Getting an ITA through Express Entry over age 40 without a provincial nomination
Are you a foreign national aged 40 and older looking to obtain permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry system? Even without a provincial nomination, it is possible to achieve your goal. In this article, we will explore how candidates aged 40 and above can secure permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws or category-based draws.
Understanding CRS Cut-off Scores
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores play a crucial role in determining who receives Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in Express Entry draws. These scores are influenced by the composition of the Express Entry pool, the type of draw being held, and the number of candidates invited. For example, in a recent healthcare and social services draw, the CRS score of the 1,000th highest-scoring profile eligible for that category became the cut-off score.
CRS Cut-off Scores in 2025 Draws
In 2025, IRCC focused on three main categories: CEC, healthcare and social services, French-language proficiency, and education. Here are the CRS cut-off score ranges for recent draws:
| Draw Type | CRS Cut-off Score Range |
|---|---|
| CEC | 518 – 547 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 470 – 510 |
| French-language Proficiency | 379 – 481 |
| Education | 479 |
Example Profiles
Let’s look at some fictional profiles of candidates aged 40 or older who would have qualified for ITAs in recent CEC and category-based draws:
Example 1 – CEC or CBS
Lizan, a 44-year-old from the Philippines, with a master’s degree, Canadian work experience, and advanced language skills, could have scored 530 points, making him eligible for multiple draws.
Example 2 – CEC
Tunde, a 43-year-old restaurant manager from Nigeria, could have qualified for draws by leveraging his spouse’s qualifications and language skills.
Example 1 – Healthcare and Social Services
Krishiv, a 50-year-old medical radiation technologist from India, could have secured an ITA with a CRS score of 484 in a recent healthcare draw.
Example 2 – French-language Proficiency
Adele, a 60-year-old HR coordinator from Belgium, could have been drawn in French-language proficiency draws with a CRS score of 426.
Immigrating with a Spouse
Consider creating separate profiles for you and your spouse to maximize your chances of receiving an ITA. Evaluate which profile has a better chance based on category-based selection or CEC draws.
Increasing Your CRS Score
Improving your education, language proficiency, and work experience can significantly boost your CRS score. For example, obtaining a higher education degree or enhancing your language skills can make a significant difference in your eligibility for ITAs.
Qualifying for Category-based Selection
Meeting specific criteria such as French language proficiency or work experience in a designated occupation can make you eligible for category-based draws. This can enhance your competitiveness and increase your chances of securing an ITA.
