Is It Worth Applying for Express Entry After Turning 35?
When considering Canadian immigration, many people wonder if their age will hinder their chances of success, particularly if they are over the age of 35. Age is an important factor in Canada’s Express Entry system, but it is not the only factor that determines your eligibility or your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. While the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which is used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool, does award fewer points as you age, there are still several strategies and factors that can help you achieve a competitive score.
In this article, we will explore the impact of age on your Express Entry application, discuss the factors that influence your CRS score, and provide guidance on how you can strengthen your profile even after turning 35.
What is the Express Entry System?
Express Entry is Canada’s primary immigration management system for selecting skilled workers for permanent residency. Introduced in 2015, it is used to manage applications for three main immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Candidates create an online profile, where they provide information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other factors. They are then assigned a CRS score based on the information they provide. Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
The CRS is a points-based system, and the points you earn are influenced by several factors, including age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and more. While age can play a significant role in determining your CRS score, it is not the sole determinant of your success in the system.
How Does Age Impact Your CRS Score?
Age is a significant factor in the CRS because it can indicate the length of time you may be able to contribute to Canada’s workforce and economy. The CRS awards points for age in the following way:
- Under 30 years old: Maximum of 110 points (for single applicants) or 100 points (with a spouse).
- 30 to 34 years old: 105 points (single) or 95 points (with a spouse).
- 35 years old: 90 points (single) or 85 points (with a spouse).
- 36 years old: 85 points (single) or 80 points (with a spouse).
- 37 years old: 80 points (single) or 75 points (with a spouse).
- 38 years old: 75 points (single) or 70 points (with a spouse).
- 39 years old: 70 points (single) or 65 points (with a spouse).
- 40 years old: 65 points (single) or 60 points (with a spouse).
- 41 years old: 60 points (single) or 55 points (with a spouse).
- 42 years old: 55 points (single) or 50 points (with a spouse).
- 43 years old: 50 points (single) or 45 points (with a spouse).
- 44 years old: 45 points (single) or 40 points (with a spouse).
- 45 years old and older: 0 points.
As you can see, your CRS score drops significantly once you turn 35, and it continues to decrease by five points for each year you age. By the time you reach 45, your CRS score for age will be 0 points.
However, this does not mean that it is impossible to apply for Express Entry after turning 35. While age-related points will decrease, you can still strengthen your profile through other factors.
Other Factors to Maximize Your CRS Score
While age may impact your CRS score, there are many other factors that can help increase your points. Let’s examine the factors that you can control and how you can use them to compensate for the age-related decrease in points.
1. Language Proficiency
One of the most important factors in the CRS is your language proficiency in English and/or French. Strong language skills can significantly increase your CRS score, and if you’re over 35, they can help offset the loss of points due to age.
You can earn up to 136 points for language ability if you are a single applicant, or 128 points if you have a spouse. The higher your language test scores, the more points you will earn. For example:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) scores in English, or TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) scores in French, can all help you boost your CRS points.
- Achieving CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) level 9 or higher in all four language abilities (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) can earn you the maximum points in the language section.
Since language proficiency can earn you a significant number of points, improving your language skills and achieving higher test scores can be a great way to strengthen your profile.
2. Education
Your level of education is another factor that can contribute to your CRS score. Canada values skilled immigrants who have higher education levels, as it indicates the ability to contribute to the country’s economy and workforce.
The maximum points for education are 150 points for a single applicant and 140 points for applicants with a spouse. To maximize your education points:
- A Master’s degree or PhD can earn you the maximum points in this category.
- Even if you don’t have a Master’s or PhD, a Bachelor’s degree or two-year post-secondary diploma can still earn you significant points, especially if you have a strong work history.
If you have a foreign degree, make sure to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm that your education is equivalent to Canadian standards.
3. Work Experience
Both Canadian work experience and foreign work experience are valued in the CRS. Canadian work experience is awarded more points than foreign work experience, but both are important.
- Canadian work experience: You can earn up to 80 points for Canadian work experience (up to 200 points if you have a job offer or provincial nomination). Having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can also earn you additional points.
- Foreign work experience: You can earn points for work experience gained outside of Canada. However, the maximum points for foreign experience are lower (up to 50 points for 3+ years of experience).
Even if you are over 35, having extensive work experience—especially Canadian work experience—can significantly increase your CRS score.
4. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
If your CRS score is not high enough to receive an ITA through the regular Express Entry pool, you may want to consider applying through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Each province and territory in Canada operates its own PNP, which allows them to nominate candidates for permanent residency based on the needs of their local labor market.
A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, which is almost always enough to guarantee an ITA. If you have a specific province in mind where you wish to live and work, applying through a PNP can be an effective way to overcome the age-related limitations of the CRS.
5. Spouse’s Qualifications
If you are applying with a spouse, their education, work experience, and language proficiency can also contribute to your overall CRS score. In many cases, spouses can earn additional points based on their qualifications, which can help raise your total CRS score.
6. Job Offer
A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can give you a significant boost in the CRS system. A job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can earn you up to 200 points, depending on the position.
If you have a strong job offer or work experience in a high-demand occupation, this can significantly enhance your chances of receiving an ITA.
Alternative Immigration Pathways
If your CRS score is lower due to age, you may want to consider other Canadian immigration programs, such as the Atlantic Immigration Program, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program. These programs have different eligibility requirements and may offer alternative routes to permanent residency.
Conclusion
While age may reduce the points you receive in the CRS system, it is by no means a barrier to applying for Express Entry. By improving other factors such as language proficiency, education, work experience, and provincial nominations, you can still strengthen your profile and have a successful immigration journey.
Even after turning 35, Express Entry remains a viable option, and with the right strategy and preparation, you can improve your chances of being selected for permanent residency. If you are considering applying, it’s important to evaluate all of your options and take proactive steps to maximize your CRS score.
If you are interested in learning more about your eligibility for Express Entry or other Canadian immigration programs, visit us at our offices:
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