The Alberta Express Entry Stream enables Alberta to nominate a very limited number of eligible candidates from the IRCC Express Entry system. The criteria and methodologies for selecting candidates in the Alberta Express Entry System are provided as below that will help you find your eligibility.
This stream may also assess international graduates who have successfully finished their education at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
Who can apply?
Eligible candidates may be issued a Notification of Interest (NOI) letter or be invited to submit an application in this stream if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Experience in any of the in-demand occupation and a direct family connection in Alberta,
- Healthcare sector job offer from an Alberta employer with licensing to practice in one of the eligible healthcare professions under the Designated Healthcare Pathway
- Job offer for a qualifying tech occupation from an Alberta employer in an eligible tech industry under the Accelerated Tech Pathway
- Experience required to address labor needs in key sectors, including agriculture, construction, and tourism and hospitality.
Eligibility Requirements
- Express Entry Profile: Candidates must have an active profile in the federal Express Entry system.
- Occupation in Demand: Candidates should possess work experience in an occupation that aligns with Alberta’s current labor market needs. The specific occupations in demand may be subject to change.
- Education: Candidates are typically required to have completed a program of study at a recognized post-secondary institution. International graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions may also be considered.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in English or French, as per the language requirements set by the federal Express Entry system.
- CRS Score: Must have at least Comprehensive Ranking System score of 300.
- Notification of Interest (NOI): Candidates may receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Alberta, inviting them to apply to the Alberta Express Entry Stream.
- Job Offer (Optional): While not always mandatory, having a valid job offer from an Alberta employer can enhance a candidate’s chances. This is particularly applicable for specific pathways, such as the Accelerated Tech Pathway or Designated Healthcare Pathway.
- Connections to Alberta: Certain streams may consider candidates with immediate family members residing in Alberta.
- Documentation and Compliance: Candidates must provide accurate and truthful information in their applications and ensure compliance with the requirements outlined by the Alberta Express Entry Stream.
Alberta Express Entry pathways
There are 4 available pathways in Alberta Express Entry stream to choose from.
1. Family connection and primary occupation in demand
Mainly 2 factors are determined:
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- The Alberta Express Entry Stream primarily based on criteria, which involve the principal applicant having a parent, child, or sibling residing in Alberta – who is at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Additionally, the main occupation of the applicant, irrespective of their current residence, must be in demand in Alberta.
- The principal applicant must have a primary occupation that is currently in demand in Alberta. The identification of occupations in demand in Alberta is determined through the following methods:
- Occupations with a notable cumulative imbalance in Alberta’s Occupational Outlook.
- Occupations classified as having ‘High’ or ‘Moderately High’ demand in the Short-Term Employment Forecast.
- Specific occupations in the agriculture, construction, healthcare, or tourism and hospitality sectors are also considered.
The application will be prioritized if you have a valid job offer from Alberta Employer.
2. Dedicated Healthcare Pathway
There are mainly 3 criteria for candidates are eligible and Alberta may send them a notification of Interest in their federal express entry profile:
- Individuals whose main profession falls within an eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) code
- Applicants who has a valid job offer from an Alberta employer in the health sector (supported by valid Workers’ Compensation Board coverage) within a qualifying health-care profession are eligible. Refer to the Assessment criteria section for comprehensive information on a valid, verifiable job offer.
- Additionally, applicants must furnish evidence confirming compliance with the minimum requirements stipulated by the relevant regulatory body to practice the eligible health-care profession in Alberta.
Eligible health-care professions under this pathway are:
- Physicians – College of Physicians and Surgeon 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 Physiotherapist of Alberta (CPA)
- Clinical Social Worker – Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)
- Psychologist – College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP)
3. Accelerated Tech Pathway
The Accelerated Tech pathway follows as applicants are required to independently submit an interest form. If the AAIP determines that they satisfy the eligibility criteria outlined below, they will be extended an invitation to submit an application. This differs from other applicants who receive their invitations while in the Express Entry pool.
Requirements are:
- You satisfy the minimum requirements outlined in the Alberta Express Entry Stream above.
- Additionally, you are engaged in full-time employment within Alberta under an employment contract or possess a legitimate job offer for full-time work based in Alberta. Full-time employment is defined as a minimum of 30 hours per week and should be documented through a signed agreement between you and your employer.
- This agreement must adhere to the job offer and current employment contract criteria specified in the Assessment criteria.
- Furthermore, the occupation in the job offer should be on the list of eligible Accelerated Tech Pathway occupations.
- The employing Alberta-based organization must primarily operate within the Alberta tech industry, as defined by the AAIP list of eligible North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.
- The primary occupation specified in your Express Entry profile must align with the occupation either currently held in Alberta or covered by your job offer.
- The base monetary wage or salary associated with the employment must meet the provincial minimum wage requirements.
- Additionally, it should either meet or exceed the required outlined in your Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) of lowest starting wage for your occupation across all industries in Alberta.
Please note that non-wage compensation, such as benefits from company ownership, is not considered part of the applicant’s base monetary wage or salary.
4. Priority sectors (Agriculture, construction, tourism and hospitality)
Notification of Interest letter may sent to the candidates whose main occupation is linked to the agriculture, construction, or hospitality and tourism sectors. Preference may be granted to candidates with a valid Alberta job offer from a reputable and established business in the province or whose primary occupation is in high demand.
Process of Alberta Express Entry Stream
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Begin by creating a profile in the federal Express Entry system. This involves providing information about your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other relevant factors.
- Express Entry Pool: Your profile is then entered into the Express Entry pool, where you will be ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- Eligibility for AINP: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the AINP Express Entry Stream. The criteria may include having a valid Express Entry profile, meeting the occupation in demand requirements, having a job offer or work experience in Alberta, and other specified conditions.
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the AINP. This is a way of expressing your interest in being nominated by Alberta. If your profile matches the needs of the province, you may receive a Notification of Interest (NOI).
- Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI): If you receive a Notification of Interest, you will be invited to apply to the AINP Express Entry Stream.
- Submit an Application to AINP: Once invited, submit a complete application to the AINP. This will involve providing detailed information about your qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and other supporting documents.
- AINP Nomination: If your application is successful, you will receive a nomination from the AINP. A provincial nomination adds significant points to your Express Entry profile.
- Update Express Entry Profile: Update your Express Entry profile to reflect your nomination. This will result in an increase in your CRS score.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence: With the increased CRS score due to the provincial nomination, you are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence in the subsequent federal Express Entry draw.
- Apply for Permanent Residence: Once you receive an ITA, you can apply for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within the specified timeframe.
Application Fees: 500 CAD
Processing times:
- Family connection and occupation in demand : 2 months
- Dedicated Healthcare Pathway: 2 months
- Accelerated Tech Pathway: 2 months
- Priority Sectors: 2 months
FAQ
What is the minimum CRS score for the Alberta express entry stream?
The minimum CRS score for the Alberta express entry stream is 300.
What is the difference between the Alberta Opportunity Stream and the Alberta Express Entry Stream?
The Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) is for current Alberta workers with a valid permit, distinct from the federal Express Entry system. Meanwhile, the Alberta Express Entry Stream (AEES) aligns with Express Entry, selecting candidates with strong ties to Alberta for a provincial nomination, emphasizing economic needs. The AOS targets provincial workers, and the AEES integrates with the federal framework, focusing on skilled individuals in the Express Entry pool.
