Maple News reports that Alberta conducted two rounds of invitations under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) in September, targeting candidates in the federal Express Entry pool with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 300.
The first draw was held on September 14, where 385 candidates received invitations to apply for a provincial nomination. This was followed by a second draw on September 21, in which an additional 450 candidates were invited. In total, 835 invitations were issued in just under two weeks.
These draws are part of Alberta’s efforts to meet its nomination allocation for 2021. Since resuming draws in January—after a pause in latter 2020—the province has so far invited 5,342 Express Entry candidates. Alberta has a total annual nomination limit of 6,250 for 2021, as set by Canada’s federal immigration authority.
The Alberta Express Entry Stream is a component of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and is aligned with the federal Express Entry system. It enables Alberta to search the national pool for skilled foreign workers who align with its labor market needs and economic development goals.
To be considered under the Alberta Express Entry Stream, candidates must first qualify for one of the three federal Express Entry programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class. Eligible profiles are then scored based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Although candidates can receive an invitation directly through regular Express Entry draws, those with lower CRS scores may enhance their chances by obtaining a provincial nomination. A nomination from Alberta instantly adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence in a future federal draw.
These latest draws reflect Alberta’s ongoing support for skilled immigrants who wish to live and work in the province. By lowering the CRS threshold to 300, the province has maintained accessibility for more candidates while addressing its unique workforce needs.
As Canada continues to recover economically, provinces like Alberta play a pivotal role in selecting immigrants who can contribute meaningfully to their local economies. Prospective newcomers are encouraged to keep their Express Entry profiles active and up-to-date in order to maximize their chances for selection under provincial or federal draws.