Since 2018, Express Entry candidates looking to settle in Alberta have been able to pursue a provincial nomination under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) under the AAIP Express Entry stream.
In the history of this PNP stream, Express Entry candidates with CRS scores as low as 300 have been invited to apply for provincial nomination under the Alberta Express Entry stream.
Alberta Express Entry stream draw history
Latest AAIP Express Entry draw results
This stream allows Alberta to nominate a limited number of qualified Express Entry candidates. Candidates who obtain a provincial nomination receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, with an invitation to apply (ITA) soon after when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts a draw from the Express Entry pool.
Candidates are contacted directly and invited by the AAIP to submit an application under the Alberta Express Entry stream using the AAIP Online Portal. Candidates who have demonstrated strong ties to Alberta and who can help support the government’s economic development and diversification priorities will be invited to apply. International graduates will also be invited under this stream.
A provincial nomination is highly desirable by Express Entry candidates, as it’s the single most lucrative way to accumulate CRS points.
Another AAIP stream, the Alberta Opportunity stream, also began accepting applications in 2018.
The moves are being welcomed as a response to tackle labour shortages in Alberta.
Alberta’s Ministry of Labour is projecting a shortage of 7,800 nurses and medical technologists, 1,400 IT staff, 1,400 construction and transportation managers, and 1,100 sales and service supervisors by 2025.
“Immigrants are a valued part of our workforce and communities,” Christina Gray, Alberta’s Minister of Labour, said.
“Helping them settle successfully is crucial to the ongoing prosperity of our province. These changes will simplify processes, reduce wait times and make it more fair for applicants across all sectors to apply for permanent residency in Alberta.”
Alberta’s AAIP Accelerated Tech Pathway
Alberta operates a tech industry pilot program called the AAIP Accelerated Tech Pathway which is also aligned with Express Entry. Candidates may receive expedited PNP processing if they are currently employed by, or have a job offer from, an Alberta-based tech industry employer in an eligible tech occupation. Find out the complete eligibility criteria and read the eligible occupations list here.
Visit Moving2Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program section for more details, as well as our PNP Live Tracker for the latest news across all PNPs.
Find out how to apply under the Alberta Express Entry stream
Get help with your application
Do you need assistance in preparing an application for Canadian permanent residence? If so, view our Book an Immigration Consultant page to see Moving2Canada’s list of recommended, accredited representatives who can assist you in your goals.
Did you know that you can now submit a request for reconsideration if your Alberta application has been refused. Check out our guide to see if which circumstances you can request reconsideration.
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