Alberta unveils a new EOI system for AAIP worker streams. Under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, Alberta is making modifications to the way it grants Expressions of Interest for applicants in different labor streams. The goal of this new approach is to expedite the immigration selection procedure for talented professionals wishing to settle in Alberta.
Moreover, a Worker EOI must now be submitted by candidates who wish to apply to one of the AAIP’s worker streams as of September 30. To apply, candidates need to access the AAIP portal and fill out an online form with their personal details. There is no application fee, and candidates will be added to the Worker Stream pool for selection after submission.
The Worker EOI points grid, which functions similarly to the federal CRS, will be used to rank candidates. Key human capital components are given scores based on age, family ties in the province, work experience (more points awarded for work done in Alberta), language competence, education (with extra points offered if finished in Alberta), and other variables. A better score increases the likelihood of getting chosen for provincial nomination. Emails will be used to send invitations.
Candidates who already have an active AAIP application or an existing Worker or Entrepreneur EOI are not eligible to create a new one, according to Alberta’s clarification. You cannot file a new Worker EOI until you have withdrawn any existing applications or EOIs.
Furthermore, since the first worker stream draws won’t happen until mid- to late-October, the province recommends against hurrying.
Alberta Worker Pathways
Alberta redesigned its Worker stream application process earlier this year in an effort to better handle increasing demand and match labor market needs.
The government said in June that it would cap the total number of applications that might be entered into the pool at any given moment. Therefore, this measure aims to manage the influx of applications effectively. No more applications will be accepted after the month’s goal was met.
In order to accommodate the 9,750 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations that the IRCC has allotted to Alberta for 2024, this mechanism was created. Consequently, it aims to balance processing timelines.
Among the impacted streams are:
- Accelerated Tech Pathway
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Rural Renewal Stream
This strategy was intended to “give applicants multiple opportunities to apply and ensure year-round access to the program.”
This year, there has been such a surge in demand for the Alberta Opportunity Stream. As a result, the province decided to temporarily stop accepting applications from February until June.
In order for the AAIP to “manage its current backlog and prioritize limited immigration nominations for key areas, including addressing labor shortages in healthcare, technology, construction, agriculture, tourism and hospitality, and other in-demand sectors,” the province said that the pause was required.