Last Updated On 21 July 2023, 9:48 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

The Canadian government uses a system called Express Entry to handle applications for permanent residence (PR) attracting skilled workers from inside and outside Canada.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a point-based system, is used by Express Entry to rank profiles of candidates.

While ranking profiles, the factor of age plays a significant role in the Express Entry system because you gradually start losing CRS points after the age of 30.

However, you can still gain points in other areas to increase your overall CRS scores. Being over 30 is not a barrier.

On the contrary, it allows you to highlight your unique experiences and identify your talents to maximize your points.

In this article, you can learn how to increase your CRS points if you lose points due to age.

Basics of Express Entry System

There are two steps involved in applying to immigration streams under Express Entry.

The first step is to create an Express Entry profile, which includes basic information about you, such as your education, employment experience, and language skills.

The next step is to evaluate your profile based on the Comprehensive Ranking System or CRS.

The Canadian government selects the pool’s top-ranking profiles in a draw about every two weeks to issue an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to the federal government for permanent residence.

In a pool of applicants, your position is determined by the CRS score given to your profile.

Understanding Age Based CRS Points

When applying under Express Entry, if you apply without a spouse or common-law partner, you can get a maximum of 110 points.

However, the limit is changed to 100 points for applications made jointly. People in their 20s gain the highest points under the age factor because Canada favours younger immigrants.

A candidate does not get any points for age if they are beyond 45. However, you can still compete even if you are older than the target age group.

Below is the age point distribution when applying with and without a spouse and common-law partner.

Next are six ways to boost your CRS score if you are losing points for age.

Tips to increase your CRS Points

Get an employment offer

Although it is not a requirement for Express Entry immigration, having a job offer can increase your points.

If candidates receive a job offer, their CRS score may increase by 50–200 points.

Know Tips To Get Canadian Job Offer From Outside Canada

Increase your Language Proficiency

An applicant can receive 128 to 136 points in this category, so it’s critical to be skilled in one of the two official languages.

Speaking, writing, reading, and listening are the four ways language-related CRS points are divided.

An applicant will receive points based on how well-versed they are in each category because each category contributes to the final CRS score.

Hence, improving your language test score in all possible sections can help increase your overall CRS scores.

If possible, learn French while waiting in Express Entry pool as it can give you additional 50 points.

Explore Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs)

The Provincial Nomination Program, or PNP, was developed for use in several Canadian provinces and territories to address the demands of regionally specific labour markets.

The nominee is awarded an additional 600 CRS points for accepting an invitation, the most CRS points from any category a candidate can get in a single distribution.

With more than 80 streams open to Express Entry applicants, being nominated virtually ensures an invitation for permanent residence.

Canada PNPs That Invite Express Entry Profiles With Low CRS Score

Evaluate the Potential Principal Applicant

Occasionally, changing the primary applicant can help you score higher. For example, the principal applicant should be selected based on who has the highest CRS score if you are applying with your partner.

Some veteran consultants also recommend to not accompany their spouse on Express Entry, if spouse’s profile is causing low score. So, always try different possible scenarios while calculating your CRS score.

Acquire more work experience

Work experience might increase a candidate’s CRS points in a few different ways. First, the CRS score of a candidate can increase with more work experience.

Moreover, the ability to articulate gained work experience more effectively can also be a powerful approach to scoring points. Finally, depending on your occupation and job type, points will be different.

Improve your Education Background

The CRS point allocation might range from 200 to 250 points, depending on whether an applicant earned their education abroad or within Canada.

Getting a second degree or improving on the one you already have can be quite valuable.

Although increasing your CRS score may be challenging, it is not impossible.

Moreover, new changes in the Express Entry system may open further options to increase your points.

Understanding New Changes To Express Entry With Bill C19 – All You Need To Know

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.