Alberta is one of Canada’s most exciting provinces, attracting immigrants with its robust economy, high quality of life, and abundance of opportunities. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has long been central to welcoming skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and families to contribute to Alberta’s growth.

However, as of early 2025, major updates to the AAIP are being introduced. These changes, effective from March and April 2025, are essential for anyone planning to move to this western Canadian province.

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In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five most significant changes to Alberta’s immigration system, including new language test options, updated fees, eligibility adjustments, and more. Whether you’re a skilled worker, an entrepreneur, or someone with family ties in Alberta, these updates could affect your plans.

Let’s dive into the details and see how these changes impact you.

1. Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core Now Accepted for Language Requirements

Effective Date: April 1, 2025

What’s Changing: Starting April 1, 2025, the AAIP will accept the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core as a valid language proficiency test across all immigration streams. This addition expands applicants’ options, offering PTE Core alongside IELTS, CELPIP, and TEF Canada (for French).

Why It Matters: Language proficiency is a key factor in Canadian immigration, and the inclusion of PTE Core provides applicants with a modern and flexible testing option. PTE Core is computer-based, offering fast results (often within 48 hours) and focusing on real-world English skills—making it an attractive choice for those seeking a quicker, more efficient testing experience.

Who’s Affected: This update applies to all AAIP streams, including worker streams (e.g., Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream) and entrepreneur streams (e.g., Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, Rural Entrepreneur Stream).

How to Prepare: If you’re planning to apply in 2025, consider taking the PTE Core test if it aligns with your schedule and strengths. Visit Pearson’s official website for details on test formats, scoring, and preparation resources.

2. Increased Application Fees for AAIP Worker Streams

Effective Date: April 1, 2025

What’s Changing: As of April 1, 2025, the application fee for AAIP worker streams will increase to $1,500. This change applies to popular streams such as the Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, Rural Renewal Stream, and Tourism and Hospitality Stream. Fees for entrepreneur streams ($3,500) and additional requests (e.g., $150-$250) remain unchanged.

Why It Matters: The fee hike reflects rising service delivery costs and ensures the sustainability of the program. While $1,500 is a significant increase, it is still below the $3,500 fee for entrepreneur streams, which reflect the added complexity of business-related applications.

Who’s Affected: Anyone applying for AAIP worker streams on or after April 1, 2025, will need to pay the updated fee. Existing applications submitted before this date will be exempt.

How to Prepare: Plan your budget accordingly and review the full fee schedule on the AAIP website to avoid surprises.

3. New Flexibility for Updating Your Express Entry Profile

Effective Date: March 17, 2025

What’s Changing: If your Express Entry profile submitted under the AAIP is nearing its expiration, you can now update it without starting over. This applies to profiles submitted after September 30, 2024, that are close to expiring. If your profile no longer meets the program criteria, the AAIP may request a new one.

Why It Matters: Express Entry is a fast-paced, points-based pathway to permanent residency. This update gives applicants the flexibility to maintain their eligibility, even if their profile is about to expire. It’s a practical response to delays in processing times, ensuring Alberta can still nominate qualified individuals.

Who’s Affected: This change applies to Alberta Express Entry Stream candidates with expiring profiles.

How to Prepare: Keep an eye on your profile’s expiration date and act quickly if it’s approaching. Log into your portal, update your details, and ensure your profile meets AAIP criteria.

4. Alberta Opts Out of Federal Work Permit Public Policy for 2025

Effective Date: March 17, 2025

What’s Changing: Alberta has decided not to participate in the federal government’s “Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Candidates” in 2025. This policy aimed to streamline work permits for PNP candidates, but Alberta opted out, citing constraints on its ability to meet provincial economic priorities.

Why It Matters: This decision allows Alberta to maintain control over its immigration process and better tailor it to meet the province’s specific labour needs, particularly in sectors like energy, agriculture, and tourism. However, it could result in longer wait times or additional steps for applicants transitioning from visitor or student status.

Who’s Affected: Applicants awaiting work permits under the AAIP will need to follow standard pathways for obtaining work permits rather than relying on the federal policy.

How to Prepare: Familiarize yourself with Alberta’s standard work permit processes and consider any additional time or steps it might require.

5. End of the Family Connection and Occupation in Demand Pathway

Effective Date: March 17, 2025

What’s Changing: The Alberta Express Entry Stream will no longer invite candidates under the “Family Connection and Occupation in Demand” pathway. However, applicants can still earn points for having a qualifying family member in Alberta through the Expression of Interest (EOI) system, which launched in September 2024.

Why It Matters: This popular pathway targeted applicants with family ties or in-demand skills. Its closure shifts the focus to broader EOI criteria, which may reduce priority for family-based applications. The change reflects Alberta’s evolving priorities and a desire for more flexibility in its immigration system.

Who’s Affected: Express Entry candidates who were relying on family connections or in-demand occupations for invitations will need to adapt. Existing applications under this pathway can still proceed if submitted before March 17, 2025.

How to Prepare: Strengthen your EOI profile by improving your language skills, work experience, and education. If you have family members in Alberta, ensure their details are included to earn bonus points, even without the dedicated pathway.

Conclusion

These five updates are reshaping Alberta’s immigration landscape in 2025. The introduction of the PTE Core provides new flexibility, while the fee hike signals rising application costs. Flexibility in Express Entry updates is a positive change, but Alberta’s decision to opt out of the federal work permit policy and end a popular pathway shows the province’s independent approach.

Planning to immigrate to Alberta in 2025? Stay ahead by preparing for these changes—whether that’s taking the PTE Core test, adjusting your budget for higher fees, or adapting to the new Expression of Interest system.

For the latest information, visit the official AAIP website and get ready to navigate Alberta’s evolving immigration process. Alberta’s doors are open, but the rules are changing. Stay informed and make sure you’re ready for the opportunities that lie ahead!