CRS Points for Language (CLB)
Language is the factor most candidates can improve the fastest. Your first official language is worth up to 136 points (single) or 128 (with spouse), counted separately for speaking, listening, reading and writing. A second official language adds up to 24 points (22 with a spouse).
CRS Points for Language (CLB): key facts
- CLB 9, per ability
- 31 (single) / 29 (with spouse)
- CLB 10+, per ability (maximum)
- 34 (single) / 32 (with spouse)
- First official language, maximum
- 136 (single) / 128 (with spouse)
- Second official language, maximum
- 24 (single) / 22 (with spouse)
- Why CLB 9 matters
- CLB 9 in all four abilities doubles most skill-transferability points
Updated
| CLB level | Single | With spouse |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 or more | 34 | 32 |
| CLB 9 | 31 | 29 |
| CLB 8 | 23 | 22 |
| CLB 7 | 17 | 16 |
| CLB 6 | 9 | 8 |
| CLB 5 | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Below CLB 4 | 0 | 0 |
| CLB level | Points |
|---|---|
| CLB 9 or more | 6 |
| CLB 7 or 8 | 3 |
| CLB 5 or 6 | 1 |
| CLB 4 or less | 0 |
What this means for your score
- Going from CLB 7 to CLB 9 in all four abilities adds 56 points (single) in core language points alone, plus up to 50 more in skill transferability.
- Use the CLB calculator to convert IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF or TCF scores.
- Second-language points are capped at 22 if your spouse or partner is coming with you.
Worked examples
Same profile with different language results: a single applicant aged 29 with a bachelor's degree, 3 years of foreign work experience and no Canadian experience. Language also drives skill-transferability points.
| Profile | Language points | Total CRS |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 7 in all four | 68 | 336 |
| CLB 8 in all four | 92 | 360 |
| CLB 9 in all four | 124 | 429 |
| CLB 10 in all four | 136 | 441 |
| CLB 9 + NCLC 7 French | 136 | 491 |
Calculated with this site's scoring engine using IRCC's current tables. Try your own numbers in the calculator.
Language points FAQ
How many CRS points is CLB 9 worth?
CLB 9 in all four abilities gives 124 core points for a single applicant (31 per ability) or 116 with a spouse — and it unlocks the higher skill-transferability values.
Which language tests does IRCC accept?
English: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core. French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Results must be less than two years old. Convert your scores with the CLB calculator.
Is a second official language worth it?
A second language adds up to 24 core points, but French at NCLC 7 in all four abilities is worth far more: up to 50 additional points plus eligibility for French-language draws.
Other CRS factors
- CRS Points for Age
- CRS Points for Education
- CRS Points for Canadian Work Experience
- CRS Points for Spouse or Common-Law Partner
- CRS Skill Transferability Points
- CRS Additional Points
Source: IRCC CRS criteria, verified 2026-10-03.