Maple News reports that Alberta has conducted another round of invitations through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), targeting Express Entry candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 301. Held on March 26, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) issued invitations to 300 skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada.
This marks the second consecutive Alberta Express Entry draw where the minimum CRS requirement was set at 301, demonstrating the province’s continued effort to attract in-demand talent with relatively low CRS thresholds. To be considered, candidates must have an active profile in the federal Express Entry system.
Express Entry is Canada’s primary platform for managing skilled worker immigration applications across three main programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Candidates receive a CRS score based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency in English or French, work experience, and adaptability.
Applicants who receive a provincial nomination from Alberta gain an additional 600 points toward their CRS score—effectively guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence in future federal Express Entry draws. For example, a candidate scoring the minimum 301 in Alberta’s draw would see their CRS score rise to 901 after receiving the nomination.
The Alberta Express Entry Stream is an ‘enhanced’ PNP stream aligned with the federal Express Entry system. It targets candidates who demonstrate strong ties to the province or who can support Alberta’s economic growth and diversification goals. During the pandemic, Alberta has limited eligibility to candidates already residing and working in the province.
Eligible candidates must also have experience in an approved occupation. The Alberta government maintains a list of occupations that are not accepted under the Alberta Opportunity Stream, although candidates working in these roles may still be selected through the Alberta Express Entry stream despite federal limitations under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.
Maple News notes that despite nationwide shifts in immigration priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alberta continues to strategically use its nominee program to invite skilled workers who align with provincial labor demands.