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Understanding CRS Score Impact with a Spouse or Common-Law Partner

spousal sponsorship

When immigrating to Canada through economic pathways, including your spouse or common-law partner in the application is common and can influence your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The Canadian immigration system acknowledges the importance of family unity and is designed to accommodate the needs of couples. This article provides insight into how a spouse or common-law partner affects two primary CRS score categories: A (Human Capital factors) and B (Spouse/Common-law partner factors).

Category A: Human Capital Factors

Age

Age plays a significant role in the CRS scoring system, with optimal points awarded to those aged between 20-29. The presence of a spouse or common-law partner can lead to a slightly lower score in this category.

  • With a spouse or common-law partner: Maximum of 100 points
  • Without a spouse or common-law partner: Maximum of 110 points

Level of Education

Higher education levels equate to more CRS points. The scoring is slightly reduced when a spouse or common-law partner is included.

  • With a spouse or common-law partner: Maximum of 140 points
  • Without a spouse or common-law partner: Maximum of 150 points

Official Language Proficiency

Mastery of Canada’s official languages is highly valued. Scores are maximized for high proficiency in both English and French.

  • With a spouse or common-law partner: Maximum of 32 points per ability in the first official language and a cap of 22 points for second language skills
  • Without a spouse or common-law partner: Maximum of 34 points per ability in the first official language and a cap of 24 points for second language skills

Canadian Work Experience

Canadian work experience is a strong predictor of successful integration into the labor market.

  • With a spouse or common-law partner: Maximum of 70 points
  • Without a spouse or common-law partner: Maximum of 80 points

Category B: Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors

This category assesses the same factors but for the accompanying spouse or common-law partner.

Spouse’s Education Level

  • Maximum of 10 points can be earned based on the spouse’s level of education.

Spouse’s Official Language Ability

  • Maximum of 20 points can be gained for the spouse’s proficiency in the first official language.

Spouse’s Canadian Work Experience

  • Maximum of 10 points can be awarded for the spouse’s Canadian work experience.

Strategic Application Decisions

While including a spouse can slightly alter the human capital factor scores, the comprehensive evaluation ensures a balanced overall CRS score. To maximize their chances, couples can each create their own profiles in the Express Entry pool, potentially enhancing their scores through strategic improvements and updates.

Including a spouse or common-law partner in your immigration application can slightly adjust your CRS score, but it doesn’t necessarily lead to a lower overall score. The system’s design allows for a balanced distribution of points, whether your application includes a spouse or not. For many, the prospect of starting a new life in Canada with a loved one is invaluable, and the Canadian immigration system’s flexibility supports this journey.

For more detailed information on CRS scores and the impact of a spouse or common-law partner, including charts and scoring breakdowns, please refer to the official immigration resources or consult with an immigration professional.

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