Alberta Issues 108 Express Entry Invitations, Prioritizing Healthcare & Agriculture Sectors

In three draws held on January 16, January 2, and January 11, Alberta strategically selected candidates under the Express Entry-linked stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, resulting in the issuance of 108 invitations. Focused on healthcare and agriculture sectors, these draws aimed to address specific labor needs within the province.

During the January 16 draw, Alberta directed its attention to healthcare workers with a job offer, extending invitations to 22 candidates who met the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 312. Similarly, a draw on January 2, following the same parameters, saw 42 invitations issued, with a minimum score of 309.

Shifting its focus to the agriculture sector on January 11, Alberta invited 44 candidates with job offers in this field, maintaining a minimum CRS score of 312.

Given the substantial number of applications received for certain occupations, Alberta anticipates longer processing times for candidates in the following categories:

• 62020 – Food service supervisors
• 63200 – Cooks
• 62010 – Retail sales supervisors
• 13110 – Administrative assistants
• 65201 – Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations
• 73300 – Transport truck drivers
• 13100 – Administrative officers
• 12200 – Accounting technicians and bookkeepers
• 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistant
• 21231 – Software engineers and designers

To be eligible for consideration and receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Alberta, candidates must meet certain criteria, including:

• Having an active Express Entry profile in the federal Express Entry pool.
• Expressing a genuine interest in immigrating permanently to Alberta.
• Working in an occupation that aligns with Alberta’s economic development goals.
• Attaining a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 300 points.

Factors that can enhance a candidate’s likelihood of receiving an NOI include having a job offer from an Albertan employer, work experience in Alberta, graduating from a Canadian post-secondary institution, or having a relative (parent, child, and/or sibling) residing in Alberta. Conversely, factors such as an expiring Express Entry profile within the next three months or working in an ineligible occupation may decrease a candidate’s chances of receiving an NOI.