6 Ways to Boosting Your Express Entry CRS Score After Turning 30 – Part 1

Canada’s Express Entry system is the top pathway for skilled workers aiming to secure permanent residency (PR). This competitive program evaluates candidates based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which ranks individuals on key factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills.

As you hit your 30s, it’s no secret that the CRS system begins to deduct points for age. However, being over 30 doesn’t mean your chances of achieving Canadian PR are gone! With the right strategies, you can still make yourself a top candidate in the Express Entry pool.

In this guide, we’ll break down 6 practical ways to boost your CRS score and stay competitive in the race for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Understanding Express Entry Basics

Canada’s Express Entry system handles applications for three major immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

2. Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The process is broken into three main steps:

1. Profile Creation: You’ll submit an Express Entry profile detailing your education, work experience, and language proficiency.

2. CRS Score & Draw: Based on this profile, you’ll receive a CRS score that ranks you in the pool. The Canadian government conducts regular draws, selecting candidates with the highest scores.

3. Permanent Residency Application: If selected, you’ll receive an ITA, allowing you to apply for permanent residency.

Why Does Age Matter?

Age is a critical factor in your CRS score. While candidates in their 20s can earn the maximum 110 points for age, those points begin to decrease once you cross the age of 30. By the time you’re 45, age no longer earns you any CRS points.

But here’s the good news—losing points for age doesn’t mean your Canadian dream is over! Let’s explore how you can increase your score in other areas to keep your profile strong.

1. Secure a Job Offer (Up to 200 CRS Points)

A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can be a game-changer, potentially adding between 50 and 200 points to your CRS score. While a job offer isn’t required for Express Entry, having one significantly boosts your chances of getting an ITA.

Key Tip: If you’re already in Canada on a temporary status, talk to your current employer about supporting your permanent residency application. This can help you bypass the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) hurdles and fast-track your process.

2. Improve Your Language Skills (Up to 136 CRS Points)

Language skills are among the most heavily weighted factors in Express Entry. Whether it’s English or French, improving your language proficiency can earn you up to 136 points (without a spouse) or 128 points (with a spouse).

Bonus Tip: If you know basic French, even adding beginner-level skills can earn you an additional 50 points under Canada’s bilingual bonus. This is an often-overlooked strategy, but it can provide a huge advantage in a competitive pool.

Key Tip: Aim for Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 9 or higher to maximize points. Consider free language courses or professional tutoring to boost your scores.

3. Leverage Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP) – 600 CRS Points

One of the best ways to dramatically increase your CRS score is by receiving a provincial nomination, which adds a whopping 600 points to your score. This essentially guarantees an ITA in the next draw!

Popular PNP Streams:

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Offers a high volume of invitations but is quite competitive.

• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP): Known for having lower cutoff scores.

• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP): Regular draws, focusing on key sectors.

Keep an eye on regional PNP streams to see if your occupation is in demand. Many PNPs are linked with Express Entry, making it easier to receive an invitation through these streams.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll cover more advanced strategies like changing your principal applicant, boosting work experience, and improving education credentials to further increase your CRS score and keep your Express Entry profile competitive!

At Altec Global, we understand the complexities of the Canadian immigration system and are dedicated to helping applicants overcome these obstacles. Whether you’re waiting for your PR application, navigating temporary residence delays, or seeking citizenship, our team is here to guide you through the process and help make your Canadian dream a reality.

📧 For personalized guidance 📧 on getting the right strategy for increasing your CRS score.