The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has raised the application fees for its worker streams to $1,500, effective April 1, 2025. The previous fee was $840, and the new fee will apply only to those submitting applications or requests on or after April 1, 2025.
Book Your Consultation for Canadian Immigration
Affected Streams
The fee increase applies to the following AAIP worker streams:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Alberta Express Entry Stream (and associated pathways)
- Rural Renewal Stream
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream
Other Fee Changes
Two other fees have also increased:
- Farm Stream: The application fee for the Farm Stream, which supports experienced farmers wanting to establish or purchase a farm in Alberta, has increased from $500 to $3,500.
- Nomination Certificate Reissuance: The fee for requesting the reissuance of an expired nomination certificate has risen from $100 to $150.
These fee changes also came into effect on April 1, 2025, and will apply to applications or requests submitted after that date. No other entrepreneur streams are affected by these fee increases.
Recent Changes to the AAIP
Along with the fee updates, Alberta has made or is undergoing other changes that may impact Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
Temporary Public Policy for Work Permit Facilitation
On March 17, 2025, Alberta announced that it would no longer participate in the federal government’s temporary public policy to facilitate open work permits for prospective PNP candidates in 2025. Initially, Alberta had planned to join the policy but later decided to opt out.
Family Connection and Occupation in Demand Pathway Update
Also on March 17, Alberta decided to discontinue invitations through the Family Connection and Occupation in Demand Pathway. However, applicants can still claim points for having a familial connection in Alberta, such as a parent, sibling, or child who is a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
Acceptance of Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core
As of April 1, 2025, the AAIP will accept the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core as a valid language proficiency test for all streams. This adds to the existing options for language tests, which include:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
- PTE Core (Pearson Test of English)
- TEF (Test d’évaluation de Français Canada)
- TCF (Test de connaissance du français)
Reduction in Provincial Allocations
The federal government announced a 50% reduction in immigrant landings under provincial immigration programs for 2025. As a result, Alberta’s nomination allocation has been cut from 9,750 in 2024 to 4,875 in 2025, meaning fewer foreign nationals will be nominated for permanent residence through Alberta’s provincial immigration streams.
These changes reflect Alberta’s ongoing adjustments to align with both provincial needs and federal policies.
