Alberta invites Express Entry candidates with CRS scores as low as 301

The province of Alberta has invited 197 Express Entry candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System scores as low as 301 to apply for a provincial nomination for Canadian permanent residence. 

The draw, which took place through the Alberta Express Entry Stream, was held May 15 and the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) published details of the draw this week.

The AINP is part of Canada's Provincial Nominee Program, which allows participating provinces and territories to nominate economic immigration candidates who match local labour market needs.

The Alberta Express Entry Stream was introduced in 2018 and lets the AINP search the federal Express Entry system for candidates who meet its specific eligibility requirements.

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

Eligible candidates in these three categories are entered into the Express Entry pool and assigned a score determined by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranked candidates are issued invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence through regular draws from the pool.

Express Entry candidates with a provincial nomination receive an additional 600 points toward their CRS score, effectively assuring an invitation from the Government of Canada.

A total of 3,554 Express Entry candidates have been invited to apply for a provincial nomination for Canadian permanent residence through the stream in 2019.

Find out if you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool

In order to be eligible for the Alberta Express Entry Stream, Express Entry candidates must have a CRS score of at least 300 and be working in an occupation that supports "Alberta’s economic development and diversification priorities,” among other criteria, in order to be considered for an invitation from the AINP.

The AINP has not listed the occupations that are eligible.

While a job offer or previous work in Alberta is not required in order to be eligible, the AINP may give priority to candidates with:

• a job offer and/or work experience in Alberta;
• a degree from a Canadian post-secondary institution and a valid job offer; or
• a parent, child or sibling already living in Alberta.

Of the 15 Alberta Express Entry Stream draws held so far in 2019, seven have seen the minimum score range between 300 and 302.

This is significantly lower than the lowest score drawn through a federal Express Entry draw so far this year, which was 438.

For more detailed information on the Alberta Express Entry Stream, please consult this dedicated page.

Find out if you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool

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