Canada: Expressions of Interest required for new foreign workers in Alberta
The province of Alberta in Canada has recently introduced changes to the application process for foreign workers under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
As of 30 September 2024, candidates must submit a Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) if they are interested in receiving an invitation to apply to one of the AAIP program’s worker streams.
What is the AAIP?
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is an economic immigration program that nominates people for permanent residence in Alberta. Nominees must have skills to fill job shortages or be planning to buy or start a business in Alberta. They must also be able to provide for their families.
Those who are nominated through the program may apply for permanent residence status together with their spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IIRC) manages applications for permanent residence. The federal government also makes final decisions on these applications.
The AAIP has four streams for foreign workers and four streams for entrepreneurs.
Submitting a Worker Expression of Interest
There is no fee to submit a Worker EOI.
Candidates must self-declare information about themselves through an online Worker EOI form in the AAIP portal. Each Worker EOI will be scored and ranked using the Worker EOI points grid. Candidates who successfully submit a Worker EOI will be placed into the Worker Stream pool to be considered for selection.
The AAIP will conduct ongoing draws from the Worker Stream pool for specific worker streams and pathways. The AAIP will select and invite candidates from the Worker Stream pool based on candidate EOI score rankings and provincial labour market needs and priorities, available AAIP nominations, and application levels. Individuals who are selected will receive an invitation to apply by email.
It is important to note that while the new system is now available, there is no need to rush to submit a Worker EOI as the AAIP will not conduct draws from the Worker Stream pool until mid or late October 2024.
AAIP encourages employers to take the following steps to prepare to submit a Worker EOI:
- Confirm that they meet eligibility requirements for one or more AAIP worker streams.
- Review the Worker EOI points grid to understand the type of information AAIP will be collecting in the Worker EOI and how points are awarded.
- Consider their existing AAIP applications or Entrepreneur EOIs.
- Employers can only have one Worker EOI.
- Employers cannot create a Worker EOI if they have an existing Worker EOI or Entrepreneur EOI or a draft or active AAIP application. Existing applications or EOIs must be withdrawn prior to creating a Worker EOI.
- Make sure they have a valid, basic Alberta.ca account.
Speak to our Canada immigration experts
If you need advice or guidance relating to Canadian immigration, the Smith Stone Walters Global Immigration team is here to help.
To speak to a member of the team, please contact us today.
