Alberta’s immigration system, officially called the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), offers a range of immigration pathways for individuals aiming to settle in the province permanently. Whether you’re a skilled worker, recent graduate, or aspiring entrepreneur, Alberta provides various options to help you achieve your goal of Canadian permanent residency.
Overview of Alberta’s Immigration Streams
AAIP consists of 8 immigration streams. While each has its specific criteria, four of them are particularly popular among skilled professionals looking to live and work in Alberta. These options are especially suited for those already in the province or planning to relocate soon.
Worker-Focused Streams:
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Alberta Opportunity Stream
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Alberta Express Entry Stream
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Rural Renewal Stream
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Tourism and Hospitality Stream
Entrepreneur-Focused Streams:
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Rural Entrepreneur Stream
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Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
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Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
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Farm Stream
✅ Tourism and Hospitality Stream
Professionals working in Alberta’s tourism or hospitality sector may qualify under this stream. To be eligible, you need a job offer from an approved employer in the industry and at least six months of full-time work experience with the same employer.
Language Skills Required:
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Minimum score of 4 in each component (IELTS General Training is accepted)
Job Offer Criteria:
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Must be from your current employer
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Full-time and permanent role based within Alberta
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Must fall within a list of approved occupations
Relevant Occupations Include (NOC 2021):
Cooks, chefs, bartenders, hotel clerks, restaurant managers, janitors, and more (TEER levels 0–5)
Work Experience:
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At least 6 months of continuous, full-time, paid work
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Experience must match the NOC occupation and be under a valid LMIA-based work permit
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Open permits like PGWP are not accepted
Education:
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Completion of high school or higher
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Non-Canadian credentials may require an ECA
✅ Alberta Opportunity Stream
This stream targets individuals currently working in Alberta with experience related to their field of study. It accepts work experience gained inside or outside the province if other conditions are met.
Residency & Permit Requirements:
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Must be in Canada with valid temporary resident status
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PGWP holders are eligible with specific conditions
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Refugee claimants or those without status are ineligible
Work Experience:
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For most: 12 months of full-time Alberta experience within the last 18 months
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Or 24 months of experience in Canada or internationally within 30 months
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PGWP holders: 6 months in Alberta related to their studies
Language Requirements:
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TEER 0–3: Minimum CLB 5
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TEER 4–5: Minimum CLB 4
Education:
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Equivalent to Canadian high school or higher
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PGWP holders must have graduated from an eligible Alberta institution
✅ Alberta Express Entry Stream
This stream is aligned with the federal Express Entry system and offers several targeted pathways, such as Tech, Healthcare, Law Enforcement, and other key sectors.
Basic Criteria:
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Must have a valid Express Entry profile with IRCC
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Minimum CRS score of 300
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Employment must be in a priority occupation (excluding restricted NOCs)
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Intention to live and work in Alberta is essential
Pathway Highlights:
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Health Care Pathway: For healthcare professionals prioritized by Alberta
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Accelerated Tech Pathway: For tech workers already employed or with a job offer in Alberta
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Law Enforcement: For international police recruits through Alberta’s police agencies
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Priority Sectors: Includes roles in agriculture, aviation, and construction
✅ Rural Renewal Stream
This pathway is designed to fill labour shortages in Alberta’s rural communities by attracting foreign workers to settle in designated areas.
Who Can Apply:
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Individuals with a valid job offer from an employer in a designated rural Alberta community
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Must receive an Endorsement of Candidate Letter from the local Economic Development Organization (EDO)
Eligibility Criteria:
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Must intend to live and work in the rural community
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Refugee claimants within Canada are not eligible
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Job must be in an eligible NOC (TEER 0–5)
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12 months of full-time paid experience required within the past 18 months (unless exempt as a recent graduate)
Language Scores:
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TEER 0–3: CLB 5
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TEER 4–5: CLB 4
Application Process:
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Get selected by a designated rural community
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Receive an endorsement letter
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Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
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Receive an invitation to apply from AAIP
For those looking to navigate Alberta’s immigration pathways effectively, working with Canada Immigration Consultants can make the process more efficient and streamlined. These professionals help applicants assess eligibility, gather documentation, and maximize their chances of success. Whether you’re applying through a worker stream or planning to move to a rural Alberta community, consulting with experienced Canada Immigration Consultants ensures you are well-guided throughout your journey.
