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How to Get an ITA Through Express Entry After 40 – Without a PNP Nomination

ICC Immigration Inc > Blogs > Announcement > How to Get an ITA Through Express Entry After 40 – Without a PNP Nomination

Many people believe that getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry after turning 40 is next to impossible without a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The truth? It’s challenging—but absolutely possible with the right strategy.

If you are an Indian professional in your 40s dreaming of Canadian PR, don’t lose hope. Here’s how you can still succeed without relying on a PNP nomination.

✅ Why Is Age a Big Factor in Express Entry?

Express Entry uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points based on age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Unfortunately, age points drop sharply after 29:

  • At 29 years: 110 points

  • At 40 years: 50 points

  • At 45 years: 0 points

This means someone aged 40 loses 60 points compared to a 29-year-old. However, other factors can make up for this loss.

✅ How Can You Overcome the Age Disadvantage?

Here are key strategies that have worked for many applicants over 40:

1. Maximize Your Language Score (IELTS/CELPIP)

Strong English skills can boost your CRS significantly. Scoring CLB 9 or 10 in IELTS (Listening 8, Reading 7, Writing 7, Speaking 7) can add up to 136 points.

👉 Example: Rajesh Mehta, a 42-year-old software engineer from Bangalore, scored IELTS 8.0 overall and improved his CRS by 60+ points.

2. Add French as a Second Language

Even a basic French score (TEF Canada) can add up to 50 CRS points. Many Indian applicants use this as a game-changer.

👉 Example: Priya Nair from Kochi learned French for six months, scored well, and added 42 extra CRS points—enough to get an ITA without PNP.

3. Claim Extra Points Through Your Spouse

If you’re married, your spouse can help increase your CRS:

  • Spouse IELTS: Up to 20 points

  • Spouse Education: Up to 10 points

  • Spouse Work Experience: Additional adaptability points

👉 Example: Anil and Sneha Gupta from Delhi improved their CRS from 440 to 472 when Sneha took IELTS and added points.

4. Complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Multiple Degrees

If you hold two or more degrees (e.g., a Bachelor’s and a Master’s), make sure both are assessed by WES or another recognized body. This can add 8-10 points.

5. Gain Extra Work Experience

Work experience outside Canada (over 10 years) does not add more points beyond a limit, but Canadian work experience does. If possible, consider a temporary work permit to gain additional points.

✅ What Is a Good CRS Score for 40+ Without PNP?

In 2025, most no-PNP Express Entry draws are happening around 470–485 points. For applicants over 40, reaching 470 is tough but doable if you:

  • Score CLB 9 or 10 in IELTS

  • Learn French

  • Claim spouse points

  • Have multiple degrees

  • Maximize work experience

✅ Is Express Entry Still the Best Option After 40?

Yes—if you have strong language skills, education, and experience. Otherwise, you may consider:

  • PNP streams (if eligible)

  • Job offers with LMIA

  • Study programs for Canadian education

Final Thoughts

Age should not stop you from achieving your Canadian dream. If Rajesh and Priya can do it after 40 without a PNP, so can you! It takes planning, effort, and the right strategy.