Is it still possible to get your PR while outside Canada?

I got my PR through Express Entry back in 2017 when the cutoff was much lower. I was also in my late 20s, had a Masters degree with foreign work experience and had a full score in the IELTS.

I recognize things are much harder now. I have a friend who's looking to move a similar way but from what I read, it's not really possible any more? He is married, both his wife and he have Masters degrees and are fully bilingual (Eng/Fr). They are in their mid 30s though (36 and 34 respectively). And of course they have the 3 years of foreign work experience.

Do they stand a chance at all?