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Central Alberta, Canada
Immigration Pathways Pathways to permanent residence

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

Alberta’s own program for nominating skilled workers for permanent residence.

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At a glance

Job offer required?
Usually
Leads to
Permanent residence
Run by
Alberta + Federal

What It Is

The AAIP is Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program. It is run jointly by the Alberta government and the federal government (IRCC). If Alberta nominates you through the AAIP, that nomination supports your application for Canadian permanent residence. The AAIP is made up of several streams. This page covers the main worker streams.

The Main Worker Streams

Alberta Opportunity Stream
For workers already in Alberta on an eligible work permit, with a job offer from an Alberta employer.
Alberta Express Entry Stream
For candidates already in the federal Express Entry pool whose profile matches Alberta’s priorities. Includes dedicated pathways for health care, technology, and policing occupations.
Tourism and Hospitality Stream
For workers with a full-time job offer from an Alberta tourism or hospitality employer.

Who It’s For

Skilled and semi-skilled workers with ties to Alberta’s labour market, usually already working in the province or holding a strong, relevant job offer.

Job Offer Required?

Usually, yes. Most AAIP worker streams require an ongoing, full-time job offer from an Alberta employer. The Alberta Express Entry Stream is the exception in some cases, since it draws from candidates already in the federal pool.

What It Leads To

Permanent residence. An AAIP nomination is a step toward permanent resident status, not the final step itself.

Step by step

How the Process Generally Works

  • Provincial (Alberta)
  • Federal (IRCC)
  1. 1

    Provincial (Alberta)

    Alberta reviews candidate profiles, often through an Expression of Interest system, against current provincial priorities.

  2. 2

    Provincial (Alberta)

    Selected candidates are invited to apply for a nomination.

  3. 3

    Federal (IRCC)

    If nominated, the candidate applies to the federal government for permanent residence.

  4. 4

    Federal (IRCC)

    Federal processing follows, separate from the provincial nomination step.

Good to Know

Alberta only has a limited number of nomination spaces each year, set by the federal government. This means the AAIP prioritizes certain sectors and occupations, and those priorities can shift from year to year. What qualified last year may not be prioritized this year.

Important to Know

AAIP streams, priorities, and nomination numbers are set by the Alberta and Canadian governments and can change without much notice. This page describes the general shape of the program. It does not guarantee that any individual or employer will qualify or be nominated. Speak with a licensed immigration professional to find out whether this pathway fits your specific situation.

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Other pathways

See all pathways
Rural Renewal Stream Permanent residence Express Entry Permanent residence Employer-Driven Pathway (LMIA) Temporary work permit Francophone Mobility Temporary work permit Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Temporary open work permit

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