Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
CRS points for a spouse's PTE Core
From IRCC's CRS criteria, section B (spouse or common-law partner factors). PTE Core ranges from IRCC's language test page.
| Spouse's CLB per skill | PTE Core minimum (R / W / L / S) | CRS points per skill |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 4 or less | Any lower score | 0 |
| CLB 5 or 6 | 42 / 51 / 39 / 51 | 1 |
| CLB 7 or 8 | 60 / 69 / 60 / 68 | 3 |
| CLB 9 or more | 78 / 88 / 82 / 84 | 5 |
The trade-off of applying with a spouse
Including a spouse lowers your own per-skill language points slightly: CLB 9 is 29 a skill with a spouse against 31 single (CRS criteria). Your spouse's language, education and Canadian work can then add up to 40 points in section B, 20 of them from language.
Need CLB 7+ for Express Entry?
IRCC accepts IELTS General Training and PTE Core, not IELTS Academic or PTE Academic. Practise the test you will actually sit, free.
Try PTE Core free →Practise before you book: free PTE mock test, PTE predictions, PTE Core practice test and PTE to IELTS converter.
Federal Skilled Worker adaptability
On the 67-point FSW grid, IRCC gives 5 adaptability points if your spouse or common-law partner has CLB 4 or higher in all four abilities in English or French; adaptability is capped at 10 (FSW page). The same page says the spouse's test results are valid for two years after the date of the test result. On PTE Core, CLB 4 starts at reading 33, writing 41, listening 28 and speaking 42.
IRCC changes programme rules and score tables from time to time. Check the linked canada.ca page before you book a test or apply. This guide is general information, not immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a spouse's language test mandatory for Express Entry?+
IRCC's pages set minimums for the principal applicant and list spouse language as a points factor, without a spouse minimum.
How many CRS points can my spouse's PTE Core add?+
Up to 5 per skill, 20 in total, at CLB 9 or higher.
Does my spouse's PTE Core result have to be valid?+
Yes. IRCC's FSW page says a spouse's test results are valid for two years after the date of the test result.
What PTE Core score gets my spouse FSW adaptability points?+
CLB 4 in all four skills: reading 33, writing 41, listening 28 and speaking 42 at the minimum.
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Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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