Documentation Checklist for a Married Principal Applicant

[CICEXEN]

Dear all,

I am considering to start an application under Express Entry program. I am married and have 2 years old son.

My spouse does not speak English/French so I won't be able to claim any points for her language proficiency and Canadian work experience. I only can claim up to 10 points for her level of education as far as I know.

The question is: Would I be better off applying without her? Because I could simply offset those 10 points she would have earned me by 10 more points for my age if I applied w/o spouse.

Also, applying without spouse would only mean I refuse the points she could add and she is ok to immigrate if my application has met all requirements and I am granted a pr?! Or does it have other benefits that I overlooked?!

I am fairly new to this program and have not had enough time and/or credentials to research it thoroughly, I would highly appreciate any help from the experts in this mater.

Thank you in advance.

 

[kaddu747]

You probably are better off applying w/o her. However, once in the Canada you will need to sponsor your wife and son at a later time to have them join you.

 

[istari]

Just confirming what dan_and has said.
Sponsoring your spouse after you've received PR apparently takes at least 18 months.

 

[CICEXEN]

Thank you all for quick and elaborate answers.

If this is the case, can I create the profile and submit it before I turn 31 (late September), and update my profile when I get ECA from WES for my spouse to claim maximum points for both my age and her education level?!

I am just trying to maximize the points I could get.

Thank you in advance,

 

[CICEXEN]

Dan,

Do my points get re-calculated before each round of invitations? I was thinking whatever the point you scored entering the pool will be fixed until application expires?!

 

[CICEXEN]

No, your points are not fixed. This can work in your favour, e.g. when you you want to update your profile due to a better IELTS test results or with your wife's ECA.

But it also works in reverse. Your score will be automatically reduced when you have a birthday (if that birthday puts you into a lower points bracket).

What matters for the ITA is the exact score you had at the date and time of the draw.

Also remember, you are not "applying". You are creating a profile that expresses your interest in becoming a PR. It's not an application.

That is a very helpful and informative post. Thank you indeed Dan, you have been a great help.