Prospective Canadian immigrants often wonder whether applying for Express Entry after the age of 35 is still worthwhile, given the potential reduction in their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
The Express Entry system, managed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), uses the CRS to rank candidates based on key human capital factors before inviting them to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
How Age Affects Your CRS Score
One of the main concerns for older applicants is the reduction in CRS points due to age. The IRCC deducts points for every year an applicant is over the age of 29, which can discourage some individuals from pursuing this pathway.
Here’s a breakdown of how age impacts CRS points:
| Age (in years) | With an accompanying spouse (maximum points: 100) | Without an accompanying spouse (maximum points: 110) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | 90 | 99 |
| 19 | 95 | 105 |
| 20-29 | 100 | 110 |
| 30 | 95 | 105 |
| 31 | 90 | 99 |
| 32 | 85 | 94 |
| 33 | 80 | 88 |
| 34 | 75 | 83 |
| 35 | 70 | 77 |
| 36 | 65 | 72 |
| 37 | 60 | 66 |
| 38 | 55 | 61 |
| 39 | 50 | 55 |
| 40 | 45 | 50 |
| 41 | 35 | 39 |
| 42 | 25 | 28 |
| 43 | 15 | 17 |
| 44 | 5 | 6 |
| 45 and Over | 0 | 0 |
Maximizing Your Chances of Success in Express Entry After 35
Despite the drop in CRS points with age, several strategies can help you improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system:
- Consider Category-Based Selection Draws
- Category-based draws allow eligible candidates to benefit from lower CRS cut-offs. In 2024, for example, these draws have had cut-offs at least 33 points lower than general or program-specific draws. This makes category-based draws a viable option for older candidates.
- Include Your Spouse in the Application
- If you have a spouse who is also eligible for Express Entry, adding them to your application can boost your CRS score. The CRS awards up to 40 additional points for factors related to your spouse’s education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience.
- Improve Your Language Proficiency
- Language ability is a significant factor in the CRS. Even if you meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), achieving a higher CLB score can earn you additional points. For instance, a CLB 10 can significantly enhance your CRS score.
Take the Next Step
Applying for Express Entry after age 35 may present challenges, but with the right strategies, it remains a viable pathway to Canadian permanent residence. At Skynet Immigration and Consultants, we offer personalized assessments to help you navigate the Express Entry process and maximize your chances of success.
Get a Free Express Entry Assessment Today and let us guide you on your journey to Canada.
