Can my spouse's education and language scores help my Express Entry application?

Yes. If you include your spouse or common-law partner in your Express Entry profile, the CRS system awards you additional points based on their core human capital factors: language ability, education, and whether they have Canadian work experience. These spousal factor points are separate from the adaptability points awarded for a spouse already holding Canadian status.

To earn language points for your spouse, they must complete an approved language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada), and their results must also be no more than two years old. If they have a foreign degree, an ECA may be needed to claim education points for their credential.

Importantly, if your spouse is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, their status can add points to your profile through a different mechanism. It is sometimes worth comparing CRS scores under two scenarios: one where you are the principal applicant with your spouse included, and one where your spouse is the principal applicant with you as the accompanying partner — if both of you are eligible. A lawyer or regulated consultant can help you model this and choose the configuration that maximizes your score.