Alberta Invites 1,189 Candidates In Six November Immigration Draws

Alberta has conducted six new draws through its new Expression of Interest system under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.

The draws saw a total of 1,189 invitations in different categories.

The draws targeted various streams and pathways to address specific labor market needs.

Below is a summary and analysis of each draw.

1. November 27, 2024 – Alberta Opportunity Stream

• Parameters:
  • Targeted Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders with Alberta education.
  • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 or higher.
  • Minimum 6 months of work experience and a job offer in Alberta (specific exclusions apply).
• Minimum Score: 71
• Invitations Issued: 447
• Analysis:
  This draw demonstrates Alberta’s focus on retaining international graduates educated in the province, particularly in occupations outside business and sales. The low minimum score (71) suggests a strong commitment to integrating PGWP holders into Alberta’s workforce.

2. November 22, 2024 – Alberta Opportunity Stream (Healthcare Focus)

• Parameters:
  • Targeted candidates in healthcare occupations.
  • CLB 5 or higher and 12 months of work experience.
  • Job offer in a regulated or moderately/high-demand healthcare role (Dedicated Healthcare Pathway excluded).
• Minimum Score: 40
• Invitations Issued: 80
• Analysis:
  This targeted draw highlights Alberta’s acute focus on healthcare labor shortages. The exceptionally low minimum score (40) underscores Alberta’s urgency to attract healthcare workers, albeit excluding those already eligible under the Dedicated Healthcare Pathways.

3. November 21, 2024 – Alberta Express Entry Stream (Healthcare Sector)

• Parameters:
  • Healthcare occupations with Express Entry profiles scoring 300+ CRS points.
  • CLB 5 or higher and 12 months of work experience.
• Minimum Score: 42
• Invitations Issued: 96
• Analysis:
  Similar to the November 22 draw, this initiative leverages the federal Express Entry system to fill critical gaps in Alberta’s healthcare sector. The additional requirement of an Express Entry profile highlights Alberta’s strategic alignment with federal immigration goals.

4. November 15, 2024 – Tourism and Hospitality Stream

• Parameters:
  • Targeted workers with LMIA-based work permits in eligible tourism and hospitality roles.
  • CLB 4 or higher and a job offer in Alberta.
• Minimum Score: 66
• Invitations Issued: 412
• Analysis:
  This draw underscores Alberta’s efforts to support its tourism and hospitality sector, a vital part of its economy. The relatively low language and work experience requirements aim to quickly address workforce shortages in this sector.

5. November 14, 2024 – Alberta Express Entry Stream (Construction Sector)

• Parameters:
  • Construction-sector occupations with Express Entry profiles scoring 300+ CRS points.
  • CLB 5 or higher and a job offer in Alberta.
• Minimum Score: 50
• Invitations Issued: 150
• Analysis:
  This draw reflects Alberta’s ongoing demand for skilled workers in construction. By prioritizing candidates with Express Entry profiles, Alberta aims to ensure a swift and seamless immigration process.

6. November 8, 2024 – Alberta Express Entry Stream (Law Enforcement Pathway)

• Parameters:
  • Targeted law enforcement professionals with CRS scores of 300+.
  • CLB 6 or higher and a job offer from AACP-affiliated employers.
• Minimum Score: 41
• Invitations Issued: 4
• Analysis:
  This highly specialized draw caters exclusively to Alberta’s law enforcement needs. The limited number of invitations (4) indicates a focus on niche roles within law enforcement, emphasizing quality over quantity.

Key Observations:

For 2024, Alberta has a nomination allocation of 9,750, matching its 2023 allocation.

To date, 9,276 nominations have been issued. Last year, Alberta issued 10,029 nominations, utilizing a “federally authorized administration buffer” to go over its allocation.

Alberta Express Entry Draws