OINP tech-draw mechanics and cutoffs are draw-specific and time-bound; the scoring logic below is the durable part.An applicant nominated through an OINP tech draw (CRS 473, exactly at the cutoff) had listed their spouse as non-accompanying and worried that switching to accompanying would sink the application. The group's reasoning:
- The risk is real but only theoretical at this stage. If adding your spouse drops your CRS below the score at which you were selected, the application can be refused. Adding a spouse typically lowers CRS (here it would have meant ~456 vs the 473 cutoff).
- The 600 nomination points change the math. Once you accept the PNP nomination, 600 points are added — after that, adding a spouse cannot realistically pull you below the original cutoff. Multiple members advised: add the spouse after receiving and accepting the 600 PNP points, then apply with the spouse as accompanying.
- Order matters. Accept nomination → receive 600 points → update profile to spouse-accompanying → submit the PR application. Don't switch before the points land.
- Expect settlement-funds scrutiny. This applicant's EOI-to-nomination took ~5 months partly due to OINP queries about settlement funds; showing added funds via a gift deed was raised as an option in the thread.