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Express Entry for Couples
August 18, 2025
August 18, 2025

Express Entry for Couples: Accompanying vs Non-Accompanying

Author By Team Sayal Categories Canada Immigration

Express Entry for Couples: Should You List Your Partner?

For many couples, applying for Canada Permanent Residency (PR) through Express Entry is both exciting and nerve-wracking. One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to list your spouse or partner as “accompanying” or “non-accompanying.” This choice can influence your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, your proof of funds requirement, and even your timeline to reunite in Canada. At Sayal Immigration, we’ve helped hundreds of families navigate this very question—and each case can look a little different. Let’s break it down in simple, practical terms.

What Does “Accompanying” vs “Non-Accompanying” Mean?

When you create your Express Entry profile, you’ll be asked if your spouse or common-law partner is coming with you to Canada right away. 👉 Official definition: IRCC – Express Entry overview.

How Your Decision Impacts CRS Points

Here’s the catch: your CRS score can change depending on whether your partner is listed as accompanying.
  • If your spouse has strong English or French skills, higher education, or Canadian work experience, you may score more points by listing them as accompanying.
  • If your spouse has lower scores, you may benefit by listing them as non-accompanying—since your own profile is assessed as the “principal applicant.”
At Sayal Immigration, we often see couples in Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton debate this. Our role as an Immigration Consultant in Canada is to calculate both scenarios and see which gives you the best chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Settlement Funds: A Key Consideration

When applying for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades programs, you must show proof of settlement funds unless you have a valid job offer or are applying under Canadian Experience Class.
  • If your partner is accompanying, you’ll need to show funds for both of you.
  • If they’re non-accompanying, you only need to show funds for yourself.
👉 Check the official table here: IRCC – Settlement Funds Requirements. One of our clients in Kitchener saved months of delay by listing her spouse as non-accompanying. This lowered her required funds, helped her application move forward, and she later sponsored her spouse to join her in Canada.

Can You Sponsor Your Spouse Later?

Yes. Even if you list your spouse as non-accompanying, you can still sponsor them once you land in Canada as a permanent resident.
  • You’ll apply through the Family Class Sponsorship Program.
  • Processing typically takes 12 months (though timelines vary).
  • Your spouse will need to undergo medical exams and background checks just like any other applicant.
👉 Official guide: IRCC – Spouse/Common-law Sponsorship Guide. At Sayal Immigration, our Immigration Consultant in Scarborough often advises couples on this pathway, especially when maximizing CRS points is the first priority.

Risks of Misrepresentation

A word of caution: never try to hide your marriage or relationship status. If you fail to declare your spouse—even if they’re not immigrating with you—it can be considered misrepresentation. 👉 See: IRCC – Misrepresentation in Immigration Applications. Misrepresentation can lead to a 5-year ban from applying for immigration programs. The safest option is to declare your spouse truthfully, then strategically decide whether to include them as accompanying or not.

Which Option is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are some scenarios:
  • Spouse has high CRS factors (education, language, Canadian work): List as accompanying.
  • Spouse has weaker CRS factors, but you need higher score to qualify: List as non-accompanying.
  • Couple facing financial pressure to meet proof of funds: Non-accompanying may lower settlement fund requirements.
We’ve worked with families in London Ontario and Mississauga who faced this very decision. Some chose to immigrate together, while others delayed a spouse’s move by a year but ultimately reunited in Canada. Both paths can work—with the right strategy.

FAQs on Express Entry Couples

1. Can I switch my spouse from non-accompanying to accompanying after receiving PR? No, but you can sponsor them later through spousal sponsorship. 2. Do I need to show extra funds if my spouse is not immigrating? No, settlement funds are based only on the number of accompanying family members. 3. Will listing my spouse as non-accompanying affect our relationship status? Not at all. You’ll still declare them as your spouse; the difference is only in their initial move. 4. What if my spouse is medically inadmissible? Sometimes applicants list their spouse as non-accompanying to avoid refusal. Each case should be reviewed carefully. 5. Should I get professional advice before deciding? Yes. Because the CRS score and proof of funds requirements change every year, an experienced Immigration Consultant in Toronto or Immigration Consultant in Brampton can guide you.

Final Thoughts

Immigrating as a couple through Express Entry is one of the most important choices you’ll make. Whether you decide on an accompanying or non-accompanying partner depends on your CRS profile, settlement funds, and family goals. At Sayal Immigration, we provide personalized guidance for couples across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Kitchener, London Ontario, and Scarborough. With years of experience as trusted Immigration Consultants in Canada, we help you choose the right path, avoid mistakes, and reunite your family in Canada successfully.  
Sponsor Your Spouse to Canada
March 24, 2025
March 24, 2025

How to Sponsor Your Spouse to Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide

Author By Team Sayal Categories Canada Immigration

Canadian Spousal Sponsorship: How to Reunite with Your Partner in Canada

Building a life together is important, but immigration barriers can make it challenging for couples separated by borders. If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident looking to sponsor your spouse, you might be wondering:

  • Do I meet the eligibility criteria?
  • How long will it take?
  • What documents do I need?
  • What if my application is rejected?

Many couples face delays due to missing paperwork or misunderstandings about eligibility. With strict rules in place, a simple mistake can set your plans back by months. That’s why seeking guidance from an immigration consultant in Canada can be a game-changer in making the process smoother and stress-free.

Submit the Assessment Form to Discover your Eligibility

Common Reasons for Spousal Sponsorship Delays or Rejections

Consider Raj and Priya, a couple navigating Canada’s spousal sponsorship process. Raj, a Canadian citizen, applied to sponsor Priya, who lived in India. Despite submitting the necessary documents, their application faced a year-long delay because they didn’t provide enough proof of their relationship.

Similarly, Lisa and Mark, another couple, had their application rejected because they misunderstood the financial requirements. Unfortunately, these cases aren’t rare. Missing relationship proof, incomplete paperwork, and financial ineligibility are some of the most common reasons why sponsorship applications are delayed or denied. But with careful planning and professional help from an immigration consultant in Mississauga, you can avoid these roadblocks.

Who Can Sponsor Their Spouse?

To qualify as a sponsor, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Prove that you can financially support your spouse.
  • Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability support).

If you’re a permanent resident, you must live in Canada while sponsoring your spouse. However, Canadian citizens living abroad can apply if they plan to return to Canada once their spouse’s PR is approved.

For the latest updates on sponsorship requirements, visit the IRCC official website.

What Type of Relationship Qualifies?

Canada recognizes three types of relationships for spousal sponsorship:

  • Spouse: You are legally married.
  • Common-law Partner: You have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months.
  • Conjugal Partner: You have been in a committed relationship for 12+ months but cannot live together due to reasons beyond your control (e.g., immigration laws, cultural restrictions).

A strong application includes photos, financial documents, travel history, and communication records to prove that your relationship is genuine. If you’re unsure what to include, an immigration consultant in Toronto can help you build a solid case.

Should You Apply for Inland or Outland Sponsorship?

Understanding the right sponsorship pathway is crucial:

  • Inland Sponsorship: If your spouse is already in Canada on a valid visa, they can apply for an Open Work Permit while their sponsorship is processed.
  • Outland Sponsorship: If your spouse is living outside Canada, they must wait for PR approval before relocating. This option allows appeals if the application is refused.

How to Apply for Spousal Sponsorship

1. Collect Your Documents

Your application must include:

  • Sponsorship forms (IMM 1344, IMM 5532, etc.).
  • Relationship proof (photos, bank statements, travel history, chat logs).
  • Identity documents (passports, marriage certificates, etc.).
  • Police clearance and medical exam reports.
  • Financial documents proving you can support your spouse.

Even a minor mistake can cause delays, so double-check everything or consult an immigration consultant in Brampton for expert review.

2. Submit Your Application & Wait for Processing

Processing times vary based on location:

  • Spouses inside Canada: 12-15 months
  • Spouses outside Canada: 10-14 months
  • Quebec applicants: 34-36 months

If IRCC has concerns about your application, they may request additional documents or schedule an interview. Providing strong evidence can reduce the chances of extra scrutiny.

3. Financial Responsibilities of a Sponsor

When your spouse becomes a permanent resident, you must support them financially for three years, even if your relationship ends. Before applying, make sure you’re financially prepared for this commitment.

4. Avoid These Mistakes That Can Delay Your Application

Some common errors that lead to delays or rejections include:

  • Not enough relationship proof (lack of joint documents, few photos, etc.).
  • Incomplete or incorrect forms.
  • Not meeting financial requirements.
  • Criminal or medical inadmissibility issues.

To prevent delays, refer to Canada’s immigration guide for detailed instructions.

What Happens in a Spousal Sponsorship Interview?

If IRCC has doubts about your relationship, they may request an interview. Expect questions like:

  • How did you meet your spouse?
  • What are their daily habits?
  • How do you stay in touch?
  • Have you met each other’s family?

Giving honest, consistent answers and backing them up with documentation will help ensure a successful outcome.

Why Work with an Immigration Consultant?

The spousal sponsorship process can be complicated, with ever-changing policies and detailed paperwork. Working with an experienced spousal sponsorship immigration consultant in Canada can make a significant difference.

At Sayal Immigration, we help couples reunite by:

✔ Evaluating your eligibility.

✔ Ensuring all paperwork is complete and accurate.

✔ Guiding you through the interview process.

✔ Keeping track of your application status.

If you’re looking for expert advice from an immigration consultant in Mississauga, our team is here to help.

Take Action Now!

Time is precious when you’re waiting to be with your loved one. A small mistake can cost months of delay.

Contact Sayal Immigration today and start your sponsorship journey with confidence!

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