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Alberta Immigration Updates – March & April 2025
Prepared by Sohi Law Group, Immigration Lawyers in British Columbia
Alberta has introduced a series of significant changes to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) in March and April 2025. These changes affect language testing, application fees, Express Entry flexibility, work permits, and eligibility pathways.
At Sohi Law Group, we monitor these developments closely to keep clients informed and to provide guidance on how these changes may affect their immigration options.
Overview of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
The AAIP is Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program, allowing the province to select skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates for permanent residence in Canada. It operates in partnership with the federal government and is aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system.
Each year, Alberta adjusts its program to respond to labour market needs, settlement capacity, and administrative priorities. The 2025 changes reflect both economic and operational considerations.
Key Changes in March & April 2025
1. Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core Now Accepted
As of April 1, 2025, Alberta recognizes the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core as proof of English proficiency across all AAIP streams, joining IELTS, CELPIP, and TEF Canada (for French).
- Computer-based format with results typically in 48 hours.
- Assesses speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
- Widely available test centres, offering flexible scheduling.
2. Increased Application Fees for Worker Streams
Starting April 1, 2025, Alberta raised application fees:
- Worker streams: CAD $1,500
- Entrepreneur streams: remain at CAD $3,500
- Service requests (reconsideration, letters of support): CAD $150–$250
This fee increase aligns with rising administrative costs.
Government of Alberta – Fee changes
3. Flexibility for Express Entry Profiles
As of March 17, 2025, candidates with expiring Express Entry profiles may update their information rather than submit a new application.
This prevents processing delays and ensures candidates remain eligible for AAIP consideration.
🔗 Government of Alberta – Express Entry updates
4. Alberta Opts Out of Federal Temporary Work Permit Policy
In 2025, Alberta decided not to participate in the federal policy that facilitated temporary work permits for prospective provincial nominees.
- Applicants must continue using standard work permit applications.
- This may lead to longer processing times compared with provinces that opted into the federal pathway.
🔗 Government of Alberta – Work permit policy statement
5. Closure of Family Connection & Occupation in Demand Pathway
Effective March 17, 2025, Alberta closed this Express Entry pathway.
- Family ties can still contribute points under the Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
- Priority is no longer given to family members or in-demand occupations through a separate stream.
- Applications submitted before the closure date will still be processed.
🔗 Government of Alberta – Pathway closure
New Stream: Alberta Work Experience Stream (Introduced March 2025)
In addition to the above, Alberta launched the Alberta Work Experience Stream.
- Available to temporary foreign workers with at least one year of Alberta work experience in designated occupations.
- Applicants do not need a job offer to apply.
- Aims to support workers who have already demonstrated their contribution to Alberta’s economy.
🔗 Government of Alberta – Alberta Work Experience Stream
Impact on Applicants
- Language Testing: More flexibility with the addition of PTE Core.
- Budgeting: Higher costs for worker stream applications.
- Timing: Candidates with expiring Express Entry profiles may have an easier transition.
- Work Permits: Longer wait times may occur due to Alberta opting out of the federal facilitation policy.
- Eligibility Pathways: Applicants can no longer rely on the Family Connection/Occupation in Demand pathway and must maximize other EOI factors such as education, work experience, and language scores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the PTE Core test, and why is it important?
The PTE Core is a computer-based English test now accepted by the AAIP. It offers quick results (around 48 hours) and assesses all four key skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
2. Why did Alberta discontinue the Family Connection and Occupation in Demand Pathway?
Alberta shifted to a broader Expression of Interest (EOI) system introduced in September 2024. Family ties can still help increase EOI scores, but there is no longer a separate priority stream.
3. What is the Alberta Work Experience Stream?
Introduced in March 2025, it allows temporary foreign workers with one year of Alberta work experience in eligible occupations to apply for permanent residency without a job offer.
4. How much are AAIP application fees now?
- Worker streams: CAD $1,500
- Entrepreneur streams: CAD $3,500
- Service requests: CAD $150–$250
5. Do these changes affect federal Express Entry applications?
Yes. While Express Entry is managed federally, Alberta’s adjustments influence how candidates are selected or nominated through the AAIP.
How Sohi Law Group Can Assist
Our immigration lawyers at Sohi Law Group provide advice on:
- Assessing eligibility under the new AAIP criteria.
- Strategizing on language testing and EOI points.
- Preparing Express Entry and provincial nominee program applications.
- Navigating work permit and permanent residence applications.
We work with clients to ensure they are well-positioned under Alberta’s evolving immigration framework.
Disclaimer
This article is provided by Sohi Law Group for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Immigration eligibility depends on individual circumstances and official program requirements, which may change.
For advice specific to your situation, please contact Sohi Law Group or another qualified Canadian immigration lawyer.
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