Canadian immigration after 40

The Express Entry Canada immigration system is geared towards awarding Comprehensive Ranking System points to applicants most likely to quickly integrate and enjoy economic success. It is also aimed at reversing an aging population trend becoming a growing concern as the baby boomer generation drops out of the labour market. When it comes to economic immigration, Canada’s aim is to bring in young, well-qualified candidates with the cores skills most likely to see them easily find employment.

Under the popular Express Entry system, candidates receive a score based on their age and the age of their spouse or partner if they have one. Up to 110 points are available towards a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. With Invitations to Apply issued to candidates scoring in the range of 415 to 460 CRS points, the points available for age can help significantly towards an application.

Candidates should be aware of the drop-off in terms of points available as they get older than 30 years of age. If you are planning a Canada immigration project, it is well worth getting your application in as soon as possible to maximise the points available for age.

While a 29-year-old scores a maximum 110 CRS points for age, those points begin a sharp decline from the candidate’s 30th birthday onwards. By the time they reach 39, just 55 points are available.

The criteria for allocation of points in the CRS are:

460 to 500 points for a core set of human capital factors that drive economic outcomes such as:

• Age
• Level of education
• Official language proficiency
• Canadian work experience

40 points for spousal factors

100 points for a set of skills transferability or interaction factors that amplify the core set.

600 points for candidates who have a validated provincial or territorial nomination and / or a qualifying offer of arranged employment.

If you score low on the CRS due to age factor there are other avenues to score points.

Skills Transferability Factors

The maximum points for age with CRS is 110 or 100, depending on if you apply alone or with a partner. The good news is age is not the only factor where you can quickly pick up serious points. In the Skills Transferability Factors portion, an applicant can gain back those points for other experience. For example, the combined experience of two or more post-secondary degrees with high level of English or French (CLB level 9) gives you 50 points. Three or more years of foreign work experience, with a CLB level 9 can earn you 50 more points. A small increase of a point or two in the language portion can drastically increase your overall CRS score.

Job Offer

Although a job offer is not necessary for immigration under Express Entry, receiving a job offer from a Canadian employer will guarantee you between 50-200 additional CRS points. The variance in points depends on what kind of occupation you are offered.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNPs)

Each province has their own immigration programs called PNP’s. With a PNP nomination, an applicant can claim 600 points towards their CRS score. As the cut-off has been steadily staying in the 400 range, 600 points would make your application extremely competitive.

For more information about applying to Canada if you are over 40, why not contact one of our expert consultants and they can provide a tailormade solution based on your specific requirements.