Age is an important factor in Canada’s Express Entry system. It directly affects the number of points a candidate can receive under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which is used to rank eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool.
Younger candidates generally receive more CRS points for age, while the number of points decreases progressively as a candidate gets older. At age 45 or older, a candidate receives no CRS points for age.
However, this does not mean that age alone determines whether someone can obtain Canadian permanent residence. Express Entry is a comprehensive points-based system that considers several factors, including education, official language proficiency, Canadian work experience, skill transferability, and certain additional factors.
Understanding how the age factor works—and how it interacts with the rest of the CRS—is therefore important for anyone considering Express Entry as a pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the points-based system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assess and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool.
The CRS has a maximum of 1,200 points.
Age is one of the core human capital factors under the CRS.
Candidates between 20 and 29 years of age receive the maximum points for age. From age 30 onward, the number of points decreases progressively. At age 45 or older, the age factor provides 0 CRS points.
| Age | With accompanying spouse/common-law partner | Without accompanying spouse/common-law partner |
|---|---|---|
| 17 or younger | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | 90 | 99 |
| 19 | 95 | 105 |
| 20–29 | 100 | 110 |
| 30 | 95 | 105 |
| 31 | 90 | 99 |
| 32 | 85 | 94 |
| 33 | 80 | 88 |
| 34 | 75 | 83 |
| 35 | 70 | 77 |
| 36 | 65 | 72 |
| 37 | 60 | 66 |
| 38 | 55 | 61 |
| 39 | 50 | 55 |
| 40 | 45 | 50 |
| 41 | 35 | 39 |
| 42 | 25 | 28 |
| 43 | 15 | 17 |
| 44 | 5 | 6 |
| 45 or older | 0 | 0 |
These are the current CRS age points published by IRCC.
Age is one of the core human capital factors considered under the CRS, alongside education, official language proficiency and Canadian work experience.
For example, a candidate without an accompanying spouse or common-law partner receives:
Turning 30 does not make someone ineligible for Express Entry. However, it does affect the number of CRS points awarded for age.
The CRS age points continue to decline after age 35.
Yes. There is no general Express Entry rule stating that a person becomes ineligible simply because they are over 40. However, candidates receive fewer CRS points for age as they get older. At age 45 or older, the CRS assigns zero points for age.
Yes. Age is only one component of the CRS. The CRS also considers:
Strong language results can increase a candidate's overall CRS score, although they do not replace the points lost under the age factor.
Education is another core human capital factor under the CRS. Depending on the candidate's circumstances, education can contribute up to 150 CRS points or 140 CRS points with a spouse.
Canadian work experience is also a core human capital factor under the CRS. A candidate can receive up to 80 CRS points without a spouse or 70 points with a spouse.
French-language ability can provide additional CRS points if the candidate meets IRCC's requirements. Up to 50 additional points may be available depending on English results.
A provincial or territorial nomination can have a substantial impact on an Express Entry candidate's CRS score, providing 600 additional points.
No. As of March 25, 2025, IRCC removed CRS points for job offers. However, job offers may still be relevant to eligibility under certain programs or provincial streams.
Age can affect your CRS score when you move into a new age bracket. The decision should take into account the candidate's complete circumstances.
An applicant who is 45 or older receives zero CRS points for age, but this does not mean that age itself creates an absolute prohibition on Express Entry.
Age can have a meaningful impact on an Express Entry CRS score, but Express Entry is not an age-only system. The CRS evaluates multiple components of a candidate's profile.
What is the best age for Express Entry?
Candidates aged 20 to 29 receive the maximum age points.
Does Express Entry have an age limit?
No. Candidates aged 45 or older receive zero points for age but may still qualify.
How many CRS points do you get at age 40?
45 points with a spouse, 50 points without.
How many CRS points do you get at age 45?
0 points for age.
Can I apply for Express Entry after age 40?
Yes, if you meet eligibility requirements.
Can I get Canadian PR through Express Entry after age 45?
Yes, but age points are zero, so other factors matter.
Can a high IELTS score compensate for age?
Strong language results can increase CRS but do not replace lost age points.
Does a Canadian job offer add CRS points?
