Alberta Issues 81 Invitations to Healthcare Professionals Through Express Entry and Non-Express Entry Streams
Alberta invites 81 candidates for provincial immigration
Overview of April Immigration Draws
Between April 1 and April 8, Alberta conducted three health-focused draws:
| Draw Date | Immigration Stream | Invitations Issued | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 1, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry) | 34 | 60 |
| April 4, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Health Care) | 19 | 71 |
| April 8, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Non-Express Entry) | 28 | 53 |
Pathways Explained: Express Entry vs. Non-Express Entry
Alberta’s immigration system is structured to target specific sectors through various streams, allowing candidates to find the most suitable pathway based on their skills and work experience. The following are the main AAIP streams:
1. Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Express Entry Aligned
This stream is designed for health care professionals who already have an active Express Entry profile. The April 1 draw saw 34 invitations sent out to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 60.
To qualify under this enhanced stream, candidates must:
- Be eligible for an Express Entry-managed program
- Hold a CRS score of 300 or more
- Have a qualifying health care occupation listed as their primary job in the profile
- Possess a valid job offer from an Alberta-based health employer.
2. Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors
Conducted on April 4, this stream is a subset of the Alberta Express Entry program. It prioritizes key economic sectors, including health care. A total of 19 candidates were selected, each with a minimum CRS score of 71.
To be eligible, applicants must meet Express Entry criteria, have a job offer in Alberta’s health care sector, and list an eligible occupation in their Express Entry profile.
3. Dedicated Health Care Pathway – Non-Express Entry
On April 8, Alberta extended invitations to 28 health professionals through its non-Express Entry stream. This base PNP pathway is ideal for those who don’t qualify for Express Entry but meet provincial labor needs. The cut-off selection score was 53.
Eligibility requirements include:
- A valid job offer in Alberta from a health care employer
- Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 5 in all language abilities
- Proof of licensure or eligibility to practice in Alberta
- A valid work permit or maintained status if already working in Alberta.
In-Demand Health Occupations and Regulatory Bodies
Alberta continues to target a wide range of health occupations. The following roles are among those eligible for both Express Entry and non-Express Entry streams:
| Occupation | Regulatory Authority |
|---|---|
| Physician | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) |
| Registered Nurse | College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) |
| Nurse Practitioner | College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) |
| Physician Assistant | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) |
| Occupational Therapist | Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT) |
| Physiotherapist | College of Physiotherapists of Alberta (CPA) |
| Clinical Social Worker | Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) |
| Psychologist | College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) |
Proof of certification or eligibility to practice in Alberta is a non-negotiable requirement for all applicants. Language proficiency standards also vary by profession but generally align with a minimum CLB 5.
What This Means for Aspiring Health Care Immigrants
Alberta’s April draws highlight a strategic focus on building a resilient and well-supported health care system by tapping into global talent pools. Whether through enhanced Express Entry options or direct provincial nomination routes, Alberta offers a promising path for qualified professionals looking to build their futures in Canada.
As labor shortages continue to affect Canada’s health care industry, provinces like Alberta are stepping up with innovative and responsive immigration strategies. For skilled health professionals worldwide, this presents a compelling opportunity to gain permanent residence and contribute meaningfully to the Canadian health care system.
Next Steps for Interested Candidates
- Assess their eligibility for Alberta’s health-focused immigration streams;
- Secure a valid job offer from an Alberta-based employer in the health sector;
- Ensure licensure or readiness to practice in Alberta through the respective regulatory body;
- Create or update their Express Entry profile (if eligible).
List of Provincial Nominee Program
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Recent News
- IRCC Resumes CEC Invitations After Three-Month Pause, Appoints New Immigration Minister
- Canada’s Latest Express Entry Draw Highlights Continued Emphasis on PNP Candidate
- British Columbia Launches Targeted Skilled Immigration Draw as 2025 Quotas Tighten
- British Columbia Restructures Immigration Program to Prioritize Frontline Healthcare Workers
- Manitoba Conducts Latest PNP Draw: A Boost for Skilled Foreign Workers Eyeing Canadian Immigration
