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The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) will update its selection process by introducing a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system on September 30, 2024.
This update is designed to improve efficiency and better match the immigration process with Alberta’s job market needs.
The EOI system uses a points-based approach where candidates indicate their interest in moving to Alberta.
Once an EOI is submitted, candidates will join a selection pool similar to the Express Entry pool.
At regular intervals, the AAIP will select candidates from this pool, inviting those with the highest scores and who fit the provincial job market needs to apply for immigration.
Features of the New EOI System
- Ongoing Intake: The new EOI system enables continuous submission and processing of EOIs, unlike the current system with set application dates and quotas. Candidates can now submit their interests at any time.
- Ranking and Selection: Candidates are assessed and ranked based on various criteria, such as skills, work experience, and how well they can meet the province’s economic needs. Those with higher rankings are more likely to receive invitations to apply.
- Labor Market Alignment: The selection process is closely aligned with Alberta’s job market requirements, ensuring that the province attracts individuals who can make a significant contribution to its economy.
Switching to the New System
With the introduction of the EOI system, the program will eliminate the remaining monthly application dates for 2024. This change ensures a smooth transition, allowing for continuous submission and processing of EOIs under the new system.
Summary of Application Acceptance
As of July 25, 2024, here is a summary of the number of applications accepted for various streams:
| Application Acceptance Date | Alberta Opportunity Stream | Rural Renewal Stream | Tourism and Hospitality Stream |
| June 11, 2024 | 430 | 142 | 134 |
| July 9, 2024 | N/A | 154 | 143 |
| July 11, 2024 | 441 | N/A | N/A |
Tech Pathway Update
The Accelerated Tech Pathway, designed for tech professionals, is also changing part of this transition. As of July 25, 2024, a total of 446 web form submissions have been received between May 23 and June 11, 2024, and are currently in the pool. Invitations to apply for this pathway will be sent out from this existing pool.
Invitation Summary
| Application Acceptance Date | Number of Invitations Sent | Web Form Submission Date Range |
| June 11, 2024 | 30 | May 16 – 19, 2024 |
| July 9, 2024 | 50 | May 19 – 23, 2024 |
Current Application Volumes and Processing Times (As of July 25, 2024)
| Stream | Unprocessed Applications | Assessing Applications Received On, or Before |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | 3,300 | December 7, 2023 |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream | 936 | June 25, 2024 (Dedicated Healthcare Pathway), March 5, 2024 (All other pathways/initiatives) |
| Rural Renewal Stream | 1,995 | January 24, 2024 |
| Tourism and Hospitality Stream | 119 | July 9, 2024 |
Total Unprocessed Applications: 6,363
Nominations Issued and Available in 2024
Throughout 2024, the program has issued numerous nominations across different streams. Below is the breakdown of the nominations issued so far and the total estimated nominations allocated for the year:
| Stream / Pathway | 2024 Nominations Issued | 2024 Total Estimated Nominations Allocated (Subject to Change) |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | 3,326 | 5,393 |
| Express Entry Stream | 1,321 | 1,775 |
| Dedicated Healthcare Pathways | 266 | 320 |
| Accelerated Tech Pathway | 796 | 1,047 |
| Priority Sector Draws and Other Initiatives | 153 | 231 |
| Family Connection and Occupation in Demand | 106 | 177 |
| Rural Renewal Stream | 1,245 | 1,900 |
| Tourism and Hospitality Stream | 291 | 660 |
| Entrepreneur Streams: Foreign Graduate, Graduate, Rural, and Farm Streams Combined | 4 | 22 |
Grand Total: 6,187 nominations issued out of an estimated 9,750 allocated for 2024.
How the New System Affects Future Immigrants
Impact on Prospective Immigrants
The new EOI system aims to be more adaptable and responsive, which could lead to shorter waiting times for candidates while better meeting Alberta’s labor market needs.
Expected benefits include:
- Improved Efficiency: The continuous intake system enables better management of application volumes, leading to faster processing times.
- Focused Selection: Candidates with skills and experience in sectors that are in high demand will have a greater chance of being selected, aligning with Alberta’s economic goals.
- Transparency and Fairness: The points-based system promotes a transparent and fair selection process, ensuring that candidates are ranked and chosen based on their qualifications and merits.
Getting Ready for the New System
If you’re planning to immigrate to Alberta, it’s important to prepare for the upcoming EOI system by:
- Understanding the Points System: Learn about the factors that affect your ranking, such as work experience, education, language skills, and adaptability.
- Strengthening Your Profile: Boost your chances of selection by enhancing your qualifications, gaining more work experience, or improving your language proficiency.
- Staying Updated: Keep informed about the latest news and updates from the AAIP to stay aware of Alberta’s changing labor market needs and how they might impact your application.
The introduction of the new EOI system on September 30, 2024, represents a key development in Alberta’s immigration program. By enabling continuous application intake and targeted selection based on labor market demands, the AAIP aims to attract skilled individuals who can contribute to Alberta’s economic growth.
Prospective immigrants should actively prepare for the new system by understanding the changes and improving their profiles to increase their chances of receiving an invitation to apply. Through this new approach, Alberta reinforces its commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants and promoting a vibrant and prosperous economy.
AAIP Programs Operating Under the New EOI System Starting September 30
The following key streams and pathways will be part of the new AAIP immigration EOI system:
- Alberta Express Entry Stream
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Rural Renewal Stream
- Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream