The Alberta Express Entry Stream is part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) and allows skilled workers in the federal Express Entry pool to apply for nomination.
Alberta invites candidates based on family connections, job demand, and priority sectors like healthcare, technology, construction, and law enforcement. This pathway provides a direct route to permanent residency for those who want to live and work in Alberta permanently.
On This Page You Will Find:
- An overview of the Alberta Express Entry Stream under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- Eligibility criteria for skilled workers applying for nomination
- A breakdown of the five pathways within the Alberta Express Entry Stream
- Information on minimum CRS score requirements and how to increase selection chances
- Step-by-step details on the nomination and application process
- How selection draws work and what factors influence invitations
- A FAQ section answering common questions about Alberta Express Entry
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for nomination under the Alberta Express Entry Stream, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Have an active Express Entry profile in the federal pool
- Meet the criteria of one of the three federal programs:
- Have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 300
- Work in an eligible in-demand occupation
- Meet Alberta’s job offer requirements, if applicable
- Intend to live and work permanently in Alberta
Who Cannot Apply?
- Your job is on the Alberta Opportunity Stream Ineligible Occupations List
- You have an active nomination in another AAIP stream
- You are a refugee claimant or under a federal appeal or removal process
- You are banned from reapplying due to misrepresentation
Pathways Under the Alberta Express Entry Stream
1. Family Connection and Primary Occupation in Demand Pathway
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must have a parent, child, or sibling who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Alberta and is at least 18 years old.
- The family connection must be verifiable through supporting documents.
- Your occupation must be in demand, based on Alberta’s Occupational Outlook, Short-Term Employment Forecast, or priority sectors (agriculture, construction, and healthcare).
2. Dedicated Health Care Pathway
This pathway is for skilled healthcare professionals with job offers in Alberta.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must have a valid job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible healthcare occupation.
- You must meet the requirements of the relevant regulatory body in Alberta.
- You must have an active Express Entry profile with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 300.
- You must qualify under one of the federal immigration programs: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Eligible Healthcare Occupations:
- Physicians (NOC 31100) – College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA)
- Registered Nurses (RNs) (NOC 31301) – College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) (NOC 32101) – College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA)
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs) (NOC 31302) – CRNA
- Physician Assistants (NOC 31209) – CPSA
- Occupational Therapists (NOC 31203) – Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT)
- Physiotherapists (NOC 31202) – College of Physiotherapists of Alberta (CPA)
- Clinical Social Workers (NOC 41300) – Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)
- Psychologists (NOC 31200) – College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP)
3. Accelerated Tech Pathway
This pathway is for professionals in Alberta’s growing tech sector.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must have a full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible tech occupation.
- Your employment must meet Alberta’s wage and employment standards.
- Part-time, casual, independent contractors, and remote workers outside Alberta are ineligible.
Eligible Tech Occupations:
- 00012 Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services
- 10011 Human resources managers
- 10022 Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
- 10030 Telecommunication carriers managers
- 11200 Human resources professionals
- 11202 Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
- 12101 Human resources and recruitment officers
- 20010 Engineering managers
- 20011 Architecture and science managers
- 20012 Computer and information systems managers
- 21210 Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
- 21211 Data scientists
- 21220 Cybersecurity specialists
- 21221 Business system specialists
- 21222 Information systems specialists
- 21223 Database analysts and data administrators
- 21230 Computer systems developers and programmers
- 21231 Software engineers and designers
- 21232 Software developers and programmers
- 21233 Web designers
- 21234 Web developers and programmers
- 21300 Civil engineers
- 21301 Mechanical engineers
- 21310 Electrical and electronics engineers
- 21311 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
- 22110 Biological technologists and technicians
- 22212 Drafting technologists and technicians
- 22220 Computer network and web technicians
- 22221 User support technicians
- 22222 Information systems testing technicians
- 22301 Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
- 22302 Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
- 22310 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
- 32120 Medical laboratory technologists
- 32129 Other medical technologists and technicians
- 33101 Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
- 41402 Business development officers and market researchers and analysts
- 50011 Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
- 51120 Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
- 52120 Graphic designers and illustrators
- 60010 Corporate sales managers
- 72200 Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- 72201 Industrial electricians
- 72205 Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
4. Law Enforcement Pathway
This pathway is for internationally recruited police officers identified by the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP).
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be identified by the AACP as an internationally recruited police officer.
- You must have a job offer from an Alberta police service that is a member of the AACP.
- Your Express Entry profile occupation must match your Alberta job offer.
Eligible Law Enforcement Occupations:
- 40040 – Commissioned (management) police officers and related occupations in public protection services
- 41310 – Police investigators and other investigative occupations
- 42100 – Police officers (except commissioned)
5. Priority Sectors Pathway
This pathway is for applicants in high-priority industries such as agriculture and construction.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Your Express Entry profile occupation must be in an eligible agriculture or construction occupation.
- If applying with a job offer, it must be in an eligible occupation and meet Alberta’s employment standards.
How Selection Draws Work
Alberta issues invitations based on CRS score, occupation, and family ties. Selection criteria change for each draw, so keeping an Express Entry profile updated is important. If a profile expires in less than five months, the applicant may be less likely to receive an invitation.
FAQ: Alberta Express Entry Stream
How can I apply for the Alberta Express Entry Stream?
You cannot apply directly. Alberta selects candidates from the federal Express Entry pool based on eligibility criteria. If invited, you must submit an application to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). If approved, you can use your nomination to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.
What is the minimum CRS score required?
The minimum CRS score is 300, but higher scores increase the chances of selection. Other factors, such as family connections in Alberta or a job offer, can also improve the likelihood of receiving an invitation.
Does having a job offer in Alberta help my application?
Yes. If you have a valid job offer from an Alberta employer, you may be prioritized in the selection process. Certain sectors, such as technology, healthcare, agriculture, and law enforcement, have dedicated pathways for faster processing.
How long does it take to process an Alberta nomination?
Processing times vary, but it typically takes several months. After receiving a nomination, you must apply for permanent residence through Express Entry, which can take an additional six to twelve months, depending on federal processing times.
Can I apply if I do not have family in Alberta?
Yes. While having family in Alberta helps, it is not required. If your occupation is in demand or you have an Alberta job offer, you may still receive an invitation.
Final Tips for Success
- Maintain an active Express Entry profile with up-to-date job details
- Increase your CRS score by improving language skills or gaining work experience
- Consider job offers in Alberta to boost your chances
- Check Alberta’s occupation demand lists to see if your field is prioritized
