Alberta Launches Tool To Check AAIP Eligibility

Alberta has introduced a new online tool to help foreign nationals understand which Alberta Advantage Immigration Program streams may match their background, work plans, or business goals.

The provincial government announced the launch of the Eligibility Explorer on its AAIP updates page on June 17. The tool gives users a quick way to review possible permanent residence pathways by answering a short set of questions.

Tool Offers Early Guidance

The Eligibility Explorer asks users about their personal circumstances and immigration goals. Within minutes, it provides a list of AAIP streams that may be suitable based on the answers submitted.

The tool first asks whether a person plans to live and work in Alberta, continue living and working in the province, or start or buy a business there.

After the tool identifies possible streams, users can review the requirements for those programs. They may also move ahead with creating an Expression of Interest, commonly known as an EOI.

However, Alberta has made it clear that the tool is only a guide. It does not confirm that a person is eligible, and it does not guarantee that the province will invite them to apply after they submit an EOI.

Questions Depend On Applicant Goals

The questions change depending on whether the person wants to work in Alberta or pursue a business pathway.

For workers, the tool asks about job offers, current Alberta residency, work permit type, and National Occupational Classification code. These details help connect applicants with worker streams that may match their situation.

For entrepreneurs, the tool asks about education, investment ability, and interest in starting a business in a rural Alberta community.

As of the latest information available, Alberta charges a $135 fee to submit a worker EOI. Entrepreneur stream EOIs cost $200, except for the Farm Stream, which goes directly to application and has a $3,500 fee.

Worker Streams Included

The AAIP currently includes four worker streams.

The Alberta Opportunity Stream is for qualified candidates who live and work in Alberta and have a job offer from an Alberta employer.

The Alberta Express Entry Stream is for candidates in the federal Express Entry pool. Applicants need a Comprehensive Ranking System score of at least 300 and a primary occupation linked to Alberta’s economic, sector, or occupational priorities.

This stream includes four pathways: the Dedicated Health Care Pathway, Accelerated Tech Pathway, Law Enforcement Pathway, and Priority Sectors Pathway.

The Rural Renewal Stream supports temporary workers with a job offer from an Alberta employer in a designated community. Applicants also need an endorsement letter from that community.

The Tourism and Hospitality Stream is for qualified candidates who live and work in Alberta and have a full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Business Streams Also Covered

The AAIP also offers four entrepreneur streams.

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream is for people who want to start or buy a business in rural Alberta. The Graduate Entrepreneur Stream supports international graduates from approved Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to start or buy a business.

The Farm Stream is designed for experienced farmers who plan to buy or start a farm in Alberta. The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for graduates from post-secondary institutions outside Canada who want to launch a start-up or innovative business in the province.