If you’re an international skilled worker dreaming of building your future in Canada, Alberta just might be your golden ticket. With a booming economy, diverse industries, and high quality of life, Alberta continues to welcome talent from around the globe. And in 2025, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is not just open — it’s been upgraded!
Let’s break down everything you need to know — from who can apply and what jobs are in high demand, to new updates on fees and accepted English tests.
What is the AAIP?
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that allows the province of Alberta to nominate qualified foreign nationals for Canadian permanent residency. It is designed to meet labor market shortages across rural and urban communities and supports the province’s economic growth.
AAIP includes several streams for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates, both from within and outside Canada.
Alberta Worker Streams (All Open for 2025)
Following 4 work stream immigration programs are as of May 2025 open for applications in Alberta Canada:
| Stream Name | Who It’s For | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | Temporary foreign workers already working in Alberta with a job offer | Open |
| Rural Renewal Stream | Skilled workers with job offers in designated rural communities | Open |
| Tourism & Hospitality Stream | Temporary workers in Alberta’s tourism/hospitality sectors | Open |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream | Candidates with Express Entry profiles meeting Alberta’s criteria | Open |
These streams allow applicants to receive a provincial nomination, making them eligible to apply for permanent residency through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
Latest AAIP Updates (April 1, 2025)
Alberta has introduced two major updates to improve accessibility and align costs with the processing workload:
1# Acceptance of PTE Core
Starting April 1, 2025, Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core is officially accepted as a valid language test for all AAIP streams. It joins other tests like IELTS and CELPIP, offering candidates:
-
- Fast results (within 48 hours)
- Fully computer-based experience
- Worldwide availability.
This makes it easier for international applicants to meet English proficiency requirements.
2# Increased Application Fees
Effective the same date, application fees for worker streams increased from $840 to $1,500. This applies to:
-
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Rural Renewal Stream
- Alberta Express Entry Stream
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream.
The fee is non-refundable and must be paid within 24 hours of submitting a complete application.
Jobs in High Demand in Alberta (2025)
Alberta faces notable skill shortages across key sectors. Here are some of the most in-demand occupations along with average salary estimates:
| Occupation’s in high demand | NOC Code | Sector | Average Salary (CAD/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | 31301 | Healthcare | $80,000 – $100,000 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses | 32101 | Healthcare | $55,000 – $75,000 |
| Software Developers | 21232 | IT | $75,000 – $115,000 |
| Information Systems Analysts | 21222 | IT | $72,552 |
| Electricians | 72200 | Trades | $65,000 – $90,000 |
| Heavy-Duty Mechanics | 72401 | Trades | $78,000 |
| Truck Drivers | 73300 | Transport | $54,600 |
| Accountants | 11100 | Finance | $80,964 |
| Early Childhood Educators | 42202 | Education | $38,025 |
These occupations are strong candidates for AAIP nomination, especially under the Opportunity, Rural Renewal, and Express Entry streams.
Eligibility Criteria for AAIP 2025 Program
To be eligible under AAIP Worker Streams, applicants generally need:
- A valid job offer from an approved Alberta employer
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience in the last 3 years
- Language proficiency (CLB 4–6 or equivalent in IELTS, CELPIP, or now PTE Core)
- Educational equivalency: Canadian high school or higher, assessed via ECA
- Sufficient settlement funds (unless currently working in Alberta)
- A genuine intention to live and work in Alberta long-term
For entrepreneur streams, candidates must meet business experience and investment thresholds.
AAIP Nomination & Processing Stats (May 2025)
| Stream | Nominations Issued (2025) | Remaining Quota |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Opportunity | 1,127 | 1,465 |
| Rural Renewal | 349 | 601 |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 85 | 160 |
| Alberta Express Entry (Healthcare) | 142 | 358 |
How to Apply for AAIP 2025 Program?
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-advantage-immigration-program.
- Wait for an invitation to apply if your EOI scores high.
- Once invited, submit a full application and pay the $1,500 fee within 24 hours.
- If approved, you’ll receive a provincial nomination, boosting your chances for Canadian PR.
Note: There’s no fee to submit an EOI.
