With the launch of a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system slated to start on September 30, 2024, Alberta is poised to make major changes to its immigration system.
It is anticipated that this initiative, which is a component of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), will expedite the immigration procedure for qualified professionals who are keen to settle in Alberta.
Note: The province will not be proceeding with the dates that remain for the acceptance of monthly applications.
What is the New EOI System?
The Expression of Interest (EOI) system is designed to better align Alberta immigration EOI System process with the province’s labor market needs. Under this system, candidates will submit an online profile expressing their interest in immigrating to Alberta. These profiles will be assessed and scored based on various factors, such as work experience, education, language proficiency, and ties to Alberta.
With the help of the new system, which will enable Alberta to choose applicants who are most likely to support economic growth in the province and address crucial labor shortages, the procedure should become more open and efficient. This signals a major change in the Alberta Immigration EOI System intake management strategy from a first-come, first-served to a points-based selection method.
Key Features of the EOI System
- Points-Based Selection: Candidates will be ranked by the EOI system using a detailed points matrix that takes into account elements including education, employment experience, language proficiency, and ties to Alberta. The top contenders will be asked to submit an application for a provincial nomination.
- Regular Draws: Regular draws will be held by Alberta to encourage elite contenders to submit applications for provincial nomination. The selection procedure will be transparent and predictable thanks to these draws, which will resemble the federal Express Entry program.
- Focus on In-Demand Occupations: Candidates with expertise and skills in high-demand occupations in Alberta will be given priority under the EOI system. With this focused strategy, we hope to meet specific demands in the labor market and facilitate newcomers’ seamless integration into the workforce.
- Enhanced Role for Employers: Alberta employers will have a greater role in the selection process under the EOI system. They will be able to connect with candidates who have the skills and experience needed to fill job vacancies, facilitating faster hiring and smoother integration of newcomers.
Application Acceptance Summary
As of July 25, 2024, here is a summary of application acceptance for various streams:
| Application Acceptance Opening Date | Alberta Opportunity Stream | Rural Renewal Stream | Tourism and Hospitality Stream |
| June 11, 2024 | 430 | 142 | 134 |
| July 9, 2024 | N/A | 154 | 143 |
| July 11, 2024 | 441 | N/A | N/A |
Current Application Volumes and Processing Times
As of July 25, 2024, the application volumes and processing times for various streams are as follows:
| Stream | Unprocessed Applications | Currently Assessing Applications Received On, or Before |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | 3,300 | December 7, 2023 |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream | 936 | June 25, 2024 (Dedicated Healthcare Pathway)March 5, 2024 (All other pathways/initiatives) |
| Rural Renewal Stream | 1,995 | January 24, 2024 |
| Tourism and Hospitality Stream | 119 | July 9, 2024 |
| Totals | 6,363 |
Impact on Prospective Immigrants
The new EOI system offers opportunities and difficulties for talented professionals who wish to immigrate to Alberta. The approach provides a more organized and clear route to provincial nomination, on the one hand. However, because the points-based selection procedure is competitive, applicants must make sure their profiles are as excellent as possible in order to improve their chances of getting an invitation.
Candidates who are already working in Alberta or have strong ties to the province will likely benefit from additional points, improving their chances of being selected. Those who are not currently in Alberta but have skills that are in demand will also have a good chance of success, especially if they have a valid job offer from an Alberta employer.
AAIP programs that will be operated under the new EOI system on September 30
Under the new Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) EOI system launching on September 30, the following key streams or pathways will be operated:
- Alberta Express Entry Stream: This stream allows Alberta to nominate candidates from the federal Express Entry pool who have strong ties to Alberta or can help meet the province’s labor market needs. Candidates must receive an invitation from Alberta before they can apply.
- Alberta Opportunity Stream: This stream is for candidates who are already working in Alberta and have a valid job offer in the province. It provides a pathway to permanent residency for those who have the skills and qualifications that align with Alberta’s labor market requirements.
- Rural Renewal Stream: Aimed at addressing labor shortages in Alberta’s rural communities, this stream encourages skilled workers to settle in smaller towns and rural areas. Candidates who receive a job offer from an employer in a designated rural community are eligible to apply under this stream.
- Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: This stream is tailored for international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions who wish to start a business in the province. Candidates with innovative business ideas and the potential to create jobs in Alberta Immigration EOI System are encouraged to apply.
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream: Targeted at individuals with experience in the tourism and hospitality sectors, this stream addresses labor demands in industries that are vital to Alberta’s economy. Candidates with relevant work experience and job offers in these fields will be prioritized.
These streams under the new EOI system are designed to attract a diverse range of skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates, ensuring that Alberta can meet its economic needs while offering newcomers a clear pathway to permanent residency.
The introduction of Alberta’s new EOI system represents a major advancement in the state’s endeavors to draw in and keep skilled immigrants. Alberta is better positioned to meet economic demands by coordinating the selection process with labor market needs and offering immigrants looking for new opportunities a clear and efficient route. Prospective immigrants should get ready by making sure their profiles are thorough and appropriately represent their credentials and ties to Alberta when the system goes live on September 30.
