Alberta Issues More Invitations to Provincial Immigration Candidates: April 2025 Update

Alberta has expanded its efforts to attract skilled workers by issuing more invitations to candidates through its provincial immigration program. This move is part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), which aims to fill critical labor shortages across the province by targeting specific sectors in need of talent.

The latest rounds of invitations reflect Alberta’s strategic approach to addressing labor gaps, particularly in high-demand fields like healthcare. On April 11, 2025, the province conducted its first general draw under the Alberta Opportunity Stream for the year, marking a shift from earlier 2025 draws that focused on specialized pathways.

Earlier in April, Alberta issued a total of 81 invitations across three targeted draws. These draws prioritized healthcare professionals, with invitations distributed through both Express Entry-linked and non-Express Entry streams. The focus on healthcare underscores the province’s efforts to bolster its healthcare workforce amid ongoing labor shortages.

Alberta has also made notable updates to its immigration program. Effective March 17, 2025, the AAIP discontinued invitations under the “family connection” and “occupation in demand” pathways. Additionally, Express Entry profile requirements have been revised for applications submitted after September 30, 2024, ensuring alignment with current program criteria.

For 2025, Alberta has an allocation of 1,071 nominations for its Express Entry Stream. The priority remains on candidates who can fill urgent roles and integrate quickly into Alberta’s workforce, highlighting the province’s commitment to meeting its labor market needs through strategic immigration efforts.

These recent developments demonstrate Alberta’s adaptability in responding to economic demands while providing clear pathways for skilled immigrants to contribute to the province’s growth. As the AAIP continues to evolve, it remains a key tool for addressing labor shortages and supporting Alberta’s long-term economic goals.

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Recent Invitation Rounds and Targeted Pathways

In the latest rounds, Alberta invited a total of 165 candidates through four targeted immigration pathways. These invitations were distributed based on candidates’ work experience and their ability to address key labor gaps in the provincial economy. The AAIP focused on inviting individuals who could contribute immediately to sectors experiencing a high demand for skilled labor.

The draw conducted on April 11, 2025, was particularly notable as it marked the first general draw under the Alberta Opportunity Stream for the year. Previous draws in 2025 had primarily focused on specialized pathways, such as health care.

Breakdown of Recent Draws

Alberta has been conducting regular provincial immigration draws throughout April 2025. According to immigration update reports, a total of 81 candidates were invited across three draws in the first two weeks of April, with a particular emphasis on health care professionals. These draws targeted candidates through both Express Entry-linked and non-Express Entry streams.

Candidates invited through these streams were primarily foreign nationals with qualifications and experience in health care, reflecting Alberta’s ongoing efforts to address labor shortages in this essential field.

Updates and Changes to the AAIP

Alberta continues to make adjustments to its immigration program to ensure it meets labor market demands. Notably, effective March 17, 2025, the AAIP stopped inviting candidates under the “family connection” and “occupation in demand” pathways. Additionally, there have been updates to the Express Entry profile requirements, especially for applications submitted after September 30, 2024. If an applicant’s Express Entry profile expires before a decision is made, they may be required to submit a new profile that aligns with updated program criteria.

Allocation and Processing

For 2025, Alberta has an allocation of 1,071 nominations for its Express Entry Stream. The priority remains on candidates who can fill urgent roles and integrate quickly into Alberta’s workforce.

Conclusion

Alberta’s recent rounds of invitations through the AAIP highlight the province’s strategic approach to immigration, focusing on targeted draws that address specific labor gaps, particularly in health care and other priority sectors. With ongoing updates and changes to the program, Alberta aims to remain flexible and responsive to the needs of its economy while providing clear pathways for skilled immigrants to settle and work in the province.

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Conclusion

Alberta’s recent immigration updates demonstrate a strategic focus on addressing labor shortages, particularly in high-demand sectors like healthcare. By issuing more invitations through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), the province is actively creating opportunities for skilled workers to contribute to its economy. The discontinuation of certain pathways and updates to Express Entry requirements reflect Alberta’s commitment to aligning its immigration efforts with current labor market needs. These changes highlight the province’s adaptability and its dedication to supporting long-term economic growth through targeted immigration strategies.

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