The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), Alberta's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), is a good way for UK professionals and business owners to settle in Canada. Alberta's economy is strong, and there are many chances for skilled people in areas such as tech, healthcare, and farming.
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The Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (Alberta PNP), also called the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), is an immigration option that lets Alberta nominate workers, graduates from other countries, and business people for permanent residence in Canada. The program aims to address Alberta’s job market and economic needs by choosing people with the skills, education, and experience to fill needed jobs or invest in the province's economy.
The AAIP has different categories, with some working with the federal Express Entry system for quicker processing. Other categories are for those with job offers in Alberta or those who want to start a business. Those nominated need to plan to live and work in Alberta and support its communities.
Due to industries such as technology, healthcare, farming, and energy are looking for workers, the Alberta PNP gives applicants from the UK a way to create a future in a province with chances.
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The benefits of Alberta PNP are given below.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), formerly the Alberta PNP, seeks skilled immigrants to boost Alberta's economy and fill job gaps. Alberta can nominate people for Canada PR or permanent residency if they meet specific skill and qualification criteria. The program includes streams for skilled workers, business owners, and farmers.
Some of the popular Alberta PNP are given below.
The Alberta Express Entry Stream, part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), lets Alberta nominate eligible candidates from the federal Express Entry pool for permanent residence. Through this stream, Alberta can choose people with close links to the province and skills that can help grow its economy.
The Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS), part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), is an immigration route that lets qualified foreign workers in Alberta seek Canadian permanent residence. It intends to make the application simpler and faster, helping employers keep skilled staff.
The Alberta Rural Renewal Stream provides a route to permanent residency in Canada for skilled workers who want to live in rural Alberta. As part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), it relies on local communities to bring in immigrants. To participate, communities must be outside of the Calgary and Edmonton census areas and have fewer than 100,000 residents. This stream tries to fill job openings and encourage economic growth in these locations.
The Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream is an economic immigration program that seeks to bring business owners and senior managers to rural communities in Alberta. This stream provides a path for newcomers to either launch new businesses or buy existing ones, which can help the local economy and may lead to permanent residency.
The Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream offers a route to permanent residency for international graduates from Alberta's higher education schools. It is for those who wish to launch or purchase a business in the province. This program allows graduates to seek permanent residence in Canada once they have set up or run a business in Alberta. This stream falls under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
The Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is an immigration pathway that enables graduates from foreign institutions to gain permanent residency by starting or buying a business in Alberta. This stream, part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), targets individuals interested in creating new businesses or acquiring existing ones in the province.
Alberta is looking for individuals to help grow its economy, especially in fields where there are not enough workers. These fields include healthcare, tech, farming, and building. People who have connections to Alberta, like past work or school history, or family living here, are preferred.
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The eligibility criteria for Alberta PNP are given below.
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The documents required to apply for Alberta PNP are given below.
The application procedure for Alberta PNP is given below:
Step 1: Check eligibility for your chosen stream (AOS, Rural Renewal, Tourism & Hospitality, Express Entry, etc.).
Step 2: Create or update your Worker EOI (non-EE) or maintain your Express Entry profile (EE-linked).
Step 3: Monitor for invitations or Notifications of Interest (NOIs) based on priority draws.
Step 4: Submit a complete AAIP application within the deadline if invited.
Step 5: Receive nomination and apply to IRCC for permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee class.
Processing times differ based on the specific stream. Given below are the details on Alberta PNP stream processing times.
| AAIP Stream | Estimated Processing Time |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream | Approximately 4 months |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | Approximately 4 months |
| Rural Renewal Stream | Approximately 2 months |
| Rural Entrepreneur Stream | At least 1 year |
| Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | At least 1 year |
| Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | At least 1 year |
Here is a breakdown of the Alberta PNP application fees for each stream.
| AAIP Stream | Government Application Fee (CAD) | Additional Estimated Costs (CAD) | Total Estimated Cost (CAD) |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream | $500 | $1,000–$1,500 (language test, ECA, medical, police cert.) | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | $500 | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Rural Renewal Stream | $500 | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Rural Entrepreneur Stream | $3,500 | $10,000–$100,000 (net worth verification, legal, travel) | $13,500–$103,500+ |
| Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | $3,500 | $5,000–$10,000 (business plan, legal, relocation) | $8,500–$13,500 |
| Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | $3,500 | $10,000–$50,000 (ECA, business plan, pitch, relocation) | $13,500–$53,500+ |
| Month | No. of draws | Total no. of Invitations |
| August | 4 | 693 |
| July | 8 | 433 |
| June | 8 | 291 |
| May | 6 | 414 |
| April | 7 | 246 |
| March | 2 | 17 |
| February | 10 | 551 |
| January | NA | NA |
| Stream / Pathway | 2025 official status & how selection works |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) | Active. Invitations issued via AAIP Worker EOI scoring; minimum EOI scores vary by draw focus. |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream (includes Dedicated Healthcare & Priority Sectors) | Active. NOI letters are sent from the federal Express Entry pool; past draws show CRS cut‑offs for EE‑linked selections. |
| Rural Renewal Stream | Active. Community‑driven job offer + EOI selection; AAIP confirms draw‑based invitations using Worker EOI scoring. |
| Tourism & Hospitality Stream | Active. Uses Worker EOI; draws focus on sector needs (e.g., CLB, LMIA‑based permits), with minimum EOI scores varying by draw. |
| Accelerated Tech Pathway (under Express Entry Stream) | Active. Targeted to eligible tech NOCs; selection via EE + AAIP criteria. |
| Law Enforcement Pathway (under Express Entry Stream) | Active (draws noted last in 2024). |
| Nomination Extension & Letters of Support | Processes remain available (with eligibility limits). |
Yes, applicants can include their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in their AAIP application, so long as these family members meet all medical and security requirements. When included, these family members are able to get permanent residency with the main applicant.
If you get nominated by the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), you can then apply for Canada PR with IRCC. If you are nominated through an Express Entry stream, you will get an extra 600 points on your CRS score, which greatly improves your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
To become a Canadian citizen after getting PR, you need to live in Canada for at least three years out of five. During those years, you also have to meet certain requirements related to residency, language skills, and filing taxes before you can apply for citizenship through IRCC.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) does not renew expired nominations. But, if you have not sent your permanent residence application to IRCC, you can ask for a one-time, 6-month extension of your nomination certificate. This request has to be done before the nomination expires. You will also need a valid reason, like delays in getting the papers you need.
Once your application is being processed, you cannot switch between AAIP streams (for example, from Alberta Opportunity Stream to Express Entry). If things change, you might have to withdraw your application and reapply under a different stream.
Y-Axis is a well-known immigration consultancy in the UK. We help people through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). With offices worldwide and experienced consultants, Y-Axis gives full support to skilled workers, graduates, and business owners applying to the Alberta PNP.
Our services include:
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The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), previously known as Alberta PNP, lets Alberta nominate people for Canadian permanent residence if they meet the province's job market needs. There are options for skilled workers, international grads, and business owners. Some options work with Express Entry for quicker processing. Those nominated get a certificate to back their PR application with IRCC. Alberta aims to bring in candidates who can fill job gaps and help the province's economy, especially in fields like healthcare, farming, energy, and technology.
The Alberta Express Entry Stream is for those with a Federal Express Entry profile who want to live in Alberta. You don't need a job offer to apply. But, we may give preference to those who have worked in a job that is in demand in Alberta or those who can show they have strong ties to the province. We may consider those with a CRS score of 300 or higher. You must also meet the requirements for one of the federal immigration programs: FSWP, FSTP, or CEC.
The Alberta Opportunity Stream helps temporary foreign workers in Alberta with a valid work permit become permanent residents. To be eligible, people need a job offer from an approved Alberta employer for an eligible job. They also must meet certain language and education standards, and have work experience that fits the job. Many people who want to stay in Alberta long-term choose this path.
Yes, but it depends on the stream you choose. The Alberta Express Entry Stream doesn't need a job offer, but having one helps. Other streams, like the Alberta Opportunity Stream and Rural Renewal Stream, do need a valid job offer from an Alberta employer. If you're going the entrepreneur route, you won't need a job offer, but you will need to invest in a business and get community support, depending on the stream.
Processing times varies depending on the specific stream. The time it takes can also depend on how many applications are being worked on and the applicant's profile. You can find more details on Alberta PNP processing times below.
| AAIP Stream | Estimated Processing Time |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream | Approximately 4 months |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | Approximately 4 months |
| Rural Renewal Stream | Approximately 2 months |
| Rural Entrepreneur Stream | At least 1 year |
| Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | At least 1 year |
| Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | At least 1 year |
Alberta's Express Entry Stream has invited people with CRS scores of 300 points in the past. But, a score that meets the minimum requirement does not mean you will be chosen. Alberta gives preference to those with provincial ties or work experience in jobs that are in demand. To increase your chance of getting a Notification of Interest (NOI), show Alberta as your province of interest and meet the labor market needs.
Yes, when applying to the Alberta PNP, you can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent kids. If you are nominated and apply for permanent residency, your family can also become permanent residents of Canada if they meet the health and security checks. This supports family unity, letting everyone settle in Alberta together.
Yes, you can apply for Canadian citizenship after getting a provincial nomination in Alberta, becoming a permanent resident, and meeting a few requirements. These include living in Canada for 3 years out of the last 5, meeting language and tax requirements, and passing a citizenship test. The Alberta PNP is a good starting point if you want to settle in Canada long-term and later become a citizen.
The fees to apply to the Alberta PNP are given below.
| AAIP Stream | Government Application Fee (CAD) | Additional Estimated Costs (CAD) | Total Estimated Cost (CAD) |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream | $500 | $1,000–$1,500 (language test, ECA, medical, police cert.) | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | $500 | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Rural Renewal Stream | $500 | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Rural Entrepreneur Stream | $3,500 | $10,000–$100,000 (net worth verification, legal, travel) | $13,500–$103,500+ |
| Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | $3,500 | $5,000–$10,000 (business plan, legal, relocation) | $8,500–$13,500 |
| Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | $3,500 | $10,000–$50,000 (ECA, business plan, pitch, relocation) | $13,500–$53,500+ |
No, after you have submitted your application under any stream of AAIP, you cannot switch streams. Once you apply under a specific AAIP stream, you cannot change streams. If your situation changes or you do not meet the requirements anymore, you might have to cancel your current application and apply again under a different stream. Verify that you are eligible before applying to avoid problems.
In 2025, Alberta has been allocated 4,875 nominations under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), as per Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan. This marks a 50% cut from 2024’s allocation of 9,750 nominations. In fact, Alberta slightly exceeded its 2024 target by issuing 9,942 nominations, reflecting strong demand from both provincial employers and prospective immigrants. The reduced 2025 allocation means fewer spots are available for new applicants, placing greater emphasis on Alberta’s priority sectors. This cut is part of a nationwide federal adjustment, with all provinces experiencing similar reductions in their PNP quotas.
As of 2025, Alberta continues to operate several priority sector streams within the AAIP, including: Tourism & Hospitality, Dedicated Health Care Pathways (Express Entry and non-Express Entry), Priority Sectors such as Aviation, Agriculture, Construction, and Law Enforcement, as well as the Accelerated Tech Pathway. However, the Alberta Opportunity Stream was paused on February 15, 2024, to manage application backlogs and focus resources on sectors facing critical labour shortages. The province also shifted to a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system, replacing the previous first-come-first-served approach. This allows Alberta to issue invitations strategically based on provincial economic needs.
In 2025, Alberta’s AAIP draws have posted minimum CRS scores that vary depending on the targeted stream. Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program (AAIP) has seen varying minimum CRS score requirements depending on the stream. Some of the recent CRS scores for Alberta PNP draws include:
These lower CRS requirements compared to federal Express Entry draws reflect Alberta’s strategy of targeting in-demand occupations rather than only high-scoring candidates. Applicants meeting sector and work experience criteria can be competitive even with modest CRS scores, especially in priority industries.
Alberta’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system ranks candidates based on factors such as sector, work experience, and adaptability. As of mid-2025, there are 37,934 EOIs in the Alberta Opportunity Stream pool and 5,755 EOIs in the Tourism & Hospitality pool. These numbers highlight significant competition for a reduced number of nominations, especially under the 2025 allocation cut. Candidates may remain in the pool for up to 12 months or until selected. With such high volumes, the province has been prioritizing EOIs from sectors experiencing critical shortages, leaving many candidates waiting longer for an invitation.
Invitations have slowed due to Alberta’s 2025 nomination allocation being reduced by half, from 9,750 to 4,875. This reduced quota has forced the province to focus on clearing backlogs and issuing invitations mainly in high-priority sectors such as health care, construction, and tourism. Additionally, Alberta replaced its previous first-come-first-served intake model with a new Expression of Interest (EOI) ranking system. This change allows targeted selection but also means fewer large draws and more selective criteria. The combination of smaller quotas, high EOI volumes, and sector-focused draws has led to longer wait times for many candidates.
