Should You Pursue Express Entry Post-35?

As the cutoff year of 35 approaches, many individuals considering immigration to Canada believe that their chances of obtaining an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency under the Express Entry system may dwindle. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), utilized to prioritize Express Entry candidates, indeed assigns a lower score as applicants advance in age beyond 29 years.

Those individuals aged 35 and above are confronted with a reduction in the maximum CRS points they can receive based on their age. For instance, candidates under 29 can achieve up to 110 points without a spouse or up to 100 points with a spouse. However, at age 35, these points drop to 77 and 88 respectively, with an annual decrement subsequently.

Despite the significance of age in calculating CRS scores, there are effective tactics to strengthen one’s profile within the Express Entry framework. It’s crucial for those above the age of 35 to explore category-specific draws, which often have lower CRS thresholds. In the current year of 2024, every category-specific draw featured cut-off scores that were at least 33 points below the general draws’ requirement of 524 points.

In addition, integrating a spouse or common-law partner who also meets the Express Entry eligibility criteria can be beneficial. Pairing up in this system potentially unlocks up to 40 additional CRS points, which are distributed for the spouse’s educational credentials, proficiency in official languages, and Canadian work experience.

Furthermore, enhancing language proficiency paves another avenue for boosting CRS scores. Achieving language levels beyond the Express Entry’s Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) minimum can be rewarding. For each language skill achieved above the minimum required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7, additional points are awarded – culminating in a double increase from 16 to 32 points for a CLB 10.

While age is a determinant factor in Express Entry CRS scoring, strategic planning and optimal profiling can mitigate its impact. Older candidates should actively consider category-specific draws, adding a qualifying spouse to their applications, and improving their language proficiency. By adopting these approaches, the prospects of successfully navigating the Express Entry route after the age of 35 are considerably enhanced, offering a viable pathway to Canadian permanent residency.

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