Immigration Updates Work Permit

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: New Expression of Interest (EOI) System for Worker Stream

By: Mariam Baher

The province of Alberta has created a new stream for express entry applicants. The new Expression of Interest (EOI) system requires candidates to submit a Worker EOI before receiving an invitation to apply to one of the four AAIP worker streams.

As stated on the government of Alberta’s website, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is an economic immigration program that nominates people for permanent residence in Alberta.

What is A Worker EOI and How Much Does It Cost?

A Worker EOI, or Worker Expression of Interest, is an online form on the AAIP portal that is free of charge where applicants are required to provide all their information. Please note that only the applicant is allowed to submit this EOI. However, at Canadim, we can offer assistance and clear instructions on how to complete and submit the form.

This form plays a critical role in your AAIP application process, and you must fill it out carefully ensuring you do not to misrepresent yourself. There are various factors that contribute to the draw selection process including EOI scores, provincial labor market needs, and AAIP nominations available at the time of submission. Successful candidates will then receive an invitation to apply to one of the AAIP worker streams via email.

After submitting a Worker EOI, the AAIP will score and rank each submission using a points grid- there is no minimum points requirement to apply. The AAIP will be conducting ongoing draws throughout the year from the Worker Stream pool for specific worker streams and pathways. To submit a successful worker EOI, you must be eligible under at least one of the following four AAIP worker streams; the Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, Rural Renewal Stream, or the Tourism and Hospitality Stream. Eligibility requirements for each of the individual worker streams remain the same, the only change is the integration of a Worker EOI.

All existing AAIP applications or EOIs, including both Worker and Entrepreneur EOI must be withdrawn prior to creating a Worker EOI as you cannot create a Worker EOI if you have an existing one.

AAIP – Worker Stream Expression of Interest points grid:

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program EOI grid takes Human Capital Factors and Economic Factors into consideration when allocating points. One candidate can score a total maximum of 100 points under these two categories. Each category takes several factors into account as listed below:

Human Capital Factors – Maximum points: 69

Education: Up to 22 points

Work Experience: Up to 21 points

Age: Up to 5 points

Family connection in Alberta: Up to 8 points

Language: Up to 13 points

* PTE language test results are currently not accepted and only the following language tests are accepted:

1) Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General Test

2) International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training Test

3) Test d’évaluation de français Canada (TEF Canada)

4) Test de connaissance du français Canada (TCF Canada)

Official test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of application submission

Economic Factors – Maximum points: 31

Alberta Job Offer: Up to 16 points

Alberta job offer location: Up to 5 points

Job offer in a regulated occupation in Alberta and meets regulatory requirements to practice the occupation in Alberta: Up to 10 points

A full breakdown of the Worker EOI points for each category can be found on the government of Alberta’s website under Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) Points Grid.