Alberta uses a Worker Expression of Interest and invitation process for its worker streams. Current provincial priorities, nomination allocations and draw activity can affect whether an eligible candidate is invited. Check the current AAIP processing and draw information before filing.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) nominates eligible workers and entrepreneurs who can contribute to Alberta’s economy and establish permanently in the province. Alberta currently operates worker streams and dedicated pathways as well as four entrepreneur streams. For context on the division between provincial and federal immigration authority, see our Alberta immigration powers article.
AAIP , Current Streams and Pathways
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Alberta Express Entry Stream
- Dedicated Health Care Pathway
- Rural Renewal Stream
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream
- Rural Entrepreneur Stream
- Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
- Farm Stream
- Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Alberta Opportunity Stream
This worker stream is principally for eligible temporary foreign workers already working full-time in Alberta in an eligible occupation. Applicants must satisfy current status, occupation, language, education, work-experience and Alberta job-offer requirements. Restrictions apply to certain occupations and work-permit situations.
Alberta Express Entry Stream
Alberta may select candidates from the federal Express Entry pool who meet provincial economic and labour-market priorities. Dedicated pathways within the Express Entry framework can target specific sectors or occupations, including technology and other priority areas. Candidates must remain eligible for Express Entry as well as meet Alberta’s selection requirements.
Dedicated Health Care Pathway
This pathway is for qualifying health-care professionals with an eligible Alberta job offer in a designated health profession and the required ability to practise in Alberta. Depending on the applicant’s federal eligibility, Alberta provides Express Entry and non-Express Entry processing options.
Rural Renewal Stream
The Rural Renewal Stream supports designated rural Alberta communities in recruiting and retaining newcomers. A candidate generally requires an endorsement from a designated community plus an eligible job offer and must satisfy the stream’s language, education, work-experience, occupation and settlement requirements.
Tourism and Hospitality Stream
This stream supports eligible workers in Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sector who are working for an eligible employer and meet the program’s occupation, work-permit, employment, language, education and experience requirements. Sector and employer eligibility are important parts of the assessment.
Rural Entrepreneur Stream
Experienced entrepreneurs who intend to start a new business or buy an existing business in an eligible rural Alberta community may submit an Expression of Interest after completing the required community engagement and obtaining community support.
Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
This stream is for qualifying international graduates of approved Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to establish or acquire a business in Alberta. Applicants proceed through an EOI and business-establishment process and must meet ownership, management, language, education and other program criteria.
Farm Stream
The Farm Stream is designed for experienced farm operators with the financial capacity, farm-management experience and business plan required to establish or purchase an eligible farming business in Alberta.
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
This stream targets qualifying graduates of post-secondary institutions outside Canada who want to launch an innovative start-up in Alberta. Candidates work with an AAIP-designated agency and must meet the stream’s education, language, business ownership and investment requirements.
AAIP worker selection uses an Expression of Interest framework and Alberta conducts selections according to current priorities and available nominations. Meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee an invitation.
Compare Your Provincial Options
A provincial pathway should be assessed against alternatives before filing because eligibility, invitations and nomination allocations can change. Review Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs to compare other provinces and territories. For an individualized eligibility and strategy assessment, book a consultation with Fourth Dimension Immigration.
Immigration criteria, document requirements and public policies can change. Advice should be based on the rules and facts applicable when you apply.