Alberta Introduces New EOI System for Faster Immigration

Alberta is updating its process for issuing Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to applicants in certain streams of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).

As of September 30, candidates wishing to apply to any of the AAIP worker streams must submit a Worker Expression of Interest (EOI).

To apply, candidates need to access the AAIP portal and complete an online form with personal details. Those who submit a Worker EOI will be entered into a pool for consideration. There is no fee to apply.

Candidates are ranked using the Worker EOI points system, which functions similarly to the federal Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Points are awarded based on factors such as education (with additional points for completing education in Alberta), language skills, work experience (with more points for experience in Alberta), age, and family connections in the province.

Candidates with higher scores will have a better chance of receiving a provincial nomination, with invitations sent via email.

Alberta highlights that candidates cannot create a Worker EOI if they already have an existing Worker EOI, Entrepreneur EOI, or an active AAIP application. Any existing EOIs or applications must be withdrawn before submitting a new Worker EOI.

The province also notes there is no need for candidates to rush their submissions, as worker stream draws will not begin until mid to late October.

Alberta Worker Streams

Earlier this year, Alberta adjusted the way it manages applications for its Worker streams to better accommodate high demand and align with labor market priorities.

In June, the province introduced a cap on the number of applications accepted into the pool each month. Once the monthly limit is reached, no additional applications are accepted.

This system was designed to better manage processing times and the 9,750 PNP nominations that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allocated to Alberta for 2024. The affected streams include:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream
• Rural Renewal Stream
• Accelerated Tech Pathway
• Tourism and Hospitality Stream

The goal of this approach is to give applicants multiple chances to apply throughout the year.

The Alberta Opportunity Stream has been in especially high demand in 2024, leading the province to temporarily halt applications between February and June.

The pause allowed Alberta to manage its application inventory and focus immigration nominations on priority sectors like healthcare, technology, construction, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and other high-demand industries.