Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Guide

What is the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)?

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program or AAIP (formerly called the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program) is an immigration program through which a broad range of workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs can settle in Alberta permanently.

The AAIP is one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Successful applicants to the AAIP receive a provincial nomination certificate. With this nomination, the applicant, as well as his or her accompanying family members, if applicable, may apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Canadian permanent residence.

Alberta PNP Streams

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program offers eight streams.

Streams for Workers

• Tourism and Hospitality Stream: Pathway for qualified workers with job offers from eligible employers in eligible occupations. You must be in Alberta at the time of application and hold a work permit with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
• Opportunity Stream: Provides a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for foreign workers working in Alberta, who will require a job offer from an employer in Alberta in order to be eligible.
• Rural Renewal Stream: Stream for newcomers who have job offers and community support from a designated rural community in Alberta.
• Express Entry Streams: Provide a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for foreign workers working in Alberta, who will require a job offer from an employer in Alberta and have an active Express Entry profile in order to be eligible.
  Paths under Express Entry aligned stream:
  • Accelerated Tech Pathway: provides expedited processing to certain Express Entry candidates who are currently employed in Alberta in an eligible tech occupation or hold a job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible tech occupation.
  • Dedicated Health Care Pathway

Streams for Entrepreneurs

• Rural Entrepreneur Stream: Created for experienced businesspeople who wish to start a new business or purchase an existing business in a rural community in Alberta.
• Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: Stream for international students who have graduated from post-secondary institutions in Alberta and wish to immigrate to the province permanently by starting a business or purchasing an existing business.
• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For recent graduates from post-secondary institutions outside Canada who are interested in starting new businesses and settling in Alberta.
• Farm Stream: Created for experienced farmers with demonstrated capacity to operate a farm in Alberta.

How to Apply for Alberta PNP

Since September 30, 2024, all Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)applicants must begin by submitting a Worker Expression of Interest (EOI).

Below is a summary of the main steps to apply under Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for workers. To apply for the entrepreneur pathways, please check each entrepreneur program and its requirements.

Step 1: Submit a Worker Expression of Interest (EOI)

Start by creating a free Alberta.ca account and completing the Worker EOI through the AAIP portal. You’ll self-declare your information, including your work experience, education, and language results. Once submitted, your profile enters the Worker Stream pool, where it receives a score based on the AAIP Worker Points Grid. There is no fee to submit an EOI.

For the full list of requirements and eligibility details, always review the specific requirements for your chosen stream..

Step 2: Wait for Selection

EOIs remain valid for 12 months. Alberta regularly conducts selection draws, inviting top-scoring candidates who meet provincial labour market needs. If you’re selected, you’ll receive an invitation to apply via email through your Alberta.ca account.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once invited, you’ll have 15 days to start and 30 days to submit your full application online. You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as proof of employment, education credentials, and language test results, and pay a non-refundable $1,500 application fee. Make sure all information is accurate—false or incomplete details can lead to refusal and potential bans.

Step 4: Wait for Assessment and Decision

AAIP officers will review your application, and you may be contacted for more information. Processing time and decisions depend on program capacity and labour market priorities. If approved, you’ll receive a nomination certificate from Alberta, which can significantly boost your chances for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step 5: After You’re Nominated

Once nominated, follow the next steps outlined by AAIP to apply for permanent residence with IRCC. Continue meeting the eligibility criteria of your stream and keep your information up to date while your application is being processed.

Tips to apply for the Alberta PNP Streams

Like any application, it pays to be as prepared as possible when it comes time to submit your AAIP application. With that in mind, here are four top tips that you should focus on:

1. Read all the relevant AAIP terms and conditions. The availability of AAIP streams and categories is dependent upon application volumes and labour market needs. The criteria for the AAIP are routinely evaluated and may be subject to change at any time and without notice so make sure that you are as prepared as possible.
2. Review the AAIP selection criteria: Each stream has its own distinct selection criteria. Be sure that you’re familiar with the requirements for your stream.
3. Review the language test requirements: It is necessary for you to demonstrate proficiency in either English or French by taking one of the approved language tests for Canadian immigration.
4. Follow the instructions laid out on the AAIP website: Applicants through the Opportunity and Express Entry streams must apply using the AAIP Online Portal. For the latest eligibility requirements and application procedures, you can always refer to the AAIP government website.

Alberta PNP FAQs Answered

Who is eligible for PNP in Alberta?

Applicants with strong ties to Alberta (such as a job offer, previous study, or work experience) or those working in in-demand occupations are typically eligible under Alberta’s Express Entry or Employer-Driven streams. Eligible candidates must have the skills to fill job shortages in Alberta or plan to start or buy a business in the province, and must intend to live and work permanently in Alberta.

Can I get Alberta PNP without a job offer?

Yes. You can qualify through the Alberta Express Entry Stream if you have an active Express Entry profile and meet Alberta’s selection priorities, even without a job offer. Alberta may select candidates directly from the federal Express Entry pool based on their alignment with the province’s economic, sector, and occupational needs.

Is Alberta PNP paused?

No. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is currently open and actively issuing Notifications of Interest (NOIs) under multiple streams. The province continues to accept applications from eligible workers and entrepreneurs across multiple streams. However, intake levels and processing times may vary depending on annual nomination limits and labour market demands.

What is the PNP score for Alberta?

The minimum CRS score varies by draw, but Alberta has invited candidates with scores as low as 300 in some rounds of invitations. However, selection is also influenced by other factors such as Alberta’s labour market priorities, available nominations, and the volume of applications received.

Is IELTS required for Alberta PNP?

Yes. You must provide valid language test results, such as IELTS, CELPIP or Pearson for English, or TEF/TCF for French, to meet minimum language requirements for your chosen stream.