Age is an important factor in applying for permanent residence through Express Entry. Here, we will introduce several strategies that applicants over 30 can use to increase their CRS score in Express Entry.

Express Entry is a new immigration application management system introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on January 1, 2015. IRCC assigns points to applicants’ registered profiles based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and those with higher scores are given priority in applying for permanent residence. This system does not work on a first-come-first-served basis; instead, individuals who are more likely to succeed in Canada are prioritized. Periodic draws are held, and those with high scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the immigration department to proceed with their application.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the scoring system used by IRCC to rank individuals applying for permanent residence through the three programs included in the Express Entry system (CEC: Canadian Experience Class, FSW: Federal Skilled Worker Program, FST: Federal Skilled Trades Program).

When applicants use Express Entry to apply for Canadian permanent residence, they are scored according to the CRS points distribution grid.

The CRS evaluates age, education, first and second language abilities (English or French), and Canadian work experience, which are referred to as “core human capital factors.”

In this case, let’s focus on “age,” the first item on the list.

CRS Points for Applicants Over 30

In Canada’s CRS system, the most common score of 100 points is given to Express Entry applicants between the ages of 20 and 29. However, as applicants reach 30 and above, the points awarded for age gradually decrease by 1 point each year. When an applicant reaches the age of 45 or older, they receive 0 points for age.

年齢	配偶者・コモンロー有り	配偶者・コモンロー無し
17歳以下	0	0
18歳	90	99
19歳	95	105
20～29歳	100	110
30歳	95	105
31歳	90	99
32歳	85	94
33歳	80	88
34歳	75	83
35歳	70	77
36歳	65	72
37歳	60	66
38歳	55	61
39歳	50	55
40歳	45	50
41歳	35	39
42歳	25	28
43歳	15	17
44歳	5	6
45歳以上	0	0

That being said, simply being over 30 does not mean that your chances in Express Entry are over. Even if you register for Express Entry after the age of 30, there are plenty of ways to maximize your CRS score.

Even if you are over 30, there are ways to increase your CRS score that are not related to age. Various factors affect your score, and here are six representative strategies:

Strategy 1: Obtain a Provincial Nomination (PNP)

One way to increase your CRS score is by obtaining a provincial nomination through one of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) linked to Express Entry. This is one of the best ways to maximize your CRS score and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. If you receive a provincial nomination before applying through Express Entry, you can gain additional points, which significantly boosts your score.

PNPs exist in all Canadian provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut), and each region uses these programs to attract permanent residency candidates who wish to settle in specific areas of Canada.

Canada has historically accepted immigrants in a biased manner, primarily in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. As a result, the PNP was designed to spread the benefits of immigration across the entire country. Currently, 11 PNPs are available, offering over 80 streams for permanent residency candidates from more than 80 countries.

If an applicant applies for a PNP and receives a provincial nomination certificate, uploading it to their Express Entry profile will add 600 points to their CRS score, enabling them to receive an ITA for permanent residency.

Strategy 2: Obtain a Job Offer

Another way for applicants to increase their CRS score is by obtaining a valid job offer. A job offer must detail all job requirements such as salary, duties, and employment conditions. A valid job offer is usually supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Applicants with a valid job offer, such as those with an LMIA, can earn an additional 50 or 200 CRS points depending on the position, making this strategy one of the best ways to boost CRS scores.

Strategy 3: Evaluate Work Experience

Work experience can improve an applicant’s CRS score in several ways. Simply gaining more practical work experience can help improve your score. Additionally, clearly defining your current work experience can also contribute to boosting your score.

Strategy 4: Improve Language Skills

Language proficiency is another crucial element of the CRS “core human capital factors.” As mentioned, the language category is divided into first and second language abilities, assessing applicants’ proficiency in English and French. This component of the CRS can add a significant number of points, making it an essential factor in Express Entry applications.

Language skills are assessed in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and applicants can earn between 128 and 136 points (depending on spouse/partner status). Language can be scored across multiple sections, so improving language skills in both official languages can increase the CRS score significantly.

Example 1: An applicant with over one year of college education and CLB 7 in one section of English and CLB 9 in another can earn an additional 13 CRS points.

Example 2: An applicant who has graduated from two or more colleges or universities (one with more than three years of study) and has CLB 9 in all English language categories can earn 50 additional CRS points.

Strategy 5: Strengthen Educational Background

Another factor in the “core human capital factors” is education, which can account for 200 to 250 CRS points. Therefore, obtaining additional qualifications, such as another degree, or having an existing degree assessed (ECA) can be effective in improving the CRS score for Express Entry.

Strategy 6: Consider Making Your Spouse/Partner the Primary Applicant (if applicable)

In some cases, the spouse or common-law partner of the Express Entry applicant may have a better CRS score. In such cases, it may be advisable to switch the main applicant to the spouse or partner if their score is higher.

This article has introduced ways for applicants over 30 to increase their CRS score in Express Entry. Additionally, there are other options available that may not require using Express Entry, such as applying for permanent residence under categories where age does not affect the score.

We often receive inquiries like “Is it impossible to apply for permanent residence because of my age?” The answer is no, it is not impossible. The best approach depends on your individual circumstances and background, so please feel free to contact us for further guidance.