Alberta releases details of first draws through new Express Entry-linked immigration stream

Alberta has released the first details of draws conducted through its Express Entry-linked stream since its introduction in June.

A total of seven draws have been held since then, with the first and largest issuing 155 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) on July 6 to Express Entry candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores as low as 302.

The Alberta Express Entry Stream allows the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) to search the federal Express Entry system for candidates who meet the stream's eligibility requirements and invite them to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence.

The Express Entry system manages the pool for candidates for Canada's three Federal High Skilled economic immigration categories — the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class and Canadian Experience Class.

Express Entry candidates with a provincial nomination are awarded an additional 600 points toward their CRS score, effectively guaranteeing an invitation from the Government of Canada to apply for permanent residence.

The CRS ranks Express Entry candidates based on points awarded for factors such as age, skilled work experience, education, proficiency in English or French.

Find out if you are eligible for the Express Entry pool.

Eligible Express Entry candidates must have a CRS score at least 300 and they must be working in an occupation that "supports Alberta's economic development and diversification," among other criteria, the AINP says.

Candidates with a job offer and/or work experience in Alberta, a degree from a Canadian post-secondary institution and/or a parent, child or sibling already living in Alberta may be prioritized for an NOI.

Candidates must be already have a profile in the Express Entry pool in order to be considered for this stream. Express Entry profiles that expire in three months or less prior to a given draw date may not be considered, the AINP warns.

For complete details on the eligibility criteria for the Alberta Express Entry Stream, visit this dedicated page.

CRS scores as low as 301

In the seven draws held so far through Alberta's Express Entry Stream, candidates selected had CRS scores as low as 301.

This was the case in a draw held September 14 which saw a total of 152 Express Entry candidates invited to apply for a provincial nomination.

With the 600 additional CRS points awarded for a provincial nomination, a CRS score of 301 would rise to 901.

This revised score would be more than enough to obtain an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry. The lowest score drawn through the Express Entry system in 2018 has been 439.

Draw Date	NOIs Issued	Minimum CRS score
July 6, 2018	155	302
July 26, 2018	67	302
August 23, 2018	24	312
September 14, 2018	152	301
October 10, 2018	47	319
October 16, 2018	94	304
November 6, 2018	57	302

"Given the higher minimum scores in Express Entry draws this year, the fact Alberta is inviting Express Entry candidates with scores as low as 301 is a welcome development," said David Cohen, senior partner with the Campbell Cohen Canadian immigration law firm in Montreal. "It's also encouraging to see just how active this stream has been over the six months since its creation."

To find out if you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool, fill out a free assessment form.