Should You Apply for Express Entry After Turning 35? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re considering immigrating to Canada and are over 35, you might be wondering if it’s still worth applying for Express Entry. Some potential applicants worry that their age could negatively impact their chances, primarily due to a drop in their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

The Express Entry system ranks eligible candidates for Canadian permanent residence using the CRS, which takes into account factors like age, language ability, education, work experience, and occupation. Although age is a significant factor, there are still ways to improve your chances even if you’re over 35.

How Age Affects Your CRS Score

One of the main reasons older applicants feel discouraged is that the CRS deducts points for every year you’re older than 29. The table below shows how CRS points are allocated based on age:

Despite the potential loss in CRS points as you age, there are strategies you can use to enhance your chances of success in the Express Entry system.

Strategies to Improve Your Express Entry Chances After 35

Even if you’re over 35 and lose some CRS points due to age, you can still boost your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) by following these three strategies:

1. Consider Category-Based Selection Draws

Older candidates should explore category-based selection draws, which can offer a pathway to an ITA even if your CRS score isn’t as high. In 2024, for example, the CRS cut-off for general or program-specific Express Entry draws hasn’t dropped below 524, but category-based draws have consistently had lower CRS cut-offs—sometimes by as much as 33 points.

By targeting specific categories, such as occupation or language ability, you can still be competitive in the Express Entry pool without worrying as much about age-related point deductions.

2. Add Your Spouse to the Application (If Eligible)

If you have a spouse or common-law partner who is also eligible for Express Entry, consider adding them to your application. The CRS rewards candidates who apply with their spouse, offering up to 40 additional points across three categories:

• Spouse/Partner’s Education: Up to 10 additional CRS points
• Spouse/Partner’s Language Proficiency: Up to 20 additional CRS points
• Spouse/Partner’s Canadian Work Experience: Up to 10 additional CRS points
  
  

Alternatively, if both you and your spouse are eligible, the partner with the higher CRS score should be the principal applicant.

3. Improve Your Language Proficiency

Language proficiency is a key factor in boosting your CRS score. Even if you meet the minimum requirement (e.g., Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for the Federal Skilled Worker Program), improving your language skills can significantly increase your score.

For example, achieving a CLB 10 in each of the four tested language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) could earn you up to 32 CRS points per skill, compared to just 16 points at CLB 7.

Additionally, proficiency in a second language can also earn you extra points—3 points per skill at CLB 7 or 8, and 6 points per skill at CLB 9 or higher.

Conclusion

Turning 35 doesn’t mean the end of your Express Entry journey. While age does impact your CRS score, strategic planning can help you overcome this challenge. By exploring category-based selection draws, considering a spousal application, and improving your language skills, you can still maximize your chances of securing an ITA and achieving your dream of Canadian permanent residence.

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