Thinking about Express Entry after 35? Learn how age affects CRS scores and how to increase your chances by using tactics like category-based draws and language improvement.

After turning 35, many would-be immigrants to Canada are hesitant to apply for Express Entry for fear of losing points from their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS is used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to rate qualified individuals for the Express Entry system according to criteria such age, occupation, work experience, education, and language proficiency. Who gets an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada is determined by these rankings.

The Impact of Age on Your CRS Score

The fact that age reduces CRS points is a major factor in why many prospective immigrants decide not to apply for Express Entry after the age of 35. For each year that an applicant is older than 29, the IRCC subtracts points. The maximum CRS points possible dependent on age are displayed in the table below:

Age (in years)	With an accompanying spouse (max points: 100)	Without an accompanying spouse (max points: 110)
Under 18	0	0
18	90	99
19	95	105
20-29	100	110
30	95	105
31	90	99
32	85	94
33	80	88
34	75	83
35	70	77
36	65	72
37	60	66
38	55	61
39	50	55
40	45	50
41	35	39
42	25	28
43	15	17
44	5	6
45 and Over	0	0

Methods to Increase the Success of Your Express Entry After 35
Despite the fact that candidates over 35 lose CRS points as a result of aging, there are a few tactics they can use to increase their odds of getting an ITA.

1. Examine Qualifications for Draws Based on Category Selection

Applicants who are concerned about their CRS score have to think about applying through the category-based Express Entry lotteries run by the IRCC. Comparing these drawings to general or program-specific draws, the CRS cut-off scores are frequently lower. For example, in 2024, the CRS cut-off scores for category-based draws were at least 33 points lower than those for general draws. This suggests that through these targeted drawings, elderly candidates might still have a decent chance of getting an ITA.

2. If qualified, include a spouse in your application

Including your spouse in your application could improve your CRS score if they are also qualified for Express Entry. The CRS gives extra points for things like education, language ability, and previous work experience in Canada that are connected to a spouse or common-law partner. Your chances will be greatly increased by this, since it can add up to 40 more points.

Alternatively, the primary applicant should be the couple with the highest potential CRS score if both are eligible.

3. Boost Linguistic Ability

Higher language competency is rewarded with more CRS points by the IRCC. Your CRS score can be greatly increased, for instance, by reaching a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 10, as opposed to a CLB 7. If you perform better than the required minimum in any of the four assessed language skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—you will receive extra points. Gaining more linguistic proficiency can be essential to offsetting the age-related decline in CRS points.

Candidates over 35 can still increase their chances of being accepted into the Express Entry program and obtaining an ITA for permanent residence in Canada by concentrating on these tactics.