The province of Alberta has announced significant changes to its Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), effective September 30, 2024. The most important update is the mandatory requirement for all candidates applying under any of the AAIP worker streams to first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
This reform is intended to improve the effectiveness of candidate selection, ensure transparency in the immigration process, and better align invitations with Alberta’s labour market needs, available nomination quotas, and geographic priorities.
What is Changing: What is an EOI and Who Must Submit One?
As of September 30, 2024, all individuals intending to apply under one of the AAIP worker streams must first complete and submit an online EOI form through the official AAIP portal. This is a mandatory preliminary step that allows the province to assess a candidate’s profile and include them in a selection pool.
- Cost of submission: Free of charge
- Who must submit: All prospective applicants to AAIP worker streams
- Where to submit: Through the AAIP portal using a valid Alberta.ca basic account
How the Selection System Works
Once the EOI is submitted, the candidate’s information is automatically assessed using the official AAIP Worker EOI Points Grid, which evaluates both human capital and economic factors. Candidates with the highest scores and alignment with Alberta’s labour needs may receive an official Invitation to Apply (ITA) by email.
AAIP will conduct regular targeted draws from the pool based on:
- Overall EOI score rankings
- Provincial labour market demands
- Priority economic sectors
- Geographic location of the job offer
- Number of nominations available within the AAIP allocation
System Launch and Initial Timeline
Although the EOI system will become available on September 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., the province has clarified that no immediate selections will be made. The first invitations to apply (ITAs) are expected in mid or late October 2024, giving applicants sufficient time to complete the form accurately and prepare supporting documents.
Key Factors that Influence EOI Ranking
The EOI score is calculated based on two main categories:
1. Human Capital Factors (Maximum 69 points)
- Education (up to 22 points): More points for higher education and for credentials obtained in Alberta.
- Language proficiency (up to 13 points): Minimum required level is CLB 4 (English) or NCLC 4 (French). Bilingual candidates can receive an extra 3 points.
- Work experience (up to 21 points): Additional points for work experience gained in Alberta.
- Age (up to 5 points): Highest points awarded to candidates aged 21–34.
- Close family in Alberta (up to 8 points): Candidates with relatives residing in Alberta gain an advantage.
2. Economic Factors (Maximum 31 points)
- Job offer (up to 16 points): Bonus points for employment in rural areas or in designated in-demand sectors.
- Job location (up to 5 points): Higher points for employment located outside Calgary and Edmonton.
- Professional certification (up to 10 points): In regulated occupations, certification may contribute to the total score.
Mandatory Requirements Before Submitting an EOI
- Ensure eligibility for at least one AAIP worker stream (including education, language, experience, etc.).
- Familiarize yourself with the Worker EOI Points Grid to determine which profile attributes can increase your score.
- Cancel any existing EOI or AAIP application before submitting a new one.
- Create or access a valid Alberta.ca basic account, as it is required to use the online EOI system.
Conclusion
The implementation of a mandatory EOI system for all AAIP worker streams represents a major shift toward a more structured, transparent, and labour market-driven immigration policy in Alberta. This new process allows the province to manage application volumes more strategically and prioritize candidates with the strongest potential for integration and economic contribution.
For applicants, this means preparing thoroughly: verifying eligibility, securing necessary documentation and certifications, aligning their job offer with Alberta’s priorities, and strategically choosing a location and sector of employment.
The EOI system offers a valuable opportunity to qualified candidates who wish to immigrate to Alberta, but only those who carefully follow instructions and actively manage their profiles will be positioned for success.
