Alberta’s $5,000 Moving Bonus Applications Are Now Open
Alberta is rolling out a new incentive to attract skilled workers: a $5,000 moving bonus for eligible applicants. The program, part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), aims to address critical labor shortages in high-demand sectors like agriculture, construction, technology, and healthcare.
The initiative is particularly focused on skilled trades workers, who are in urgent need across the province. By offering financial support for relocation, Alberta hopes to entice top talent from across Canada and internationally to fill these essential roles.
What is the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)?
The AAIP is Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program, designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates who can strengthen the province’s economy. The program offers multiple streams tailored to different professions and situations, including:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS): For skilled workers with job offers or employment in Alberta.
- Alberta Express Entry Stream: For candidates in the federal Express Entry system who meet provincial criteria.
- Accelerated Tech Pathway: Specifically for tech professionals with job offers in eligible occupations.
- Rural Renewal Stream: Targets workers in rural Alberta communities.
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream: Focuses on Alberta’s growing tourism industry.
- Dedicated Health Care Pathways: Prioritizes applicants in urgent healthcare roles.
- Entrepreneur Streams: For entrepreneurs and graduates planning to start businesses in Alberta.
These streams allow the province to adapt to its evolving workforce needs, ensuring that immigration efforts align with economic priorities.
Recent AAIP Draws Highlight Skilled Trades Focus
In June 2025, Alberta issued targeted invitations to skilled workers through the AAIP. Key draws included:
- June 20 & June 25, 2025: 133 invitations for high-demand agriculture and construction occupations, addressing sector-specific labor shortages. The cutoff scores were 52 for agriculture and 67 for construction.
- Accelerated Tech Pathway: 22 invitations, with a minimum CRS score of 73.
- Law Enforcement Pathway: Fewer than 10 invitations, with a minimum CRS score of 51.
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream: 39 invitations, with a minimum score of 71.
- Healthcare Pathways: 51 combined invitations through Express Entry and non-Express Entry streams, with scores ranging from 53 to 70.
These draws reflect Alberta’s strategic approach to addressing workforce shortages in priority industries while attracting candidates with strong provincial ties and relevant experience.
How the AAIP Works
The AAIP is designed to be straightforward and efficient. Here’s how it works:
- Choose the appropriate stream: Applicants select the stream that best fits their background, such as skilled worker, entrepreneur, or tech professional.
- Submit an application: Candidates provide evidence of skills, work experience, education, and ties to Alberta.
- Receive provincial nomination: If selected, applicants receive a nomination from Alberta.
- Apply for permanent residence: The nomination allows them to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
This streamlined process ensures that Alberta can quickly identify and recruit the talent it needs to grow its economy.
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for the AAIP, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Skills and Experience: Applicants must demonstrate relevant work experience and usually require a job offer or employment in Alberta.
- CRS Scores: For Express Entry–aligned streams, a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is required. Cut-offs vary by draw and sector demand.
- Stream-specific criteria: Some streams target specific sectors, such as healthcare or tech, requiring related qualifications.
- Provincial ties: Strong connections to Alberta, such as prior work or study experience, can increase eligibility.
These requirements ensure that the program attracts candidates who are well-suited to meet Alberta’s labor market needs.
Processing and Allocation for 2025
Alberta’s AAIP nomination allocation for 2025 is 4,875. By mid-August 2025, 3,251 nominations have been issued, leaving 1,624 spaces available. Application processing times vary by stream, with priority given to high-demand sectors.
For example, the Alberta Opportunity Stream is currently processing applications received before December 21, 2024. This ensures that the program remains responsive to the province’s evolving workforce needs.
How It Ties to the Federal Skilled Trades Program
Many skilled trades professionals can also qualify under the federal Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades Program. This program requires proof of experience in trades such as construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation. Eligibility includes completing an apprenticeship and demonstrating 3,120 hours of relevant work (usually two years full-time).
Successful AAIP nominees often immigrate via this federal pathway, especially those in skilled trades occupations. This dual opportunity makes Alberta an attractive destination for tradespeople seeking permanent residency in Canada.
By combining provincial and federal pathways, Alberta is creating a seamless immigration process for skilled workers who wish to contribute to the province’s growth and prosperity.
Alberta’s Strategic Approach to Workforce Development
Alberta’s AAIP is a dynamic immigration program designed to fill critical labor shortages by inviting skilled workers, particularly in trades and essential services. The program offers multiple pathways with frequent, sector-focused draws, responding to Alberta’s immediate economic and workforce demands. By outlining clear eligibility standards and maintaining flexibility in invitation criteria, Alberta continues to attract international workers who wish to become permanent residents and contribute to the province’s growth.
Summary of Alberta’s AAIP Initiative
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) stands as a testament to the province’s proactive approach to addressing labor market needs. By offering a structured yet flexible framework, the AAIP ensures that Alberta can attract and retain the skilled workers necessary to drive economic growth across various high-demand sectors.
The program’s success lies in its ability to adapt to evolving workforce demands, ensuring that immigration efforts align with the province’s economic priorities. Through regular, targeted draws and a range of streams tailored to specific industries, the AAIP effectively addresses labor shortages while providing opportunities for skilled workers to build a future in Alberta.
As the program continues to evolve, Alberta remains committed to creating a seamless immigration process that benefits both the province and its newcomers. By combining provincial and federal pathways, Alberta is paving the way for skilled workers to contribute to the province’s growth and prosperity.
Conclusion
Alberta’s $5,000 moving bonus, offered through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), is a strategic initiative to attract skilled workers and address critical labor shortages in high-demand sectors. By providing financial incentives and streamlined immigration pathways, Alberta is positioning itself as a premier destination for skilled trades workers, tech professionals, and healthcare specialists. The program’s flexibility, sector-focused draws, and alignment with federal immigration pathways make it an attractive option for those seeking permanent residency in Canada.
As Alberta continues to evolve its immigration strategies, the AAIP remains a cornerstone of the province’s workforce development efforts. With its focus on addressing immediate economic needs and creating opportunities for newcomers, Alberta is paving the way for a prosperous and inclusive future.
