Canada’s immigration system gives higher scores to single applicants. To improve their chances, some married individuals choose to apply without including their spouse in the application.
Canada’s immigration system gives an edge to single applicants. Under the points-based Express Entry system, being single can add up to 40 extra points out of 600. These points can make a big difference in securing permanent residency (PR).
Many married candidates are choosing to apply as “single” by listing their spouse as non-accompanying. This is a legal option under the rules. It means the spouse will not move to Canada at the same time but might join later.
Immigration lawyer Matthew Jeffery says this strategy makes sense in some cases. If a spouse has low education, poor English or French skills, or no relevant work experience, they may lower the applicant’s overall score.
“To avoid losing points as a result of a poorly qualified spouse, an applicant can list their spouse as non-accompanying,” Jeffery explained.
Immigration consultant Mandeep Lidher says this approach is widely used. “Married applicants face a systemic disadvantage,” he said. “This option is legal and supported by the system.”
He explained that it’s not cheating. “It only becomes a problem if someone lies,” Lidher said. “As long as the applicant is truthful about their marital status and intent, it’s allowed.”
The Canadian immigration department knows about this strategy. Officials sometimes send warning letters if they suspect the applicant is misrepresenting their case.
In one example, a married applicant living in Canada with their spouse listed them as “non-accompanying.” A Canadian immigration officer expressed “serious concerns” in a letter sent in April 2025.
“You earn more points if you don’t have a spouse or if they are not coming with you,” the officer wrote. “It appears you would not have met the score if your spouse was included.”
Getting PR in Canada has become harder. In 2025, the government plans to cut its immigration targets from 500,000 to 395,000. Targets will keep dropping to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027.
With fewer spots available, the competition is tight. On June 12, 2025, the lowest-scoring person to get selected had 529 points. Just four years ago, the cutoff was 368.
The Express Entry system uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). It scores applicants on age, education, work experience, and language ability.
Toronto-based immigration consultant Kubeir Kamal said honesty is key. “If you are being truthful, listing a spouse as non-accompanying is fine. But if you lie, you can be banned or have your application rejected,” Kamal warned.
The immigration department confirmed its strict stance. “Misrepresentation includes giving false details or hiding facts,” said a spokesperson. “If you declare your spouse is not coming, but you plan to bring them, it may be counted as misrepresentation.”
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