What is the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)?
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), formerly known as the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), is one of the most popular provincial nominee programs in Canada. It offers skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs a pathway to settle in Alberta with permanent resident status. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to the federal Express Entry score, which almost guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian PR.
For candidates planning immigration, the Alberta PNP points calculator remains the key eligibility tool. It helps applicants evaluate their chances of qualifying under the 67-point grid and understand how Alberta selects candidates from the Express Entry pool.
Main Streams of the Alberta PNP
Alberta Opportunity Stream – This stream focuses on candidates working in eligible occupations who meet specific language, education, and work requirements.
Alberta Express Entry Stream – It enables Alberta to issue a Notification of Interest (NOI) to candidates who align with its labor market needs.
Self-Employed Farmer Stream – Specifically for experienced farmers with the financial capacity and proven management background to establish and operate a farm in Alberta.
New Express Entry Pathways (Introduced 2022–2023)
Alberta has introduced targeted pathways under the Express Entry stream to address sector-specific shortages:
Accelerated Tech Pathway (2022) – Launched in January 2022, this pathway is tailored for professionals in technology occupations. It fast-tracks nominations for IT experts working in Alberta or with valid job offers, supporting the province’s growing tech sector.
Dedicated Health Care Pathway (2023) – Introduced in spring 2023, this pathway addresses critical shortages in Alberta’s health system. It prioritizes doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals already working or with job offers in Alberta’s healthcare network.
Law Enforcement Pathway (2023) – Rolled out in late 2023, this stream focuses on attracting qualified law enforcement officers. Alberta developed it to strengthen policing and community safety by nominating candidates with relevant backgrounds.
Alberta PNP selection process for Express Entry candidates
Skilled workers can apply to Alberta’s PNP Express Entry stream after receiving a Nomination of Interest (NOI) from the province. Those who meet the eligibility criteria can then contact the province directly.
Candidates will only receive AINP notification if they:
Have a valid Express Entry profile
Demonstrate their intention to live in the province permanently
Contribute to the province's economic development
Obtain a minimum CRS score of 300 points
Alberta is likely to offer a Notification of Interest to individuals who have one or more adaptability factors.
For that, they must;
Have work experience in in-demand occupations in Alberta or a valid job offer from the provincial employer
Have graduated from the province’s educational institution
Individuals need to be eligible to apply for the AINP through the Express Entry System. They need to clear the 67-point assessment grid. The points are awarded to the applicants based on these factors:
Alberta PNP selection process for Express Entry candidates
Skilled workers can apply to Alberta’s PNP Express Entry stream after receiving a Nomination of Interest (NOI) from the province. Those who meet the eligibility criteria can then contact the province directly.
Candidates will only receive AINP notification if they:
Have a valid Express Entry profile
Demonstrate their intention to live in the province permanently
Contribute to the province's economic development
Obtain a minimum CRS score of 300 points
Alberta is likely to offer a Notification of Interest to individuals who have one or more adaptability factors.
For that, they must;
Have work experience in in-demand occupations in Alberta or a valid job offer from the provincial employer
Have graduated from the province’s educational institution
Individuals need to be eligible to apply for the AINP through the Express Entry System. They need to clear the 67-point assessment grid. The points are awarded to the applicants based on these factors:
Alberta Immigrant Points Calculator
Age Points
Language Proficiency - First Official Language
Second Official Language
Education Points
Work Experience
Arranged Employment
Adaptability
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Under Alberta’s worker streams, an Expression of Interest (EOI) system is used to rank candidates. Key updates include:
Age: Maximum 5 points, with the highest scores for ages 21–34.
Education: Extra points if the highest degree is completed in Alberta (10) or another Canadian province (6).
Family Connection: Up to 8 points for close relatives in Alberta.
Language: Minimum CLB 4 required across all four abilities; both English and French are considered.
Ineligibility Conditions
Applicants are not eligible if they:
Work in an occupation on Alberta’s ineligible list under the Opportunity Stream.
Already holds an active AAIP nomination that has not expired or been used.
Are refugee claimants or have active federal removal orders.
How to Apply for The Alberta Provincial Nominee Program?
The application process for the Alberta PNP involves:
Check the eligibility criteria for the visa and create an Express Entry Profile
Submit the mandatory documents
The application enters the Express Entry Pool, and then applicants receive the Notification of Interest from Alberta
Submit a complete application form, and then you will be notified through the Express Entry Portal
Accept the provincial nomination, and once you accept it, 600 points are added to the CRS score
After that, apply for the Expression of Interest
Individuals selected from the Express Entry Draw
Obtain the Invitation to Apply and submit the application
The Alberta PNP points calculator serves as a guide; the final selection depends on Alberta’s labour market priorities and federal immigration regulations. Candidates should keep their Express Entry profile up to date and monitor changes to AAIP policies.