Maple News reports that foreign nationals aged 40 and older can still successfully obtain Canadian permanent residency through the Express Entry system—even without a provincial nomination. While age can reduce points in Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), strategic planning and meeting specific eligibility criteria can lead to an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Candidates in this age group may qualify for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or category-based draws under Express Entry, provided they have a competitive CRS score. This is particularly achievable if they have Canadian work experience, strong language proficiency, or qualify for in-demand categories such as healthcare, education, or French-language skills.
Each Express Entry draw has a cut-off CRS score, which is determined by the number of invitations issued and the specific category targeted. For instance, in a healthcare draw with 1,000 invitations, the CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited becomes that round’s cut-off. If multiple candidates have the same score at the cut-off point, tie-breaking rules apply based on the date of Express Entry profile submission.
In 2025, category-based draws have focused heavily on occupations in healthcare and social services, education, and candidates proficient in French. These targeted draws often have lower CRS cut-offs than all-program draws, giving older candidates a stronger chance of receiving ITAs when they meet category requirements.
Recent data show that even for candidates over 40, having high language test scores (especially in English or French), Canadian work experience, and educational qualifications can significantly improve CRS scores. Moreover, continued updates to the Express Entry policies show a shift toward welcoming skilled workers in essential sectors, regardless of age.
Maple News encourages older applicants not to self-disqualify based solely on age. Understanding the nuances of CRS scoring, leveraging category-based draws, and improving profile components such as language scores can make a meaningful difference when competing in the Express Entry pool.
While provincial nomination can boost CRS scores by 600 points, those who do not fit PNP criteria should focus on maximizing core CRS elements. Many over-40 applicants have successfully received ITAs without a nomination by being strategic about Express Entry pathways, especially through CEC and targeted occupational or language categories.
As Canada continues to refine its immigration strategy, seasoned professionals may find more tailored opportunities designed to welcome their expertise. Express Entry remains a viable and dynamic route for such individuals to pursue permanent residency.