Alberta invites Express Entry candidates with scores as low as 300

Alberta has released the number of candidates and score requirements of the latest two Alberta Express Entry Stream draws.

On January 22, 2020, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) issued a total of 201 invitations to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence. Candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of over 350 in order to be invited.

Then one week later on January 29, Alberta issued 150 invitations to Express Entry candidates with CRS scores as low as 300.

The Alberta Express Entry Stream allows the AINP to select eligible candidates with a profile in the federal Express Entry system, which manages the pool of candidates for Canadian immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class.

Express Entry candidates with a provincial nomination from Alberta will receive an additional 600 points toward their overall CRS score, which effectively guarantees that they will receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence in a subsequent federal Express Entry draw.

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

For example, the latest federal Express Entry CRS requirement was 472 on February 5.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

In order to be eligible for the Alberta Express Entry Stream, candidates need to be working in an occupation that supports the province’s “economic development and diversification priorities.”

The AINP does not provide a list of eligible occupations.

It is not required to have a job offer in Alberta in order to be issued an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination. The AINP says it may give priority to candidates who have the following three criteria: