Alberta’s Express Entry Stream under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has become increasingly diverse and targeted. From October to December 2024, the province invited candidates across a range of occupations—spanning healthcare, construction, law enforcement, IT, and more. If you’re looking to understand which occupations received invitations and why, this deep-dive will help you tailor your Express Entry profile and game plan for the year ahead.
In this blog, you will find:
- High-Level Stats on top occupations from Oct–Dec 2024 draws
- Major Pathways & Initiatives (Law Enforcement, Dedicated Healthcare, Priority Sectors, Accelerated Tech, etc.)
- Tables summarizing approximate distribution of invitations by occupation category
- Predictions for 2025—which occupations might see more invites and higher cutoffs
- FAQs to help you strategize your AAIP application
At Immigration Nation – Immigration Consultant in Edmonton, we specialize in turning these data points into a personalized immigration roadmap. Let’s look at how last quarter’s draws unfolded and what it all means for your Canadian immigration journey.
- Understanding Alberta’s Express Entry Pathways
Within the Alberta Express Entry Stream, there are multiple sub-pathways:
- Dedicated Healthcare Pathway – Express Entry
- Law Enforcement Pathway
- Accelerated Tech Pathway
- Priority Sectors (which may focus on construction, agriculture, or other in-demand fields)
- General/No Specific Occupation draws (sometimes labeled as a “general draw”)
Between October 1 and December 31, 2024, Alberta issued a series of invitations. Each draw had parameters such as minimum CRS score (usually 300 or higher) and targeted specific TEER categories or NOC codes. The result: a curated approach ensuring the province’s economic and labor needs are met.
- Major Occupations Invited in Late 2024: A Bird’s-Eye View
Overall Distribution (By Sector)
During Q4 of 2024 (October–December), most Express Entry invitations went to four major occupation clusters. Below is an approximate percentage breakdown of total invitations (not exact figures) across these clusters:
- Construction Trades & Supervisors: ~30–35%
- Healthcare (All Occupations): ~25–30%
- Tech & IT: ~15–20%
- Other Priority Sectors (e.g., law enforcement, finance, manufacturing, etc.): ~20–25%
(Note: Overlapping sub-categories, like an occupation that’s partially in “tech” or “health policy,” may skew exact percentages slightly.)
Healthcare Highlights
Under Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry) and certain Priority Sectors draws, there was a consistent demand for:
- Registered Nurses (NOC 31301)
- Physicians (NOC 31102)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101)
- Paramedical occupations (NOC 32102)
- Allied Health (dieticians, physiotherapists, social workers, etc.)
Of the total healthcare invitations, Registered Nurses alone represented roughly 30–35% of healthcare-based invites. Physicians (especially general practitioners) made up another 20–25%. Support roles, like nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (NOC 33102), each accounted for ~15–20% of healthcare invites.
Construction & Trades
Multiple draws targeted the construction sector. Occupations that saw repeated invitations included:
- Carpenters (NOC 72310)
- Construction Millwrights & Industrial Mechanics (NOC 72400)
- Painters & Decorators (NOC 73112)
- Plumbers (NOC 72300)
- Welders & Fitters (NOC 72106, 72104)
- Electricians (NOC 72200, 72201)
- Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics (NOC 72401)
- Sheet Metal Workers (NOC 72102)
In some draws, construction trades collectively earned 30%+ of all Express Entry ITAs in that period. Supervisory roles (NOC 72014, 72013) were also heavily targeted, underscoring Alberta’s shortage of experienced trades supervisors and contractors.
Tech & IT Roles
The Accelerated Tech Pathway captured a steady share (~15–20%) of Express Entry invites. Occupations included:
- Software Engineers & Programmers (NOC 21231, 21232, 21234)
- Cybersecurity Specialists (NOC 21220)
- Data Scientists (NOC 21211)
- Computer and Info Systems Managers (NOC 20012)
- Electrical & Electronics Engineers (NOC 21310)
- User Support Technicians (NOC 22221)
Most tech invites required a minimum CLB 5 in English/French, a valid Express Entry profile with CRS 300+ (some draws had higher internal EOI thresholds), and a job offer from an Alberta-based tech employer.
Law Enforcement Pathway
Throughout November–December 2024, law enforcement draws (NOC 42100 – Police Officers except commissioned) were small but recurring, representing an estimated 2–3% of total Express Entry invites in that quarter. These specialized invites require job offers from an Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police member.
- Notable Draws: October–December 2024
(October 15, 2024)
- Primarily targeted Tourism and Hospitality (non-Express Entry).
- However, some Express Entry candidates with overlapping occupations in hospitality management or supervisory roles also benefited.
(November 4, 2024) – Dedicated Healthcare Pathway
- ~98 healthcare invitations, focusing on NOC codes like 31102 (Family Physicians), 31301 (RNs), 32101 (LPNs), and a handful of allied health roles.
- Approx. 40–45% of these invites went to RNs alone, reflecting Alberta’s nurse shortage.
(November 8, 2024) – Law Enforcement Pathway
- A small draw primarily for NOC 42100 (police officers).
- If you’re a foreign police officer with a job offer in Alberta, this specialized invitation was crucial.
(November 14 & 16, 2024) – Express Entry Construction Sector
- Together, these draws accounted for a large chunk of Q4 invites (especially for carpenters, welders, electricians, etc.).
- Some sub-occupations saw double-digit invites each time (e.g., plumbers, drywall installers, tile setters).
(December 10 & 11, 2024) – General Draw & Accelerated Tech Pathway
- On Dec 10, a “General Express Entry” draw minted ~262 invites, with a wide net over managerial, professional, and technical NOCs.
- On Dec 11, the Accelerated Tech Pathway singled out roles in software engineering, data analysis, and electrical/electronic engineering.
- Top 10 In-Demand Occupations (Approx. Share of Express Entry Invites)
Below is an approximate percentage of total Express Entry invitations (Oct–Dec 2024) awarded to the top 10 NOC codes (all sub-pathways combined):
- Registered Nurses (NOC 31301): ~10–12%
- Carpenters (NOC 72310): ~5–6%
- Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101): ~5%
- Software Engineers & Designers (NOC 21231): ~4%
- Electricians (NOC 72200 / 72201): ~4%
- Welders & Fitters (NOC 72106, 72104): ~3–4%
- Nurse Aides, Orderlies (NOC 33102): ~3%
- Data/IT Specialists (NOC 21220, 21211, 22221): ~3% collectively
- Physicians (NOC 31102): ~2–3%
- Construction Millwrights/Mechanics (NOC 72400): ~2–3%
(Note: Occupations like law enforcement or paramedics were invited but represent smaller shares overall.)
- Predictions for 2025: Where Are We Headed?
- Continued High Demand in Healthcare
Nursing and physician occupations will likely keep topping the charts. As Alberta’s healthcare system aims to alleviate shortages, Registered Nurses could remain the largest single occupational group invited under the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway.
- More Specialized Construction Roles
Last quarter’s focus on trades suggests 2025 may see even more specialized draws for sheet metal workers, bricklayers, roofers, plasterers, etc., especially in large infrastructure or residential projects.
- Growing Tech Pathway
With the Accelerated Tech Pathway introduced, tech invites soared in Q4 2024. We anticipate around 15–25% of Express Entry draws in 2025 to be allocated to tech occupations, especially if local employers keep ramping up hiring.
- Niche Pathways Expanding
Law Enforcement draws in 2024 were small but consistent—suggesting the province might continue filling specialized roles in police departments or corrections (NOC 42100, 43201). Keep an eye out for new niche pathways if Alberta identifies further workforce gaps.
- Higher EOI Thresholds
Early 2025 data for some Worker Streams show increased competition, pushing up EOI cutoffs. We can expect a similar phenomenon for the Express Entry side, especially in popular roles like carpentry and nursing.
- How to Leverage This Info for Your Application
- Check If Your NOC Is In Demand
- If you’re in healthcare, trades, or tech, your odds of selection under an Alberta Express Entry sub-pathway are quite strong.
- For niche roles, monitor official bulletins to see if new specialized draws are announced (e.g., law enforcement, paramedics).
- Maintain a Valid EE Profile with CRS 300+
- Most Alberta draws require a minimum of 300 in the federal Comprehensive Ranking System. Even if you have a lower CRS, you can still be invited—particularly if you have an Alberta job offer or strong ties to the province.
- Enhance Your Profile
- Boost language scores, gain additional work experience, or secure an Alberta-based LMIA if possible. This often results in better EOI ranking for targeted draws.
- Stay Alert for Sector-Specific Draws
- Sub-pathways like Accelerated Tech or Dedicated Healthcare are repeated monthly/quarterly. If your role qualifies, keep your Express Entry profile updated and aligned with Alberta’s occupation codes.
- Work with an Experienced Consultant
- Sorting through multiple sub-pathways can be daunting. Immigration Nation – Immigration Consultant in Edmonton stays updated on each wave of invitations, ensuring that you meet the necessary criteria when a relevant draw occurs.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why Did Alberta Conduct So Many Construction Draws in Late 2024?
- Alberta is experiencing a construction boom—residential, commercial, and infrastructure. The AAIP responded by targeting TEER 2-3 tradespeople, foremen, and supervisors.
- Is Healthcare Still the Fastest Path Under Alberta Express Entry?
- Quite possibly, yes. Dedicated Healthcare Pathway draws are frequent, and healthcare occupations typically have lower internal cutoffs. However, you still need a solid CRS and a valid job offer in healthcare.
- Do I Need a Job Offer in Alberta to Be Selected?
- It’s highly recommended. While having an Alberta job offer isn’t always mandatory for an invitation, it significantly boosts your chance of selection under any sub-pathway.
- What If My Occupation Isn’t on the “Hot List”?
- Keep an eye out for occasional “general draws.” Alberta invites a broad range of NOCs not covered under specific sectors. A robust CRS score and ties to Alberta can help you get noticed.
- Could the Law Enforcement Pathway Expand to More Occupations?
- Possibly. Currently, the main target is NOC 42100 (police officers), but expansions might occur if Alberta identifies other urgent law enforcement roles.
- Do I Lose Points if My EE Profile Expires During the Wait?
- If your federal Express Entry profile expires, you’d need to create a new one. This can affect your eligibility in ongoing draws. Keep track of your profile’s validity.
- How Frequent Are Tech Draws Under Accelerated Tech Pathway?
- In late 2024, we saw draws roughly every 4–6 weeks. We predict that frequency will continue or even increase if Alberta’s tech sector demands it.
- Why Are Some NOCs Like 42100 or 31102 Invited So Often?
- Alberta has critical labor shortages in policing (law enforcement) and healthcare. The province frequently runs sub-targeted draws for these roles.
- What EOI Score or CRS Score Do I Need?
- A typical minimum is CRS 300 in the federal Express Entry system. However, EOI scoring for the AAIP’s internal ranking can push practical cutoffs higher. Aim to raise your language score, get an Alberta job offer, or accumulate more experience.
- How Can Immigration Nation – Immigration Consultant in Edmonton Help?
- We monitor each Express Entry sub-pathway, interpret draw data, align your NOC with in-demand roles, and ensure your application meets every detail. This significantly improves your invite chances.
- Final Thoughts on AAIP’s Express Entry Trends
From October to December 2024, the Alberta Express Entry Stream:
- Issued hundreds of invitations to construction trades, healthcare professionals, IT specialists, and law enforcement.
- Showcased a broad approach, with niche draws for police officers or specialized allied health roles.
- Demonstrated continuing emphasis on bridging labor gaps in rural or sector-specific contexts.
Heading into 2025, we expect these themes to persist or intensify:
- Healthcare remains a top priority, especially for RNs, LPNs, paramedics, and physicians.
- Skilled trades in construction, heavy equipment operation, and finishing trades will keep seeing repeated draw activity.
- Tech expansions mean more accelerated draws for software engineers, data analysts, cybersecurity pros, and other high-skill IT roles.
If you’re in any of these occupations—or believe you fit a less-common but still needed role—now is the time to polish your Express Entry profile, secure a valid job offer (if you can), and ensure you’re meeting Alberta’s sub-pathway criteria.
Need hands-on guidance? Immigration Nation – Immigration Consultant in Edmonton stays up to date on every AAIP category and can offer strategic insights into which sub-pathway or draw might suit your occupation best.
Take action today by contacting us at (780) 800-0113 or emailing [email protected] to start your Express Entry journey in Alberta.
Disclaimer
The data in this article reflects approximate or percentage-based figures for the period October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. Specific numeric data has been withheld to maintain confidentiality. Requirements and draw outcomes may change without notice. Always consult AAIP official updates or a licensed immigration professional for the latest information.