Should you apply for express entry in your 30's? Understanding Age and Other Key Factors

 

Many prospective candidates question if there is a best age to apply when thinking about immigration to Canada via the Express Entry system. Age is one of the major determinants of success in the Express Entry procedure, but it is not the only one.

The Role of Age in Express Entry

Since the IRCC’s CRS subtracts points for each year an applicant is older than 29, many would-be immigrants to Canada are discouraged from using Express Entry as a route to permanent residence.

The Express Entry system favors younger applicants when it comes to age points. Candidates between 20 and 29 years old receive the highest possible points for age under the CRS. After age 30, the points awarded for age begin to decrease gradually, and by the time a candidate reaches 45, they receive no points for age at all.

The number of points granted for age decreases with respect to the candidate’s age while applying for express entry. For example, the maximum score decreases to 77 at age 35. One of the main reasons why many older applicants may become disheartened while applying for permanent residency in Canada via express entry is the fall in points with age.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the points awarded based on age:

  • 20–29 years old: Maximum points (100 points if applying without a spouse, 110 with a spouse)
  • 30–35 years old: Points gradually decrease
  • 36–45 years old: Points continue to decrease sharply.
  • 45+ years old: zero points for age

Given this, many people might think that being younger is always better. However, the situation is more nuanced.

Age is just one factor.

While age plays a significant role in your CRS score and obtaining PR, however it’s not the only factor that determines your success in the Express Entry process. Other elements, such as language proficiency, education, work experience, and whether you have a valid job offer or a provincial nomination, are equally important. These can help balance out a lower score in the age category.

  • Language Proficiency: Excelling in English or French language tests like IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF can significantly boost your CRS score. High scores on these tests can compensate for the points lost due to age and boost your chances of being selected from the pool of Express Entry.
  • Education: Having advanced education, such as a Master’s or Ph.D., adds considerable points to your CRS score. Additionally, completing your education in Canada can earn you extra points under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
  • Work Experience: Both international and Canadian work experience are valuable under the CRS. If you have several years of skilled work experience, especially in Canada, it can greatly enhance your score and boost your chances of PR via Express Entry.
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Securing a nomination from a Canadian province can add 600 points to your CRS score, practically ensuring an ITA, regardless of your age.
  • Job Offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can also increase your CRS score, depending on the position and NOC level.

You might be wondering what is the simple way to increase your score for Express Entry.

Well, the easiest way to increase your score is by adding a spouse who qualifies for the program, who needs to be included on the application for express entry. This is due to the fact that candidates who apply with their spouse receive bonus points from the CRS.

This category offers candidates up to 40 extra CRS points, divided among three key factors:

  • Up to 10 points for the education of a spouse or partner
  • Up to 20 points for the language proficiency of a spouse or partner
  • Up to 10 points for the Canadian work experience of a spouse or partner

Should you opt for category-based express entry for a higher chance if you are older than 35?

Express Entry candidates who are worried about achieving a high CRS score should explore the option of obtaining an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through IRCC’s category-based Express Entry draws.

As the CRS score distribution this year has shown, category-based draws often have a lower CRS cut-off, which can benefit eligible candidates. In 2024, there won’t be a general or program-specific Express Entry draw with a minimum CRS score below 524. However, in every category-based draw this year, the CRS cut-off has been at least 33 points lower.

This means that older Express Entry candidates, who might be concerned about the impact of age on their CRS score, may find a better opportunity by pursuing an ITA through these category-based draws.

Finding the right balance

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of the best age to apply for Express Entry. Younger applicants do have an advantage in the age category, but older candidates often bring more work experience, higher education, or additional language skills that can offset the age disadvantage.

It’s imperative to concentrate on raising your CRS score in other areas if you’re in your 30s or 40s and thinking about applying. To increase your chances, think about taking language exams again for the best results, getting more work experience, or looking into programs like the PNP.

Although age is unquestionably a crucial component of Canada’s Express Entry process, it is not the only one. Promising applicants frequently possess a potent blend of training, professional background, linguistic proficiency, and flexibility. Thus, it’s better to develop your entire profile by taking a holistic approach rather than concentrating just on age. Understanding and making the most of your CRS score will put you in a great position to obtain an ITA and accomplish your objectives related to Canadian immigration, regardless of your age.