Maple News reports that Alberta has released the results of its latest Express Entry-linked draw, extending 248 invitations to candidates on October 26. Applicants with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores as low as 300 were considered in this round—the sixth consecutive draw to maintain this minimum score threshold.
The nominations were issued through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), specifically under the Alberta Express Entry Stream, which targets candidates already in the federal Express Entry pool. This stream allows the province to select skilled workers who demonstrate strong ties to Alberta and are capable of supporting the province’s economic development.
With this latest round, Alberta has invited a total of 6,158 candidates since January 2021, when the province resumed draws after a temporary hiatus in late 2020. Alberta’s annual allocation for 2021 stands at 6,250 nomination certificates, indicating there is still room for additional nominations this year.
The Alberta Express Entry Stream is part of Canada’s enhanced Provincial Nominee Programs. When a candidate receives a provincial nomination, they are awarded an additional 600 CRS points. For those with a CRS score of 300, a nomination propels their overall score to 900—substantially increasing their chance of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence in a future federal Express Entry draw.
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application system for Federal High Skilled immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates are ranked based on factors such as age, language proficiency, education, and work experience.
Alberta continues to position itself as an attractive destination for skilled newcomers. Its relatively low CRS threshold makes it a favorable option for candidates who may not meet the federal cut-off but still bring valuable qualifications and expertise aligned with Alberta’s labor market needs.
While obtaining permanent residence directly through Express Entry remains an option, provincial nominations offer a strategic advantage—especially for applicants with lower CRS scores. As the demand for skilled talent grows across Canadian provinces, such pathways serve as crucial stepping stones toward permanent settlement.