Getting an ITA Through Express Entry Over Age 40 Without a Provincial Nomination

Foreign applicants who are aged 40 and above usually worry that their chances of obtaining permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry are low, especially without a provincial nomination. 

The Recent draws in 2025, there are probabilities to secure an ITA through the category-based draws option or CEC.  This is even for candidates who may not have strong PNP prospects. 

Consultants at Croyez Immigration closely monitor IRCC draw patterns and guide applicants on realistic opportunities to achieve their PR goals.

How CRS Cut-Off Scores Are Determined

Express Entry candidates are ranked using the CRS. IRCC issues ITAs based on the cut-off scores. These scores differ based on the draw type and number of candidates invited.

Here is an example. If IRCC issues 1000 ITAs in a healthcare-focused draw, the score of the 1000th highest candidate becomes that round's cut-off. If many applicants share the same score, the date on which the Express Entry profile was submitted will be considered the tie-breaking rule.

Examples of 40+ Candidates Who Qualified

To illustrate how older applicants can succeed, here are some fictional but realistic profiles.

Lizan - Age 44 and a CEC Applicant

Lizan is a masters graduate from a Canadian university. He has worked 3 years in Canada as a data analyst and has 15years of overseas experience. His CRS score reached 530 with advanced English and French skills, plus a Canadian education. This score placed him above the cut-off in French-language and multiple CEC draws in 2025.

Abisola - Age 40, CEC Applicant with Spouse

Abisola, a PhD holder from Nigeria, combined her Canadian work experience as a librarian with strong English and French skills. Her sister was a Canadian PR, which added extra points. Her CRS score of 530 made her competitive in five CEC draws this year, despite her being over 40.

Krishiv - Age 50, Healthcare Draw

Krishiv holds a Canadian PHD and years of local work experience. He is working in Alberta as a medical radiation technologist. His CRS score of 484 was enough to receive an ITA during the August 2025 healthcare draw with a cut-off of 475.

Adele - Age 60, French-Language Draw

Adele is 60 years old and has no Canadian experience. Her strong French (NCLC 12) helped her reach 426 CRS points. This allows her to qualify in two French-language draws where cut-offs were under 410.

These illustrations prove that age is not a barrier if education, language proficiency and experience are optimised.

Strategies to Boost CRS Scores After 40

Losing CRS points due to age can be offset by other factors. At Croyez Immigration, we will advise clients on particular ways which will improve competitiveness.

• Improving language proficiency scores can add up to 310 CRS points. Even a one-level increase in French will push the candidates over the cut-off.
• Completing higher education in Canada will yield up to 230 points. This includes local credentials and bonus points.
• Gaining even one year of Canadian work experience will significantly raise CRS scores. This is especially for applicants in healthcare and skilled trades.
• Sometimes spousal strategy works. The spouse might sometimes be a stronger applicant. Creating a dual Express Entry profile will sometimes multiply the chances of receiving an ITA.

Category Based Selection

The IRCC has increasingly depending on category-based selection since 2023. In 2025 28,600 ITAs were issued under categories like education, French-language proficiency and healthcare. These draws often have lower cut-offs than CEC rounds. This makes them particularly advantageous for applicants over 40.

To qualify for these draws, candidates must

• Have at least 6 months of work experience in a qualifying occupation within the last three years
• A French proficiency of NCLC or higher.

Occupations such as secondary school teachers, pharmacy assistants and cooks are among those eligbile for these draws.

How Croyez Helps?

Being over 40 does not mean Canadian dreams cannot become reality. By strategically improving language scores and getting a Canadian education, applicants can become eligible. Older applicants can remain competitive in the Express Entry Pool without relying on a provincial nomination if they target category-based draws.

Consultants at Croyez Immigration, we specialise in helping mid-career professionals and families to get through these pathways with our customised strategies which maximises CRS scores. Partner with Croyez Immigration and make your Canadian dream a reality.