🇨🇦 Introduction of Alberta Express Entry Stream:
Are you dreaming of living permanently in one of Canada’s provinces to have a better lifestyle and a bright future? You can then choose the Alberta Express Entry System as your pathway to settle permanently and apply for Canadian citizenship.
The Alberta Provincial Nomination Express Entry program enables Alberta to nominate some candidates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) who are worthy of contributing to the province’s development and economy. Priorities and selection methods are subject to change without prior notice to select the most deserving candidate.
🇨🇦 Why choose Alberta for permanent settlement?
Alberta is a perfect location for job opportunities, boasting a strong economy, an affordable cost of living, an excellent healthcare and education system, and a supportive environment for numerous ventures and startups.
| Fact-check about Alberta. | Description |
| Population as of April – June, 2025 | 4.98 million |
| Major cities in Alberta | Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat |
| Tourism | Facts check about Alberta. |
| A thriving and diversifying economy | Bright and sunny winters Warm and pleasant dry summers Temperature Ranges: -16°C to 25°C |
| Alberta is growing and expanding their economic sectors to contribute to economic development. Prioritising the sectors in technology, the healthcare system, the judicial system, etc. | Rocky Mountains, national parks such as Banff and Jasper, and rich wildlife and cultural spots. |
| Accessibility to World-class education | Free, high-quality public education Lower tuition fees for permanent residents |
| Advantages and Benefits | Freedom to live, work and study Enhanced job opportunities Access to social benefits |
✅ Eligibility Criteria for Alberta Express Entry System
Selection based on eligibility according to Alberta’s requirements may change from time to time without any prior notice.
But still, you need to have the minimum assessment requirements to select you for further assessment at the time of your application:
- You must have an Express Entry Profile in the Federal Express Entry Pool.
- You must fulfil the criteria of at least one of the Federal Immigration Programs:
- Canadian Experience Class: The Canadian Experience Class is designed for skilled workers who have been working in Canada and wish to reside there permanently. [1]
- Federal Skilled Trade Programs: The Federal Skilled Trade Programs are for Skilled workers who want to stay permanently in Canada based on being qualified in a skilled trade. [2]
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: The Federal Skilled Worker Program is designed for individuals with work experience outside of Canada who wish to settle permanently. [3]
- You must have at least 300 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System score.
- Your primary occupation in the Federal Express Entry profile should be in the list of specific express entry stream pathways or recognised as an occupation related to economic contribution to the province.
- If you already have an Alberta job offer, you and your Alberta employer must meet all the requirements set by the Alberta government.
- You must have a genuine interest in staying in Alberta permanently, be able to live and work there, and be willing to state that you have an interest in migrating to Alberta.
How are you not eligible to apply?
You should be aware of the criteria that may make you an ineligible participant/applicant under the Alberta Express Entry Pathway. You are not eligible if:
- Your main occupation is on the list of [Alberta’s Ineligible Occupation List]
- You are a refugee, subject to a federal appeal or removal process.
- Your nomination for PR is still in the process under any Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) stream, or it hasn’t expired.
- You are currently recognised as ineligible to reapply to the AAIP due to misrepresentation.
🎯 How Does Alberta Pick People?
Alberta checks the Express Entry profiles and selects people who:
- Have work or study experience in Alberta
- Have a valid job offer in Alberta
- Have close relatives living in the province
- Work in in-demand industries
- Have strong English skills
- Show potential to support Alberta’s economy
Essentially, Alberta is seeking individuals who will fit in and stay in the long term.
🎯 Pathway Requirements
Not all occupations are eligible to apply for the Alberta Provincial Nominee Express Entry. Specific occupations are only dedicated under various sectors that have the potential to enhance the economy and development of Canada’s province, Alberta.
The following is the list of sectors and occupations, which are mainly considered to be eligible or have high chances of getting the Notification of Interest (NOI) from Alberta:
🩺 Healthcare
| Occupation list under Health Sector | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) |
| Physicians | Occupation list under the Health Sector |
| Registered Nurses (RNs) | College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) | College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) |
| Nurse Practitioners (NPs) | College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) |
| Physician Assistants | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) |
| Occupational Therapist | Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT) |
| Physiotherapist | Name of the regulatory organisation to approve your licenses |
| Clinical Social Worker | Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) |
| Psychologist | College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) |
💻 Accelerated Tech Pathway
- You must be working full-time in Alberta under a job contract or have a genuine job offer signed by the employer in Alberta.
- Your job offer and current employment contract must meet the requirements of [Alberta].
- The Alberta employer must have the primary responsibility for business activities in the Alberta tech industry.
- Individuals who work part-time, are casual or seasonal employees, or work outside of Alberta or under independent contractor or temporary agency arrangements are eligible to apply for the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program through Express Entry.
⚖️ Law Enforcement Pathway
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) will assess your application and information on international recruits, if identified by the Alberta Chiefs of Police (AACP).
At the time of your application submission or being processed:
- Your primary occupation listed in your Express Entry profile must match your current employment in Alberta or the job offer you have received.
- AACP has identified you as an international recruited police officer to AAIP
- You must have a valid job offer from an Alberta employer of Alberta Police Services in one of the following eligible police services:
- 40040 – Commissioned (management) police officers and related occupations in public protection services
- 41310 – Police investigators and other investigative occupations
- 42100 – Police officers (except commissioned)
🌾 Priority Sector Pathway
At the time of submission for assessment, the following pathway requirements are invited to those who apply:
- The primary occupation selected in the Express Entry profile must be from an eligible construction, agriculture, or aviation sector.
- If you have been invited according to the Alberta job offer, then your job/occupation must be from an eligible construction, agriculture or aviation sector.
📊 What is the Point Calculator for Alberta Express Entry CRS Score?
Alberta uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) from the federal Express Entry.
You’ll be scored on:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language test results (IELTS or CELPIP)
- Canadian work/study/job offer/relatives
✅ Minimum CRS for Alberta: 300 points
➡️ Step-by-Step Process to apply Alberta Immigration Express Pathway
Step 1: Federal Express Entry Pool
As mentioned earlier, you need to check the eligibility in one of the three federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trade Program
Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile
- Visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to create a profile
- Provide all the personal information, education and work experience details
- Mention why you are interested in migrating to Alberta permanently
- Then, based on your profile, you will get your Comprehensive Ranking Score
For the AAIP Express Entry Stream, a minimum score of 300 is required.
Step 3: Receive the Notification of Interest (NOI) from Alberta
AAIP regularly checks the Federal Express Entry pool and identifies the deserving candidates who meet their required criteria:
- A minimum of 300 points in CRS
- Work experience in an occupation that can support Alberta’s economic development.
- Having strong ties to Alberta, such as a job offer, past work experience in the province, or a close family connection, can be beneficial.
- You may be required to submit an Expression of Interest directly to the AAIP first for some specific occupation under the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway or the Accelerated Tech Pathway.
If your profile is set according to Alberta’s requirements, then the authority will send a Notification of Interest (NOI) letter directly to your IRCC Entry Express account.
Note: You cannot apply to the Alberta Skilled Worker Express entry without a NOI letter, and you may be required to submit an initial web form for the Accelerated Tech Pathway.
Step 4: Submit your AAIP Application:
- If you have received a NOI letter, then you will be invited to submit all the required documents and the complete application to the AAIP online portal for provincial nomination, within 60 days.
- You need to pay the non-refundable application fee of CAD 840.
Step 5: AAIP Assessment and Provincial Nomination
- The AAIP will assess your submitted application based on its eligibility criteria, selection factors, and the information you have provided.
- Once they are satisfied with your application, you will receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate and will be required to send it to your IRCC express account.
Step 6: Accept your Provincial Nomination
- Once you receive the Provincial Nomination, you must accept the certificate in your IRCC express account within 30 days.
- This will automatically add 600 CRS points to your Express Score. This will ensure that you receive an Invitation to apply for permanent settlement.
Step 7: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency
- After receiving your Provincial Nomination Certificate from IRCC, based on higher secured scores, they will send an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency.
Step 8: Submission of Your Permanent Residence Application
- After receiving ITA, submit your complete permanent settlement application to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within 60 days.
- Submit the online PR Application.
- Upload all supporting documents, such as police certificates and medical certificates.
Step 9: IRCC Processing and decision
- IRCC will assess your documents, conduct background checks, security checks, and medical examinations
- If they have approved you, they will send you a confirmation email for Permanent Residence (COPR) and provide a set of instructions to obtain your PR visa.
🎉 If you have reached till the end, then congratulations on your hard work to obtain your desired visa to get settled permanently in Alberta, Canada.
📝 What documents do you require to submit for the Alberta Provincial Nomination Express Entry Stream?
Generally, AAIP informs that the specified required documents are to be submitted only after you get an NOI letter and have been invited to apply. They will also provide instructions on how to submit the documents.
However, let’s examine the general documents they may request from you. Being prepared beforehand is the crucial task to avoid any last-minute chaos.
- Valid Passport
- English Proficiency tests, such as IELTS, CELPIP General, TEF Canada or TCF Canada
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education
- Employment reference letters from both past and current employers in Canada
- Proof of funds
- Police certificates
- Medical Examination Results
- Proof of ties to Alberta, such as past work experience, a job offer letter, and family connections living in the province.
- Professional licensing/certification, if your occupation is regulated in Alberta
💰 What would be the Visa fees for Alberta Express Entry draws?
| For What? | Fees and Costs in CAD |
| AAIP Application non-refundable fees | $ 1,500 |
After you have received the provincial nomination from Alberta, you will subsequently get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. You need to pay a separate federal processing fee:
| For What? | Fees and Costs in CAD |
| Principal Applicant: Processing fees + Right of Permanent Residence fees | $950 + $575 =$1,525 |
| Spouse: Processing fees + Right of Permanent Residence fees | $950 + $575 = $1,525 |
| Dependent Child: Processing fees | $260 per child |
| Biometric fees: per individual | $85 |
| Biometric fees: family of 2 or more | $170 (maximum) |
Apart from the Visa fees and landing charges, an applicant needs to spend some additional expenses, which include:
| Miscellaneous Costs | When to get it? | Costs | Validity up to |
| 🏫 Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) | INR 18,000 It takes 1-5 days (computer-based test) or 13 days (paper-based test) to declare the results for IELTS. It takes 48 hours for PTE to declare the results | INR 15,000 to INR 20,000 One-time fee charged. | 5 years You can renew the ECA after the validity period |
| 📚 Language Proficiency tests (like IELTS, PTE) | Before creating your Express Entry Profile, it is essential to have a high CRS score. | INR 500 to INR 1000 You need to get the certificates from every country you have lived in for more than 6 months after 18 years. | Before creating your Express Entry Profile. It is essential to determine your CRS score. |
| 👮 Police Clearance Certificates | Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR from IRCC* | 2 years from the date of the test Need to obtain a minimum 4-band score in each section | 6 months (India) from the issuing date of the authorised body |
| 🩺 Medical certificates | Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR from IRCC* | INR 500 to INR 1000 You need to get the certificates from every country you have lived in for more than 6 months after 18 years | Varies based on the age of individuals and clinics across the world Usually in the range of INR 6,000 or more |
Approved medical centres in India by the IRCC to get the appropriate medical test results:
- Centre for Migration Medicine (CMM) in Hyderabad
- Max Healthcare Immigration Medical Services
- Fortis Healthcare
- Apollo Hospitals
- Sadhu Vaswani Mission Medical Centre in New Delhi
- SPS Hospital in Ludhiana, Punjab
- Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai
- Clinical Diagnostic Centre in Mumbai
- Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune
⏱️ Processing time to get your final Entry Visa
Phase I: Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP):
| Stage/Phase | Timeline | Description |
| Few Hours to complete the profile and enter the express pool | Few Hours to complete the profile and enter express pool | Highly variable: within weeks or after several months |
| ✅ Receive the Notification of Interest from Alberta | 60 days are given to submit your complete application | Need to wait for weeks to months to get NOI from the Alberta province |
| 📤 Submission of Application to AAIP | You may or may not receive the NOI based on the requirements of jobs in Alberta | It is generally the fastest if you opt for the accelerated tech pathway |
| 🛠️ Accelerated Tech Pathway | 1 month | If your occupation is aligned with Express Entry under the health care pathway |
| 🩺 Dedicated Healthcare Pathway | 1 month | 📋 Creating a Federal Express Entry Profile and Entering the Pool |
| 🌾 Priority Sectors | 2-3 months | If chosen for Construction, Agriculture, Hospitality, Tourism, Aviation |
| ⚖️ Law Enforcement Pathway | It takes more time, based on family connection or occupation in demand | Based on the sponsorship and experience, it could be the quickest |
| 📌 General Alberta Express Entry System | 3-4 months | Max is 60 days, and it depends on how well prepared you are with your documents |
Phase II: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Application for Permanent Residence
| Stage/Phase | Timeline | Description |
| 📋 Accept Provincial Nomination and Receive ITA | You have 30 days to accept your Provincial Nomination | In this given period, you need to obtain documents like PCC and Medical exams |
| ✅ Submission of PR application form | In this given period, you need to obtain the documents like PCC and Medical exams | After accepting it, 600 points are added to your CRS score, which boosts the chances of getting ITA |
| 📤 IRCC Processing | 6 months | It consists of background checks, security checks, and final reviews |
💸 Proof of Settlement Funds for Alberta PR Express Entry
As of 7th July, 2025, the IRCC updated the minimum funds required by individuals applying for PR in Canada. They need to show that you are self-sufficient to survive and live in the country.
It varies according to the family sizes, and these amounts are updated annually based on 50% of the low-income cut-off totals.
| Family Size | Funds Required (in CAD) |
| 1 family member | $ 16,000 |
| 2 family members | $ 19,000 |
| 3 family members | $ 24,000 |
| 4 family members | $ 29,000 |
| 5 family members | $ 33,000 |
| 6 family members | $ 37,000 |
| 7 family members | $ 41,000 |
| Additional family member over 7 | $41,200 + |
- Important note to mention: The following is the list of acceptable forms of proof that you need to show about your funds:
- Official bank letters or financial institutions letters to support your authenticity, where you have created your account, along with the letterhead and include:
- Bank’s/Institute’s contact information
- Applicant’s Name
- Your outstanding debts, such as credit cards, debt and loans
- Details of your current banking account: such as Account Numbers, date of account opened, Current account balances, average balance of 6 months
- Remember:
- You can’t show your equity on real property, such as your own house, as proof
- You are not supposed to borrow the funds from another person
- If you are coming with your spouse, you can show the joint statement if you can prove you have access to it.
🎁 Benefits you will get under Express Entry Alberta permanent residency:
✅ No job offer strictly required for the general Alberta Express Entry Stream.
✅ High quality of life and economic opportunities in Alberta
✅ Right to live, work and study
✅ Access to the healthcare system
✅ Access to social benefits, such as pensions, employment insurance, child benefits, and social assistance programs, if facing financial struggles
✅ Free public education for children
✅ You can also sponsor your family members
✅ Ability to start a business
✅ You can travel anywhere with no restrictions
⚠️ Limitations: You might face while applying for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
Alberta Express Entry Stream or Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) provides you and your family with the essential benefits.
However, it is still essential to know how you would face challenges and their limitations:
- You can’t directly apply for AAIP. You are required to receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Alberta province if you have at least 300 points of CRS.
- They prioritise applicants based on Alberta’s on-demand occupations and specific economic and labour market needs.
- Even after receiving the NOI, you still need to pass the assessment of AAIP to get the final Invitation to Apply for PR in IRCC. Your application can be rejected if you don’t meet all the requirements.
- If the documents show that you were not genuinely intended to live in Alberta after obtaining PR through this process, you may be rejected.
- The AAIP application fees of CAD 1,500 are non-refundable.
- If your Express Entry Profile is going to expire within 3 to 5 months, then you may not be selected for the Alberta Express Entry Stream PR Visa. Therefore, it is advisable to update your profile regularly.
🌐 Official websites and helpline numbers.
| Name | Respective Link |
| Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) | Alberta Immigration Home Page |
| Email Address | AAIPOffice@gov.ab.ca |
| Feel confused? Connect with a Trusted Immigration Consultant Services | Visas Abroad Services LLP |
| Contact Details: | +91 9990-744-666; info@VisasAbroad.com |
👨🏫 Expert Guidance for Alberta Immigration Express Entry Pathway
It is always beneficial to seek guidance from experts who have successfully applied for the visa and have the opportunity to settle in, or from those who deal with visa applications and can provide appropriate guidance to help you avoid common mistakes and misrepresentations.
✅ Ensure that you fully meet the criteria under one of the three federal express entry programs. This is the absolute requirement
✅ Maximise your CRS score for higher chances of getting the NOI, either by retaking the IELTS or CELPIP for higher scores.
✅ You can consider taking the French Language test (TEF or TCF) if you have a French ability to speak, write and read
✅ If possible, then consider obtaining higher education credentials (Post-graduation/Phd) or foreign credentials, especially from Canadian education credentials, which can significantly add more points to your CRS scores
✅ Consider work experience, especially in Alberta, to create strong ties, eventually getting a chance to get NOI.
❓ Most Commonly Asked Questions
Q: When will the next Alberta Express Entry draw be held?
A: The next draw is going to be held on 21st July or 22nd July, 2025
Q: In short, what are the requirements for the Alberta Express Entry Stream?
A: You must have an active Express Entry profile in IRCC, an eligible occupation and work experience, strong ties with Alberta, a minimum score of 300 to get NOI, must receive NOI from Alberta officials, and language proficiency.
Q: What should be the ideal passport validity period after receiving the NOI or ITA?
A: After receiving NOI/ITA, you should renew your passport if it is going to expire within 6 months.
Q: Can I live in another province if I received PR through Alberta Immigration Express Entry?
A: Generally, you have the right to live, work and study anywhere in Canada once you have received the PR. But through Provincial Nominee programs, they expect you to show a genuine interest in intending to live in the nominated province.
Q: Do I require a job offer to apply to the Alberta Provincial Nominee Express Entry Stream for PR?
A: No, it’s not a strict criterion to have a job offer to apply to the General Alberta Express Entry Stream. However, it is advisable to have a valid job letter for a higher chance of obtaining the NOI, particularly within the specific pathways and streams.
Q: Are all kinds of occupations eligible to apply for the Alberta Express Entry Stream?
A: No, not all occupations are eligible to apply for Alberta. Your occupation must be listed under one of the following pathways: Dedicated Healthcare, Accelerated Tech, Law Enforcement, or Priority Sectors.
Q: Am I allowed to start a business in Alberta after getting the PR through the Alberta Express Entry Stream?
A: Yes, absolutely, you are allowed to start a business after getting the PR through Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program.