What is the process to apply for the Alberta Express entry program?

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) Express entry stream is an enhanced PNP category for Express Entry candidates to apply for Alberta PNP provincial nomination. Getting a nomination from Alberta is a simple and easy process.

There are three streams under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP):

  • Alberta Opportunity Stream
  • Alberta Express Entry Stream
  • Self-Employed Farmer Stream

After getting a nomination from the province in the latest Alberta draws, express entry candidates get 600 CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points to their profile, thus effectively guaranteeing an ITA in the next express entry draw.

What is the Alberta PNP selection process for Express entry candidates?

You can apply for Alberta PNP's Express entry stream as a skilled worker after receiving a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the province. Candidates who meet the minimum criteria of AINP will be directly contacted by the province.

Candidates will only receive an NOI from Alberta if they:
  • Have an active Express Entry profile;
  • Must have the intention to live in the province permanently;
  • Must support in province's economic development and diversification process;
  • Minimum CRS score of 300 points;
Alberta is likely to give invitations to candidates who have one or more adaptability factors. For that they must:
  • Have work experience in Alberta occupation in-demand or have a valid job offer from an eligible provincial employer;
  • Have graduated from the province's educational institution and have a valid job offer;
  • Have family members living in the province as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;

Alberta Points Calculator

For a candidate to be eligible for AINP through the Express Entry program, the candidate needs to clear the 67 points system. In this unique point assessment grid, points are awarded to the candidates based on the credentials submitted. Based on these points, candidates will be able to calculate their points for the AINP Points Calculator. Following are the factors based on which points are awarded:

  • Age
  • Language Proficiency
  • Education Ability
  • Skilled Work Experience
  • Arranged Employment
  • Adaptability

Alberta Immigrant Points Calculator

FactorsMaximum points Awarded
Language Skills 28
Education 25
Work Experience 15
Age 12
Arranged employment in Canada 10
Adaptability10

Following are how points are awarded in the AINP Points Calculator for Canada Immigration through the Express Entry linked stream AINP Express Entry Stream:

Age Points

Age (in Years)Points Awarded
Under 180
18-3512
3611
3710
389
398
407
416
425
434
443
452
461
47 or older0

Language Proficiency Points

First Official Language

CLB levelSpeakingListeningReadingWriting
9 or Higher6666
85555
74444
Below 7Not eligible

Second Official Language

CLB levelPoints Awarded
At least CLB 5 in all of the four abilities4
CLB 4 or less in any of the four abilities0

Education Points

Education LevelPoints Awarded
University degree at Doctoral (Ph.D.) level or equal25
University degree at Master's level or equal OR University level entry-to-practice professional degree (or equal)23
Two or more Canadian post-secondary degrees or diplomas or equal (at least one must be for a program of at least three years)22
Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma for the program of 3 years or longer, or equal21
Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma for program of 2 years program, or equal19
Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma for 1 year, or equal15
Canadian high school diploma or equal5

Work Experience

Experience (In Years)Points Awarded
19
2-311
4-513
6 or more15

Arranged Employment

ApplicantPoints Awarded
Is currently working in Canada on an LMIA-based work permit and his or her work in Canada is considered skilled (NOC type 0, A or B)The Work Permit is valid when a permanent residency application is made * and The Employer has made a permanent, full-time skilled job offer to the applicantAt the time the permanent resident visa is issued, the applicant is expected to still hold a valid work permit10
Is currently working in Canada on an LMIA-exempt work permit or a work permit issued under a provincial/territorial agreementThe work permit is valid when a permanent residence application is made and The employer has made a permanent, full-time skill job offer to the applicant At the time the permanent resident visa is issued, the applicant is expected to still hold a valid work permit10
Does not hold a valid work permit and is not authorized to work in CanadaA prospective employer has made a permanent, full-time skilled job offer to the applicant; and The offer of employment has received a positive LMIA10
Holds a valid work permit or is otherwise authorized to work in Canada, but does not fall under one of the two above scenariosThe work permit or authorization is valid when a permanent residence application is made; A prospective employer has made a permanent, full-time skilled job offer to the applicant; and The offer of employment has received a positive LMIA10

Adaptability

FactorsPoints Awarded
PA previous work in Canada (minimum of 1 year in skilled occupation NOC type 0, A or B)10
Relatives in Canada 18 years or more who are residing in Canada and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident5
Accompanying spouse/partner's official language (CLB/NCLC 4)5
A previous study in Canada5
A previous study in Canada accompanying spouse/partner5
Previous work in Canada accompanying spouse/partner5
Arranged employment in Canada5
Relative in Canada 18 years or older5
Language ability CLB 4 or above accompanying spouse/partner (IELTS 4.0/4.5/3.5/4.0)5

How long does it take to get Alberta PNP?

Following are major factors that are considered in AINP application processing:
  • Quality of the application (completeness, eligibility, outdated information/documents on the application);
  • Labor market information;
  • The volume of applications received;
  • Date of receipt of the request;

The average application processing time under AINP's Express entry stream is 4 to 6 months.