Your Spouse or Common Law Partner and Your CRS Score For Express Entry

September 18, 2024

Shireen Fisher

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score plays a pivotal role in the Express Entry system for those seeking Canadian permanent residency. For couples applying together, understanding how their combined qualifications affect their CRS score significantly impacts their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply. This important aspect of the Canadian immigration process requires careful consideration and strategic planning to maximize the potential for a successful application.

In this article, we explore the intricacies of CRS score calculation for couples and provide insights on enhancing your score as a team. We look into the key factors influencing your CRS score, including language proficiency, education, and Canadian work experience. We also compare strategies for single applicants and couples, offering valuable tips to improve your chances of immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry system.

CRS Score Breakdown for Couples

Understanding how the CRS score is calculated for couples can make a difference in boosting your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for Canadian permanent residency. This breakdown will explore the key components that influence the CRS score for couples applying through Express Entry.

Core/Human Capital Factors

The core human capital factors form the foundation of the CRS score, with a maximum of 460 points available for couples, compared to 500 points for single applicants. This category evaluates the principal applicant's attributes, including:

Age: Couples can earn up to 100 points based on the principal applicant's age, with the maximum points awarded for ages 20-29.
Level of Education: A maximum of 140 points is available for the principal applicant's education level, with the highest points awarded for doctoral degrees.
Official Language Proficiency: Language skills in English or French can earn up to 128 points for couples. The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is used to assess proficiency, with higher scores for advanced levels.
Canadian Work Experience: Up to 70 points can be earned based on the principal applicant's Canadian work experience, with more points awarded for longer durations.

Spouse Factors

When including a spouse or common-law partner in the application, additional points can be earned under the spouse factors category, which has a maximum of 40 points. This category assesses:

Level of Education: Up to 10 points can be awarded based on the spouse's education level.
Official Language Proficiency: A maximum of 20 points is available for the spouse's language skills in English or French.
Canadian Work Experience: Up to 10 points can be earned for the spouse's Canadian work experience.

Skill Transferability Factors

The skill transferability factors can add up to 100 points to the CRS score, regardless of whether the application includes a spouse or not. These factors consider combinations of skills and experiences:

Education and Canadian Work Experience: Points are awarded for the interaction between education level and Canadian work experience, with a maximum of 50 points.
Education and Language Ability: The combination of education and language proficiency can earn up to 50 points.
Foreign Work Experience and Language Ability: Non-Canadian work experience combined with language skills can result in a maximum of 50 points.
Certificate of Qualification in a Trade and Language Ability: Holding a certificate of qualification in a trade occupation, combined with language proficiency, can earn up to 50 points .

Additional Points

The additional points category offers opportunities to significantly boost the CRS score, with a maximum of 600 points available. These points are awarded for:

Provincial Nomination: A nomination from a Canadian province (except Quebec) adds 600 points to the CRS score.
Job Offer: A qualifying job offer can add 50 or 200 points, depending on the occupation level.Canadian Education: Completing post-secondary education in Canada can earn 15 or 30 points.
French Language Ability: Demonstrating French language proficiency can add 25 or 50 points, depending on the level and combination with English skills.
Sibling in Canada: Having a sibling who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident adds 15 points.

It is important to note that while including a spouse or common-law partner in the application may result in fewer points in some categories, it also provides opportunities to earn additional points through the spouse factors. The maximum total points achievable in the CRS remains 1,200, regardless of whether the application includes a spouse or not.

As a couple navigating the Express Entry system, understanding this breakdown can help strategically maximize your CRS score. By focusing on areas where you can earn the most points, such as improving language skills, gaining Canadian work experience, or pursuing higher education, couples can enhance their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency in Canada.

Maximizing Your CRS Score as a Couple

Couples applying for Express Entry have unique opportunities to enhance their CRS score. By strategically leveraging their combined qualifications, they can significantly improve their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for Canadian permanent residency.

Education Upgrades

Enhancing educational credentials has a substantial impact on a couple's CRS score. Education is worth up to 150 points in its own right and can earn an additional 50 points when combined with other factors. For couples, the principal applicant can earn up to 140 points for their level of education, while their spouse can contribute an additional 10 points.

To maximize points, you can:

Obtain Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for all post-secondary qualifications, as one might score better than another or be more suitable for a particular province's requirements.
Consider pursuing further education. A bachelor's degree can be worth up to 170 points, while a master's or doctoral degree can earn even more.
If possible, complete recognized degrees or diplomas in Canada, as these are awarded extra points under Express Entry.

Language Improvement

Language proficiency is a critical factor in the CRS score calculation. For couples, there are several strategies to maximize points in this area:

The principal applicant can earn up to 128 points for their first official language proficiency.
The spouse can contribute up to 20 points for their language skills.
Aim for Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 9 or above, which can result in an additional 100 points on top of the 260 available in combination with other factors.
If bilingual, get assessed in both English and French. Scoring CLB 7 or higher in French and CLB 7 in English can boost the CRS score by 50 points.

Canadian Work Experience

Canadian work experience is highly valued in the CRS calculation. For couples:

The principal applicant can earn up to 70 points for Canadian work experience.
The spouse can contribute an additional 10 points for their Canadian work experience.
If working in Canada on a work permit, continue gaining experience as more points are available for Canadian work experience.
Even non-Canadian experience can be valuable, with points available for up to three years of work outside Canada.

Provincial Nomination

Securing a provincial nomination is one of the most impactful ways to boost a couple's CRS score:

A provincial nomination adds 600 points to the CRS score, significantly increasing the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply.
Research and apply for provincial nominee programs aligned with Express Entry.
Be proactive in following developments in provincial programs, as more allocations are gradually being given to provinces for their nominee programs.

When maximizing CRS scores as a couple, it is crucial to choose the principal applicant carefully. Sometimes, the obvious choice may not be the best. For instance, candidates with qualifications and experience in trades might score better than a spouse with a degree or experience in an area where Canada already has an ample labor supply. It is worth investing time to assess who would be the best principal applicant, and nothing is preventing a couple from applying twice, each as the principal applicant.

Remember, while including a spouse in the application may result in fewer points in some categories, it also provides opportunities to earn additional points through the spouse factors. By focusing on these key areas and strategically leveraging both partners' qualifications and experiences, couples can significantly enhance their CRS score and improve their chances of success in the Express Entry system.

Get Ready For the Express Route to Canada

Sometimes, couples might consider listing one partner as a non-accompanying spouse to potentially increase their CRS score. However, this approach has significant implications and should be carefully considered, as it means the non-accompanying spouse would not receive permanent residence through the application .

Ultimately, the key to success in the Express Entry system lies in thoroughly understanding the scoring system and strategically leveraging the strengths of both partners. Whether applying as a single applicant or as a couple, improving core factors such as language skills, education, and Canadian work experience remains crucial for maximizing the CRS score and increasing the chances of a successful immigration application.

FAQs

Will Including My Spouse in My Express Entry Application Always Increase My CRS Score?

Not necessarily. While your spouse can add points in certain categories, it might also decrease your points in others. The overall impact depends on your and your spouse's qualifications.

Is it Worth Considering a Professional Immigration Consultant to Help us Maximize Our CRS Score?

A professional immigration consultant can provide valuable guidance and assistance in navigating the Express Entry system. They can help you understand the scoring criteria, identify areas for improvement, and prepare your application effectively.