Two scoring columns
If your spouse or common-law partner comes with you and is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you are scored in the "with spouse" column. Your own maximums fall: age from 110 to 100, education from 150 to 140, language from 136 to 128, Canadian work from 80 to 70. Your partner can add back up to 40 points:
| Partner factor | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Education | 10 |
| First official language | 20 |
| Canadian work experience | 10 |
When it helps to switch roles
Either partner can be the principal applicant if they meet a program on their own. The other partner's strengths then count as spouse factors. Couples often gain 10 to 40 points by swapping, especially when one partner has Canadian work or much higher language scores. The couple comparison tool scores both arrangements side by side.
Partner not coming, or already Canadian
If your partner will not come to Canada, or is already a citizen or PR, you are scored as single. They still must be declared and examined.
Common questions
Should my partner take a language test?
Yes, if they will come with you. Even modest scores add points (CLB 5–6 gives 1 point per ability; CLB 9+ gives 5).
Can we both enter the pool?
Yes. Each can have a profile with the other as accompanying spouse. Only one application is needed if either is invited.