Maple News reports that skilled workers over the age of 40 still have ample opportunities to immigrate to Canada, despite lower age-related scores in the Express Entry system. Although the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) under Express Entry favors younger applicants—especially those aged 20 to 29—older individuals can still achieve permanent residency through various alternative routes.
One of the most strategic paths for older candidates is to receive a provincial nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which can add up to 600 CRS points to a candidate’s Express Entry profile, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Many PNP streams either have flexible age requirements or no age cut-off at all, making them an ideal path for those in their 40s or beyond.
Express Entry has also evolved to include category-based draws, which prioritize candidates with specific work experience or skills that align with current labor market needs. If an older applicant meets the criteria of an in-demand category—such as healthcare, tech, or skilled trades—they may receive an invitation despite a lower CRS score.
Apart from Express Entry, federal immigration pilots offer additional pathways that do not factor in age at all. Programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots, and newly launched rural and francophone immigration pilots are accessible to workers of all ages. These programs are designed to address labor shortages in specific regions or sectors, and they focus more on job offers, work experience, and community ties.
The base PNP streams, which operate independently from Express Entry, are another viable option. These streams generally require a valid job offer from an employer in the province and often prioritize local labor needs over applicant age.
Ultimately, while age can be a limiting factor in the CRS points calculation, it is far from a barrier to Canadian permanent residency. With strategic planning and awareness of the many pathways available, individuals over 40 can successfully make Canada their new home.
As immigration policies continue to evolve, Maple News encourages older skilled workers to explore all federal and provincial pathways, consider targeting in-demand occupations, and remain up-to-date with category-based draws and regional immigration initiatives.