Many skilled workers think they’ve missed the chance to move to Canada once they turn 40 — but the reality is far more optimistic. It’s true that Canada’s main system, Express Entry, reduces points for age once you hit 30, but that doesn’t close the door. Thousands of skilled workers in their 40s and even beyond make Canada their new home every year by choosing smart pathways, thus boosting other factors like language scores and work experience, and picking programs that don’t penalize older applicants. So, if you’re ready to make a fresh start in Canada, here’s your straightforward guide on how to immigrate to Canada successfully when you’re over 40. We will also discuss how to maximize your chance of getting that life-changing Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Let’s begin!
Express Entry: Know How Age Affects You
The first and primary way to immigrate to Canada successfully when you’re over 40 is Express Entry.
Canada’s Express Entry system is still the top path for skilled workers outside Quebec to gain permanent residence.
Here’s how it works: you don’t apply for PR directly. First, you create an Express Entry profile online. This profile is scored through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Your CRS score is what ranks you against other candidates. Canada holds draws throughout the year and invites top-ranked candidates to apply for PR.
The CRS factors in your language skills, education, work experience — and age. This is where older workers can feel the pinch.
Here’s exactly how many age points you get:
| 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 |
As you can see, your CRS score naturally drops as you age past 30. By 45, you don’t get age points at all.
But you can still succeed in Express Entry. Many people do it every year by using smart strategies like:
- Qualifying for category-based draws with lower CRS cut-offs
- Securing a provincial nomination for an instant 600-point boost
Category-Based Draws: A Smart Route For Older Applicants
One of the best things Canada added recently is category-based draws under Express Entry.
They’re designed for candidates with specific skills or backgrounds that Canada needs — and they can open the door wide for applicants in their 40s or older.
These draws focus on certain occupations, people with strong French skills, or candidates in critical sectors like healthcare, trades, STEM, and agriculture.
What makes category-based draws appealing? They often have lower CRS cut-offs than standard draws or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws. Check out how the numbers stack up:
| Draw Type | Lowest CRS Cut-Off Score | Highest CRS Cut-Off Score |
| Category-based draws | 379 | 510 |
| CEC draws | 521 | 547 |
This means if you fall into a targeted category, you could get an ITA even if your CRS is lower due to age.
For example, if you improve your French to NCLC level 7, you could qualify for the French-language draw. Or, if you have six months of recent experience in a high-demand occupation, you might be eligible for an occupation-specific draw.
So if you’re a nurse, engineer, skilled tradesperson, or teacher — or you speak French well — this route is worth exploring.
Get A Provincial Nomination: Add 600 CRS Points Instantly
Another powerful strategy for moving to Canada successfully if you’re over 40 is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) run their own PNP streams to attract newcomers who match their workforce needs. If you’re nominated through an enhanced PNP stream (which is linked to Express Entry), you’ll get an extra 600 CRS points — which nearly guarantees an ITA.
Here’s how provinces select candidates for nomination:
| Consideration Process | Definition |
| Passive | The province automatically reviews Express Entry profiles that show interest in that province. If your profile fits, they’ll issue a Notification of Interest (NOI). You then submit a nomination application. |
| Active – direct application | You apply directly to the PNP stream. If you’re successful, you get 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 specific sectors — like healthcare, tech, or trades — while others favour applicants with local ties, such as a job offer, family, or study history in the province.
This is a great pathway for older workers, because the 600 extra points erase the drop in age points.
Base PNP Streams: Bypass Express Entry Points
Each province that runs a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers base streams. These streams operate independently — they’re not connected to the Express Entry system.
So if you choose to go for permanent residence (PR) through a base PNP stream, you don’t have to qualify for Express Entry at all.
Most base streams don’t focus on your age as an eligibility factor. Instead, they look at things like your work experience, education, language skills, whether you have ties to the province, and if you have a valid job offer (for streams that require one).
Some streams might ask for additional proof, like settlement funds, training certificates, an exploratory visit, or support from your employer.
That said, a few base PNP streams do have age requirements, but this isn’t the norm. For streams that do consider age, you usually need to:
- Be at least 19 to 21 years old to qualify
- Be below a maximum age limit (typically between 55 and 59) when you apply
For example, if you’re interested in Nova Scotia’s Skilled Worker stream, you must be between 21 and 55 years old. Newfoundland and Labrador’s Skilled Worker category (the non-Express Entry version) accepts applicants aged 21 to 59.
Some base streams also use a points system. In these cases, you usually need to score a minimum number of points — often around 60 — based on factors like your age, language ability, work experience, education, and adaptability.
If your stream uses a points grid, being younger might help you earn more points, but if you’re older, it doesn’t automatically rule you out — you can still qualify if you score well in other areas.
When you apply through a base stream, you’ll generally follow one of two processes:
- Submit an application directly to the province
- Enter the province’s Expression of Interest (EOI) pool and wait to be invited
If you’re approved, you’ll get a provincial nomination certificate. With that in hand, you can then apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): No Age Points At All
Another way to immigrate to Canada successfully when you’re over 40 is the Atlantic Immigration Program.
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a great pathway for skilled workers who want to live and work in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Prince Edward Island.
One of the best things about the AIP is that there’s no age limit. Unlike Express Entry, the AIP doesn’t use a points system, so your age won’t affect your chances — you won’t gain or lose points for how old you are.
To be eligible, you’ll first need a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. The employer must also get this job offer endorsed by the province — this step is their responsibility, not yours.
Besides the job offer, you’ll need to meet a few other requirements:
- If you’re applying for a TEER 0 or 1 job, you’ll need at least a one-year post-secondary qualification. For TEER 2, 3, or 4 jobs, a high school diploma is enough.
- You must have at least one year of work experience in the last five years in any TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 occupation (TEER 5 jobs don’t qualify). There’s an exception if you’re an international graduate — more on that below.
- You must meet the language requirement: CLB 5 for TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs, and CLB 4 for TEER 4 jobs.
- You’ll also need to show you have enough settlement funds to support yourself and any family members coming with you.
Note that if you finished a two-year, full-time post-secondary program at a school in one of the Atlantic provinces within the past two years, you don’t need the one year of work experience. But you must have lived in the Atlantic province for at least 16 months during your studies.
Once you meet the requirements and have a valid, endorsed job offer, there are two final steps:
- You need to get a settlement plan to help you and your family adjust to life in your new community.
- Then you can apply to IRCC for permanent residence through the AIP.
If you’d like to start working while your PR application is being processed, you can also apply for a work permit valid for up to two years.
Keep in mind that some provinces limit which occupations or industries they’ll approve for the AIP. For example, Prince Edward Island is only accepting AIP applications for jobs in healthcare, construction, or manufacturing. Nova Scotia currently doesn’t accept applications in certain industries, like Accommodation and Food Services.
Federal Pilot Programs: Unique Paths For Mature Workers
Canada also runs federal pilot programs that welcome older workers — no CRS age points involved. These 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)
Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
This program supports smaller communities in attracting skilled workers. To qualify, you’ll need:
- A job offer from a designated employer in one of 14 communities
- Relevant work experience, language, and education
- Settlement funds and a recommendation certificate
Eligible communities include:
| 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 have intermediate French skills (NCLC 5), you can qualify for the FCIP. Requirements include:
- A job offer from a designated employer
- Settlement funds and a recommendation certificate
Eligible regions include:
| Region | Province |
| Kelowna | British Columbia |
| Sudbury | Ontario |
| Timmins | Ontario |
| Superior East Region | Ontario |
| Acadian Peninsula | New Brunswick |
| St. Pierre Jolys | Manitoba |
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care
The Home Care Worker pilots have reached their application caps for 2025, but they’re expected to reopen in 2026 — so it’s worth preparing now if you’re interested.
Through the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care (HCWP: CC), eligible foreign nationals with a valid job offer from either a private household or an organization that hires full-time home care workers may be able to get Canadian permanent residence.
This pilot has two streams:
- One for workers already in Canada.
- Another for applicants applying from outside Canada.
To qualify, you must have at least six months of work experience in one or both of these occupations (NOC codes):
- Home child care providers (NOC 44100)
- Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202)
You’ll also need to meet other requirements like having at least a CLB 4 in language proficiency and the right educational background. If you’re applying from outside Canada, you’ll need to show proof of settlement funds.
If you don’t yet have the required work experience, you can still be eligible if you have a relevant professional training credential that’s at least six months long.
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Home Support
There’s also a pathway for those who want to work in home support.
Through the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Home Support (HCWP: HS), foreign nationals with the right work experience and a valid job offer may qualify for permanent residency.
Like the child care pilot, this program has two streams — one for workers in Canada and one for applicants abroad. To be eligible, you’ll need a full-time job offer from a private household or an organization that directly hires home care workers.
You must also have experience in one or both of these occupations (NOC codes):
- Home support workers, caregivers, and related roles (NOC 44101)
- Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (NOC 33102)
If you don’t have the required work experience yet, a valid training credential can help you qualify instead — but it must align with the role and meet minimum requirements.
As with the other pilot, you’ll also need to meet language and education requirements and have enough settlement funds if you’re applying from outside Canada.
Final Thoughts
Turning 40 or older doesn’t shut the door on your Canadian dream. Canada still values your experience, skills, and dedication. The key is knowing which pathway works for your age, profile, and goals.
Focus on boosting your language scores, find reputable employers, and consider provinces or programs that match your background. If needed, connect with an experienced immigration consultant to help you build a strong application.
Your Canadian journey can absolutely start at 40, 50 — or beyond. Take that step. Canada is ready for you.
Explore your pathway to move to Canada with Immigtoronto. Our team of skilled RCICs offers customized immigration solutions, ensuring a trustworthy and professional process. Contact us at [email protected].
