Does a spouse increase or decrease your CRS score?
An accompanying spouse or common-law partner moves you to the "with spouse" columns, which have up to 40 fewer core points, and adds up to 40 points for the partner's education, language and Canadian work. If your partner scores well you lose little or nothing; if they have no language test, your score usually drops.
Who counts as a spouse or common-law partner?
A spouse is someone you are legally married to. A common-law partner is someone you have lived with in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 continuous months. If your partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or is not coming with you, you are scored as single.
Spouse points tables
| Partner's factor | Rule | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Secondary 2, one-year 6, two-year 7, bachelor's 8, two+ credentials 9, master's / PhD 10 | 10 |
| First official language | Per skill: CLB 5-6 = 1, CLB 7-8 = 3, CLB 9+ = 5 | 20 |
| Canadian work experience | 1 year 5, 2 years 7, 3 years 8, 4 years 9, 5+ years 10 | 10 |
Should you include your partner?
Run both versions in the CRS calculator: set the marital status to "partner coming" and add their results, then to "not coming". Many couples also compare who should be the principal applicant: the person with higher language scores and younger age usually scores more.
Frequently asked questions
How many CRS points can a spouse add?
Up to 40: 10 for education, 20 for language and 10 for Canadian work experience.
Does my common-law partner need IELTS?
No, it is optional. Without a test they earn 0 language points, which usually lowers the couple's score.
Can my spouse be the principal applicant instead?
Yes. Either partner can create the profile as principal applicant; compare both scores before you decide.
Want your own number? The CRS calculator applies every table on this page to your profile and shows the breakdown.