Applying for Canadian Permanent Residency under the Express Entry application is complex, especially when applying as a couple. This is mainly because of the determination of the right principal applicant who happens to be the spouse whose profile may score higher, thereby giving you better chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Here’s a quick guide on deciding the best principal applicant for Canadian PR and how this decision can impact your overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
What Is The Role Of A Principal Applicant?
The application process under joint Express Entry application where there is one principal applicant and another as a secondary applicant. The CRS points of the two partners are taken into consideration while the major part of them is based on the profile of the principal applicant. Major parameters include age, education, work experience, and proficiency in the language. Some cases can earn additional points through the principal applicant for certain factors like French proficiency or in-demand work experience. Therefore, it is critical to know which spouse is stronger so that you get the best score.
How To Determine Who Should Be The Principal Applicant
- Calculate Both CRS Scores: The first step is to calculate CRS scores for both partners to see who scores higher. For instance, even a minor difference in age or education level can impact the CRS points. If one spouse is younger, they may receive more points, as age is a key factor.
- Consider Language Proficiency: Proficiency in either English or French is an important parameter to achieve a high score on the CRS. If a partner has more points through language scores or fluency in both English and French, it may contribute valuable points since bilingual applicants are usually rewarded with additional points.
- Evaluate Work Experience: Work experience of the main applicant abroad and in Canada is directly counted for the CRS score. Where the spouse has in-demand work experience, the spouse can score more where the draw focuses on category-based draws targeting specific skills.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1: Let's assume that Hamid and Nadia are planning to emigrate to Canada. Hamid appears to be the stronger candidate since he has a more extensive work experience; however, Nadia is younger, thus earning more points for age. She is accepted as the primary applicant and possesses a higher overall CRS score.
Example 2: Martin and Jeanne is the other case where the couple differs in qualifications. However, while French is spoken by Jeanne; she has bilingual skills, which adds to her score. Thus Jeanne may be a stronger chief applicant, even though Martin has years of experience and a higher degree.
Example 3: Work experience overrules the dilemma between Sam and Alex. Sam has stronger experience in terms of the CRS score, especially with her master's degree and some legal work experience. However, with category-based selection draws, if the demand for nutritionists increases, Alex could be regarded as the primary applicant, and therefore she may benefit from the category selection.
Can You And Your Partner Apply Separately?
Both of the spouses can have individual profiles, which may offer each other a chance to get an ITA. But you'll need to select only one of them as the primary applicant on each profile; therefore, the spouse who will perform better gets this profile.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right principal applicant is key to maximizing your Express Entry success for Canada immigration. Scrutinize the two profiles well in terms of age, education, experience, and language skills. In some cases, an in-demand occupation or bilingual abilities can even make a stronger case for one spouse, thereby enabling you to catch up quickly on your way to Canada. Thus, strategizing will raise your CRS score and catapult you to achieving your PR dream in Canada.
