Maple News reports that Alberta has conducted two separate immigration draws under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), inviting a total of 158 candidates to apply for provincial nomination. These draws, held on May 13 and May 15, targeted individuals through the Alberta Opportunity Stream and the Tourism and Hospitality Stream.
The draw on May 13 focused on the Alberta Opportunity Stream, resulting in 125 invitations being issued to eligible candidates. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 76. This stream aims to support skilled foreign workers already employed in Alberta in occupations aligned with provincial labour needs.
Two days later, on May 15, Alberta issued 33 invitations under the newly introduced Tourism and Hospitality Stream. The cut-off score for this draw was set at 72. This marks only the second time the province has invited candidates through this pathway, which was launched earlier in 2024 to help address significant labour shortages in Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
To qualify under the Tourism and Hospitality Stream, applicants must have at least six months of work experience in the sector with an eligible Alberta employer. They must also hold a valid full-time job offer, possess prescribed educational credentials, and meet minimum language proficiency standards.
The May 13 draw represents the second general draw of 2025 under the Alberta Opportunity Stream. Earlier draws under this stream have given priority to candidates in high-demand sectors such as aviation and construction.
According to AAIP data, Alberta has been allocated 4,875 nomination spots for the year 2025. As of now, the province has issued 2,077 nominations, suggesting a proactive approach in selecting skilled professionals to meet immediate economic and labour market needs.
These focused draws reflect Alberta’s evolving immigration strategy, which prioritizes attracting and retaining skilled workers in sectors that are critical to the province’s recovery and growth. As the AAIP continues its operations for the year, more targeted draws are expected across a range of industries.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on future AAIP developments as additional draws are likely in the coming months.