Alberta launches new Expression of Interest system for AAIP Worker Streams

Alberta is changing how it issues Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to candidates in some Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) pathways.

Starting today, September 30, candidates interested in applying to one of the AAIP worker streams will need to submit a Worker Expression of Interest (EOI).

To do so, candidates will need to access the AAIP portal and complete an online form with information about themselves. The province says those who submit a Worker EOI will be placed in a Worker Stream pool for consideration. There is no fee to apply.

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Candidates will be ranked according to the Worker EOI points grid, which works much like the federal Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

For example, they will be assigned points based on human capital factors such as their education (and if they completed their education in Alberta), language abilities, work experience (with more points awarded for work experience in Alberta), their age, and having a family connection in the province.

Those with higher scores are more likely to be selected for provincial nomination. Invitations will be sent by email.

Alberta notes that candidates cannot create a Worker EOI if they “have an existing Worker EOI or Entrepreneur EOI or a draft or active AAIP application. Existing applications or EOIs must be withdrawn prior to creating a Worker EOI.”

The province says candidates do not need to rush to submit their application as it will not begin conducting worker stream draws until mid to late October.

Alberta Worker Streams

Earlier this year, Alberta changed the way it accepts applications for Worker streams to better handle overwhelming demand and meet labour market priorities.

In June, the province announced it would only accept a targeted number of applications into the application pool at one time. If a target were reached by the monthly deadline, no further applications would be accepted.

The system was meant to better balance processing time and the 9,750 PNP nominations that IRCC allocated Alberta for 2024. The impacted programs included:

This approach was meant to “provide applicants with multiple opportunities to apply and access to the program year-round.”

In fact, the Alberta Opportunity Stream has been so high in demand this year that the province had to pause accepting applications for this stream between February and June.

At the time, the province said the pause was necessary to help enable the AAIP to “address its current inventory and focus its limited immigration nominations on priorities, such as filling labour shortages in healthcare, technology, construction, agriculture, tourism and hospitality and other in-demand sectors.”

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