Questions about express entry

[JPJones]

I'm an American lawyer and academic who wants to move to Canada with my family. My wife is also a lawyer (we have two small children).

A couple of questions:

(1) I'm over 46 but my wife is in her mid-30s. Should she be the primary applicant because of her age?

(2) We would not need to work for a Canadian employer, and don't plan to at present. Would this seriously disadvantage our applications?

(3) How long does the right to establish permanent residence last if one is fortunate enough to receive it under the express entry program? In other words, how soon after being granted express entry does the right to do so have to be exercised?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Islander216]

1. Yes, she would gain more points for age, it would make sense.
2. No.
3. Once you are issued your confirmation of permanent residence, you can move immediately. In fact you will have an expiry date and you have to land in Canada before this date, otherwise it becomes invalid.

You can use the CRS tool to calculate what your prospective CRS score would be for either you or your wife:
https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp

Nowadays a score of around 470+ is required to qualify directly through express entry.

 

[JPJones]

Thanks! I just calculated my wife's score on the CRS and it's 441. Is there some way to improve that before applying?

 

[camila447]

Did you add French language? It can greatly improve your points if you have a CLB9 in English and a CLB7 in French

 

[Islander216]

Thanks! I just calculated my wife's score on the CRS and it's 441. Is there some way to improve that before applying?

You can apply for a provincial nomination.

 

[JPJones]

How do you apply for a provincial nomination? (Sorry for all the naive questions).