How to boost your CRS score after 30?
Canada’s Express Entry system is a popular way for skilled workers to get permanent residency (PR). It aims to bring in top talent from around the world, and because it’s competitive, every point in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) counts. As age is an important factor in the CRS, applicants start to lose points after they turn 30.
But still, being over 30 does not have to mean that your dream to move to Canada is impossible. Age is just one factor that makes it hard for learners, but there are numerous ways you can use to enhance your CRS score. From language tests to PNPs, this guide will walk you through the process of increasing your ranking and receiving an ITA for Canada immigration.
Essential information about the Express Entry System
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s system for handling immigration applications through three main programs:
How does it work?
The process has three simple steps:
- Create your profile
First of all, you have to complete the form to create an Express Entry profile. This involves details in your background, such as education, experience, language, and many more.
- Get your CRS score and wait for the draw
This is in line with the Canadian government’s new approach, where you receive a CRS score after filing your profile. It means that it defines the place you occupy in the list of applicants. About every two weeks, the Canadian government holds draws to invite candidates with the highest scores to apply for permanent residency.
- Submit the full application
When you have been invited by a draw, you will then be able to provide all the necessary documents for possible permanent residency in Canada.
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
What is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a point-based system that ranks Express Entry profiles based on important factors such as:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language skills
Why age matters in Express Entry?
Age is an important part of your CRS score. The candidates aged 20 years and below get more points for age, up to 110 points. But when a candidate attains the age of 29 years, he begins to have some points deducted from him. By 45, they do not get any additional points for age at all.
However, if you are 30 years old or older, then you do not have to panic. This means you can still increase your overall score in other attributes to continue standing a better chance in the Express Entry.
CRS age points distribution
Here’s how CRS points are awarded based on age:
| Age | Points (without spouse) | Points (with spouse) |
|---|---|---|
| 20-29 | 100-110 | 90-100 |
| 30 | 95 | 88 |
| 31 | 90 | 85 |
| 32 | 85 | 80 |
| 33 | 80 | 75 |
| 34 | 75 | 70 |
| 35 | 70 | 65 |
| 36 | 65 | 60 |
| 37 | 60 | 55 |
| 38 | 55 | 50 |
| 39 | 50 | 45 |
| 40 | 40 | 40 |
| 41 | 35 | 33 |
| 42 | 25 | 23 |
| 43 | 15 | 13 |
| 44 | 5 | 5 |
| 45+ | 0 | 0 |
How to raise your CRS score after 30?
If you’ve lost CRS points because of your age, don’t worry! There are many ways to improve your score and increase your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Here are six effective ways:
- Get a job offer (Up to 200 CRS Points)
A job offer from a Canadian employer can greatly boost your CRS score, adding between 50 and 200 points, depending on the job and its type. While a job offer isn’t required for Express Entry, it gives you a big advantage. Jobs in senior management or specialized trades usually provide more points. If you’re already working in Canada on a temporary visa, talk to your employer about the possibility of a permanent job offer.
- Improve your language skills (Up to 136 CRS Points)
Language skills in English and French are essential for your CRS score. To get more points, focus on improving your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. A high score on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) can earn you up to 136 points if you apply alone or 128 points if you apply with a spouse. Also, knowing both English and French can help. Even basic French can give you an extra 50 CRS points. Aim for a CLB level of 9 or higher, as small improvements can lead to significant score increases.
- Use Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP)—600 CRS Points
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can be very helpful for Express Entry candidates. A provincial nomination can add 600 points to your CRS score, which can almost guarantee you an ITA in the next draw. Each province has its own PNP streams to meet local job needs, and many are connected to Express Entry. Keep an eye on popular programs like:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Change the main applicant
If you’re applying as a couple, think about switching the main applicant to improve your CRS score. Use a CRS calculator to compare both of your profiles based on education, language skills, and work experience. If one partner has better qualifications, they should be the main applicant. Sometimes, submitting separate applications can also be a good idea. With new selection draws based on specific categories, switching the main applicant may help, even if it slightly lowers your overall CRS score.
- Gain more work experience (Up to 100 CRS Points)
Getting more work experience can positively affect your CRS score, especially if it’s Canadian work experience. The CRS gives points for both foreign and Canadian experience, but Canadian work experience is worth more. Completing at least one year of work in Canada can earn you up to 100 extra points. Make sure your work experience is documented correctly and fits the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes for your field.
- Improve Your Education
When compared with CRS scores, literacy and education levels for higher values of CRS are seen. If you have not done so, you may wish to have your education reviewed via an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). You can also gain by getting further education or by getting additional certification. Obtaining another degree, or diploma, or completing a short course, especially in Canada, will greatly advance your score. Education from Canadian institutions can help add up to 50 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
Thus, using these strategies lets us increase our CRS score and have a better opportunity to immigrate to Canada.
How the CRS Calculator can help you plan?
A CRS calculator is important for keeping track of your score and finding ways to improve it. This tool lets you try out different options, like improving your language scores, getting more work experience, or getting a job offer.
By using the CRS calculator, you can make smart decisions and see exactly what areas need work. This can give you an advantage in the Express Entry pool.
If you’re over 30 and worried about your CRS score, there are several ways to improve your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada. Employment offer, language proficiency, provincial nominee programs (PNP), changing the main applicant if the application is filed as a couple, work experience, and better education. Moreover, having a look at the CRS calculator, you can realize how you are doing and where you can upgrade.
