Maple News reports that Alberta has conducted its largest ever Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, inviting 500 Express Entry candidates to apply for a provincial nomination on September 7. This marks a new milestone for the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), surpassing its previous record of 473 invitations set in March 2019.
The draw targeted candidates in the federal Express Entry pool who had Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores of at least 300—meeting the minimum threshold for Alberta’s Express Entry Stream. This low cutoff makes Alberta an attractive option for candidates who may not meet the requirements of federal Express Entry draws.
With this most recent draw, Alberta has issued a total of 4,507 invitations since it resumed PNP rounds in January 2021 after a pause in late 2020. The province is authorized to issue up to 6,250 nomination certificates in 2021, positioning it as an active contributor to Canada’s immigration efforts.
The Alberta Express Entry Stream is an ‘enhanced’ PNP, meaning it is aligned with the federal Express Entry system, which manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Alberta uses this stream to select candidates who demonstrate potential to support economic development and labor market needs in the province.
Candidates in the Express Entry pool receive a CRS score based on several factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Receiving a provincial nomination significantly boosts an applicant’s chance of permanent residence, as it automatically adds 600 points to their CRS score. For example, those invited in Alberta’s latest draw with scores of 300 would see their profiles jump to 900 if nominated—virtually guaranteeing an invitation in an upcoming federal Express Entry draw.
While it is possible to secure permanent residence through Express Entry without a provincial nomination, the Alberta PNP offers a valuable pathway for those with lower CRS scores, giving them a second chance to enhance their competitiveness in Canada’s immigration system.
Maple News will continue monitoring Alberta’s draws and Canada’s overarching immigration trends to keep our readers well-informed.