Immigrate to Canada without a job offer: Alberta PNP

If you are interested in immigrating to Alberta and do not have a job offer, the Alberta Express Entry stream may be a great option for you.

While the most popular immigration route in Canada is known as the Express Entry system, there is an equally promising route called the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Express Entry is based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) in which points are accumulated based on human capital factors. While in most cases Express Entry candidates do not require a job offer, having one will result in a much higher number of points, and therefore a better chance of being invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Canada's PNP, on the other hand, was introduced to ensure a more balanced distribution of the benefits of immigration throughout the country. The program gives participating provinces and territories the opportunity to nominate a set number of economic immigrants for permanent residence each year. PNPs are quite different from one province to another, with each province determining its own set of nomination requirements.

In order to immigrate to Canada through a PNP, you must first be nominated by the province or territory.

Canadian provinces and territories with a PNP have at least one "enhanced" nomination stream, meaning one that is linked to the federal Express Entry system.

The Alberta Express Entry is one such stream while providing an immigration route for foreign nationals without a job offer.

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Over the past few weeks, CIC News has covered a number of other PNP-related immigration pathways that don't require a job offer, including Ontario and Saskatchewan. Today, we take a look at Alberta.

As the fourth largest province in Canada, Alberta is a top choice for newcomers, with Edmonton and Calgary being the two most popular cities.

According to the province's population estimates, the province welcomes approximately 40,000 new immigrants per year. Alberta's total share of immigrants in Canada is approximately 13 per cent, the third-highest in the country, after Ontario (44.7 per cent) and British Columbia (15.8 per cent). According to the most recent statistics, Alberta's population now stands at almost 4.5 million. Economically, the province plays an important role in Canada's oil, mining, and natural gas industries.

Can I immigrate through the Alberta Express Entry stream without a job offer?

Foreign nationals wishing to live and work in Alberta can apply under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). Among the various streams administered under the AINP, the Alberta Express Entry stream does not require applicants to have a job offer.

As mentioned above, the Alberta Express Entry stream is an enhanced PNP, which means it is linked to the federal Express Entry system. Express Entry candidates who receive a provincial nomination from the province of Alberta are awarded an additional 600 points toward their CRS score. This award effectively guarantees them a chance to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

In order to receive a notification of interest from Alberta under this stream, candidates must create an Express Entry profile and indicate their interest in settling permanently in Alberta.

So far this year, 5,910 candidates have received notifications of interest from Alberta through this stream.

Alberta Express Entry Requirements

In order to be eligible to receive a notification of interest, you must:

have a valid Express Entry profile in the IRCC Express Entry system;
have stated an interest to immigrate to Alberta;
work in an occupation that supports Alberta’s economic development;
Have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 300.

Your chances of receiving a Notice of Interest from Alberta may be greater if you :

have a job offer in Alberta or work experience in the province;
are a graduate of a Canadian post-secondary institution;
have a parent, child, or sibling who is a permanent resident or Canadian citizen living in Alberta.

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