Last Updated:July 26, 2026
※The Dedicated Healthcare Pathway offers a “Non-Express Entry” stream, allowing applicants to apply for permanent residence even if they do not meet the strict registration criteria for Express Entry.
What is the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway?
This stream is intended for individuals who have a job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible healthcare occupation. It offers two application pathways: “Express Entry” and “Non-Express Entry”.
Eligible Occupations
| Eligible Occupation | Alberta Regulatory Organization (Licensing Body) |
|---|---|
| Physicians | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) |
| Registered Nurses (RNs) | College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) | College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) |
| Nurse Practitioners (NPs) | College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) |
| Physician Assistants | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) |
| Occupational Therapist | Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT) |
| Physiotherapist | College of Physiotherapists of Alberta (CPA) |
| Clinical Social Worker | Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) |
| Psychologist | College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) |
About National Occupational Classification (NOC)
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code system covers a wide range of job titles. When applying under the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway, you must provide information regarding the occupation listed in your job offer, as well as documentation from the relevant regulatory body demonstrating your authorization to practice as a eligible healthcare professional in Alberta.
Express Entry Stream – Dedicated Healthcare Pathway Requirements (Applicant)
Express Entry Requirements
- Have an active Express Entry profile
- Your primary occupation in Express Entry must be an eligible occupation under the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway
- Have a minimum CRS score of 300 in Express Entry
- Meet the minimum requirements for at least one of the federal programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades
Job Offer
Have a valid, verifiable job offer from an Alberta healthcare sector employer for an eligible occupation (※The employer must be covered by the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB)).
Licensing and Certification
Meet and be able to demonstrate all minimum requirements established by the applicable regulatory body to practice in the eligible occupation in Alberta.
Intention to Live in Alberta
You must intend and be planning to live, work, and permanently settle in Alberta.
Non-Express Entry – Dedicated Healthcare Pathway Requirements (Applicant)
This option is available only to individuals who are not eligible for the Alberta Express Entry Stream.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for Express Entry and have a CRS score of 300 or higher, you must apply under the Alberta Express Entry Stream. After applying and being approved under the Non-Express Entry – Dedicated Healthcare Pathway, you will proceed with an online permanent residence application outside of the Express Entry system.
Job Offer
Have a valid, verifiable job offer from an Alberta healthcare sector employer for an eligible occupation (※The employer must be covered by the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB)).
Licensing and Certification
Meet and be able to demonstrate all minimum requirements established by the applicable regulatory body to practice in the eligible occupation in Alberta.
Status and Intention to Live in Alberta
- If you are working in Alberta, you must hold a valid work permit (※Maintained status is also acceptable)
- You must intend and be planning to live, work, and permanently settle in Alberta
Language Proficiency
You must have a minimum score of CLB 5 in English or French on an IRCC-designated language test taken within 2 years prior to application. In addition, since language proficiency is assessed as part of licensing requirements, you must submit proof of registration with the applicable regulatory body for occupations in Alberta that require a license (such as physicians or nurses).
| Test | Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 5 | IELTS | English | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| CELPIP | English | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| PTE Core | English | 42-50 | 51-59 | 39-49 | 51-58 | |
| TEF Test date on or after Dec 11, 2023 |
French | 352-392 | 330-378 | 352-392 | 387-421 | |
| TEF Test date Oct 1, 2019 – Dec 10, 2023 |
French | 350-399 | 350-399 | 350-399 | 350-399 | |
| TCF | French | 375-405 | 6.0 | 369-397 | 6.0 |
Notes on Specific Occupations
- When applying as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):
You must demonstrate how you met the language requirement upon licensing. If your license was granted via Employer Verification (workplace English proficiency), this is not sufficient for AAIP, and you must provide an official language test score report (such as IELTS or CELPIP) demonstrating at least CLB 5 across all skills. - When applying as a Clinical Social Worker:
Regardless of the language test results at the time of licensing, you must submit an official language test score report (such as IELTS or CELPIP) demonstrating at least CLB 5 across all skills.
Dedicated Healthcare Pathway Requirements (Employer)
- The company’s head office and actual business operations must be located in Alberta
- Must offer the applicant a full-time, paid position in their current occupation for a minimum of 12 continuous months
- The work location (company facility) where the applicant will work must be located in Alberta (※Home offices and virtual offices are not eligible)
- Must have been operating the business in Alberta for at least 2 years prior to application
- Must provide proof that the applicant holds a valid work permit, or if the applicant is not currently working in Alberta, proof of recruitment efforts to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Must show a minimum gross revenue of $400,000 on the most recent business tax return
- Must employ at least 3 full-time (or equivalent) employees in Alberta
- Independent contractors are not included
- Two part-time employees working a combined total of at least 30 hours per week can be counted as one full-time employee
※If the employer cannot meet the minimum employee count (3 or more) or revenue requirements, AAIP support is still possible, but the number of nominations will be limited.
Dedicated Healthcare Pathway Application Process
The application method changed on September 30, 2024, with the introduction of the EOI system: Introduction of EOI System to Alberta Advantage Immigration Program [Registration starts September 30, 2024]
01Register on the AAIP Online Portal
First, register your profile in the EOI online system on the AAIP portal. The information provided is scored based on the EOI points grid. Once registered, you enter the selection pool, where candidates are selected based on score, provincial labor market needs, and stream quotas. A non-refundable fee of $135 is required for registration.
02Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
The AAIP processing office conducts regular draws, issuing ITAs to top-ranking candidates. Candidates who receive an ITA via email will also be provided with instructions on how to submit their application.
03Submit AAIP Application
After receiving an ITA, submit your application through the online portal and pay the $1,500 application fee.
04Receive Provincial Nomination
Once the AAIP processing office completes the assessment of your application, the decision will be communicated to you. An approved application results in receiving a provincial nomination certificate.
05Submit PR Application to IRCC
Once nominated, applicants must submit their online application for Permanent Residence (Provincial Nominee Class) to IRCC within 6 months.
06Application Processing by IRCC
Once your PR application is submitted and approved by IRCC, a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) document will be issued to complete the PR application processing.
07Landing
Upon PR approval, applicants inside Canada can download their CoPR online (virtual landing) and officially gain PR status. Applicants outside Canada must follow the process to receive physical CoPR documents and arrive in Canada before the visa expiration date.
08Receive PR Card
Within a few months after landing, your physical PR card will be delivered to your designated mailing address in Canada.
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