Alberta Advantage Immigration Program（AAIP）

Improvements to Alberta Advantage Immigration Program(AAIP) in April 2023

    Changes to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)will make it easier for skilled workers and entrepreneurs to become permanentresidents. Alberta's strong economic outlook and commitment to further growthand diversification make it a prominent hub for immigration, with nearly 50,000individuals choosing Alberta as a destination for investment, work, andsettling in 2022.

    The AAIP is an economic immigration program that allows theprovince of Alberta to nominate eligible workers in demand industries forpermanent residency. By enhancing the operation of this program, Alberta aimsto become more competitive in attracting skilled newcomers from around theworld.

    Alberta Premier Daniel Smith stated, "Alberta is a landof opportunities. Here in our province, you can find the career you desire,bring home substantial and stable income, and still enjoy quality time withyour family and friends. People from all over the world want to come here, andwe hope they join our communities and contribute to our continued growth andsuccess."

    The Alberta government is introducing five changes to theAAIP that will benefit businesses and international skilled workers. Changes inthe Rural Entrepreneur Immigration Category and Rural RevitalizationImmigration Category will help maintain the vitality and development of ruralcommunities in Alberta. The investment threshold for the Rural EntrepreneurCategory has been lowered to $100,000, opening doors for more qualifiedentrepreneurs looking to establish or acquire existing businesses in rural communitiesparticipating in the immigration program. The requirement for proof ofendorsement from a settlement agency under the Rural Revitalization Program hasbeen eliminated, making it easier for rural communities to attract, recruit,and welcome new immigrants based on local needs.

    Alberta boasts some of the world's finest healthcareprofessionals. The province will strive to provide adequate support to ensureresidents of Alberta receive the required care at the right time and place. Anew pathway to attract healthcare professionals to Alberta means that the 2023Express Entry Stream will reserve up to 30% of its allocations for such medicalprofessionals if they have opportunities to work in Alberta through healthcaredepartment employers and meet the qualifications for working in an eligiblehealthcare institution.

    The other two changes include establishing a new hotlinedirectly connecting AAIP staff with clients and collaborating with the federalEconomic Mobility Pathways Pilot program. Participation in this pilot will helprefugees with Canadian-required skills and qualifications immigrate throughexisting economic immigration programs.

Quick Facts:

- There are currently approximately 100,000 job vacanciesacross Alberta.

- Alberta forecasts cumulative job shortages in variousoccupations, skill levels, and sectors to reach 33,100 by 2025 (Source: AlbertaOccupational Outlook 2021-2030).

- The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program's annualnomination quota is regulated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.

   - Recent nominationsreceived by Alberta have increased:

    - 2023: 9,750nominations

    - 2024(estimated): 10,140 nominations

    - Estimated 10,849 nominations in 2025.