Over 40? Here’s How You Can Still Immigrate to Canada in 2025
Think You’re Too Old to Move to Canada? Think Again—Here’s What You Need to Know
Many skilled professionals in their 40s and beyond wrongly assume that their chances of immigrating to Canada are slim to none. While it’s true that Canada’s immigration points system tends to favour younger applicants, being over 40 is by no means a dealbreaker.
From Express Entry to provincial programs and federal pilots, there are numerous pathways open to mature applicants—especially if they bring valuable skills, experience, or language proficiency to the table.
Here’s a detailed look at the immigration options available for skilled workers over 40 who still dream of building a life in Canada.
1. Express Entry Isn’t Out of Reach—Even If You’re Over 40
Express Entry remains the federal government’s leading economic immigration system. It manages applications for three key programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Once you create a profile, you receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on age, education, work experience, and language skills. While younger applicants (ages 20–29) receive the maximum score for age (110 points), the points start to drop after age 30 and completely phase out after age 45.
CRS Points by Age Example:
- Age 40 = 50 points
- Age 44 = 6 points
- Age 45+ = 0 points
But don’t worry—there are ways to make up for this point loss.
2. Category-Based Express Entry Draws Could Give You an Edge
In recent years, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced category-based draws to help skilled workers in targeted fields immigrate, even with lower CRS scores.
Eligible Categories in 2025 Include:
- French-language proficiency
- STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math) occupations
- Healthcare occupations
- Education and social services
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Skilled trades
These draws often have lower CRS cut-offs than standard draws. Some recent category-based draws had CRS thresholds as low as 379, allowing older professionals with the right skills or French ability to be invited.
If you speak French at an NCLC 7 level or have work experience in a targeted field, you may still qualify for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) despite your age.
3. Boost Your Profile with a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) operates its own Provincial Nominee Program, many of which are aligned with Express Entry. If you receive a provincial nomination, it adds 600 CRS points to your profile—instantly increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.
There are two types of PNP streams:
Enhanced PNP (Express Entry-Aligned)
- Requires an active or passive Express Entry profile
- Can involve a direct application, Expression of Interest (EOI), or automatic selection by the province
- Adds 600 CRS points to your score if nominated
Base PNP (Non-Express Entry-Aligned)
- No Express Entry profile required
- Age is not always a factor
- Ideal for those with provincial ties, job offers, or relevant experience
Some PNPs have age brackets (e.g., 21–55 for Nova Scotia, 21–59 for Newfoundland and Labrador), but many evaluate you on a point system—meaning your experience and skills may outweigh your age.
4. The Atlantic Immigration Program: Age Is Not a Barrier
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is perfect for applicants who want to live in Eastern Canada—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Prince Edward Island.
Unlike Express Entry, AIP does not use a point system and does not penalize applicants based on age.
Key Requirements:
- Job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
- CLB 4 or 5 language level (depending on the occupation)
- At least one year of full-time work experience in the past five years
- Sufficient settlement funds
If you’ve studied in the Atlantic region, you may even skip the work experience requirement.
AIP applications are employer-driven, and successful applicants can apply for a temporary work permit while their PR application is processed.
5. Federal Pilot Programs Designed for Specific Needs
Several federal immigration pilots are ideal for older workers—especially those with experience in caregiving, healthcare, or rural occupations.
a. Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
Live and work in one of 14 participating rural communities across Canada.
Requirements include:
- Job offer from a designated employer
- Language, education, and work experience criteria
- Settlement funds
b. Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)
Ideal for French-speaking applicants looking to settle outside Quebec.
You’ll need:
- NCLC level 5 in French
- Job offer from a designated employer in a participating region
c. Home Care Worker Pilots
Two streams:
- Child Care Pilot (NOC 44100, 42202)
- Home Support Pilot (NOC 44101, 33102)
Note: These pilots have reached their caps for 2025, but are expected to reopen in 2026.
Both require:
- A full-time job offer
- Six months of work experience (or equivalent training)
- Basic language skills (CLB 4)
- Education credential assessment (ECA)
These pilots do not favour young applicants and are excellent options for those over 40 with relevant caregiving experience.
The Bottom Line: Age Doesn’t Have to Be a Dealbreaker
While turning 40 may reduce your CRS score in the Express Entry system, Canada offers multiple immigration pathways that don’t penalize you for age—and in some cases, don’t consider age at all.
Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare worker, teacher, tradesperson, or French speaker, there’s likely a stream tailored to your skillset.
Before giving up on your Canadian dream, speak with a regulated immigration consultant or explore Canada’s immigration tools to determine the best path forward.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
