Prospective applicants who have reached the age bracket as depicted below, may be discouraged from applying in the Express Entry selection system, thinking that they have crossed a threshold, and it may be difficult because of a diminishing CRS score based on the increment in age. The CRS is used to rank qualified candidates before they are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Besides age, a candidate’s CRS score in Express Entry is determined by other factors also like language skills, education, work experience, and occupational details, etc.
How your CRS score changes based on age & marital status?
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) deducts points for each year an applicant is over 29 years of age. The resultant CRS score will also depend on the fact whether the person is married or not. See table below for a comprehensive understanding.
The following three techniques can help potential immigrants who are currently above the threshold age (see Table above) increase their chances of securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the Express Entry selection system, even if they will receive less CRS points.
Check eligibility for category-based selection draws
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) Category-Based Express Entry draws can help Express Entry candidates with high CRS scores get ITAs. The distribution of CRS scores this year shows that category-based draws allow qualified applicants to benefit from a lower CRS cut-off.
In 2024, no Express Entry draws have had a minimum cut-off CRS score below 524. However, the CRS cut-off for category-based draws was at least 33 points lower in each round. This means older candidates may not need to worry about age's impact on their CRS score if they receive an Express Entry ITA through category-based draws.
Include spouse in Express Entry if eligible
It is beneficial for Express Entry candidates to include their eligible spouse in their application, as it can earn them up to 40 additional CRS points. These points are awarded based on three separate parameters in the "spouse or common-law partner factors" category of the CRS.
Two eligible individuals in a valid relationship can apply in Express Entry. The one with the higher CRS score should be the main applicant.
Enhance language proficiency
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rewards candidates who exceed language skill requirements. For instance, a CLB 7 applicant would receive 16 CRS points, while a CLB 10 applicant would receive only 32 points for the same skills. The IRCC assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Second language proficiency earns 3 CRS points at CLB 7 or 8, and 6 points at CLB 9 or higher.
Check if you qualify to migrate. Check out our Settlement Resources to learn how to find employment in Canada, making your initial days stress-free, etc.
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