Our experts at Immigration Nation explore the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), covering processing times and application levels. The AAIP helps skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates build their lives in Alberta. This blog provides an overview of the AAIP, highlights new policies, and explains current processing times. As immigration consultants, we ensure you receive up-to-date information for a smooth application process.
What is The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program( AAIP)?
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates to Alberta, addressing the province’s labor market needs and contributing to its economic growth. The program supports Alberta’s economic development by offering pathways to permanent residency for individuals with the skills and qualifications required in various sectors.
The AAIP includes several streams for applicants, such as:
- the Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Alberta Express Entry Stream
- Entrepreneur Streams.
Each stream targets different immigrant categories, from skilled workers to international graduates and entrepreneurs. By aligning the immigration process with Alberta’s economic priorities, the AAIP ensures the province meets its labor market demands while providing immigrants opportunities to thrive in a prosperous environment.
New AAIP Policies
The AAIP has introduced several new policies to enhance the program’s efficiency and effectiveness. These policies streamline the application process and ensure Alberta attracts and retains the best talent. Key new policies include:
- Increased Nomination Allocations: The AAIP received 9,750 nominations in 2024 to accommodate more applicants and address labor shortages in critical sectors.
- Enhanced Criteria for Entrepreneur Streams: New criteria identify and select entrepreneurs who can significantly contribute to Alberta’s economic growth.
- Improved Processing Times: Efforts to reduce application processing times ensure quicker turnaround and more efficient handling.
Processing Times and Application Levels
Nominations Issued and Available
As of May 29, 2024, the following data details the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) updates, processing times, and application levels.
AAIP Updates
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sets nomination limits for all provincial nominee programs. In 2024, AAIP received 9,750 nominations. Below is a summary of the 2024 nominations issued and total nominations available per stream.
Table 1: 2024 AAIP Nominations
| Stream / Pathway | 2024 Nominations Issued | 2024 Total Estimated Nominations Allocated |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | 2,245 | 5,393 |
| Express Entry Stream | 983 | 1,775 |
| Dedicated Healthcare Pathways | 228 | 320 |
| Accelerated Tech Pathway | 536 | 1,047 |
| Priority Sector Draws and Other Initiatives | 116 | 231 |
| Family Connection and Occupation in Demand | 103 | 177 |
| Rural Renewal Stream | 971 | 1,900 |
| Tourism and Hospitality Stream | 135 | 660 |
| Entrepreneur Streams (Foreign Graduate, Graduate, Rural, and Farm Streams combined) | 3 | 22 |
| Grand Total | 4,337 | 9,750 |
Application Volumes and Processing
The following data is accurate as of May 29, 2024:
Table 2: Application Breakdown
| Stream | Unprocessed Applications | Currently Assessing Applications Received On or Before |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | 3,659 | October 26, 2023 |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream | 1,036 | Dedicated Healthcare Pathway: May 13, 2024<br>All Other Pathways/Initiatives: January 20, 2024 |
| Rural Renewal Stream | 1,826 | December 20, 2023 |
| Tourism and Hospitality Stream | All applications received before June 11, 2024 have been assessed. | |
| Totals | 6,521 |
Processing times and volumes for the Entrepreneur Streams depend on the expression of interest stage and business application or business performance agreement. It typically takes up to four months to assess both an expression of interest and business application. To check the status of your expression of interest or application, visit the AAIP portal.
Application Dates
Application Acceptance Dates and Targets
Effective June 11, 2024, AAIP has adopted new guidelines for the Alberta Opportunity Stream, Rural Renewal Stream, and Accelerated Tech Pathway, similar to those used in the Tourism and Hospitality Stream for the remainder of 2024.
Table 3: Application Targets by Date
| Stream / Pathway | 11-Jun | 9-Jul | 13-Aug | 10-Sep | 8-Oct | 5-Nov | 10-Dec |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | 430 | 444 | 430 | 444 | 430 | 444 | 430 |
| Express Entry Stream | 30 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Accelerated Tech Pathway* | 30 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Rural Renewal Stream | 145 | 160 | 145 | 160 | 145 | 160 | 145 |
| Tourism and Hospitality Stream | 130 | 143 | 130 | 143 | 130 | 143 | 130 |
| Entrepreneur Streams (Foreign Graduate, Graduate, Rural and Farm Streams) | Business applications are being accepted currently, as timing for nomination eligibility varies, based on when requirements have been met | ||||||
| Approximate Monthly Application Target Totals | 735 | 797 | 755 | 797 | 755 | 797 | 755 |
Table 4: List of Past Draws
| Date of Draw | Number of Notification of Interest Letters Sent | Draw Parameters | CRS Score of Lowest Ranked Candidate Who Received a Notification of Interest Letter |
| May 1, 2024 | 40 | Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above | 305 |
| April 17, 2024 | 49 | Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above | 305 |
| March 19, 2024 | 41 | Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above | 304 |
| March 5, 2024 | 34 | Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above | 303 |
| February 20, 2024 | 33 | Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above | 311 |
| February 6, 2024 | 44 | Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above | 302 |
| February 1, 2024 | 80 | Priority sector – Construction occupation with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-500 | 382 |
| January 30, 2024 | 22 | Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above | 312 |
| January 16, 2024 | 22 | Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above | 312 |
| January 11, 2024 | 44 | Priority sector – Agriculture occupation with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300-500 | 312 |
| January 2, 2024 | 42 | Dedicated Healthcare Pathway with Alberta job offer, CRS score 300 and above | 309 |
Conclusion
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) continues to be a significant pathway for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates aiming to establish their lives in Alberta. The recent updates and policies introduced in 2024 are designed to enhance the efficiency of the program, making it easier for applicants to navigate the process and contribute to Alberta’s economic growth. Understanding the processing times, application levels, and new guidelines is essential for prospective applicants to plan their immigration journey effectively.
At Immigration Nation, our team of experts is committed to providing you with the necessary support and advice to ensure your application is successful. If you seek further guidance with your application process, please feel free to contact us at Immigration Nation, where our team of experts will ensure your application is prepared for success!
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