Alberta Invites Candidates for Provincial Immigration

Alberta is actively seeking skilled workers and entrepreneurs to address labor shortages in key sectors through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). This initiative reflects the province’s strategic effort to boost economic growth and support local industries.

The AAIP, also known as Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), offers a pathway for foreign workers and entrepreneurs to contribute to the province’s workforce or establish businesses. With multiple streams tailored to different professions and skills, the program is designed to meet Alberta’s specific labor market needs.

Key Streams Under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program

The AAIP is divided into two main categories: streams for workers and streams for entrepreneurs.

• Streams for Workers: These include the Alberta Opportunity Stream, the Alberta Express Entry Stream (linked to the federal Express Entry system), and targeted pathways for priority sectors such as healthcare, law enforcement, tourism, tech, aviation, and agriculture.
• Streams for Entrepreneurs: These are designed for individuals who plan to start or buy businesses in Alberta, contributing to the province’s economic development.

Recent Draws Highlight Alberta’s Targeted Approach

Recent AAIP draws demonstrate Alberta’s focus on addressing specific labor gaps. Key highlights include:

• August 2025: Alberta conducted its largest draw of the year, inviting 581 candidates through the Alberta Opportunity Stream with a minimum CRS score of 72.
• June 2025: Five targeted draws were held, inviting candidates in priority sectors such as healthcare (18 Express Entry candidates and 33 non-Express Entry candidates), tourism and hospitality (39 candidates), law enforcement (fewer than 10 candidates), and tech professionals (22 candidates). This brought the total invitations for the year to 1,497.
• July 2025: Six draws focused on healthcare, law enforcement, agriculture, and aviation. Notably, the law enforcement pathway invited candidates with CRS scores as low as 49, showcasing Alberta’s flexibility in addressing labor shortages.

Nomination Allocation and Pool Insights

For 2025, Alberta has a total nomination allocation of 4,875 under the AAIP. As of mid-August, 3,251 nominations have been issued, leaving 1,624 spots available for the remainder of the year.

The candidate pool is substantial, with over 41,000 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the Alberta Opportunity Stream alone and nearly 64,000 EOIs across all streams. This reflects the strong interest in immigrating to Alberta through the AAIP.

Minimum CRS Scores and Sector Focus

Alberta’s draws often feature stream-specific CRS score requirements to align with current labor demands. For example:

• Law Enforcement Pathway: Minimum CRS score as low as 49.
• Alberta Opportunity Stream: Minimum CRS score around 72.

The province is prioritizing candidates with skills and experience in sectors such as healthcare, public safety, tech, tourism, agriculture, and aviation. This targeted approach ensures that nominations align with Alberta’s economic and workforce needs.

Application Process and Path to Permanent Residence

Successful candidates receive an invitation to apply through the AAIP. Once nominated, they can submit their permanent residency application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including their spouse and dependents.

The program offers both enhanced (Express Entry-aligned) and base streams (non-Express Entry), providing multiple pathways to permanent residence based on eligibility.

Remaining Nomination Spaces and Processing

As of mid-August, the Alberta Opportunity Stream has 816 nominations remaining for 2025, while the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway has 207 spots left. Processing times vary by stream and application type, with current assessments covering applications up to February and July 2025, depending on the applicant’s situation and stream type.

Eligibility Assessment and Future Outlook

Alberta’s dynamic labor market means eligibility requirements and focus sectors may evolve throughout the year. The province continues to invite candidates who can make meaningful contributions to sectors experiencing shortages, positioning the AAIP as one of Canada’s most responsive immigration programs.

In summary, the 2025 AAIP draws underscore Alberta’s multi-sectoral approach to addressing labor shortages. By streamlining nominations for candidates in priority fields, the program provides a clear path to Canadian permanent residency for those who meet specific skills and occupational criteria.

Nomination Allocation and Pool Insights

For 2025, Alberta has a total nomination allocation of 4,875 under the AAIP. As of mid-August, 3,251 nominations have been issued, leaving 1,624 spots available for the remainder of the year.

The candidate pool is substantial, with over 41,000 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the Alberta Opportunity Stream alone and nearly 64,000 EOIs across all streams. This reflects the strong interest in immigrating to Alberta through the AAIP.

Minimum CRS Scores and Sector Focus

Alberta’s draws often feature stream-specific CRS score requirements to align with current labor demands. For example:

• Law Enforcement Pathway: Minimum CRS score as low as 49.
• Alberta Opportunity Stream: Minimum CRS score around 72.

The province is prioritizing candidates with skills and experience in sectors such as healthcare, public safety, tech, tourism, agriculture, and aviation. This targeted approach ensures that nominations align with Alberta’s economic and workforce needs.

Application Process and Path to Permanent Residence

Successful candidates receive an invitation to apply through the AAIP. Once nominated, they can submit their permanent residency application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including their spouse and dependents.

The program offers both enhanced (Express Entry-aligned) and base streams (non-Express Entry), providing multiple pathways to permanent residence based on eligibility.

Remaining Nomination Spaces and Processing

As of mid-August, the Alberta Opportunity Stream has 816 nominations remaining for 2025, while the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway has 207 spots left. Processing times vary by stream and application type, with current assessments covering applications up to February and July 2025, depending on the applicant’s situation and stream type.

Eligibility Assessment and Future Outlook

Alberta’s dynamic labor market means eligibility requirements and focus sectors may evolve throughout the year. The province continues to invite candidates who can make meaningful contributions to sectors experiencing shortages, positioning the AAIP as one of Canada’s most responsive immigration programs.

In summary, the 2025 AAIP draws underscore Alberta’s multi-sectoral approach to addressing labor shortages. By streamlining nominations for candidates in priority fields, the program provides a clear path to Canadian permanent residency for those who meet specific skills and occupational criteria.

Conclusion

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) continues to play a pivotal role in addressing Alberta’s labor shortages while offering a structured pathway for skilled workers and entrepreneurs to achieve Canadian permanent residency. By focusing on priority sectors such as healthcare, tech, and agriculture, the program ensures that nominations align with the province’s economic and workforce needs. With a substantial nomination allocation and a large pool of candidates, the AAIP remains a responsive and effective immigration program for those looking to contribute to Alberta’s growth and prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)?

The AAIP, also known as Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), is a pathway for foreign workers and entrepreneurs to contribute to Alberta’s workforce or establish businesses in the province.

How do I apply for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program?

Successful candidates receive an invitation to apply through the AAIP. Once nominated, they can submit their permanent residency application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including their spouse and dependents.

What are the minimum CRS scores required for the AAIP?

The minimum CRS scores vary by stream. For example, the Law Enforcement Pathway requires a minimum CRS score of 49, while the Alberta Opportunity Stream requires a minimum CRS score around 72.

How long does it take to process an AAIP application?

Processing times vary by stream and application type. As of mid-August, applications are being assessed up to February and July 2025, depending on the applicant’s situation and stream type.

What sectors is Alberta prioritizing for nominations?

Alberta is prioritizing candidates with skills and experience in sectors such as healthcare, public safety, tech, tourism, agriculture, and aviation to address labor shortages in these key areas.

What is the difference between enhanced and base streams under the AAIP?

Enhanced streams are linked to the federal Express Entry system, while base streams are non-Express Entry pathways. Both provide opportunities for candidates to apply for permanent residence based on their eligibility.