Canada PR Over 40 Via Express Entry How To Get An ITA Without A PNP
Nhiều người nghĩ rằng sau 40 tuổi sẽ khó có cơ hội định cư Canada qua Express Entry nếu không có đề cử tỉnh bang (PNP – Provincial Nominee Program). Tuy nhiên, điều này hoàn toàn không đúng.
In fact, even if you are over 40 years old, you can still receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through:
- CEC (Canadian Experience Class)
- Category-based draw (lượt rút hồ sơ theo ngành hoặc nhóm đặc thù)
In this article, we will learn:
- Effective CRS score increasing strategy
- How to calculate CRS score and threshold score in recent draws
- Example of a real (hypothetical) profile of a candidate over 40 years old

CRS and How to Determine the Cut-off Score
CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) is the main measure for selecting profiles in Express Entry.
For each draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announces a CRS cut-off score. This score is based on:
- Total number of profiles in the Express Entry “pool”
- Type of withdrawal (CEC, total, or sector-specific)
- Number of applications IRCC wants to invite
If there are multiple applications with the same cut-off score, IRCC will prioritize those who submitted their application earlier (tie-breaking principle).
CRS cut-off for some draws in 2025
- CEC: 518 – 547
- Health & social services: 470 – 510
- French: 379 – 481
- Education: 479
Example of Candidate Profile for Over 40 Years Old
Example 1 – CEC Profile
Mr. Long (44 years old, Vietnam):
- 2-year Master's degree in Canada
- After graduation, work as Data Analyst for 3 years under PGWP
- Previously had 15 years of banking experience in Vietnam
- English & French both reach CLB/NCLC 10
CRS Score: 530
→ Eligible to receive an ITA in 5/8 CEC draws in 2025, and all French-language draws.
Example 2 – CEC Profile (with spouse)
Ms. Lan (40 years old, Vietnam):
- PhD in English Literature, 10 years of experience in Vietnam, 4 years as a Librarian in Canada
- English CLB 10, French NCLC 5
- Has a sister who is a permanent resident of New Brunswick
- Ms. Lan's husband (43 years old) has a College certificate and CLB 9.
CRS Score: 530
→ If applying for Express Entry in 2025, the profile will have enough points for 5/8 CEC draws.
Example 3 – Health & Social Services Application
Mr. Minh (50 years old, Vietnam):
- Work as a Medical X-Ray Technician in Alberta for 5 years (employer-based work permit)
- PhD in Public Health in Canada
- 8 years of experience in Vietnam before moving to Canada
- English CLB 9, French NCLC 3
CRS Score: 484
→ Sufficient points to receive ITA in the draw on August 19, 2025 (cut-off: 475).
Example 4 – French language profile
Ms. Hanh (60 years old, Belgian of Vietnamese origin):
- 20 years of experience in human resource management in Belgium
- Bachelor's degree and College certificate in Human Resources Management
- French NCLC 12, English CLB 7
- No Canadian experience
CRS Score: 426
→ Qualify for 2/4 French-language draws in 2025 (March 6 and March 21).
How to Increase CRS Score When Over 40
Age reduces scores, but there are ways to compensate:
- Improve education
- Study for additional qualifications in Canada (up to 30 points).
- For example: Mr. Quan (42 years old) studied for a 3-year Bachelor's degree in Canada → increased from 496 to 536 points, passing the cut-off in many draws.
- Improve language skills
- The higher the CLB/NCLC in English/French, the more points (maximum 310 points).
- For example: Ms. Mai (44 years old) improved her French from NCLC 6 to NCLC 7 → her score increased from 460 to 518, enough ITA in many draws.
- Gain work experience in Canada
- 1 year of Canadian experience can increase more than 30 points.
- For example: Mr. Phuc (41 years old) adds 1 year of Canadian experience → points increase from 452 to 481, eligible for the Medical category draw.
Strategies When Traveling With Your Spouse
- Need to calculate both people's scores → choose who is the main candidate.
- It is possible to create two Express Entry profiles side by side. If both are invited, just go ahead with one profile.
- Spouses not accompanying must still be declared in the application.
Conclusion
If you are over 40, you still have a chance to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, even without a provincial nomination. The important thing is:
- Understand how CRS points are calculated
- Focus on improving language, education, and Canadian experience
- Know how to choose the right category (CEC or Category-based)
If you are interested, assess your CRS today and make a plan to improve it to increase your chances of receiving an ITA.