Including common-law spouse in EE application

[mwaddi]

Hi all,

Apologies if this has already been covered, but I couldn't find it being discussed anywhere...

Both my girlfriend (common-law partner) and I qualify for the Express Entry process, but should we;

a) Both apply separately and select YES when asked "Is your spouse/common-law partner included in this application?"
b) Both apply separately and select NO when asked "Is your spouse/common-law partner included in this application?"
c) Choose one of us to apply and select YES when asked "Is your spouse/common-law partner included in this application?"

We're both equal as far as points go, so there is no advantage to one of us applying above the other. It seems strange to link our applications by answering YES if we both should be making separate applications, but it also seems dishonest to say NO...

TIA,
Mathew

 

[Gregor.Samsa]

Option A or C are good


Option B It's a bad idea.

Better way is A, if finally you have the same score you can decide if delete one profile but not until be sure you have the same score.

 

[mwaddi]

Ok, so ultimately option C is the one to go for - thanks. I'm guessing if we kept both profiles "open", the worst that would happen is extra paperwork and fees. Not great, but better than one or both of us being denied / banned for misrepresentation...

Also, am I right in thinking that if I do include my girlfriend in the application and gain PR, she also gains PR at the same time? I.e. She wouldn't be gaining PR via sponsorship and wouldn't have to do any extra paperwork to gain PR (apart from proving things claimed on my application, of course)

 

[Dexmoody]

I don't think there is any benefit in choosing option A over option C. Just select the person with the highest CRS points and create one EE profile, with the remaining person being added as the common law partner.

If you have the exact same CRS score, go with the person for whom it will be easier to obtain work reference documents.

Also, am I right in thinking that if I do include my girlfriend in the application and gain PR, she also gains PR at the same time? I.e. She wouldn't be gaining PR via sponsorship and wouldn't have to do any extra paperwork to gain PR (apart from proving things claimed on my application, of course)

That is correct.

 

[Gregor.Samsa]

In my opinion the best option is create both profiles.

If finally CRS is the same you should decide wich application have more chances and delete the other profile.

Submit 2 applications is possible (double paperwork and fees) but useless, except in the case of have problems with one application.

So, better Create both profiles and submit only one application

 

[mwaddi]

Thanks a lot for the help!

In our specific situation we've decided the best course of action is to keep two profiles active (both answering YES to the above question) and if / when one gets an ITA, we'll withdraw the other. The reason is that although my girlfriend has more points (413 vs 408) neither is realistically enough to get an ITA without a job offer. So which profile we use will essentially come down to who gets the job offer first.

Then we need to start proving work experience, etc which (being self-employed) will be the fun part!

 

[Gregor.Samsa]

Thanks a lot for the help!

In our specific situation we've decided the best course of action is to keep two profiles active (both answering YES to the above question) and if / when one gets an ITA, we'll withdraw the other. The reason is that although my girlfriend has more points (413 vs 408) neither is realistically enough to get an ITA without a job offer. So which profile we use will essentially come down to who gets the job offer first.

Then we need to start proving work experience, etc which (being self-employed) will be the fun part!

Cool!

With this score your best shot is to get a Ontario PNP Invitation

We're expecting ITA score needed to be reduced this year under 450, but it's hard to say.

Good luck