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For skilled workers seeking permanent residency (PR), Canada’s Express Entry system is the first choice.
It is meant to attract top talent from all around the world, hence every point in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) counts since it is competitive.
The CRS includes age, hence candidates start losing points once they reach thirty.
Being over thirty does not, however, mean you have to abandon your dream of immigrating to Canada.
Even if you lose points for age, there are still several methods you may raise your CRS score.
This tutorial will walk you methodically from enhancing your language test results to using Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to increase your CRS score and acquire an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada.
The Express Entry System’s Foundations
Under three main programs, the Express Entry system is Canada’s main means of handling immigration applications:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Three main phases comprise the process:
- Creating a Profile: To start, you need to create an Express Entry profile. This profile should include your education, work experience, language abilities, and other important details.
- CRS Score and Cutoff: Once your profile is submitted, you will receive a score through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This score ranks you within the Express Entry pool of candidates. Every two weeks or so, the Canadian government holds an Express Entry draw, selecting candidates with the highest CRS scores and inviting them to apply for permanent residency.
- Submitting a Full Application: If you are selected and receive an invitation, you can then submit your complete application for permanent residency.
What is the CRS Score?
Express Entry profiles are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a point-based system. It takes important aspects into consideration, such as:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language skills
These factors help determine how well a candidate might integrate into Canada’s workforce and economy.
Why is Age Important in Express Entry?
Age is an important part of your CRS score. Younger applicants, especially those in their 20s, can earn up to 110 points for age. However, after the age of 29, candidates start losing points as they get older, making it a critical factor in their overall ranking.
By the age of 45, the CRS no longer gives age-related points.
If you are above 30, however, there are still opportunities to improve your score in other areas, thereby keeping you competitive in the Express Entry system. By working on your language, increasing your work experience, or looking at possibilities via Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), you can raise your score. These techniques can assist offset the aging-related point loss.
CRS Points Distribution Based on Age
Here is how the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) awards points for age:
| Age | Points (Without Spouse) | Points (With Spouse) |
| 20-29 | 100-110 | 90-100 |
| 30 | 95 | 88 |
| 31 | 90 | 85 |
| 32 | 85 | 80 |
| 33 | 80 | 75 |
| 34 | 75 | 70 |
| 35 | 70 | 65 |
| 36 | 65 | 60 |
| 37 | 60 | 55 |
| 38 | 55 | 50 |
| 39 | 50 | 45 |
| 40 | 45 | 40 |
| 41 | 35 | 33 |
| 42 | 25 | 23 |
| 43 | 15 | 13 |
| 44 | 5 | 5 |
| 45+ | 0 | 0 |
As you can see, younger candidates get more points for age, and points start decreasing after 29. At age 45 or older, no points are awarded for age.
How to Increase Your CRS Score After Age 30?
If you’ve lost CRS points due to age, don’t worry! There are several ways to raise your score and improve your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Here are six effective methods:
1. Obtain a Job Offer (Up to 200 CRS Points)
A job offer from a Canadian employer can give a major boost to your CRS score, adding anywhere from 50 to 200 points, depending on the type of job and occupation.
While having a job offer isn’t required for Express Entry, it can give you a significant edge. High-ranking roles like senior management or specialized trades can earn more points.
Obtaining a valid employment offer is one of the most effective strategies to regain points lost due to age. Although there is a black market for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) and job offers, there are still employers who genuinely support their employees in obtaining permanent residency. If you’re already in Canada on a temporary visa, talking to your current employer about sponsorship could be helpful.
2. Improve Your Language Skills (Up to 136 CRS Points)
Your language skills in English or French play a large role in your CRS score. To maximize your points, work on enhancing your speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities in either language.
Achieving high scores on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) can get you up to 136 points if applying without a spouse and up to 128 points if applying with a spouse.
Additionally, knowing both English and French can set you apart, as even basic French proficiency can earn you an extra 50 CRS points through Canada’s bilingual bonus. If you haven’t already started learning French, now might be the right time to consider it.
Key Tip:
Aim for a CLB score of 9 or higher to get the most points. Even small improvements in your language test results can lead to a large increase in your CRS score.
3. Utilize Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) – 600 CRS Points
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can be a game-changer for Express Entry candidates. Receiving a provincial nomination can add 600 points to your CRS score, almost guaranteeing you an ITA in the next Express Entry draw.
Each province and territory in Canada has its own PNP streams, designed to meet their specific labor market needs. Many of these streams are aligned with Express Entry, making it easier for candidates to gain additional points.
Popular PNPs for Express Entry Candidates:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): It offers the highest number of invitations each year, but competition can be tough.
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP): Known for its lower cutoff scores, but it’s not for everyone.
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP): A good option for tech professionals.
- The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): Often targets specific occupations.
Provinces regularly seek candidates with specific skills, so monitor PNP streams in the region where your profession is in demand.
4. Change the Principal Applicant
If you’re applying as a couple, sometimes switching who the principal applicant is can significantly boost your CRS score. Use a CRS calculator to compare both profiles and see which partner has a better chance of earning more points based on factors like education, language proficiency, and work experience.
For example, if one partner has stronger language test scores or more advanced education, it may be beneficial for that person to be the primary applicant to increase your score.
Expert Tip:
In some cases, it might be advantageous to submit two separate applications, one for each partner. Always calculate both scenarios to figure out which approach will give you the higher overall score.
With the introduction of category-based Express Entry draws it may also make sense to switch the principal applicant if your partner qualifies for a specific category, even if doing so results in a drop of 20-50 points in your overall CRS score. This can still improve your chances in targeted draws.
5. Maximize Your Work Experience (Up to 100 CRS Points)
Increasing your work experience, particularly in Canada, can dramatically boost your CRS score. While the system values both foreign and Canadian experience, Canadian work experience carries more weight and adds more points to your profile.
If you’ve already worked in Canada for at least one year, you could earn up to 100 extra points, depending on the type and length of your work experience.
Make sure your work experience is accurately documented and corresponds to the appropriate National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for your profession.
6. Enhance Your Education Credentials (Up to 250 CRS Points)
The more advanced your education, the more CRS points you can earn. If you haven’t already, get your foreign credentials assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Consider furthering your education or obtaining additional certifications. Gaining another degree, or diploma, or completing a short course, especially in Canada, can provide a substantial boost to your score.
For those who have studied in Canada, you can earn up to 50 extra CRS points based on your Canadian diploma or degree.
How May the CRS Calculator Help You With Planning?
A CRS calculator can assist you in tracking your score and identifying areas that want improvement.
This instrument lets you investigate several possibilities, including improving your language results, getting more work experience, or accepting a job offer.
Giving you a strategic advantage in the Express Entry pool, the CRS calculator guides you in making wise selections and identifies certain areas for development.
Summary: Remain Optimistic and Determined
Although your CRS score can be influenced by your age, keep in mind that there are several ways to offset the points lost because of age.
Your prospects of becoming an ITA will be much raised by concentrating on increasing your language abilities, getting a provincial nomination, landing a job offer, or advancing your degree and professional experience.
Every Express Entry draw presents a new chance to meet your immigration targets.
Stay proactive and hopeful; many candidates over 30 have immigrated to Canada by following calculated actions to raise their CRS levels.
What is Considered a Good CRS Score in 2024?
In 2024, a good CRS score generally falls above 505 points for standard draws. Nevertheless, dependent on the choices made based on categories, this can differ greatly.
Is It Possible to Create an Express Entry Profile with a Low CRS Score?
Yes, you can still create an Express Entry profile even with a low CRS score, provided you meet the basic eligibility criteria for various programs. You can explore options such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), improving your language skills, or gaining additional work experience to enhance your chances.
Does Having a Spouse Affect My CRS Score?
Yes, applying with a spouse can slightly lower your CRS score. The Comprehensive Ranking System awards fewer points for age, education, and work experience when a spouse is included in the application.