Express Entry After 40: How Candidates Can Still Qualify for Canadian Permanent Residency Without a Provincial Nomination

For many immigration hopefuls, turning 40 often sparks the fear that their chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry are over. This belief largely stems from the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which reduces points for age once applicants pass 30. However, immigration experts point out that while age does lower scores, it does not eliminate opportunities — especially as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to hold category-based draws that prioritize skills Canada urgently needs.

---

Why Age Impacts CRS Scores

The CRS system ranks Express Entry candidates on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Points for age peak in the late 20s and early 30s, then decline sharply after 40. For instance, a candidate who is 29 receives the maximum of 110 points, but by 40, the same candidate may only get 50 points.

This drop often discourages older applicants, but experts note that strong scores in other areas — such as advanced education, Canadian work experience, and high proficiency in English or French — can more than make up the difference.

---

Current CRS Score Ranges in 2025

IRCC’s draws in 2025 demonstrate that applicants over 40 are still receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs), particularly in specialized categories.

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Cut-offs between 518 – 547
• Healthcare & Social Services: Cut-offs between 470 – 510
• French-Language Proficiency: Cut-offs between 379 – 481
• Education Category: Around 479

Category-based draws often have lower CRS thresholds than general CEC draws, creating a realistic pathway for older candidates.

---

Real-Life Examples of Successful Applicants Over 40

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Lizan, 44 (Philippines):
  With a Canadian master’s degree, three years of local work experience, and advanced bilingual ability in English and French, Lizan achieved a CRS score of 530, qualifying for multiple CEC and French-language draws.
• Abisola, 40 (Nigeria):
  A PhD holder in English Literature with four years of Canadian work experience and strong bilingual skills, Abisola reached a CRS score of 530. She successfully met the cut-off in five separate CEC draws.

Category-Based Selection

• Krishiv, 50 (India):
  A PhD in Public Health, five years of Canadian healthcare experience, and bilingual skills helped Krishiv secure a CRS of 484, making him eligible in healthcare category draws.
• Adele, 60 (Belgium):
  Despite lacking Canadian work experience, Adele’s native-level French and strong English brought her CRS to 426, which qualified her in recent French-language draws.

These examples highlight that age is not a disqualifier if candidates present competitive strengths.

---

Strategies to Boost CRS Scores After 40

1. Canadian Education
   • Completing a program in Canada can add valuable CRS points.
   • Example: Reginald, 42, increased his CRS from 496 to 536 after completing a Canadian bachelor’s degree.
2. Language Proficiency
   • Strong English or French results can contribute up to 310 CRS points.
   • Example: Amelia, 44, raised her score from 460 to 518 after significantly improving her French.
3. Canadian Work Experience
   • Even one year of local work can be decisive.
   • Example: Diego, 41, boosted his CRS from 452 to 481 with Canadian job experience.
4. Spousal Profile Strategy
   • Married couples should compare both partners’ CRS potential. Sometimes, switching the primary applicant results in higher overall scores.

---

Category-Based Draws: The Key Advantage

In 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection to target candidates in priority sectors such as:

• French-language proficiency
• Healthcare and social services
• Education

This policy shift has created opportunities for applicants over 40, who may not compete in general draws but remain highly competitive in specific categories.

---

Conclusion

While age undeniably reduces CRS points, turning 40 or even 50 does not close the door on Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry. By leveraging strong education, language skills, Canadian work experience, and taking advantage of category-based draws, older candidates continue to receive ITAs. Success is less about age and more about building a strategic profile aligned with Canada’s labour market needs.

For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!