Alberta is updating its process for issuing Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for certain pathways within the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
As of today, September 30, candidates wishing to apply for one of the AAIP worker streams must now submit a Worker Expression of Interest (EOI).
To participate, candidates should visit the AAIP portal and fill out an online form with their personal details. The province indicates that those who submit a Worker EOI will be included in a Worker Stream pool for evaluation. There is no application fee required.
Candidates will be ranked using the Worker EOI points grid, similar to the federal Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Points will be assigned based on various human capital factors, including education (especially if completed in Alberta), language proficiency, work experience (with additional points for experience in Alberta), age, and family connections within the province.
Those with higher scores will have a better chance of being selected for provincial nomination, and invitations will be sent via email.
Alberta advises that candidates cannot create a Worker EOI if they currently have an existing Worker EOI, Entrepreneur EOI, or an active draft or application for the AAIP. Any existing applications or EOIs must be withdrawn before submitting a new Worker EOI.
Candidates are encouraged not to rush their applications, as the province will not begin conducting worker stream draws until mid to late October.
Alberta Worker Streams
Earlier this year, Alberta revised its application process for Worker streams to better manage the high demand and align with labor market priorities.
In June, Alberta announced that it would limit the number of applications accepted into the application pool at any given time. If the target was reached by the monthly deadline, no further applications would be considered.
This new system aimed to balance processing times with the 9,750 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations allocated to Alberta by IRCC for 2024. The programs affected included:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Rural Renewal Stream
- Accelerated Tech Pathway
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream
The intent behind this approach was to provide applicants with multiple opportunities to apply and ensure year-round access to the program.
Due to exceptionally high demand, the Alberta Opportunity Stream had to pause applications from February to June. During that time, the province stated that this pause was necessary to help the AAIP manage its current inventory and focus its limited immigration nominations on priority sectors, such as healthcare, technology, construction, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality, among others in demand.
Important Considerations
It’s important to note that candidates cannot submit a Worker EOI if they already have an existing Worker EOI, Entrepreneur EOI, or an active AAIP application. Those with existing applications or EOIs must withdraw them before creating a new Worker EOI.
Alberta has emphasized that there’s no need to rush to submit applications, as the first worker stream draws are not expected to occur until mid to late October.
Why the Change?
Earlier this year, Alberta recognized the need for a more structured approach to handle the overwhelming demand for its Worker Streams. By capping the number of applications accepted at any given time, the province aims to balance processing times with the allocation of 9,750 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations for 2024.
The affected programs include:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Rural Renewal Stream
- Accelerated Tech Pathway
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream
Conclusion
The introduction of the new Expression of Interest system marks a significant step forward for Alberta’s immigration process. By aligning the application procedure with labor market needs, Alberta is not only opening its doors to skilled workers but also ensuring that the province remains a competitive destination for talent.
If you’re considering making Alberta your new home, keep an eye on the updates regarding the Worker EOI and prepare to seize this opportunity to join a thriving community in one of Canada’s most dynamic provinces.
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