Are you over 40 and wondering if you can still move to Canada? The answer is a resounding yes. While younger applicants may score more points under Canada’s Express Entry system, individuals over 40 still have multiple strong options for Canadian permanent residency (PR). Whether you’re a skilled professional, tradesperson, or caregiver, there’s a pathway suited for you.

Understanding Express Entry and the Age Factor

Canada’s flagship immigration system, Express Entry, manages applications for three major programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.

One of the major factors in Express Entry’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is age. Candidates aged 20–29 receive the highest age-related points (up to 110), and from age 30 onward, those points gradually decrease. Applicants aged 45 and older receive zero CRS points for age. But don’t worry—you can still qualify.

How to Maximize Your CRS Score Over 40:

• Boost your language scores (IELTS or TEF)
• Gain Canadian work experience or education
• Secure a provincial nomination (+600 CRS points)
• Qualify for a category-based draw (e.g. healthcare, STEM, trades, French-speaking)

Category-Based Express Entry Draws

Category-based draws introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are game-changers for older workers. These draws target applicants based on their profession or French proficiency, often with lower CRS cut-offs. For example, recent draws in 2025 had cut-offs as low as 379, compared to over 520 in general draws.

Eligible categories include:

• Healthcare and social services
• STEM occupations
• French-speaking candidates (NCLC 7 or higher)
• Agriculture and agri-food
• Education professionals
• Skilled trades

If you meet one of these category requirements, age becomes less of a barrier.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Your Strategic Advantage

Provinces and territories run over 80 PNP streams, many of which do not penalize for age. These programs nominate individuals based on regional labor market needs.

You can apply through:

• Enhanced PNP streams (linked to Express Entry; adds 600 CRS points)
• Base PNP streams (direct PR application to the province, not points-based)

Some provinces have age limits (e.g. 55 in Nova Scotia or Newfoundland), but most value your skills, job offers, and ties to the province more than your age.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): No Age Limits

If you’re interested in living in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador, the Atlantic Immigration Program is a promising option. AIP has no age restriction and focuses on job offers from designated employers in these provinces.

You’ll need:

• A valid job offer in TEER 0–4 level
• At least 1 year of relevant work experience (or local education)
• CLB 4 or 5 in English or French
• Proof of settlement funds

The AIP allows applicants to also apply for a temporary work permit while PR is in process, giving you a head start on your Canadian journey.

Federal Pilot Programs

Federal pilot pathways like the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot are ideal for those with caregiver experience. These programs also do not consider age as a primary factor, focusing more on language ability, job offers, and work experience.

In 2025, Canada also launched rural and francophone pilot programs, creating new opportunities in smaller communities where population growth is needed. Again, these are age-flexible and emphasize contribution over age.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada 🇨🇦

At ICC Immigration, we specialize in helping clients over 40 navigate Canada’s complex immigration system. Here’s how we support your journey:

✅ Permanent Residency Applications – We evaluate your profile and help you apply through Express Entry, PNPs, AIP, or federal pilots.

✅ Work & Study Permits – Temporary pathways can help you build Canadian experience and improve your PR eligibility.

✅ Family Sponsorship – Reunite with loved ones and gain PR through sponsorship programs.

✅ Legal Advice & Application Support – We ensure your application complies with the latest IRCC regulations to avoid costly mistakes.

Why risk the uncertainty of asylum or misinformation? Choose a secure, legal, and personalized path to Canada with ICC Immigration.

📞 Call us today at (905) 461-2424 or 647-850-9000
🌐 Visit: www.iccimmigration.ca
📩 Or DM us now for a consultation

Final Thoughts

Being over 40 doesn’t mean the door to Canadian permanent residency is closed. Whether it’s through Express Entry category-based draws, PNPs, AIP, or caregiver pilot programs, Canada values experience and skilled labor—regardless of age.

With the right strategy and professional guidance from ICC Immigration, you can make Canada your new home.

Start your future today. 🍁