Alberta Unveils New EOI System for AAIP Worker Streams

Alberta has introduced changes to how it manages Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for certain worker streams under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). As of September 30, candidates interested in applying to one of these worker pathways must submit a Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) before they can be considered for a provincial nomination.

New EOI System for AAIP Worker Streams

Under the new system, candidates need to log into the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program portal and complete an online form, providing essential personal and professional information. Once the Worker EOI is submitted, candidates will be placed in a pool for consideration. Alberta emphasizes that there is no fee associated with submitting a Worker EOI, which could make the process more accessible to a broader range of applicants.

The key change with this new system is the introduction of a points-based ranking framework that mirrors the federal Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used for Express Entry candidates. This Worker EOI grid will evaluate candidates on several human capital factors, assigning points based on these criteria.

Factors That Influence Worker EOI Ranking

The Worker EOI points grid will consider factors such as education, language proficiency, work experience, and age. Additional points will be awarded for work experience and education completed in Alberta, highlighting the province's preference for candidates with local ties or experience.

Education is a key consideration, and candidates with Alberta-based qualifications will receive extra points. Similarly, work experience will be weighted more heavily if it was acquired within Alberta. Language proficiency is another important factor, with higher scores awarded to those with stronger English or French language skills. Additionally, age will be considered, with younger candidates typically earning higher points, as they are often seen as having more years to contribute to the workforce.

Having family connections in Alberta is also a contributing factor, with candidates who have relatives living in the province likely to receive extra points. This helps prioritize applicants who already have support systems in place within the province, increasing the likelihood of their successful integration into Alberta communities.

Candidates with higher scores on the points grid will have a greater chance of being selected for a provincial nomination. Those who are chosen will be notified via email when an invitation is issued.

Restrictions on Submitting Multiple EOIs

One important restriction noted by Alberta is that candidates cannot create a new Worker EOI if they have an existing Worker EOI, Entrepreneur EOI, or an active AAIP application in progress. Candidates must withdraw any existing applications or EOIs before submitting a new Worker EOI, ensuring that only one EOI per person is active at any given time.

While this change represents a new opportunity for candidates looking to immigrate to Alberta, the province has emphasized that there is no immediate rush to submit EOIs. Alberta will not begin conducting draws for the worker streams until mid to late October, so candidates have time to prepare their submissions.

Alberta Worker Streams: Evolving to Meet Demand

Earlier this year, Alberta made several changes to its process for accepting applications to worker streams under the AAIP. These changes were implemented to better manage the increasing demand for provincial nominations and ensure the province's immigration priorities are being met.

In June, Alberta announced that it would limit the number of applications accepted into the worker stream pool at any given time. This capped approach aims to balance processing times and optimize the allocation of nominations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). For 2024, Alberta has been allocated 9,750 PNP nominations by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The programs impacted by these changes include:

Alberta Opportunity Stream: A pathway for foreign nationals working in Alberta or who have a job offer from an Alberta employer.

Rural Renewal Stream: Aimed at encouraging immigration to rural areas of Alberta, this stream is designed to address labour shortages in these regions.

Accelerated Tech Pathway: A fast-track program for tech workers who can help fill critical skill shortages in Alberta’s technology sector.

Tourism and Hospitality Stream: Focuses on addressing labour gaps in Alberta’s growing tourism and hospitality industry.

These changes are part of Alberta’s broader strategy to provide applicants with multiple opportunities to apply throughout the year while still maintaining year-round access to the program. This approach allows the AAIP to manage its application inventory more effectively and to allocate its limited number of nominations to priority sectors that are experiencing significant labour shortages.

High Demand for the Alberta Opportunity Stream

The Alberta Opportunity Stream has been particularly popular throughout 2023, resulting in overwhelming demand. The volume of applications became so high earlier in the year that the province had to pause accepting applications for this stream between February and June. During the pause, the AAIP focused on managing its current inventory of applications and ensuring that nominations were directed toward Alberta’s most critical labour market needs.

Alberta indicated that the pause was necessary to prioritize key sectors that are in urgent need of skilled workers, such as healthcare, technology, construction, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and other high-demand industries. By concentrating nominations on these areas, the AAIP aims to fill essential labour shortages that are crucial to Alberta’s economic growth.

A Balanced Approach to Immigration

Overall, these updates to Alberta’s immigration system represent a more structured and balanced approach to meeting the province's labour market demands. By introducing a points-based Worker EOI system and managing the intake of applications, Alberta aims to ensure that its immigration program remains accessible while efficiently processing applications.

For prospective immigrants, the changes present an opportunity to better align their profiles with Alberta’s economic priorities and improve their chances of receiving a provincial nomination. Candidates who can demonstrate ties to Alberta through education, work experience, or family connections will have a competitive advantage in this newly structured system.

As the province prepares to begin worker stream draws in October, candidates interested in immigrating to Alberta are encouraged to review the new requirements carefully, ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, and consider submitting a Worker EOI to be considered for provincial nomination.