Imagine you’re a skilled worker looking to make a fresh start in Alberta. The province has long been a beacon for people around the world, offering opportunities, a strong economy, and a welcoming community. For years, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has been a critical gateway for many to make that dream a reality. But, as with all things in life, change is on the horizon.

On September 30, 2024, AAIP will usher in a new era—a shift that will alter how hopeful newcomers can access immigration pathways to Alberta. The change comes in the form of a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system. But what does this mean for prospective applicants? Let’s take a journey through this transformation.

 

The Winds of Change

It all started with a need for flexibility. Until now, AAIP operated on a rigid system where applications were accepted on specific dates. This meant that aspiring immigrants had to keep a close eye on the calendar, waiting for the moment they could submit their applications. The process could feel a bit like a race—one that didn’t necessarily reflect the true alignment between candidate skills and Alberta’s evolving labour market.

But starting this fall, that race will be over. In its place, Alberta will adopt an ongoing intake process. Instead of submitting an application on a set date, candidates will submit an Expression of Interest and enter a selection pool. From there, the AAIP will invite top-ranked candidates to apply, focusing on matching the province’s labour market needs.

This is Alberta’s way of saying, “We’re ready when you are.” It’s a system designed to be more fluid, more responsive, and—ultimately—more fair.

A Look at 2024: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going

As Alberta prepares for this transition, it’s helpful to reflect on how the province has managed its nominations in 2024. This year, AAIP received 9,750 nominations from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), with 7,463 nominations already issued as of September 4. That leaves space for thousands of more hopefuls who will now benefit from the new EOI system.

Here’s a snapshot of how those nominations have been allocated so far:

Stream	2024 Nominations Issued	2024 Total Estimated Nominations
Alberta Opportunity Stream	4,062	5,393
Express Entry Stream	1,609	1,775
Dedicated Healthcare Pathway	402	320
Accelerated Tech Pathway	931	1,047
Law Enforcement Pathway	9	50
Rural Renewal Stream	1,394	1,900
Tourism and Hospitality Stream	392	660
Entrepreneur Streams (combined)	6	22
Grand Total	7,463	9,750

With the new system in place, Alberta is well-positioned to meet its goals for 2024 while creating more pathways for newcomers in critical sectors like healthcare, tech, and rural development.

The Waiting Game: Applications and Processing Times

For many, immigration is a waiting game. As of September 4, 4,974 unprocessed applications were still in the queue across various streams. This includes the Alberta Opportunity Stream, which is still processing applications received as far back as December 19, 2023. The new EOI system aims to streamline this process, helping candidates avoid long waits and ensuring that Alberta can fill labour shortages more efficiently.

Streams like the Accelerated Tech Pathway and Tourism and Hospitality Stream have also seen high volumes of applications. For instance, as of this fall, there were 444 web form submissions in the Accelerated Tech Pathway pool alone, showing just how in demand this stream has become.

How the EOI System Will Work

Now, let’s get into the mechanics of the new EOI system. After September 30, workers looking to move to Alberta will follow these steps:

 

1. 1. Submit an Expression of Interest: This is the candidate’s first introduction to the system. Think of it as raising your hand and saying, “I’m ready, Alberta.”

1. 1. Enter the Pool: Once submitted, the candidate’s EOI goes into a selection pool.

1. 1. Invitation to Apply: The magic happens here. Alberta will review the EOIs, ranking candidates based on skills, experience, and how well they align with the province’s labour market needs. Those ranked highest will be invited to apply for permanent residency.

It’s a system that mirrors the competitive yet hopeful nature of job hunting. The better your qualifications fit the needs of the province, the higher your chances of receiving that golden invitation.

A New Beginning

For Alberta and the thousands of people hoping to call this province home, this change marks a new beginning. The Expression of Interest system represents not only a shift in how immigration applications are processed but also a forward-thinking approach to building a workforce that meets the province’s needs.

So, whether you’re a tech professional dreaming of joining Alberta’s tech boom or a healthcare worker ready to fill critical roles in the province’s healthcare system, this new system offers hope. It’s no longer about the next application date on the calendar but rather about your readiness to contribute to Alberta’s future.

As the leaves begin to turn this fall, so too will a new chapter in Alberta’s immigration story. September 30, 2024, is just the beginning—one filled with promise, opportunity, and the hope of a brighter tomorrow for all who wish to make Alberta their new home.

Let the journey begin.