Q & A: Benefit of Spouse’s Qualifications

author avatar
CIC News
Published: February 1, 2000

Q. When assessing an application under the independent class, do they take into account what your spouse does for a living? If their occupation has a high ETF number, would this be helpful if my points were in the low - mid 60's?

Answer: The scores are not combined in the manner you suggest. If your spouse is employable, this should affect the personal suitability rating given at the time of a selection interview. If your spouse is qualified in her own right, then it is possible to request that her qualifications be considered as well as your own in the evaluation of the case.

[Comment: In the case that a formal request is made for consideration of a spouse's qualifications, documentation pertaining to those qualifications should be made available at the time of submission of the case. Application kits generally do not specify the requirement of education and employment documents for accompanying dependents.

These documents should adhere to the same content requirements, if appiclable, as the principal applicant's documentation.]

See the following URL for additional information:

http://canadavisa.com/documents/selint.html

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
IRCC groups your citizenship by descent documents into primary and secondary tiers: Here is the list
Canada publishes updated processing timelines for temporary residence applicants
Canada on track to admit fewer permanent residents than planned for 2026
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Canada
Canada publishes updated processing timelines for temporary residence applicants
A man checking the time on his wristwatch.
Canada on track to admit fewer permanent residents than planned for 2026
The Canadian Parliament Building at Dusk.
Immigration department releases monthly update on application processing
A close-up of a woman's hands holding an application form.
Canada extends validity period for remote border crossing permits
Old Woman Bay of Lake Superior on a sunny summer afternoon.
Link copied to clipboard