AAIP Targets Healthcare Workers and Temporary Foreign Workers in Major Provincial Nomination Round
Alberta has solidified its position as one of Canada’s most active immigration destinations, issuing 1,125 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination in a week of significant draw activity. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted two separate selections between November 10-14, 2025, targeting candidates with established provincial ties and healthcare professionals.
This latest round of invitations represents the second-largest immigration draw Alberta has conducted in 2025, signaling the province’s continued commitment to addressing labor shortages and strengthening its workforce.
November 2025 Draw Results: Complete Breakdown
Draw Details at a Glance
| Date | Immigration Stream | Invitations Issued | Minimum CRS Score | Target Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 10, 2025 | Alberta Opportunity Stream | 1,045 | 55 | Temporary foreign workers in Alberta |
| November 14, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry Stream | 80 | 52 | Healthcare professionals |
| Total | Both Streams | 1,125 | — | — |
Historic Significance of November 10 Draw
The November 10th selection marked a milestone for Alberta’s immigration system. With 1,045 invitations issued, it became the largest draw since September 12, 2025, when the province invited 1,113 candidates. This demonstrates Alberta’s accelerated pace in processing provincial nominations as the year draws to a close.
Understanding the Alberta Opportunity Stream
Who Qualifies for This Pathway?
The Alberta Opportunity Stream serves as a direct immigration route for temporary foreign workers currently employed in the province. This employer-driven program allows Alberta businesses to retain valuable international talent who have already demonstrated their commitment to working in the province.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Employment Status – Full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation
- Work Authorization – Valid work permit authorizing employment in Alberta
- Residency – Currently living and working in Alberta
- Work Experience – Relevant Alberta work experience in your occupation
- Language Proficiency – Meet minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements
- Education – Educational credentials that meet program standards
- Occupation – Job offer must be in an eligible NOC category
2025 Allocation and Remaining Spots
The Alberta Opportunity Stream commands the largest nomination allocation among all AAIP pathways, with 3,656 total spots designated for 2025.
Current Status (as of November 19, 2025):
- Nominations Issued: 3,120
- Remaining Allocation: 536 spots
- Applications in Queue: 1,100 pending applications
With over 1,100 applications still awaiting processing and only 536 spots remaining, competition for the remaining nominations will intensify through year-end. Eligible candidates should ensure their applications are complete and submitted promptly.
Alberta Express Entry Stream: Healthcare Priority Draws
Targeting Critical Healthcare Shortages
On November 14, Alberta conducted its second priority sector draw of 2025, exclusively inviting healthcare professionals through the Alberta Express Entry Stream. This targeted approach reflects the province’s strategic focus on addressing critical shortages in its healthcare system.
Healthcare Draw Statistics:
- Invitations Issued: 80
- Minimum Score: 52 points
- Total 2025 Allocation: 660 nominations
- Nominations Used: 494
- Remaining Spots: 166
How the Express Entry Stream Works
The Alberta Express Entry Stream operates as an “enhanced” Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) pathway, directly aligned with Canada’s federal Express Entry system. This connection offers significant advantages:
Benefits of Express Entry Alignment:
- Candidates receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points upon provincial nomination
- Guaranteed Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in subsequent federal draw
- Faster processing times compared to non-Express Entry pathways
- Access to federal Express Entry benefits and streamlined procedures
Priority Sectors Under Express Entry Stream
Beyond healthcare, Alberta operates dedicated Express Entry pathways for multiple high-demand sectors:
Current Priority Occupations:
- Healthcare – Nurses, physicians, allied health professionals, medical technicians
- Technology – Software developers, IT specialists, data analysts
- Construction – Skilled trades, project managers, engineers
- Aviation – Pilots, aircraft technicians, aviation management
- Agriculture – Farm managers, agricultural specialists
- Law Enforcement – Police officers, corrections officers, security specialists
Each sector has specific eligibility criteria and draw schedules based on Alberta’s labor market needs.
Alberta’s 2025 Nomination Allocation: Key Changes
Federal Increase Restores Provincial Capacity
In a significant policy shift, the federal government increased Alberta’s 2025 Provincial Nominee Program allocation by 1,728 additional nominations, raising the provincial cap from 4,875 to 6,603 total nominations.
Allocation History:
- 2024: 9,750 nominations
- 2025 (Original): 4,875 nominations (50% reduction)
- 2025 (Revised): 6,603 nominations (35.5% increase)
- Capacity Restored: 67% of 2024 levels
Important Timing Considerations
Provincial officials have confirmed this allocation increase is non-transferable and will not carry over into 2026. This creates urgency for the AAIP to fully utilize the expanded nomination capacity before year-end.
Implications for Candidates:
- Expect more frequent draws through December 2025
- Potentially lower minimum score requirements to exhaust allocation
- Increased invitation volumes across multiple streams
- Final opportunity to benefit from 2025’s expanded capacity
Strategic Insights for AAIP Candidates
Positioning Your Application for Success
With Alberta racing to utilize its full 2025 allocation, prospective candidates should take strategic action:
For Alberta Opportunity Stream Candidates:
- Verify Employer Support – Ensure your Alberta employer is prepared to provide a compliant job offer
- Document Work Experience – Gather comprehensive evidence of your Alberta employment history
- Language Testing – Complete IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF language tests to meet CLB requirements
- Educational Assessment – Obtain Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if educated outside Canada
- Monitor Draw Patterns – Track minimum scores and invitation volumes to time your application
For Express Entry Healthcare Candidates:
- Profile Optimization – Maximize your CRS score before indicating Alberta interest
- Credential Recognition – Begin provincial licensure processes for regulated healthcare occupations
- Express Alberta Interest – Update your Express Entry profile to indicate Alberta as preferred destination
- Job Search – Connect with Alberta healthcare employers to strengthen your application
- Stay Application-Ready – Maintain up-to-date documents and test results
Understanding AAIP Scoring System
The AAIP uses a points-based selection system evaluating multiple factors:
Scored Criteria Include:
- Connection to Alberta (work experience, family ties, previous residency)
- Language proficiency in English or French
- Educational credentials and field of study
- Work experience in Canada and internationally
- Age and adaptability factors
- Job offer details and occupation demand
Candidates should focus on strengthening areas where they can increase their competitive score.
What Happens After Receiving an ITA?
Application Timeline and Process
Receiving an Invitation to Apply is just the beginning of your provincial nomination journey:
Step 1: Submit Complete Application (60 days)
- Gather all required documentation
- Complete application forms accurately
- Pay application fees
- Submit within 60-day deadline
Step 2: AAIP Processing (3-6 months average)
- Application review and verification
- Possible requests for additional documentation
- Background and eligibility checks
- Nomination decision
Step 3: Federal PR Application (if nominated)
- Submit federal permanent residence application
- Medical examination and police certificates
- Final federal processing (6-12 months for Express Entry)
Required Documentation Checklist
Successful applicants must provide comprehensive documentation:
- Valid passport and travel documents
- Language test results (less than 2 years old)
- Educational Credential Assessment (if applicable)
- Detailed employment reference letters
- Alberta job offer letter (meeting AAIP requirements)
- Work permit documentation
- Proof of Alberta residency and ties
- Settlement funds documentation
- Family composition documents
Alberta’s Immigration Outlook: 2026 and Beyond
Federal-Provincial Relations and Future Allocations
Alberta’s 2025 allocation increase signals potential for continued federal support, though 2026 allocations remain uncertain. The province has been vocal about requesting higher PNP allocations to meet its economic and demographic needs.
Factors Influencing Future Allocations:
- National immigration level plans
- Provincial economic performance and labor demands
- Federal-provincial negotiations
- Canada’s overall immigration targets
- Provincial retention rates of nominees
Labor Market Priorities
Alberta continues facing critical shortages in multiple sectors, ensuring ongoing demand for international talent:
Highest-Demand Occupations:
- Registered nurses and nurse practitioners
- Heavy equipment operators
- Construction managers and skilled trades
- Software engineers and developers
- Early childhood educators
- Agricultural workers and farm managers
- Transportation and logistics professionals
Frequently Asked Questions About AAIP
Can I apply directly to AAIP without Express Entry? Yes. The Alberta Opportunity Stream and several other AAIP pathways operate independently of Express Entry.
What’s the difference between nomination and permanent residence? Provincial nomination is a prerequisite that supports your federal permanent residence application. You must still apply for and receive federal PR approval.
How long does AAIP processing take? Processing times vary by stream but typically range from 3-6 months. Express Entry-aligned streams may process faster.
Can my family members immigrate with me? Yes. Your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your provincial nomination and PR application.
What happens if Alberta uses all 6,603 nominations before year-end? No additional nominations can be issued until Alberta receives its 2026 allocation from the federal government.
Conclusion: Seizing Alberta’s Immigration Opportunity
Alberta’s aggressive draw schedule in late 2025 creates unprecedented opportunities for qualified candidates. With over 1,100 invitations issued in a single week and additional draws anticipated through December, the province is maximizing its expanded nomination capacity.
Whether you’re a temporary foreign worker already contributing to Alberta’s economy or an Express Entry candidate with healthcare expertise, now is the optimal time to pursue provincial nomination. The combination of increased allocations, frequent draws, and urgent year-end timelines favors well-prepared applicants.
Take Action Today:
- Complete language testing and educational assessments
- Optimize your Express Entry profile (if applicable)
- Connect with Alberta employers in your field
- Monitor AAIP announcements for upcoming draws
- Consult with a licensed immigration representative for personalized guidance
Alberta’s path to permanent residence remains one of Canada’s most accessible and efficient immigration routes for qualified candidates.
Disclaimer: Immigration requirements and processing times are subject to change. This article provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.
