Maple News reports that Alberta has conducted a new provincial nominee program (PNP) draw through its Express Entry stream, issuing invites to 148 candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores as low as 300. This draw, held on July 27, marks a significant drop in the minimum CRS requirement, potentially opening doors for more skilled professionals with moderate scores.
This is part of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program’s (AINP) ongoing efforts to attract qualified individuals who can support the province’s labour market and long-term economic needs. Although the number of invitations in this round is lower than the previous draw, the reduction in the CRS threshold may benefit a broader range of candidates who may have previously been overlooked.
Candidates invited in this draw are now eligible to apply for a provincial nomination — a crucial advantage in the Express Entry system. If successful, each nominee will receive an additional 600 CRS points, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence through a future federal Express Entry draw. This could take a candidate from the minimum 300 to a competitive 901 points.
Alberta has now issued a total of 2,761 invitations since it resumed PNP draws in January 2021, following a pause in the latter half of 2020. The province is authorized to issue up to 6,250 nomination certificates for the year, meaning more draws are expected in the coming months.
The Alberta Express Entry stream functions by drawing from the federal Express Entry pool, targeting candidates whose backgrounds align with the province’s economic priorities. These candidates are often working in high-demand occupations or have strong ties to Alberta, such as prior work experience or a job offer in the province.
The federal Express Entry system itself manages applications for three key skilled immigration pathways: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates are ranked based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, and work experience using the Comprehensive Ranking System.
While a provincial nomination is not required to immigrate through Express Entry, it is an effective way for applicants with lower CRS scores to dramatically increase their competitiveness in the federal draws. Alberta’s latest move signals continued support for attracting skilled immigrants who might otherwise face difficulties qualifying at the federal level alone.
Maple News will continue monitoring upcoming draws and changes to immigration policies across Canada’s provinces.