New Alberta Immigration EOI System Beginning September 30

New AAIP Updates: The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is set to transform its selection process with the introduction of a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system on September 30, 2024.

This update aims to enhance efficiency and better align the immigration process with Alberta’s labour market needs.

The EOI system is a points-based selection mechanism where candidates express their interest in immigrating to Alberta.

After submitting an EOI, candidates will enter a selection pool similar to the Express Entry pool.

Periodically, AAIP will draw candidates from this pool, inviting those with the highest rankings and who meet provincial labour market needs to apply for immigration.

Key Features of the New EOI System

1. Continuous Intake: Unlike the current system with fixed application dates and quotas, the new EOI system allows for continuous submissions and processing of EOIs.
   • Candidates can express their interest at any time without waiting for specific dates.
2. Ranking and Selection: Candidates are ranked based on various factors, including skills, work experience, and their potential to meet province’s economic needs.
   • Higher-ranked candidates are more likely to receive invitations to apply.
3. Labor Market Focus: The selection process is closely aligned with the labor market requirements.
   • This ensures that the province attracts individuals who can significantly contribute to its economy.
     

     Transition to the New System

     With the introduction of the EOI system, the program will not proceed with the remaining monthly application acceptance dates for 2024.

     This ensures a smooth transition to the new system, allowing for continuous intake and processing of EOIs.

     Application Acceptance Summary

     As of July 25, 2024, here is a summary of application acceptance for various streams:

     Application Acceptance Opening Date	Alberta Opportunity Stream	Rural Renewal Stream	Tourism and Hospitality Stream
     June 11, 2024	430	142	134
     July 9, 2024	N/A	154	143
     July 11, 2024	441	N/A	N/A

     Accelerated Tech Pathway

     The Accelerated Tech Pathway, targeting tech professionals, is also part of this transition.

     As of July 25, 2024, there are 446 web form submissions in the pool received between May 23 and June 11, 2024.

     Invitations to apply for this pathway will be issued from this existing pool.

     Application Acceptance Opening Date	Number of Invitations to Apply Sent	Web Form Received Date Ranges of Invitations Sent
     June 11, 2024	30	May 16 – 19, 2024
     July 9, 2024	50	May 19 – 23, 2024

     Current Application Volumes and Processing Times

     As of July 25, 2024, the application volumes and processing times for various streams are as follows:

     Stream	Unprocessed Applications	Currently Assessing Applications Received On, or Before
     Alberta Opportunity Stream	3,300	December 7, 2023
     Alberta Express Entry Stream	936	June 25, 2024 (Dedicated Healthcare Pathway) March 5, 2024 (All other pathways/initiatives)
     Rural Renewal Stream	1,995	January 24, 2024
     Tourism and Hospitality Stream	119	July 9, 2024
     Totals	6,363

     Nominations Issued and Available in 2024

     The program has issued several nominations across various streams in 2024, with the total estimated nominations allocated as follows:

     Stream / Pathway	2024 Nominations Issued	2024 Total Estimated Nominations Allocated (Subject to Change)
     Alberta Opportunity Stream	3,326	5,393
     Express Entry Stream	1,321	1,775
     Dedicated Healthcare Pathways	266	320
     Accelerated Tech Pathway	796	1,047
     Priority Sector Draws and Other Initiatives	153	231
     Family Connection and Occupation in Demand	106	177
     Rural Renewal Stream	1,245	1,900
     Tourism and Hospitality Stream	291	660
     Entrepreneur Streams Foreign Graduate, Graduate, Rural and Farm Streams Combined	4	22
     Grand Total	6,187	9,750

     Impact on Prospective Immigrants

     The new EOI system is designed to be more dynamic and responsive, potentially reducing waiting times for candidates and better addressing the province’s labour market needs.

     This approach is expected to:

     • Enhance Efficiency: Continuous intake allows the program to manage application volumes more effectively, reducing processing times.
     • Targeted Selection: Candidates with skills and experience in high-demand sectors have a better chance of selection, aligning with Alberta’s economic priorities.
     • Transparency and Fairness: The points-based system ensures a transparent and fair selection process, where candidates are ranked and selected based on their merits.

     Preparing for the New System

     Prospective immigrants aiming to settle in Alberta should prepare for the new EOI system by:

     1. Understanding the Points Criteria: Familiarize yourself with the factors influencing your ranking, such as work experience, education, language proficiency, and adaptability.
     2. Enhancing Your Profile: Improve your chances of selection by enhancing your qualifications, gaining additional work experience, or improving your language skills.
     3. Staying Informed: Keep up to date with the latest information and updates from the AAIP to understand the province’s evolving labour market needs and how they might impact your application.

        The launch of the new EOI system on September 30, 2024, marks a significant milestone for Alberta’s immigration program.

        By allowing for continuous intake and targeted selection based on labour market needs, the AAIP aims to attract skilled individuals who can contribute to the province’s economic growth.

        Prospective immigrants should take proactive steps to understand and adapt to the new system, enhancing their profiles to increase their chances of being invited to apply.

        With this new system, Alberta continues to demonstrate its commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants and fostering a dynamic, prosperous economy.