Maple News reports that Alberta held six targeted draws under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) between July 3 and July 16, 2025, as the province continues to prioritize strategic sectors facing acute labour shortages. These draws focused on candidates in healthcare, law enforcement, aviation, and agriculture, along with those already working in Alberta under the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS).
Notably, Alberta invited candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores as low as 49 — one of the lowest thresholds seen this year — in a draw conducted on July 16 for the Law Enforcement Pathway. Fewer than 10 invitations were issued, highlighting Alberta’s urgent push to strengthen its public safety workforce.
The largest draw occurred on July 11, under the Alberta Opportunity Stream, where 269 candidates already working in the province were invited to apply for permanent residency. This stream is designed for foreign workers with valid work permits who are employed in in-demand occupations within Alberta.
Healthcare remained a high priority, with two separate draws held through both Express Entry and non-Express Entry pathways on July 3 and July 9. A total of 68 candidates were invited across both draws, with minimum CRS scores ranging from 53 to 62. These healthcare draws underline Alberta’s commitment to reinforcing hospital staffing and medical services.
Priority sectors such as aviation and agriculture were also targeted through Express Entry-linked pathways. On July 8, 20 candidates in the aviation industry were drawn with a CRS threshold of 53, while on July 4, 15 agricultural sector candidates were invited, needing a minimum score of 64.
The AAIP enables Alberta to nominate foreign workers for permanent residency based on provincial labour market needs. Using both Express Entry-linked and dedicated sector pathways, the province can address gaps with skilled professionals in demand occupations.
To apply under the AAIP, candidates must meet eligibility criteria for their selected stream, whether through Express Entry or sector-specific pathways. Candidates may be selected from the federal Express Entry pool and issued a Notification of Interest (NOI), after which they must submit a provincial application.
Looking ahead, Alberta is expected to maintain its focused immigration strategy, targeting sectors that remain essential to provincial growth and public service delivery. Candidates with experience in healthcare, law enforcement, aviation, and agriculture will continue to find significant opportunities in Alberta’s evolving immigration landscape.