Alberta Holds Biggest Draw of the Year, Invites Hundreds of Candidates for Provincial Immigration

In a significant move to address labor market needs and attract skilled workers, Alberta conducted its largest immigration draw of 2025 through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). On August 12, 2025, the province issued a total of 683 invitations to candidates seeking provincial nomination for permanent residence in Canada.

The main draw took place under the Alberta Opportunity Stream, where 581 candidates received invitations. To qualify, these individuals needed a minimum score of 70. This stream is specifically designed for temporary foreign workers currently employed full-time in Alberta and those who have a permanent job offer from an eligible Alberta employer in a qualifying occupation.

Alberta also held two separate draws focused on the healthcare sector to address workforce shortages in hospitals and long-term care facilities. On August 11, 2025, the Dedicated Health Care Pathway (non-Express Entry) invited 39 candidates with a minimum score of 53. Earlier, on August 7, 2025, the Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry) sent out 63 invitations to candidates with a minimum score of 56.

The Express Entry route allows Alberta to select qualified healthcare professionals directly from the federal Express Entry pool, potentially offering a quicker route to permanent residency. The non-Express Entry option is for those who do not meet Express Entry criteria but have a qualifying Alberta job offer, processed through the base Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) route.

As of August 15, 2025, Alberta had issued 3,251 nominations out of its annual allocation of 4,875, leaving 1,624 nomination spots remaining for the year. This indicates that the province is likely to continue holding large draws throughout the remainder of 2025 to fulfill its allocation.

Alberta’s comprehensive approach, combining occupational and sector-specific draws, highlights its commitment to attracting skilled workers and addressing critical labor market needs. The current nomination allocations for the main AAIP streams are as follows:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream (2025): 2,592 allocation, 1,776 issued, 816 remaining.
• Rural Renewal Stream (2025): 950 allocation, 584 issued, 366 remaining.

With more than 63,000 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) across all streams, the AAIP remains a popular and competitive route for those aiming for Canadian permanent residency in Alberta. The province is expected to continue frequent, targeted draws in line with its immigration targets and labor demands.

For those interested in Alberta’s immigration programs, the main streams under the AAIP include the Alberta Express Entry Stream, Accelerated Tech Pathway, Alberta Opportunity Stream, Religious Workers Eligibility, Rural Renewal, and several Entrepreneur streams. Each pathway is tailored for specific candidate profiles and sector needs.

Aspiring applicants should closely monitor AAIP updates and ensure their applications are competitive, as further draws are anticipated before year’s end.

Alberta’s Immigration Strategy Shows Strong Progress Toward Annual Targets

With the latest draws, Alberta has made significant strides in meeting its 2025 immigration goals. As of August 15, 2025, the province has issued a total of 3,251 nominations through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), leaving 1,624 spots remaining out of its annual allocation of 4,875. This progress underscores Alberta’s commitment to attracting skilled workers to address labor shortages across key sectors.

The Alberta Opportunity Stream, one of the program’s main pathways, has been particularly active. As of the latest update, this stream has issued 1,776 nominations out of its 2,592 allocation, with 816 spots still available. Similarly, the Rural Renewal Stream has seen 584 nominations issued from its 950 allocation, leaving 366 spots remaining. These numbers highlight the province’s balanced approach to immigration, ensuring that both urban and rural areas benefit from the influx of skilled workers.

The high volume of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted to the AAIP—exceeding 63,000 across all streams—demonstrates the program’s popularity among immigration candidates. This competitive landscape means that applicants must ensure their profiles are as strong as possible to stand out. The program’s streams are designed to cater to diverse candidate profiles, from tech professionals to entrepreneurs and healthcare workers.

For those exploring Alberta’s immigration pathways, the AAIP offers a range of options beyond the Opportunity Stream. The Accelerated Tech Pathway is tailored for tech professionals, while the Religious Workers Eligibility stream supports those working in faith-based roles. Additionally, the Rural Renewal Stream and various Entrepreneur streams provide opportunities for individuals looking to contribute to rural development or start their own businesses in Alberta.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to stay informed about AAIP updates and ensure their applications are competitive. With additional draws anticipated before the end of 2025, staying proactive and informed will be crucial for those hoping to secure a provincial nomination through Alberta’s program.

Conclusion

Alberta’s largest immigration draw of 2025 underscores the province’s strategic efforts to address labor market needs and attract skilled workers. By issuing 683 invitations across various streams, Alberta is making steady progress toward its annual nomination targets. The focus on healthcare and high-demand occupations reflects the province’s commitment to building a robust workforce. With over 63,000 Expressions of Interest and remaining nomination spots, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program continues to be a popular pathway for those seeking permanent residency in Canada. Aspiring applicants are encouraged to stay informed and ensure their profiles are competitive for upcoming draws.

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