On This Page, You Will Find:
- An overview of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- Details on the Alberta Expression of Interest (EOI) system
- A breakdown of AAIP worker and business immigration streams
- Information on how Alberta selects candidates for provincial nomination
- A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section with answers to common queries
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is designed for individuals who possess the skills and abilities to fill labour shortages in Alberta.
The AAIP accepts skilled worker applications under the Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry, the Rural Renewal Stream and the Tourism and Hospitality Stream. It also operates four business programs, the Farm Stream, the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream and the Rural Entrepreneur Stream.
The program is operated by the Alberta government in partnership with the federal immigration department, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Interested candidates must follow a two-stage process: apply for a nomination to the provincial government, and then, if nominated, apply for permanent residence to the federal government.
IRCC allocates the AAIP a limited number of nominations each year.
Alberta Expression of Interest
The Alberta Expression of Interest (EOI) system allows skilled workers to apply for provincial immigration through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
Candidates submit an EOI online, where they are ranked based on education, work experience, language skills, and job offers. Alberta regularly conducts draws to invite high-ranking candidates to apply for nomination.
The EOI points grid evaluates human capital and economic factors, with a maximum score of 100 points. Submission is free, but selection is not guaranteed. Eligible streams include the Alberta Opportunity Stream, Express Entry Stream, and Rural Renewal Stream, among others.
AAIP Streams
Alberta Opportunity Stream
The Alberta Opportunity Stream was designed to simplify the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program application process, reduce waiting times and make the system fairer for candidates and employers
Express Entry Stream
Alberta Express Entry allows Alberta to nominate a limited number of qualified candidates from federal Express Entry pool.
Rural Renewal Stream
The Rural Renewal Stream allows qualified candidates with a job offer from an Alberta employer to work in a designated rural Alberta community to apply for Alberta immigration.
Tourism and Hospitality Stream
The Tourism and Hospitality Stream allows Alberta to support skilled workers in the tourism and hospitality sector by offering a pathway to permanent residency. Applicants must meet employment, language, and education requirements while working for an approved employer in Alberta.
Farm Stream
The AAIP manages the Farm Stream in close collaboration with the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, and targets applicants with farm management skills and sufficient financial resources to invest in a farming business in Alberta.
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
This Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is aimed at qualified foreign-educated graduates from outside Canada, who wish to receive permanent residence upon launching start-up enterprises in Alberta.
Rural Entrepreneur Stream
The Rural Entrepreneur Stream is aimed at entrepreneurs who want to start a business or buy an existing business in a rural Alberta community.
Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is aimed at international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to establish or operate a business in the province.
Targeted occupations
Unlike some of the other provinces, the AAIP does not reward candidates whose occupations appear on a certain list. Rather, the province publishes a list of ineligible occupations.
AAIP Draws
Alberta conducts periodic draws through the provincial Expression of Interest system and federal Express Entry system. Candidates are invited to apply for Alberta immigration through on of the province’s streams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)?
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is a provincial immigration program designed to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs to Alberta. It helps fill labour shortages in key industries by offering pathways to permanent residency through multiple streams. Candidates must first apply for provincial nomination, and if successful, they can apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Alberta receives a limited number of nominations from the federal government each year.
2. How does the Alberta Expression of Interest (EOI) system work?
The Alberta Expression of Interest (EOI) system allows skilled workers to apply for immigration under AAIP by submitting an online profile. Candidates are ranked based on factors like education, work experience, language skills, and job offers. Alberta regularly holds draws to select top-ranking candidates for provincial nomination. Although submitting an EOI is free, selection is not guaranteed. Successful candidates receive an invitation to apply for nomination and, if approved, can apply for permanent residence.
3. What are the main AAIP immigration streams?
AAIP has multiple worker and business streams to support Alberta’s labour market and economic growth. Worker streams include the Alberta Opportunity Stream, Express Entry Stream, Rural Renewal Stream, and Tourism and Hospitality Stream. Business streams include the Farm Stream, Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, and Rural Entrepreneur Stream. Each stream has specific eligibility criteria, including job offers, work experience, education, and investment requirements.
4. Does Alberta have a list of in-demand occupations?
Unlike other provinces, Alberta does not publish a list of in-demand occupations. Instead, it maintains a list of ineligible occupations, meaning certain jobs do not qualify for immigration under AAIP. However, candidates in eligible occupations can apply if they meet the specific requirements of their chosen stream. Many applicants qualify through skilled worker programs or Alberta's Express Entry-linked stream, which prioritizes occupations that align with Alberta’s economic needs.
5. How does Alberta select candidates for nomination?
Alberta selects candidates through regular AAIP draws based on EOI rankings and provincial labour market needs. Candidates with high scores and relevant job offers are prioritized. Those selected receive an invitation to apply for nomination, and if approved, they can apply for permanent residence with IRCC. Express Entry candidates who receive a provincial nomination get an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
