Is It Worth Applying for Express Entry After Turning 35? | Canada Immigration News
Considering Express Entry after 35? Discover how age impacts CRS scores and learn effective strategies to boost your chances, including category-based draws and improving language skills.
Gurmeet Sharma
Many prospective Canadian immigrants hesitate to apply for Express Entry after turning 35 due to concerns about losing points on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The Express Entry system, managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), uses the CRS to rank eligible candidates based on factors like age, language ability, education, work experience, and occupation. These rankings determine who receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.
How Age Affects Your CRS Score
A significant reason why many potential immigrants reconsider applying for Express Entry after 35 is the reduction in CRS points due to age. IRCC deducts points for every year an applicant is older than 29. Below is a table showing the maximum CRS points available based on age:
| Age (in years) | With an accompanying spouse (max points: 100) | Without an accompanying spouse (max 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 |
Strategies to Maximize Express Entry Success After 35
Although candidates aged 35 and older lose CRS points due to age, there are several strategies to improve their chances of receiving an ITA.
1. Review Eligibility for Category-Based Selection Draws
Candidates worried about their CRS score should consider applying through IRCC's category-based Express Entry draws. These draws often have lower CRS cut-off scores compared to general or program-specific draws. For instance, in 2024, category-based draws had CRS cut-off scores at least 33 points lower than general draws. This means older candidates may still have a good chance of receiving an ITA through these targeted draws.
2. Add a Spouse to Your Application (If Eligible)
If your spouse is also eligible for Express Entry, adding them to your application could boost your CRS score. The CRS awards additional points for factors related to a spouse or common-law partner, including education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience. This can add up to 40 extra points, significantly improving your chances.
Alternatively, if both partners are eligible, the one with the higher potential CRS score should be the principal applicant.
3. Improve Language Proficiency
IRCC rewards higher language proficiency with additional CRS points. For example, achieving a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 10, compared to a CLB 7, can significantly boost your CRS score. Each of the four tested language skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—can contribute more points if you exceed the minimum requirements. Improving your language skills can be a key factor in overcoming the age-related reduction in CRS points.
By focusing on these strategies, candidates over 35 can still enhance their chances of success in the Express Entry system and secure an ITA for Canadian permanent residence.
