Maple News reports that Alberta has released the results of its latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, held on February 16. In this round, the province extended invitations to 159 candidates through the Alberta Express Entry stream, requiring a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 352.
All invited candidates had active profiles in Canada’s federal Express Entry system, which manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. A provincial nomination through Alberta’s PNP grants candidates an additional 600 CRS points, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence in future federal draws. With these bonus points, the lowest-scoring candidates from this draw would now hold a revised CRS score of 952.
The Alberta Express Entry stream is an enhanced PNP stream, allowing the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) to nominate skilled workers who align with provincial economic priorities. Eligibility hinges on factors such as strong ties to Alberta, relevant work experience in a qualifying occupation, and currently, residency and employment within the province. These temporary adjustments were introduced during the pandemic to prioritize local talent.
Notably, Alberta doesn’t publish a list of eligible occupations but instead maintains a list of ineligible professions. This means most professions are considered, increasing flexibility for applicants. Even candidates employed in occupations deemed ineligible for a federal Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) since November 2020 may still be selected under the Alberta Express Entry stream if they receive a provincial Notification of Interest.
The CRS is a merit-based system that ranks candidates using criteria such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability. Regular draws by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invite top-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence, making PNP nominations a strategic pathway for those needing a CRS boost.
This draw underscores Alberta’s continued focus on inviting candidates who not only meet federal standards for immigration but also support the province’s long-term economic diversification goals. As provincial and federal immigration systems remain tightly linked, securing a nomination from Alberta can be a powerful step forward for Express Entry candidates.
Maple News will continue to provide timely updates on the Provincial Nominee Program and other key developments in Canadian immigration.