Alberta issues invitations to 180 Express Entry candidates to apply for provincial nomination

Alberta has steadily been welcoming immigrants helping Canada to increase its immigration targets. The province recently revealed the details of the draw that was held on 10th July through the Express Entry-linked provincial nomination stream. The draw saw the distribution of 180 Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to Express Entry candidates. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement was also not very high, as candidates with scores as low as 425 also received NOIs.

The Alberta Express Entry Stream gives an advantage to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) via which the province can look for immigrants who they think will be beneficial to the province. They can search the federal Express Entry pool of candidates and then select the ones who fulfill the stream’s eligibility criteria.

Candidates who are able to secure provincial nominations will be awarded extra 600 points that will be added to their CRS scores. As a result, they will almost be guaranteed an invitation via which they will be able to apply to the Government for permanent residence (ITA) in Canada. The Alberta Express Entry Stream does not require the candidates to have job offers or work experience in order to be eligible. However, the candidates should be able to demonstrate their attachment to Alberta. They should also be engaged in an occupation or have skills which would provide support to the province’s diversification priorities and economic progress. Alberta has not come up with a list of qualifying occupations.

However, the AINP does make it clear that candidates who satisfy one or more of the following conditions might be given priority:

• Has a job offer and work experience in the province
• Holds a degree from a post-secondary institution in Canada and a job offer
• Has family (parent, child, sibling) living in Alberta.

The AINP has organized 17 draws so far this year.