What is the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)?

Are you considering immigrating to Canada and settling in Alberta? The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) might be your pathway to permanent residency (PR). This blog post will explain what the AAIP is, its key streams, eligibility criteria, recent updates, and tips for a successful application.

What is the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)?

The AAIP (formerly known as the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, or AINP) is Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates who can contribute to the province’s economic growth 28.

Through the AAIP, the Alberta government nominates eligible candidates for Canadian permanent residency based on their skills, work experience, and ability to fill labor market gaps. Once nominated, applicants can apply for PR through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Key Features of AAIP

✔ Provincial Nomination: Successful applicants receive an Alberta nomination, which adds 600 points to their Express Entry CRS score (if applicable), significantly boosting their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
✔ Multiple Streams: The program offers pathways for workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates.
✔ Employer-Driven & Community-Driven Options: Some streams require a job offer, while others focus on business investment or rural community support.

AAIP Streams: Which One is Right for You?

The AAIP is divided into two main categories: Worker Streams and Entrepreneur Streams.

1. Worker Streams

These are for skilled professionals who want to work and settle in Alberta.

a) Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS)

• For temporary foreign workers already working in Alberta with a valid job offer.
• Requires 12 months of work experience in Alberta (or 24 months in Canada/internationally) 28.
• Minimum CLB 4 or 5 in English/French, depending on the occupation.

b) Alberta Express Entry Stream (EE)

• For candidates in the federal Express Entry pool with a CRS score of at least 300.
• Alberta may issue a Notification of Interest (NOI) to eligible profiles.
• Priority given to those with job offers, Alberta work experience, or family ties.

c) Rural Renewal Stream (RRS)

• Requires a job offer in a designated rural Alberta community and an endorsement letter from that community.
• Helps address labor shortages in smaller towns.

d) Tourism and Hospitality Stream (THS)

• For workers in Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sector with a full-time job offer.

2. Entrepreneur Streams

For business owners and investors looking to establish or buy a business in Alberta.

a) Rural Entrepreneur Stream (RES)

• For entrepreneurs who want to start or acquire a business in rural Alberta.
• Requires a community endorsement letter.

b) Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (GES)

• For international graduates of Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to start a business.

c) Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES)

• For foreign-educated graduates who want to launch a startup in Alberta with support from a designated agency.

d) Farm Stream

• For experienced farmers who plan to buy or start a farm in Alberta 

Recent AAIP Updates (2025)

• April 1, 2025: The AAIP now accepts the Pearson Test of English (PTE Core) for language proficiency.
• April 1, 2025: Application fees for worker streams increased to CAD $1,500.
• September 30, 2024: A Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) system was introduced, requiring candidates to submit an EOI before applying.

How to Apply for AAIP?

1. Check Eligibility: Determine which stream fits your profile.
2. Gather Documents: Work experience, language test results, job offer (if required).
3. Submit EOI (if applicable): For worker streams, an EOI is now mandatory.
4. Receive Nomination: If approved, apply for PR through IRCC.

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Tips for a Successful AAIP Application

✅ Improve Your CRS Score: If applying through Express Entry, aim for a high score (300+).
✅ Secure a Job Offer: Many streams require one—networking and applying to Alberta employers can help.
✅ Boost Language Proficiency: Higher CLB scores improve your chances (e.g., CLB 7 for some streams) .
✅ Stay Updated: AAIP policies change frequently—monitor official updates

Final Thoughts

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is a fantastic opportunity for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates looking to settle in Alberta. By choosing the right stream and preparing a strong application, you can increase your chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residency.

Need help with your AAIP application or would you like assistance in determining which AAIP stream suits you best?

Consult our immigration expert by calling us at 780-643-6285 or email us at info@51immigration.ca