CLB BridgeLanguage is one of the largest parts of the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Moving from CLB 7 to CLB 9 raises your score in two places: first official language points, and skill transferability.
First official language points (per skill)
| CLB level | Single applicant | With spouse or partner |
|---|---|---|
| Below CLB 4 | 0 | 0 |
| CLB 4 or 5 | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 6 | 9 | 8 |
| CLB 7 | 17 | 16 |
| CLB 8 | 23 | 22 |
| CLB 9 | 31 | 29 |
| CLB 10 or more | 34 | 32 |
Points are awarded for each of the four skills, so the maximum is 136 for a single applicant and 128 with a spouse or partner.
Skill transferability: where CLB 9 doubles points
Two skill-transferability combinations depend on your language results:
| Combined with | CLB 7+ in all four, one or more under 9 | CLB 9+ in all four |
|---|---|---|
| Post-secondary credential of 1 year or longer | 13 | 25 |
| Two or more credentials (one 3+ years), or a master’s, professional or doctoral degree | 25 | 50 |
| 1–2 years of foreign work experience | 13 | 25 |
| 3+ years of foreign work experience | 25 | 50 |
Each combination is capped at 50 points, and total skill transferability is capped at 100.
A worked example
A single applicant with a master’s degree and three years of foreign work experience:
- At CLB 7 in all four skills: 4 × 17 = 68 language points, plus 25 + 25 = 50 language-based transferability points.
- At CLB 9 in all four skills: 4 × 31 = 124 language points, plus 50 + 50 = 100 transferability points.
That is 106 more points from language alone. Actual totals depend on the rest of the profile; this is not a full CRS calculation.
Since March 25, 2025, job offers no longer give CRS points.
Sources
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) criteria (IRCC, updated June 22, 2026)
- Language test equivalency charts (IRCC)
Official sources checked on 2026-10-01. If an official source changes, it takes precedence.