Is it worth applying for Express Entry after you turn 35? Well, potential Canadian immigrants are sometimes discouraged from applying for Express Entry after they turn 35 years of age. 

This is significantly due to points on their Comprehensive Ranking System score. 

The Express Entry application management system uses the CRS to rank and order eligible Express Entry applicants based on their human capital attributes/ factors before they can receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency from IRCC. 

In addition to age, the CRS considers an applicant’s language ability, work experience, education, and profession. 

How Can Age Impact Your CRS Score? 

Is it worth applying for Express Entry after you turn 35? The reason that many prospective Canadian immigrants are deterred from exploring Express Entry as a pathway to a Canadian PR is because IRCC’s CRS deducts points for every year an applicant is beyond the age of 29. 

The table below highlights the maximum CRS points available for applicants based on their age. 

Best Practice To Maximize Chance Of Express Entry Success 

Although Express Entry applicants aged 35 and older will receive fewer CRS points because of their age, their following three strategies can help order prospective immigration boosts their chances of receiving an Express Entry ITA. 

Review Eligibility For Category-Based Draws

Express Entry applicants who are concerned about obtaining a CRS score should consider pursuing an ITA through IRCC’s category-based Express Entry draw. 

This is because, as evidenced by the distribution of CRS scores this year, category-based draws enable eligible applicants from a generally lower CRS cut-off requirement. 

Specifically, in 2024, there has not been a general or program-specific Express Entry draw with a minimum/ cut-off score below 524. On the other hand, IRCC’s CRS cut-off for category-based draws has been at least 33 points lower in every 2024 draw. 

Accordingly, older Express Entry applicants might not have to concern themselves with the impact of age on their CRS score if they can pursue an Express Entry ITA through category-based draw. 

Add Spouse To Express Entry Application 

Is it worth applying for Express Entry after you turn 35? Well, Express Entry applicants with a spouse who is eligible for Express Entry might explore the possibility of adding them to the applicant. This is because the CRS rewards applicants with additional points if they apply alongside their spouse. 

In fact, IRCC has an entire category in the CRS dedicated to ‘spouse or common-law partners.’ 

This category rewards applicants with up to 40 additional CRS points, which are according to three different factors. 

• Maximum of 10 additional CRS points for spouse/ partner’s education
• Maximum of 10 additional CRS points for spouse’s/ partner’s Canadian work experience 
• Maximum of 20 additional CRS points for spouse/ partner’s official language proficiency 

Alternatively, if two eligible applicants in a qualifying relationship are eligible for Express Entry, the individual with the higher potential CRS score should be the principal applicant on the Express Entry profile submitted to IRCC. 

Increase Language Proficiency 

IRCC rewards applicants for having language abilities above a program’s minimum requirements. For instance, even if an applicant only requires a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for Express Entry’s Federal Skilled Worker Program, the applicant will be rewarded should they obtain a higher level up to CLB 10. 

Specifically, for each of the four tested language skills under first official language proficiency, a CLB 7 would earn a single primary applicant 16 CRS points. Meanwhile, a CLB 10 would earn the same applicant 32 points.  

IRCC’s four tested language skills are reading, writing, listening, and speaking. 

For second language proficiency, an applicant can also earn 3 CRS points at CLB level 7 or 8, but a CLB 9 or higher score would earn the applicant 6 points per skill.      

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].