Maple News reports that Alberta has invited a total of 81 candidates through three immigration draws conducted in the first half of April 2025. All draws focused exclusively on health care professionals—a clear indication of the province’s urgent need to bolster its medical workforce.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across three pathways: the Dedicated Health Care Pathway (both Express Entry and non-Express Entry streams) and the Alberta Express Entry stream under Priority Sectors.
The first draw, held on April 1, 2025, invited 34 candidates through the Dedicated Health Care Pathway linked to the federal Express Entry system. Selected candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 60.
Just days later, on April 4, Alberta issued 19 invitations under the Express Entry stream focused on priority sectors—in this case, health care occupations. To receive an invitation in this round, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 71.
On April 8, the third round of selections took place through the non-Express Entry Dedicated Health Care Pathway, resulting in 28 invitations. This draw had the lowest cutoff, with candidates only needing a minimum score of 53.
Altogether, the draws underscore Alberta’s prioritization of international health care professionals in meeting provincial labor shortages, particularly in the medical and caregiving sectors. With Canada’s aging population and growing demand for health care services, such targeted immigration efforts are expected to continue throughout 2025.
Under the AAIP, Alberta is able to nominate qualified applicants who align with labor market needs and are likely to settle and contribute to the province’s economy long-term. Health care workers remain among the most in-demand occupations in the province.
Maple News will continue monitoring provincial draws and immigration trends that shape Canada’s evolving labor landscape.