Last Updated:March 4, 2025
What is the Alberta Express Entry stream?
Through the Express Entry system, Alberta can nominate a limited number of qualified candidates for permanent residency. This stream also includes dedicated pathways for healthcare professionals and skilled trades workers, making it easier for these in-demand occupations to settle and work in Alberta.
Priorities for the Alberta Express Entry stream
- family connection and primary occupation in demand
- Dedicated Healthcare Pathway
- Accelerated Tech Pathway
- priority sectors – agriculture, construction, tourism and hospitality
Selection criteria for the Alberta Express Entry Stream
Eligibility
Candidates may receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) letter, which is an official invitation from Alberta indicating their interest in nominating the candidate for immigration. Alternatively, candidates may be invited to apply if they meet one or more of the following criteria.
- Candidates with direct family connections in Alberta (e.g., parents, siblings, or children) and work experience in an in-demand occupation may be given priority.
- Candidates with a job offer in the healthcare sector from an Alberta employer and a valid license to practice in a designated healthcare profession under the Dedicated Health Care Pathway may qualify for expedited processing.
- Candidates with a job offer in a qualified tech occupation from an Alberta employer and experience in the tech industry may qualify under the Accelerated Tech Pathway. An initial Accelerated Tech Pathway web form is required as a first step and expedited processing applies.
- Candidates with a job offer from a member of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police in one of the eligible police service occupations under the Law Enforcement Pathway may be eligible for expedited processing.
- Candidates with experience in key sectors such as agriculture, construction, tourism, and hospitality that support Alberta’s labour market needs may also receive priority.
Factors that increase your chances of selection:
You are more likely to receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) or priority consideration from the province in the following cases.
- You have a job offer in Alberta.
- You have graduated from a post-secondary institution in Canada.
- You have a parent, child, or sibling who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Alberta.
- French is your first language.
- Your Express Entry profile is valid for at least five more months.
Minimum requirements for the Alberta Express Entry Stream
- You must meet the criteria of at least one of the federal immigration programs managed by Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
- Your primary occupation in your federal Express Entry profile must be an occupation in demand, included as part of a specific Express Entry stream pathway, or is identified as an occupation connected to a provincial economic, sector or occupational priority.
- You must intend to and be able to live and work permanently in Alberta and have stated an interest in immigrating permanently to Alberta.
- Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score must be at least 300.
Application process for the Alberta Express Entry Stream
AAIP has introduced the Expression of Interest (EOI) system since September 30, 2024.：アルバータ州ノミネーションプログラムにEOI方式を導入【登録は2024年9月30日から開始】
01Meet the eligibility requirements for one of the federal immigration programs
You must meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the following: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades.
02Register for Express Entry
Once you meet the requirements, you need to create an online account and register your profile in Express Entry.
03Points are calculated, and you enter the selection pool
Based on your profile registration, points will be calculated, and you will enter the Express Entry selection pool.
04Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP portal
Register your profile in the EOI online system on the AAIP portal. The information provided will be scored based on the EOI points grid. Once submitted, you will enter the selection pool, where selections will be made based on your score, the province’s labor market needs, and the number of available spots in each stream.
05Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Alberta
The AAIP processing office regularly conducts draws and issues ITAs to the highest-scoring applicants. Those who receive an ITA by email will also receive instructions for the next steps.
06Complete the AAIP online application
After receiving the ITA, applicants must complete the online application through the AAIP portal. The application fee is $840.
07Receive a Nomination Certificate from the province
After the AAIP processing office completes the assessment, the applicant will be notified of the outcome. If successful, the applicant will be “nominated.”
08Update your profile
You must update your Express Entry profile to reflect the nomination from the province. This will add 600 points to your profile.
09Receive an ITA from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
An ITA grants you the right to submit your permanent residence application. Once you receive the ITA, you can proceed with submitting your application for permanent residence. The immigration office conducts regular draws to select candidates with the highest scores from the pool. If you don’t receive an ITA, you will remain in the pool for up to one year.
10Apply for permanent residence to IRCC
After receiving an ITA, the applicant must submit their permanent residence application online to IRCC within 60 days.
11Review by IRCC
After the review is completed by IRCC, the applicant will receive a letter called the Confirmation of Permanent Resident (CoPR).
12Landing
Applicants from outside Canada will enter Canada with their Confirmation of Permanent Resident (CoPR). Applicants from within Canada can complete the landing process online.
13Receive your Permanent Resident (PR) card
Your PR card will be delivered to the designated address within Canada within a few months.
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