Canada Immigration News Podcast
Canada Immigration News Podcast #79: Alberta Opportunity Stream Update, SINP April Info Sessions, Canada Home Care Pilot Caps, B.C. Tuition-Free Pathways
Welcome to episode 79 of the Canada Immigration News Podcast, your trusted source for weekly immigration insights. In this episode, we cover the Alberta Opportunity Stream update under AAIP, upcoming SINP information sessions on nomination cuts, the immediate application cap of Canada’s Home Care Worker Pilots, and B.C.’s tuition-free pathway programs designed to boost post-secondary access for adult learners.
The AAIP invited new candidates through the Alberta Opportunity Stream
On March 26, 2025, Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) released an update based on its current application inventory. The province is processing:
- 1,764 Alberta Opportunity Stream applications
- 1,138 Rural Renewal Stream applications
- 386 Tourism and Hospitality Stream applications
- 125 Dedicated Health Care Pathway applications
- 400 Alberta Express Entry Stream applications (approx.)
- 24 Entrepreneur Stream applications
The total number of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in the selection pool across all AAIP streams stands at 51,747.
Additionally, on March 7, Alberta invited 16 aviation professionals under the Alberta Opportunity Stream, with a minimum score of 56. So far in 2025, the province has issued 584 invitations and granted 1,257 nomination certificates across all AAIP streams.
SINP announces information sessions on program changes for April 2025
In response to a 50% reduction in Saskatchewan’s 2025 federal nomination allocation, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is hosting online information sessions to clarify program changes.
These sessions, scheduled for April 3 and April 9, are split between prospective applicants and employers:
- Applicants: April 3 at 3:00 p.m. & April 9 at 10:00 a.m.
- Employers: April 3 at 10:00 a.m. & April 9 at 3:00 p.m. (CST)
These updates will help attendees understand the impact of reduced allocations and how to best navigate the evolving provincial immigration landscape.
Canada’s Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots hit application caps on launch day
Canada’s Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot reached their full application caps on their March 31, 2025 launch date. Each pilot allows for 2,750 applications, including 150 spots for out-of-status workers.
Due to overwhelming demand, the online application portals closed the same day. While alternative application formats remain open, the main portal will not reopen until 2026. Additionally, the stream for “Applicants not working in Canada” is yet to launch, with no confirmed date announced.
Access and opportunity: B.C.’s tuition-free pathway programs for adults
From April 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, British Columbia is investing $4 million to offer tuition-free Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Language Learning (ELL) programs. These 23 pathway programs are available at 11 public post-secondary institutions and the Native Education College (NEC).
Launched in 2022, the initiative helps adult learners—especially Indigenous and rural populations—upgrade their academic skills in English, math, and science to pursue careers in healthcare, skilled trades, and more. These targeted pathways help ensure a smooth transition into further education and meaningful employment.
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