Maple News reports that Alberta has invited more than 1,400 immigration candidates through three targeted draws held under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) between September 12 and September 17, 2025. These draws focused on addressing labour gaps in the province’s tech industry, public safety sectors, and general workforce needs.
In the smallest and most selective round held on September 17, Alberta issued fewer than 10 invitations through its Alberta Express Entry Stream – Law Enforcement Pathway. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 56. This pathway, introduced to address a growing demand for skilled law enforcement professionals, prioritizes applicants with experience in policing, corrections, and public safety.
A day earlier, on September 16, Alberta invited 320 candidates through the Accelerated Tech Pathway, also part of the Alberta Express Entry Stream. This round had a minimum CRS score of 55. The pathway is designed to attract tech professionals with job offers in the province or experience in key National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes aligned with Alberta’s growing technology sector, particularly in areas such as software development, data analysis, and IT project management.
The largest draw took place on September 12, when 1,113 invitations were issued under the Alberta Opportunity Stream. Applicants required a minimum score of 63. Unlike the Express Entry-linked pathways, this stream caters to individuals already working in Alberta on valid work permits, with a focus on filling roles in occupations facing high demand. It is especially supportive of those building long-term roots in the province.
These draws reflect Alberta’s strategic focus on aligning immigration streams with distinct labour market demands. By prioritizing job-ready immigrants in tech and public safety, as well as retaining existing workers to support the local economy, Alberta continues to position itself as a leading destination for skilled newcomers.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) allows the province to nominate individuals for permanent residency who meet criteria outlined in sector-specific or general streams. Some of these streams are linked to Canada’s federal Express Entry system, while others operate independently to serve provincial workforce needs.
Candidates seeking nomination through AAIP should first determine which stream aligns with their qualifications, particularly if they work in high-priority sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, law enforcement, or technology. For Express Entry-linked streams, applicants must maintain an active federal profile and may be selected based on their CRS score and Alberta’s economic priorities.
After receiving a Notification of Interest from Alberta, candidates must submit a complete application within the specified deadline to proceed with the nomination process. A successful AAIP nomination provides a significant boost toward obtaining Canadian permanent residence.
Alberta’s latest draws demonstrate its commitment to a proactive and dynamic immigration strategy that balances economic goals with long-term population growth. As Canada continues to experience labour shortages in critical sectors, provincial programs like AAIP play an essential role in attracting talent where it’s needed most.