Express Entry Rules For Couples With A Non-Accompanying Partner

If you and your spouse or common-law partner are applying for Canadian permanent residence (PR) through Express Entry, you will need to decide how to list your partner on the application. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires you to include your partner, but you have the option to declare them as either accompanying or non-accompanying.

This decision can have a big impact on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA), and even your long-term plans as a couple in Canada.

In this article, we’ll cover the Express Entry rules for couples with a non-accompanying partner. 

So, without further ado, let us begin!

Understanding Accompanying vs. Non-Accompanying Partners

One of the first things to understand is that you cannot simply “leave out” your partner from an immigration application. Regardless of whether your partner plans to move to Canada with you or not, they must be declared.

Failing to disclose a partner amounts to misrepresentation, which is taken very seriously by IRCC. Misrepresentation can lead to:

• Immediate refusal of your application
• A five-year ban from reapplying for Canadian immigration.

So, you must always declare your partner. The difference lies in whether you choose to list them as accompanying or non-accompanying.

• Accompanying Partner: Your spouse or partner is included in your PR application and, if the application is successful, they become a permanent resident at the same time as you.
• Non-Accompanying Partner: Your spouse or partner is declared on your application, but they will not be immigrating to Canada with you at that time. If your application is successful, only you will receive PR.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Listing Your Partner As Non-Accompanying

One of the Express Entry rules for couples with a non-accompanying partner is to rule your partner as one. 

IRCC gives applicants the option to list their spouse or common-law partner as non-accompanying.

When you do this, you’re essentially saying that your partner will not be moving to Canada at the same time as you.

This choice can make sense in certain situations. For example:

• Your partner has an established career abroad and needs to stay for professional reasons.
• Your partner has family responsibilities that prevent them from relocating right away.
• You and your partner want to stagger the move so one of you can settle and prepare before the other joins later.

That said, you should only list a partner as non-accompanying if this is genuinely the case. If your true intention is for both of you to immigrate together, declaring your partner as non-accompanying simply to boost your CRS score would be considered misrepresentation.

Misrepresentation can not only get your application refused but also result in a five-year ban from Canadian immigration. IRCC may request proof of your reasoning, and you’ll need a legitimate explanation for why your partner is not accompanying you.

How A Partner Impacts CRS Scores In Express Entry?

The decision to list a partner as accompanying or non-accompanying can directly affect your CRS score.

Why? Because CRS scoring takes into account both core human capital factors (such as your age, education, language proficiency, and work experience) and spousal factors (your partner’s qualifications in these areas).

• With a partner listed as accompanying, points are distributed between both of you, and your partner’s qualifications can either strengthen or lower the score.
• With a non-accompanying partner, the calculation is based solely on your own qualifications.

Here’s how the scoring framework works:

• In both cases, the maximum CRS points available in the combined category of human capital + spousal factors is 500.
• Whether your score is higher or lower depends on your partner’s profile.

Risky Situations When Listing A Partner As Non-Accompanying

As we are discussing Express Entry rules for couples with a non-accompanying partner, you must also know certain problematic scenarios for listing a non-accompanying partner. 

While it is allowed, there are some situations where listing your partner as non-accompanying can create problems.

• If your partner is already in Canada

1. 1. • Declaring your partner as non-accompanying while they are physically living with you in Canada contradicts your claim.
      • IRCC officers may issue a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) to question the inconsistency.

• If you add your partner after submission

1. • Changing your partner’s status after submission (from non-accompanying to accompanying) can trigger a reassessment of your entire application.
   • This includes a recalculation of your CRS score, additional eligibility checks, and potential suspicion of misrepresentation.
   • The only acceptable reason to add a partner after submission is if your marital status legitimately changed (e.g., you got married during the process).

Once you’ve declared your partner as non-accompanying, you should stick with that choice unless there’s a genuine life change that requires otherwise.

Dos And Don’ts For Couples Applying Via Express Entry

Don’ts

• Never Fail To Disclose A Partner: Even if you are separated or your partner is not moving with you, they must be declared.
• Don’t Use Non-Accompanying Status To Bypass Inadmissibility: If your partner is inadmissible (due to medical, criminal, or immigration issues), declaring them as non-accompanying will not hide the issue. IRCC still assesses their admissibility.
• Avoid Inconsistencies: Make sure your marital status and relationship information is the same across all forms and documents.
• Don’t Mislead With Documents: Submitting incomplete or inaccurate evidence of your relationship can raise red flags.
• Don’t Make Unnecessary Changes After ITA: Adding your partner as accompanying after ITA without a legitimate change in status can damage your application.

Dos

• Provide Complete Documentation: Always include your marriage certificate, proof of ongoing relationship, and a clear Letter of Explanation (LoE).
• Be Transparent: Clearly explain why your partner is non-accompanying if that’s your decision.
• Research Family Class Sponsorship: If you plan to sponsor your partner later, understand that as the sponsor you must remain physically in Canada during the process.

Final Thoughts

For couples, deciding whether to list a spouse as accompanying or non-accompanying in an Express Entry application is a major decision with both short-term and long-term consequences.

While it can sometimes improve your CRS score to list your partner as non-accompanying, you should only do so if that truly reflects your circumstances. Misrepresentation is not worth the risk of refusal or a five-year ban.

If your ultimate goal is to settle in Canada together, consider whether sponsorship after landing may be a better strategy. Above all, remain honest and consistent in your application, and provide thorough documentation to support your case.

With careful planning and transparency, couples can navigate Express Entry successfully and start their journey toward building a life in Canada together.

CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.