In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, Mark Holthe and co-host Alicia Backman-Beharry kick off 2026 by continuing their Express Entry: Getting It Right series—this time tackling one of the most misunderstood and error-prone areas of the system: spousal points under Express Entry.

They break down who is considered a spouse or common-law partner for immigration purposes, when a spouse is considered “accompanying,” and how these distinctions directly affect eligibility, CRS scores, and Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) selection points. Drawing from real client experiences, they explain how small misunderstandings can quickly escalate into refusals or misrepresentation findings.

This episode is essential listening for anyone applying through Express Entry who is married, common-law, recently separated, or whose family situation may change during the process.

Key Topics Discussed

• How IRCC defines a spouse vs. common-law partner for Express Entry

• Common mistakes when declaring marital status and family composition

• The difference between accompanying and non-accompanying spouses

• How spousal status affects CRS scores and Express Entry competitiveness

• Spousal points under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) selection grid

• When and how spousal education, language, and Canadian work experience count

• The risks of misrepresentation when marital status changes mid-application

• Adding a spouse after submitting an eAPR—and when it can trigger refusal

• Why undeclared spouses can be permanently excluded under IRPR 117(9)(d)

Key Takeaways

• Declaring your spouse correctly is not optional—it is foundational to Express Entry

• Having a spouse can significantly lower or raise your CRS score depending on their credentials

• Accompanying vs. non-accompanying status has serious legal consequences

• Marital status changes must be disclosed immediately to IRCC

• Failing to declare a spouse can permanently bar future sponsorship

• Always assess both FSW eligibility and CRS impact before submitting your profile

Quotes from the Episode

Alicia Backman-Beharry:
“Who is a spouse for immigration purposes is not always obvious—and that’s where people get into serious trouble.”

Mark Holthe:
“There is no such thing as a harmless mistake in Express Entry when it comes to spouses.”

Links and Resources

• Watch this episode on YouTube

• Canadian Immigration Podcast

• Book a consult

• Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass

Subscribe for More
Stay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process.

Disclaimer

This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, Mark Holthe and co-host Alicia Backman-Beharry return to their Business Immigration series to unpack a costly misconception: promotions, bonuses, and job changes can be LMIA violations.

With year-end raises and holiday bonuses top of mind, they explain why even well-intentioned changes to a foreign worker’s role can trigger employer non-compliance, audits, fines, public listing, and serious consequences for both employers and employees.

Key Topics Discussed

• Why promotions and bonuses can violate LMIA and employer-specific work permit conditions

• The difference between minor changes and material modifications that require a new LMIA

• Employer compliance audits, public “non-compliant employer” listings, and penalties

• How violations can affect permanent residence applications and work permits

Key Takeaways

• No change is “small” on an employer-specific work permit.

• Promotions, raises, and bonuses can put both employers and workers at risk.

• Always get immigration advice before changing job duties, wages, or work location.

Quotes from the Episode

Alicia Backman-Beharry:
“Promotions are often LMIA violations—and people don’t realize it until it’s too late.”

Mark Holthe:
“The safest rule is simple: don’t change anything without advice.”

Links and Resources

• Watch this episode on YouTube

• Canadian Immigration Podcast

• Book a consult

• Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass

Subscribe for More
Stay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process.

Disclaimer

This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, Mark Holthe and co-host Alicia Backman-Beharry break down Canada’s new 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan and what it really means for workers, students, and families trying to stay in Canada.

They explain how the government is cutting new temporary residents, modestly shifting permanent residence toward economic classes, boosting some PNP quotas, and hinting at future TR to PR–style options—all while warning that these are some of the toughest times in years for people on temporary status.

Key Topics Discussed

Why Levels Plans Matter

• Three-year rolling targets now cover both permanent and temporary residents.

• Drive everything from Express Entry draw sizes to PNP quotas and study permit approvals.

Economic vs. Family Balance

• Around 65% of PR spots are slated for economic immigration.

• Slight decline in family class to make room for more economic applicants.

Express Entry & PNP Shifts

• “Federal high skilled” now bundles FSW, CEC, and FST under one label.

• Some Express Entry numbers have been shifted back to the Provincial Nominee Programs, which see their targets climb again.

Big Cuts to New Temporary Residents

• Planned new temporary resident arrivals for 2026 are dropping sharply.

• Driven by pressure on housing, healthcare, and services as temporary residents hit historic highs.

Key Takeaways

• Competition is intense: fewer new temporary residents and stricter PR targets.

• PNPs are critical, but integrity checks are tougher than ever.

• Be ready now: keep language tests, ECAs, and Express Entry profiles valid.

• French can be a game-changer for those who can add it.

• In some cases, leaving Canada in status may preserve better long-term options.

Quotes from the Episode

Mark Holthe:
“These are dark times for many people in Canada. The government is very serious about reducing the temporary population.”

Alicia Backman-Beharry:
“Make sure your ducks are in a row—language, education, documents—so if a new pathway opens, you’re ready on day one.”

Links and Resources

• Watch this episode on YouTube

• Canadian Immigration Podcast

• Book a consult

• Enroll in the Express Entry Accelerator and Masterclass

Subscribe for More
Stay up-to-date with the latest in Canadian immigration by subscribing to the Canadian Immigration Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t miss future episodes on policy changes, strategies, and practical advice for navigating Canada’s immigration process.

Disclaimer

This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.