Maple News reports that Alberta has officially resumed invitations under its Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), holding its first draw since June 2020. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) issued 50 invitations to candidates through the Alberta Express Entry Stream on January 8.
To be eligible for this round, candidates were required to have an active Express Entry profile and a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 406. This marks a cautious yet notable restart in nomination activity from the province after nearly seven months of inactivity.
Express Entry is Canada’s primary system for managing applications for permanent residence under three key federal streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). By obtaining a provincial nomination, Express Entry candidates receive an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing them an invitation to apply for permanent residence in a subsequent draw.
The Alberta Express Entry Stream targets candidates already in the federal pool who have experience in occupations that align with Alberta’s economic growth and labor market priorities. While Alberta maintains a list of ineligible occupations, candidates with relevant work experience outside that list may be considered.
Despite changes made on November 1, 2020, which expanded the range of occupations in Alberta that are ineligible for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), individuals may still be selected through the provincial stream if they received a Notification of Interest on or after that date. This provides additional flexibility for foreign workers, especially those with skills relevant to provincial needs.
This draw symbolizes Alberta’s renewed commitment to provincial immigration pathways and provides opportunities for skilled workers looking to settle in a province known for its growing industries, particularly in technology, energy, and healthcare.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on future provincial nomination draws and policy updates affecting immigration candidates across Canada.