In the Express Entry system, your age is an important factor in determining your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS score is used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool and affects your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada.
How Age Affects Your CRS Score:
The CRS system awards points for age based on your age at the time of application (not when you create your Express Entry profile). The maximum points available for age are 110 points for a single applicant or 100 points if you have a spouse or common-law partner.
CRS Points for Age:
- Under 18 years: 0 points
- 18 years: 90 points
- 19 years: 95 points
- 20-29 years: 100 points (maximum points)
- 30 years: 95 points
- 31 years: 90 points
- 32 years: 85 points
- 33 years: 80 points
- 34 years: 75 points
- 35 years: 70 points
- 36 years: 65 points
- 37 years: 60 points
- 38 years: 55 points
- 39 years: 50 points
- 40 years: 45 points
- 41 years: 40 points
- 42 years: 35 points
- 43 years: 30 points
- 44 years: 25 points
- 45 years: 0 points
Key Points to Consider:
- Young Applicants (Under 30):
- Applicants in the age group of 20 to 29 receive the maximum points for age (100 points for a single applicant). Being younger can boost your CRS score significantly.
- Aging Out:
- Applicants who are over 30 will start to lose points for age as they get older. For example, at 35, you lose 30 points, and at 45, you lose all points for age.
- Spouse’s Age:
- If you’re applying with a spouse or common-law partner, their age also impacts your CRS score, but they typically lose fewer points than the primary applicant as they don’t factor into other sections of the application as heavily.
- Other Factors to Compensate for Age:
- While age is an important factor, other elements like education, work experience, language proficiency, and provincial nominations can help boost your CRS score and compensate for any points lost due to age.
Strategy to Maximize CRS Points:
- Maximize language proficiency (both English and French, if applicable) to boost your CRS score.
- Gain additional work experience to increase your total score.
- If you’re over 30, consider spouse’s skills and education (if applicable) to further improve your score.
- Consider Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which can give you additional points and help you secure permanent residency even if your age reduces your CRS score.
Understanding how age affects your CRS score allows you to take the right steps to enhance your eligibility for immigration to Canada under Express Entry.