The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) continues to evolve, showcasing transparent statistics on nominations issued, applications in process, and draw histories. For prospective immigrants—both worker and entrepreneur—the big question is, “What do the numbers mean?” This in-depth look at the AAIP’s 2025 inventory and recent draw history (especially from late 2024) will help you make sense of the data, plan your strategy, and gauge your prospects for a successful Alberta nomination.
At Immigration Nation – Immigration Consultant in Edmonton, we guide applicants through each AAIP stream, ensuring they stay informed of both the latest stats and the trends likely to shape future draws. Let’s dissect the current AAIP inventory, last year’s draw outcomes, and this year’s emerging selection priorities.
- AAIP 2025 Inventory at a Glance
Why Inventory Matters: The AAIP’s posted “inventory” reveals how many nominations remain available and how many applications are awaiting processing. The more applications in line, the more competitive the draw, especially if nomination spots are limited.
Nomination Allocation for 2025
- 2025 Nomination Allocation: 4,875 – This is the total number of nominations Alberta can issue this year.
- Nominations Issued So Far (as of February 20, 2025):
- Alberta Opportunity Stream: 573
- Rural Renewal Stream: 93
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream: 12
- Dedicated Healthcare Pathway (non-Express Entry): Fewer than 10
- Alberta Express Entry Stream: 89
- Entrepreneur Streams: Fewer than 10
Clearly, most of the nominations are still available in the early months of 2025, which means there’s plenty of room for upcoming draws—particularly for in-demand occupations in tourism, construction, healthcare, and technology.
Applications to Be Processed
As of February 2025, the AAIP has a backlog of applications in each stream. Some highlights:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream: 2,089 to process, currently reviewing those submitted on or before June 17, 2024.
- Rural Renewal Stream: 1,248 in line, though the program is focusing on applicants who have job offers and rural community endorsements.
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream: 392 outstanding, reviewing those from November 27, 2024 or earlier.
- Dedicated Healthcare Pathway (non-Express Entry): 33 pending.
- Alberta Express Entry Stream: 599 pending across sub-pathways (Accelerated Tech, Dedicated Healthcare, Law Enforcement, priority sectors, etc.).
- Entrepreneur Streams: 22 pending applications.
What This Means: If you submitted your application in mid-to-late 2024 for a popular stream (like Opportunity), you might still be in line; newly submitted applications could wait months before the AAIP officer reaches them. However, the program’s 2025 capacity of nearly 5,000 slots suggests there’s significant room for new approvals this year.
- Worker EOI Pool: Over 47,000 Registrants
Launched in late 2024, the Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) system requires prospective applicants to fill out an online profile. As of February 2025, the EOI pool has:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream: 30,591
- Dedicated Health Care Pathways (EE + Non-EE): 1,067
- Rural Renewal Stream: 3,183
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream: 4,737
- Alberta Express Entry Stream: multiple sub-categories totaling 8,085 (Accelerated Tech, Law Enforcement, priority draws, etc.)
Total EOIs: 47,663 across all worker streams.
While not everyone with an EOI will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), the large volume underscores the high demand for Alberta immigration. Streams like the Opportunity Stream have the biggest pool, indicating more competition and potentially higher points thresholds or more targeted draws.
- Recent Draws (2025) and Observed Cut-Off Scores
The AAIP does not run draws on a rigid schedule. Instead, selection rounds are performed based on current labor market needs, available nomination spaces, and priority occupations. Here’s a snapshot of draws held in February 2025 so far:
- Feb 19, 2025: Dedicated Healthcare Pathway – non-Express Entry
- Min Score: 51
- Number of ITAs: 9
- Feb 18, 2025: Dedicated Healthcare Pathway – Express Entry
- Min Score: 47
- ITAs: 32
- Feb 14, 2025: Alberta Opportunity Stream – Construction Focus
- Min Score: 61
- ITAs: 88
- Feb 12, 2025: Accelerated Tech Pathway (Express Entry)
- Min Score: 67
- ITAs: 63
- Feb 7, 2025: Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Agriculture)
- Min Score: 64
- ITAs: 20
- Feb 6, 2025: Dedicated Healthcare Pathway – non-Express Entry
- Min Score: 50
- ITAs: 48
- Feb 5, 2025: Dedicated Healthcare Pathway – Express Entry
- Min Score: 52
- ITAs: 70
- Feb 3, 2025: Rural Renewal Stream
- Min Score: 68
- ITAs: 190
Key Observations:
- Healthcare Pathway draws have lower minimum scores (47–52 for Express Entry, 50–51 for Non-EE). This signals Alberta’s high demand for healthcare professionals.
- Opportunity Stream with a construction focus had a higher cutoff (61), while the Rural Renewal draw soared to 68—likely reflecting limited spots plus the desire for strong adaptation factors.
- Accelerated Tech Pathway (Feb 12) demanded a 67 EOI score, a sign that the tech stream remains competitive.
- The Agriculture priority draw had a 64 cutoff.
- Looking Back: Draw History from Oct–Dec 2024
In late 2024, the AAIP ramped up invitations across multiple streams. Some notable draws:
- Tourism & Hospitality: Minimum EOI scores ranged from 60 to 70. This stream specifically targeted LMIA-based permit holders with membership in a recognized sector association.
- Opportunity Stream: In November/December 2024, cutoffs varied from 50 to 71, depending on sub-focus (e.g., construction sector, PGWP holders, or general skilled occupations).
- Express Entry (Priority Sectors): Typically hovered around 50–65 for in-demand occupations (construction, healthcare, etc.).
- Dedicated Healthcare: Scores fluctuated between 44 and 52 in various draws, reflecting urgent medical workforce needs.
Trend: The busiest months—November and December 2024—featured many sector-specific draws. That strategic approach (breaking out draws by occupation and permit type) is continuing into 2025, albeit with some new categories like the Law Enforcement Pathway.
- Predicting 2025 Draw Patterns
While we can’t guarantee future results, analyzing the late 2024 draws and the current 2025 data provides insights:
- Healthcare Occupations
- Historically score lower cutoffs (45–55 range) compared to other groups. This pattern will likely persist because the province is still short-staffed in healthcare.
- The volume of healthcare draws in February 2025 alone is a strong indicator that further draws for nursing, allied health, and physician occupations will continue with relatively modest cutoffs.
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Typically sees cutoffs around 60–70 EOI points. If the labor shortage continues into summer 2025, we expect 2–3 more draws specifically targeting these roles by mid-year.
- Expect a preference for candidates with 6+ months of Alberta experience, valid LMIA-based permits, and strong language test results (CLB 4 or above).
- Rural Renewal
- The Feb 3, 2025 draw had an EOI cut-off of 68, higher than last year’s average of about 60–65. Competition might intensify as more communities become designated and more foreign workers apply.
- If you have strong settlement factors, your EOI score might exceed 68. We project roughly 3–5 more draws for the Rural Renewal Stream in 2025.
- Opportunity Stream
- Remains the largest worker stream with 2,000+ apps pending. Cutoffs in 2025 range from 61 (Feb 14) to a potential 70–75 by the year’s end if volume remains high.
- The stream often focuses on specific occupational clusters (construction, manufacturing, etc.). Those with valid LMIA or LMIA-exempt status, strong language scores, and 1+ year of Alberta experience have better chances.
- Accelerated Tech Pathway
- Tech draws remain competitive with cutoffs above 60. The February 12 draw was 67, up from 59–65 in late 2024. We predict a stable or slightly rising threshold, possibly hitting 70 if the number of EOI registrants keeps growing.
- Entrepreneur Streams
- Historically fewer draws but thorough processing. On average, only less than 10 nominations are issued so far in 2025. The Rural Entrepreneur Stream can see moderate interest; a handful of draws might occur.
- Expect 2–4 new intakes in 2025, but each business application can take up to 4+ months of evaluation.
- Strategic Tips for Applicants
- Aim for Maximum EOI Score
- Improve language results. E.g., raising CLB from 5 to 6 can significantly boost your EOI points.
- Accumulate more Alberta work experience, if possible.
- If you plan to apply via Rural Renewal, consider seeking endorsement from a well-established designated community.
- Know Your Stream-Specific Requirements
- Tourism/Hospitality: Must have an LMIA-based permit plus membership of the employer in a recognized sector association.
- Opportunity Stream: Evaluate if your occupation is eligible; watch out for ineligible codes.
- Express Entry Streams: Maintain a valid federal profile with a CRS of 300+; keep an eye on your profile expiry date.
- Be Prepared for Occupation-Specific Draws
- If you’re in tech, check the Accelerated Tech Pathway job list.
- For construction, agriculture, or healthcare, keep track of when those specialized draws happen; they often have lower overall EOI cutoffs.
- Monitor AAIP Website and Speak to Experts
- The AAIP updates nomination numbers, draws, and processing times regularly.
- Immigration Nation – Immigration Consultant in Edmonton can interpret these updates and optimize your application timing.
- Top 10 FAQs about AAIP Inventory and Draw Trends
- Does a High Inventory Mean Lower Chance of Nomination?
- Not necessarily. A high number of pending applications can lead to more targeted draws. But the 4,875 nomination slots in 2025 is robust. If your EOI score is competitive, you still have a strong chance.
- How Often Are Draws Conducted?
- There’s no fixed schedule. The AAIP conducts draws “as needed,” focusing on occupational shortages or strategic priorities. However, it’s typical to see multiple draws each month.
- What’s the Typical EOI Cutoff for Healthcare Occupations?
- Historically, 45–55. In 2025, we’ve seen 47–52 for Express Entry, 50–51 for non-Express Entry. This may continue.
- Is the Rural Renewal Stream Getting More Competitive?
- The Feb 3, 2025 draw had an EOI cutoff of 68, which is higher than many 2024 draws. More communities are participating, so interest is rising. Yes, it’s slightly more competitive in 2025.
- I’m in Tourism & Hospitality. Any Special Tips?
- Ensure you’re employed by an approved Alberta employer who’s a member of an eligible sector association. Also, confirm your occupation is on the program’s approved list (NOC 2021 codes for cooks, servers, bartenders, etc.).
- What If My Application’s Processing Date Is Past the ‘Currently Assessing On or Before’ Date?
- The AAIP processes applications in first-come, first-served order, with possible priority for near-expiry work permits or critical occupations. If your application date is older, you should expect movement soon.
- Can I Switch Streams If My Occupation Changes?
- Not recommended. You generally apply to one worker stream. If your situation changes drastically (e.g., new job in a different sector), you may need a new EOI or face a possible refusal if the original job offer no longer exists.
- Does Having a Bridging Work Permit Affect My Priority?
- Not directly. However, the AAIP does prioritize some applicants with soon-to-expire permits, due to the ‘temporary public policy’ that helps them maintain status while finalizing nominations.
- How Do I Improve My EOI Score Quickly?
- Increase your language test results, accumulate more full-time experience in Alberta, get higher education equivalency, or secure an in-demand job offer in a priority sector. Some streams also value strong ties to rural communities or certain industries.
- How Can Immigration Nation – Immigration Consultant in Edmonton Help?
- We guide you in selecting the right stream, perfecting your EOI, and ensuring your job offer/employer meets all criteria. Our consultants track AAIP draws to time your application optimally, potentially boosting your EOI score and success rate.
- Future Outlook and Key Considerations
- Late 2025 Surge?: As the nomination slots get used, the AAIP might tighten draw thresholds or reduce frequency. If you’re ready, it’s wiser to apply in the first half of 2025 rather than waiting.
- Occupation-Specific Draws: Sectors like healthcare, agriculture, tech, law enforcement, and tourism remain prime focuses.
- Entrepreneur Streams: With fewer than 10 nominations so far in 2025, the entrepreneurial route is more niche and requires thorough documentation. However, it remains a viable path if you have business/farm experience.
Remember: The AAIP is dynamic. The data posted is subject to change without prior notice. Maintaining an up-to-date EOI profile and strong job offer is crucial.
Conclusion
The AAIP’s inventory figures and draw histories provide a roadmap for foreign workers and entrepreneurs eyeing Alberta. Large applicant pools (47,663 EOIs across streams) and robust 2025 nomination allotments (4,875) indicate both opportunity and competition. By examining previous draws—particularly from October to December 2024—we see how sector-specific targeting has escalated, driving the cut-off thresholds in some streams (like Rural Renewal) higher.
Moving forward, expect the province to continue focusing on in-demand occupations (healthcare, construction, technology, tourism) with EOI cutoffs that align with each sector’s labor needs. If your goal is a permanent life in Alberta, you can improve your chances by:
- Boosting your EOI score (language, experience, education).
- Securing a valid, recognized job offer (or community endorsement).
- Staying informed about the AAIP’s changing priorities.
At Immigration Nation – Immigration Consultant in Edmonton, we stay on top of these shifts. Our team offers personalized advice on which stream best fits your profile, when to submit or update your EOI, and how to document your eligibility comprehensively.
Ready to explore your AAIP future? Contact (780) 800-0113 or email [email protected]. From analyzing your CRS score (for Express Entry paths) to connecting with rural communities (Rural Renewal) or tourism employers, we’ll help you navigate Alberta’s dynamic immigration landscape.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is accurate as of February 2025. Policies, inventories, and draw cut-offs are subject to change. Always consult official AAIP sources or speak with a licensed immigration professional for the latest updates.