Express Entry candidates with CRS scores as low as 300 invited in latest Alberta draw

Alberta has released the details of the latest draw through its popular Express Entry-aligned provincial nomination stream.

The June 21 draw issued 262 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to Express Entry candidates with scores as low as 300.

The Alberta Express Entry Stream allows the Government of Alberta to select eligible candidates with a profile in the federal Express Entry system, which manages the pool of candidates for Canada's three Federal High Skilled immigration programs — the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class and Canadian Experience Class.

Express Entry candidates with a provincial nomination from Alberta receive an additional 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and are effectively guaranteed an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence in a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool.

One of the Alberta Express Entry Stream's key advantages is the fact it provides Express Entry candidates who have lower CRS scores with an opportunity to obtain Canadian permanent residence.

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

The cut-off score of 300 in Alberta's June 21 invitation round is significantly lower than the cut-off scores for draws conducted through the Express Entry system itself this year.

The lowest score drawn so far in 2019 through the Express Entry system was 332 in a Federal Skilled Trades-only draw on May 15 and the lowest cut-off score in an all-programs draw was 438.

Other eligibility criteria for the Alberta Express Entry Stream include the requirement that candidates be working in an occupation that supports “Alberta’s economic development and diversification priorities."

The Government of Alberta 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.

The June 21 draw brings the total number of Express Entry candidates invited to apply for a provincial nomination for Canadian permanent residence through the Alberta Express Entry Stream this year to 3,816.

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