Spouse-factor maximums
| Partner factor | Maximum points |
|---|---|
| Education | 10 |
| First official language | 20 (up to 5 per ability) |
| Canadian work experience | 10 |
| Total | 40 |
Why the principal applicant’s maximum changes
Without an accompanying spouse, the principal applicant can earn up to 500 core/human-capital points. With an accompanying spouse, that maximum becomes 460 and up to 40 partner-factor points are available. The combined maximum before transferability and additional points remains 500.
When IRCC scores you as “without a spouse”
IRCC applies the without-spouse points when a spouse or partner is not accompanying the principal applicant, or when that spouse or partner is already a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
The stronger principal applicant is not always the older or higher-earning partner. Language, education equivalency and eligible work history can change which person produces the stronger complete profile.
Partner language points
Each of the four first-language abilities is scored separately: CLB 4 or lower receives 0; CLB 5 or 6 receives 1; CLB 7 or 8 receives 3; and CLB 9 or higher receives 5 points per ability.
Education and Canadian experience
Partner education can contribute up to 10 points, but a foreign credential generally needs an eligible educational credential assessment. Partner Canadian work experience rises from 5 points for one year to 10 points for five years or more.
Official source
See the spouse and common-law partner section of IRCC’s current CRS criteria.