Express Entry: how many CRS points your language test is worth, and why CLB 9 in all four skills is the number that matters

IRCC says that as of 3 November 2026 it changed how points are awarded for Canadian work experience and valid job offers, and removed the LMIA requirement for all Express Entry job offers. A new Labour Market Integration factor (up to 150 points without a partner, 140 with one) gives points for Canadian work experience or a high-wage job offer, not both.

IRCC also says the system is recalculating points in existing profiles, which could take up to two weeks, and that invitation rounds are paused until that is done.

The language points did not change in this update. The tables below are the ones on the same page.

Each of the four skills is scored on its own, by its CLB level. The maximum is 136 points without a partner (34 per skill) and 128 with one (32 per skill). You score as if single when your partner is not coming to Canada, or is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Language also counts a second time, combined with education or foreign work experience. IRCC pays the full amount only when all four skills are CLB 9 or higher; with CLB 7 or more in all four but one or more under 9, you get roughly half. The section is capped at 100 points.

Education + language: a post-secondary credential of one year or longer gives 13 points at CLB 7 and 25 at CLB 9; two or more credentials (one of three years or longer), a master's or an entry-to-practice professional degree, or a doctorate give 25 and 50.

Foreign work experience + language: one or two years give 13 and 25; three years or more give 25 and 50.

Our arithmetic, from IRCC's tables: a single applicant with a bachelor's degree and three years of foreign work experience who moves from CLB 8 in all four skills to CLB 9 in all four gains 32 core points (23 to 31 in each skill), 12 for education + language (13 to 25) and 25 for foreign work + language (25 to 50): 69 points. On IELTS General Training, IRCC's chart puts CLB 9 at reading 7, writing 7, listening 8, speaking 7.

A second official language adds up to 6 points per skill (CLB 9 or more), capped at 24 points without a partner and 22 with one. CLB 5 or 6 earns 1 point per skill and CLB 7 or 8 earns 3.

Separately, the additional points section pays for French: NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills gives 25 points if your English is CLB 4 or lower (or you took no English test), and 50 points if your English is CLB 5 or higher in all four skills. For French tests and the NCLC scale, see TEF Canada and TCF Canada.

If your partner comes with you, their first official language earns up to 5 points per skill, 20 in total: CLB 5 or 6 gives 1, CLB 7 or 8 gives 3, CLB 9 or more gives 5. Their score adds to yours; it does not replace it.