Maple News reports that the province of Alberta conducted a new Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on June 5, issuing invitations to 191 Express Entry candidates. Candidates were selected through the Alberta Express Entry Stream, a pathway allowing the province to nominate individuals with skills to support local labor market needs.
To be considered for this round, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 300. This is a slight drop from the previous draw held on May 18, where the minimum score was 301. The reduced score suggests Alberta’s ongoing effort to attract a broader range of skilled professionals amid evolving immigration priorities.
Including this draw, Alberta has invited a total of 2,100 Express Entry candidates since resuming selections in January 2021, following a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Alberta can issue up to 6,250 nomination certificates in 2021, not all individuals who receive invitations will necessarily be granted provincial nominations, nor does a nomination guarantee permanent residence.
The Alberta Express Entry Stream operates as an ‘enhanced’ PNP stream, meaning it is aligned with the federal Express Entry system. Alberta selects candidates directly from the federal Express Entry pool based on factors such as strong ties to the province or the potential to contribute to its economic development, especially in sectors facing labor shortages.
To enter the Express Entry pool, candidates must qualify under one of Canada’s three federal high-skilled immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Once in the pool, candidates receive a CRS score based on age, education, professional experience, language proficiency, and additional adaptability factors.
Receiving a provincial nomination from Alberta adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Due to pandemic-related adjustments, Alberta continues to prioritize candidates who are already living and working in the province. While the province retains the discretion to issue up to its maximum quota of nominations, its focus appears to be on aligning immigration efforts closely with local labor market demands and pandemic recovery strategies.