Alberta’s new permanent residency scoring system will be launched on September 30, 2024, targeting individuals seeking invitations to apply through the province’s worker immigration streams.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) aims to simplify the selection process, aligning applicants’ profiles with the province’s labour market demands.
The Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) program is designed to attract skilled workers to fulfill Alberta’s economic and demographic needs.
Candidates will be able to submit their qualifications, skills, and work experience, which will be scored and ranked accordingly.
Notably, there is no fee to submit a Worker EOI, making it an accessible option for eligible applicants.
Main Highlights of the New AAIP Worker EOI System
- No Submission Fee: Submitting a Worker EOI is free, ensuring all eligible candidates can participate without cost barriers.
- Comprehensive Scoring and Ranking: Candidate profiles will be evaluated on key factors such as education, language skills, work experience, age, and family ties in Alberta.
- Regular Draws: The AAIP will hold frequent draws from the Worker Stream pool, selecting candidates based on their EOI scores, Alberta’s labor market requirements, and nomination availability.
- Invitation to Apply: Candidates chosen from the pool will be invited to apply for Alberta’s worker immigration streams via email.
Understanding the Worker EOI System
Upon submitting a Worker EOI, candidates will provide a self-declaration of their qualifications via the AAIP portal.
The EOI form requires comprehensive details, which will be assessed using the AAIP’s points grid.
This points grid evaluates various factors, each contributing to an overall score with a maximum of 100 points.
After submission, candidates will be entered into a Worker Stream pool, where regular draws will take place.
These draws are set to commence in mid-to-late October 2024, so there is no urgency to submit an EOI immediately after the system launches.
A Guide to the New Alberta Permanent Residency Points Grid
The Worker EOI points grid is essential for candidates, as it plays a key role in determining eligibility and ranking in the draws.
Here’s an overview of the scoring system:
Education (Maximum 22 Points):
Higher education levels yield more points. Doctorate holders can earn 12 points, while master’s degree holders receive 10 points, and those with bachelor’s or trade certificates/diplomas can score 7 points. Graduating from an educational institution in Alberta adds 10 points, while education from other Canadian provinces contributes 6 points.
Language Proficiency (Maximum 13 Points):
Candidates must achieve at least CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French to qualify. Higher language scores provide additional points, with a CLB 6 or above earning up to 10 points. Candidates can also earn up to 3 extra points for being bilingual.
Work Experience (Maximum 21 Points):
Work experience is vital, with candidates gaining 11 points for 12 months or more. Those with Canadian work experience in Alberta can earn up to an additional 10 points.
Age (Maximum 5 Points):
Candidates aged 21-34 receive the highest score of 5 points, while other age groups earn slightly fewer points.
Family Connections in Alberta (Maximum 8 Points):
Having immediate family members residing in Alberta can add up to 8 points, benefiting applicants with established connections in the province.
Economic Factors (Maximum 31 Points):
Holding a job offer in Alberta, especially in targeted sectors or rural areas, can provide significant points. Job offers in regulated occupations that align with Alberta’s standards can contribute up to 10 points.
Getting Ready for Worker EOI Submission
Candidates should take several important steps to prepare before submitting their Worker EOI:
- Confirm Eligibility: Review the eligibility requirements for the AAIP worker streams to ensure you qualify.
- Understand the Points Grid: Familiarize yourself with the points grid to pinpoint areas where you can enhance your score.
- Manage Existing Applications: Only one EOI can be active at a time. If you have any current Worker or Entrepreneur EOIs or AAIP applications, be sure to withdraw them before submitting a new EOI.
- Create an Alberta.ca Account: Make sure you have a valid Alberta.ca account to access the AAIP portal. This account can either be basic or verified.
The Worker EOI system is designed to align Alberta’s immigration processes with the changing demands of its labor market. This focused approach aims to attract the right talent by prioritizing individuals with skills that are in high demand in the province.
Conclusion
With the Worker EOI system set to launch on September 30, 2024, candidates should thoroughly evaluate their profiles in relation to the points grid and prepare their applications accordingly.
By strategically tailoring their EOIs to align with Alberta’s needs, candidates can improve their chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
For additional information and to keep up with updates on AAIP draws, visit the official AAIP website and ensure your profile is ready ahead of the upcoming draws.
