Age is one of the CRS factors that works against you over time — losing even a year can measurably lower your score, as one member found (464 dropping to roughly 459 in the following year under the same formula). For applicants without a strong path to raise their CRS enough through Express Entry alone, group members discussed studying in Canada as an alternative route toward PR.
What group members suggested:- A Canadian study permit followed by graduation can significantly improve your PR chances — Canadian education and, later, Canadian work experience both add meaningful CRS points, and post-graduation options (like the Post-Graduation Work Permit) can set you up for a smoother PR application later.
- Consider a master's program specifically if your current CRS trajectory looks unfavorable — one member suggested that continuing to wait in the Express Entry pool without doing anything to raise your score is largely a losing strategy ('futile waiting') if your score keeps declining relative to draw cutoffs.
Takeaway: if your CRS score is trending down mainly due to age, and you don't have another lever (like a job offer or provincial nomination) to boost it, evaluate whether a Canadian study program is a more realistic path than continuing to wait for a lower-CRS Express Entry draw that may not materialize.