Alberta is introducing a new method for issuing Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for certain Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) pathways.
Starting September 30, candidates interested in applying to one of the AAIP worker streams must submit a Worker Expression of Interest (EOI). This can be done through the AAIP portal by completing an online form with relevant personal information. Once submitted, candidates will be placed in a Worker Stream pool for consideration. Alberta has clarified that there is no fee to apply.
Eligibility for Canadian Immigration
Candidates in the Worker EOI pool will be ranked based on a points system similar to the federal Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Points will be awarded according to factors such as education (with additional points for education completed in Alberta), language skills, work experience (with more points for Alberta-based work experience), age, and family connections in the province. Candidates with higher scores will have a greater chance of being selected for provincial nomination. Invitations will be sent via email.
Alberta has noted that individuals cannot create a Worker EOI if they already have an existing Worker EOI, Entrepreneur EOI, or a draft or active AAIP application. Any previous applications or EOIs must be withdrawn before creating a new Worker EOI.
While the system is now live, the province has stated that worker stream draws will not begin until mid to late October, so there is no immediate rush to submit an application.
Alberta Worker Streams
Earlier in the year, Alberta revised the application process for Worker streams to better manage the high demand and align with provincial labor market priorities.
In June, the province announced a new approach, limiting the number of applications accepted into the pool at one time. If the target number was reached by the monthly deadline, no further applications would be accepted. This system was designed to balance processing times with Alberta’s 2024 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) quota of 9,750 nominations from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The following programs are impacted:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Rural Renewal Stream
- Accelerated Tech Pathway
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream
This strategy ensures that applicants have year-round access to the program and multiple opportunities to apply.
The Alberta Opportunity Stream, in particular, has faced extremely high demand this year. From February to June, the province had to temporarily pause new applications to allow the AAIP to manage its existing inventory and focus on addressing labor shortages in key sectors like healthcare, technology, construction, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality.
Check Your Eligibility for Canadian Immigration
For further details or to explore your eligibility for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, reach out to us at Skynet Immigration for expert guidance and support.
