New Alberta Permanent Residency Scoring System Launching September 30

On September 30, 2024, Alberta will introduce a new permanent residency scoring system aimed at individuals seeking invitations for the province’s worker immigration streams.

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is set to enhance the selection process by aligning candidate profiles with Alberta’s labour market needs. The new Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) system is designed to attract skilled workers to meet the province’s economic and demographic challenges.

Candidates will be able to declare their qualifications, skills, and work experience, which will then be scored and ranked. Importantly, there is no fee to submit a Worker EOI, making it a cost-effective option for eligible applicants.

Table of Contents

• Key Highlights of the New AAIP Worker EOI System
• How the Worker EOI System Works
• Understanding the New Alberta Permanent Residency Points Grid
• Preparing for the Worker EOI Submission

Key Highlights of the New AAIP Worker EOI System

• No Fee to Submit: The Worker EOI submission is free, enhancing accessibility for all eligible candidates.
• Scoring and Ranking: Candidates will be evaluated based on human capital and economic factors, including education, language skills, work experience, age, and family connections in Alberta.
• Ongoing Draws: The AAIP will conduct regular draws from the Worker Stream pool, selecting candidates based on their EOI scores and the province’s labour market demands.
• Invitation to Apply: Candidates chosen in the draws will receive an email invitation to apply for the relevant worker streams.

How the Worker EOI System Works

When candidates submit a Worker EOI, they will self-declare their qualifications through the AAIP portal. The EOI form requires detailed information that will be assessed using the AAIP’s points grid.

This points grid evaluates multiple factors, contributing to an overall score of up to 100 points. After submission, candidates will be placed into a Worker Stream pool, with ongoing draws beginning in mid-to-late October 2024, allowing time for thorough submissions.

Understanding the New Alberta Permanent Residency Points Grid

The Worker EOI points grid is essential for candidates, as it determines eligibility and ranking in the draws. Here’s a summary of the scoring system:

• Education (Max 22 points): Higher education levels earn more points; doctorate holders receive 12 points, while bachelor’s degree or trade certificate holders earn 7 points. Completing education in Alberta adds an extra 10 points.
• Language Proficiency (Max 13 points): A minimum of CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French is necessary for eligibility, with higher scores yielding additional points.
• Work Experience (Max 21 points): Candidates gain significant points for 12 months or more of work experience, especially if it’s in Alberta.
• Age (Max 5 points): Candidates aged 21-34 receive the maximum score (5 points).
• Family Connections in Alberta (Max 8 points): Immediate family members residing in Alberta can add up to 8 points.
• Economic Factors (Max 31 points): Job offers in Alberta, particularly in high-demand sectors, significantly enhance scores.

Preparing for the Worker EOI Submission

Before submitting your Worker EOI, follow these steps to ensure a smooth application process:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria for AAIP worker streams to ensure you meet all requirements.
2. Understand the Points Grid: Familiarize yourself with the scoring system to identify opportunities for maximizing your score.
3. Manage Existing Applications: Only one EOI can be active at a time. Withdraw any existing Worker or Entrepreneur EOIs before submitting a new one.
4. Set Up an Alberta.ca Account: Ensure you have a valid Alberta.ca account to access the AAIP portal, which can be basic or verified.

The Worker EOI system is designed to align Alberta’s immigration processes with its evolving labour market needs. This focused approach aims to attract individuals with in-demand skills, enhancing the province’s workforce.

Closing Remarks

As the Worker EOI system launches on September 30, 2024, candidates should carefully assess their profiles against the points grid and prepare their applications strategically. By aligning their EOIs with Alberta’s labour market needs, applicants can significantly improve their chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

For more information and updates on AAIP draws, visit the official AAIP website and ensure your profile is ready for the upcoming opportunities.