Alberta Targets In-Demand Occupations in Latest Express Entry Draw

Alberta recently held a new Express Entry draw on 24th August, issuing 168 invitations to candidates with a family connection in one of the province’s primary occupations in demand.

The lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for an invitation was 302 points. Alberta has an allocation of 9,750 provincial nominations for 2023, up from 6,500 in 2022.

The following occupations have a high number of applications and may take longer to process:

• Food service supervisors (62020)
• Retail sales supervisors (62010)
• Cooks (63200)
• Administrative assistants (13110)
• Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (12200)
• Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations (65201)
• Transport truck drivers (73300)
• Information systems specialists (21222)
• Software engineers and designers (21231)
• Administrative officers (13100)

Eligibility Criteria for Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Invitation

• Candidates aiming for an invitation through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) must meet specific eligibility criteria, including:
• Active Express Entry Profile: Candidates must maintain an active profile within the federal Express Entry pool.
• Desire for Permanent Residency: Expressing a genuine interest in establishing permanent residency in Alberta.
• Occupational Relevance: Working in an occupation that contributes to Alberta’s economic growth and diversification.
• Minimum CRS Score: Attaining a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 300 points.

Factors That Can Enhance Invitation Chances

• Certain factors can elevate a candidate’s likelihood of receiving an invitation:
• Job Offer or Alberta Work Experience: Possessing a job offer from an Alberta-based employer or having prior work experience in the province.
• Canadian Post-Secondary Graduation: Graduating from a Canadian post-secondary institution.
• Alberta-Based Relatives: Having immediate family members (parent, child, and/or sibling) residing in Alberta.

Factors That Can Decrease Invitation Chances

• Conversely, certain factors might diminish a candidate’s chances of receiving an invitation:
• Upcoming Profile Expiry: If the candidate’s Express Entry profile is set to expire within the next three months.
• Ineligible Occupation: Working in an occupation that does not align with Alberta’s designated list.