Many skilled workers believe they have missed their chance to immigrate to Canada once they hit their 40s or older — but that’s simply not true. While it’s accurate that age does factor into Canada’s flagship immigration system — Express Entry — many people in their 40s and even older successfully become permanent residents every year. They do so by making smart use of alternative pathways, maximizing other factors like language skills, education, and work experience, and tapping into federal or provincial programs that don’t penalize them for being older. So, if you’re considering a fresh start in Canada, here’s a clear breakdown of how you can move to Canada if you’re over 40 and boost your chances of receiving that golden Invitation to Apply (ITA).
So, without further ado, let us begin!
Express Entry: What Older Applicants Should Know?
Canada’s Express Entry system remains the primary gateway for skilled workers outside Quebec who wish to become permanent residents.
Express Entry doesn’t accept direct applications for PR right away. Instead, candidates first create a profile online, which is then scored using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Your CRS score ranks you against other candidates in the pool, and only the top-ranked candidates receive ITAs during draws.
The CRS awards points for several factors, including language proficiency, education, work experience, and age. And this is where older workers can feel disadvantaged.
Let’s break down how the CRS handles age. If you’re between 20 and 29, you get the maximum age points: 110. Once you hit 30, you start losing points every year, dropping to zero by age 45.
Below is the exact breakdown:
| Age | Number Of Points |
| 17 or less | 0 |
| 18 | 99 |
| 19 | 105 |
| 20 to 29 | 110 |
| 30 | 105 |
| 31 | 99 |
| 32 | 94 |
| 33 | 88 |
| 34 | 83 |
| 35 | 77 |
| 36 | 72 |
| 37 | 66 |
| 38 | 61 |
| 39 | 55 |
| 40 | 50 |
| 41 | 39 |
| 42 | 28 |
| 43 | 17 |
| 44 | 6 |
| 45 or more | 0 |
It’s vital to know that age does reduce your CRS score as you get older. But here’s the good news — this doesn’t mean Express Entry is off the table entirely for you.
Many skilled workers in their 40s succeed in Express Entry every year. They do so by:
- Qualifying for category-based draws, which often have lower CRS cut-offs
- Receiving a provincial nomination, which gives them an extra 600 points and guarantees an ITA
Category – Based Draws: A Golden Opportunity
Another way to move to Canada if you’re over 40 is category-based draws.
In 2023, Canada introduced category-based draws under Express Entry — and they’re a game-changer for older applicants.
These draws target specific occupations, French speakers, or individuals with skills in priority sectors. So far, IRCC has run category-based draws for sectors such as healthcare, STEM (science, tech, engineering, and math), trades, and agriculture — as well as for people with strong French-language skills.
What makes category-based draws so valuable is that they often have lower CRS cut-offs than general draws or Canadian Experience Class draws. Here’s a clear look at how they compare:
| Draw Type | Lowest CRS Cut-Off Score | Highest CRS Cut-Off Score |
| Category-based draws | 379 | 510 |
| CEC draws | 521 | 547 |
So, if you’re over 40 and worried about a low CRS, you might still receive an ITA if you qualify under one of these categories. For example, improving your French to NCLC level 7 can open the door to the French-language draw, which has a much lower threshold.
Or if you have six months of recent work experience in a high-demand occupation — say, as a nurse, electrician, or engineer — you could qualify for an occupation-based draw, even with a lower overall CRS.
Secure a Provincial Nomination: Get That Extra 600 Points
Another practical way for older skilled workers to succeed in Express Entry is by securing a provincial nomination under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Provinces use the PNP to pick newcomers who can fill regional labour market gaps. They select workers with the skills, experience, and sometimes the local ties needed to settle and thrive in their province.
There are more than 80 PNP streams across Canada (excluding Quebec and Nunavut). If you receive a nomination through an enhanced PNP stream — which aligns with Express Entry — you automatically get 600 additional CRS points. This nearly guarantees that you’ll receive an ITA in the next round.
Here’s how the consideration process works:
| Consideration Process | Definition |
| Passive | The province automatically reviews Express Entry profiles that indicate interest in that province. If your profile fits their needs, they’ll issue a Notification of Interest (NOI). You then submit a nomination application. |
| Active – direct application | You apply directly to the PNP stream and, if successful, receive a nomination. |
| Active – EOI pool | You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the province’s system. If selected, you’re invited to apply for nomination. |
Some provinces target certain sectors like healthcare, trades, or tech. Others focus on ties to the province, like having a job offer, a relative living there, or previous study or work experience.
Qualify For A Base PNP Stream
Not all PNP streams are tied to Express Entry. Many provinces run base streams that are independent of Express Entry.
These streams generally do not award extra points for age — nor do they deduct them. Instead, they focus on factors such as:
- Relevant work experience
- Education and credentials
- Language skills
- A job offer from a local employer
- Ties to the province (like study or family)
Some base streams do have age requirements — usually minimum and maximum ages — but they tend to be generous compared to Express Entry’s strict age scoring. For example:
- Nova Scotia’s Skilled Worker stream accepts applicants aged 21–55.
- Newfoundland and Labrador’s Skilled Worker category accepts applicants aged 21–59.
Some base streams use a points grid — like Nova Scotia or Saskatchewan. While age might factor in, strong points in other areas can offset any loss.
To apply through a base PNP stream, you usually submit an application directly to the province or enter an EOI pool if one exists. If successful, you’ll receive a provincial nomination certificate and then apply directly to IRCC for permanent residency.
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Another excellent option to move to Canada if you’re over 40 is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
The AIP helps employers in Atlantic Canada hire skilled workers and recent graduates for jobs they can’t fill locally. It covers Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
What’s great about the AIP? It’s not points-based — so your age doesn’t count against you.
To qualify, you’ll need:
- A full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer in the Atlantic region
- One year of relevant work experience (some exceptions apply for graduates)
- The right education level (at least a high school diploma for TEER 2–4, post-secondary for TEER 0–1)
- Language skills: CLB 4 for TEER 4 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 0–3
- Enough settlement funds to support yourself and your family
The AIP is a great option if you have a valid job offer and can demonstrate that you plan to settle in one of these provinces.
Federal Pilots For Older Applicants
Canada also offers pilot programs that don’t use CRS scores or age points. These can be an excellent option for mature workers with the right experience and community ties.
Current federal pilots include:
- Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
- Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)
- Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care (HCWP: CC)
- Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Home Support (HCWP: HS)
Let’s break them down:
Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
In order to move to Canada if you’re over 40, RCIP can be a great option. This program aims to help small communities attract skilled workers. To qualify, you need:
- A job offer from a designated employer in one of the 14 participating communities
- Enough work experience, education, and language proficiency
- Settlement funds
- A recommendation certificate from an economic development group in that community
Here’s where you could move:
| Community | Province |
| Claresholm | Alberta |
| West Kootenay | British Columbia |
| North Okanagan-Shuswap | British Columbia |
| Peace Liard | British Columbia |
| North Bay | Ontario |
| Sudbury | Ontario |
| Timmins | Ontario |
| Sault Ste. Marie | Ontario |
| Thunder Bay | Ontario |
| Steinbach | Manitoba |
| Altona/Rhineland | Manitoba |
| Brandon | Manitoba |
| Pictou County | Nova Scotia |
| Moose Jaw | Saskatchewan |
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)
If you speak intermediate French (NCLC 5) and want to settle outside Quebec, you could qualify for the FCIP.
Key requirements:
- French proficiency
- Job offer in a priority occupation from a designated employer
- Settlement funds and a recommendation from an economic development group
Eligible regions:
| Region | Province |
| Kelowna | British Columbia |
| Sudbury | Ontario |
| Timmins | Ontario |
| Superior East Region | Ontario |
| Acadian Peninsula | New Brunswick |
| St. Pierre Jolys | Manitoba |
Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots
These pilots help foreign nationals with experience as child care providers or home support workers to become permanent residents.
You need:
- A valid job offer from a private household or organization
- Six months of relevant work experience or a valid credential (six months minimum)
- CLB 4 language skills
- Enough funds to settle
| Pilot | Occupations/NOC Codes |
| HCWP: CC | Home child care providers (NOC 44100), Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) |
| HCWP: HS | Home support workers, caregivers, and related occupations (NOC 44101); Nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates (NOC 33102) |
Final Thoughts
Being over 40 does not mean the door to Canada is closed. If you know where to look, there are plenty of pathways that welcome mature workers and their families.
Whether you aim for Express Entry, a provincial nomination, the AIP, or one of Canada’s community pilots, your skills, experience, and determination can open doors.
So, brush up on your language skills, connect with reputable employers, explore regions that align with your goals, and be realistic about your timeline.
When in doubt, work with an experienced immigration professional to build the best strategy for your family.
Canada is waiting — and it welcomes talent at every age.
CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.