile. This can be particularly useful in Express Entry in London, ON, where one partner might qualify under a specific draw, such as those targeting French-language skills or in-demand occupations.

This dual-profile approach provides couples with flexibility while still complying with IRCC regulations.

Best Practices for Couples Using Express Entry in London, ON

1. Be transparent in all declarations to IRCC.
2. Assess CRS outcomes carefully before finalizing partner status.
3. Prepare for possible Family Class sponsorship if your partner plans to join later.
4. Maintain updated and consistent relationship documentation.
5. Consider submitting separate profiles to maximize opportunities.

Applicants who follow these practices often find the process smoother and more predictable.

Moving Forward

Applying for Canadian permanent residence as a couple requires thoughtful planning, particularly when choosing to list a partner as accompanying or non-accompanying. This single decision influences CRS scoring, admissibility checks, and the overall outcome of Express Entry in London, ON applications. Couples should balance strategy with transparency. Listing a partner as non-accompanying may improve CRS points. Still, you should only do it when it genuinely reflects your living plans. Equally, failing to disclose a partner or attempting to manipulate status invites scrutiny and potential refusal.

Our firm works closely with couples to guide them through each stage of the process, helping them build strong, compliant applications that accurately reflect their circumstances, for anyone preparing to apply through Express Entry in London, ON, precise planning and accurate information are key to success.

Suppose you need support in navigating this process with Confidence. Neev Immigration can guide you professionally and handle every detail with care.