Remove spouse from my application

[brusselsprouts]

I have filed joint PR application for me and my wife. Due to Covid, all PR processing is slowed down so it has taken longer than usual this year, but I'm nearing the end of the process now.

I'm in Vancouver on a visa and the wife is in Pakistan. This was an arranged marriage, I have been married a year, and we no longer get along. I have just asked for a divorce (and would like to remarry later), but this is all pending.

I've gotten some conflicting advice from my lawyer. She says that if I remove my wife from the sponsorship now, then my file may take several more years because it'll get re-inserted into the queue and may require investigation. She also says that I should be honest about the fact that I don't get along with my wife anymore and have asked for a divorce. However, I am not sure how this will go down... will my file be delayed by Canada pending the status of my divorce? Or will she be given the sponsorship because I applied for us both as married, so she is owed a sponsorship because we are still technically married, and she is my responsibility now.

 

[primaprime]

Are you applying for PR through Express Entry or for spousal sponsorship?

 

[brusselsprouts]

Are you applying for PR through Express Entry or for spousal sponsorship?

Express Entry. I have completed my masters in Canada. Spouse has same masters in Pak and I applied for her as my wife when I submitted my application

 

[primaprime]

You're going to have to update your file and it will likely slow down your processing time.

 

[brusselsprouts]

You're going to have to update your file and it will likely slow down your processing time.

Should I update my file now or wait until my interview is called or divorce is completed, whichever happens first? Is there a benefit in waiting until my divorce is on paper and then updating?