What You Need to Know About Alberta's New EOI System for AAIP Worker Streams

Alberta's new Expression of Interest (EOI) system for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Worker Streams is changing how skilled workers can immigrate to Alberta. This update to the immigration process aims to streamline applications and match candidates with in-demand jobs in Canada. Understanding this new system is crucial for those looking to immigrate to Canada through the AAIP.

This article will explain what you need to know about Alberta's new EOI system for AAIP Worker Streams. We cover how to submit a worker EOI, the selection process, and what to do after receiving an invitation to apply. By the end, you will have a clear picture of how this system works and how it might affect your plans to immigrate to Alberta.

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What is the Expression of Interest (EOI) System?

The Expression of Interest (EOI) system is a new approach implemented by the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) for its worker streams. This system requires candidates interested in immigrating to Alberta to submit a Worker EOI through the AAIP portal. The EOI is a self-declaration of information about the candidate, which is then used to place them in a pool for consideration.

Once in the pool, each Worker EOI is scored and ranked using a points grid. The maximum score a candidate can obtain is 100 points, and no minimum score is required to submit an EOI. The AAIP will conduct ongoing selection draws from this pool, choosing candidates based on their EOI score rankings, provincial labor market needs, available nominations, and application levels.

Why Alberta Has Implemented the New System

The province of Alberta has implemented this new system to streamline the application process and better match candidates with in-demand jobs in Canada. The EOI system allows the province to select candidates who are most likely to succeed in Alberta's labor market and contribute to its economy.

This approach helps Alberta to:

• Address labor shortages in specific sectors
• Prioritize candidates with skills that align with provincial economic needs
• Manage application volumes more effectively
• Provide a fair and transparent selection process

Affected AAIP Worker Streams

The new EOI system applies to several AAIP worker streams, including:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream
• Alberta Express Entry Stream
• Dedicated Health Care Pathways (Express Entry and Non-Express Entry options)
• Law Enforcement Pathway
• Accelerated Tech Pathway
• Rural Renewal Stream (including Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot)
• Tourism and Hospitality Stream

It is important to note that you can only have one active Worker EOI at a time. They cannot create a new EOI if they already have an existing Worker EOI, Entrepreneur EOI, or an active AAIP application.

The AAIP has sole discretion in selecting candidates to apply to the program. While candidates indicate their preferred stream in the Worker EOI, there is no guarantee they will be invited to apply to that specific stream or receive an invitation at all. The AAIP may choose to invite a candidate to apply to a different stream based on provincial needs and priorities.

Submitting a Worker EOI

Creating an Alberta.ca Account

To submit a Worker EOI for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), you must have a valid Alberta.ca account. This account is a free online identity that allows you to access various Government of Alberta services. If you do not already have one, you will need to create a basic Alberta.ca account. It is important to note that the AAIP advises against sharing your account information with others, including family members or representatives, as this could lead to unauthorized modifications to your EOI or subsequent applications.

Completing the Online EOI Form

Once you have your Alberta.ca account, you can log into the AAIP portal to complete and submit your Worker EOI. The process involves self-declaring information about yourself. It is important to ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date. Keep in mind that you can only have one active Worker EOI at a time, and you cannot create a new one if you already have an existing Worker EOI, Entrepreneur EOI, or an active AAIP application.

When filling out the form, you must indicate your preferred AAIP worker stream. You must note that there's no guarantee you will be invited to apply to your preferred stream or receive an invitation at all. The AAIP may choose to invite you to apply to a different stream based on provincial needs and priorities.

Understanding the Worker EOI Points Grid

The AAIP uses a points-based system to evaluate and rank Worker EOIs. The maximum score you can obtain is 100 points, but there's no minimum score required to submit an EOI.

Points are awarded based on various factors, including:

• Education (with additional points for education completed in Alberta)
• Language abilities
• Work experience (with more points for Alberta work experience)
• Age
• Family connections in Alberta

To better understand how points are awarded, you should review the Worker EOI points grid, which is available for download from the AAIP website. This grid will help you assess your potential score and identify areas where you might be able to improve your chances of selection.

In addition to the points-based factors, the AAIP also collects information on your status with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, your job offer details (including the NOC code), and your potential employer's primary line of business. While these factors don't contribute to your point score, they are used to support selection for draws that meet specific sector labor needs and program priorities.

After submitting your Worker EOI, you will be placed in the Worker Stream pool for consideration. The AAIP will conduct ongoing selection draws, choosing candidates based on their EOI score rankings, provincial labor market needs, available nominations, and application levels. If selected, you'll receive an invitation to apply by email.

Do You Qualify?

Selection Process and Invitations to Apply

The  AAIP uses a points-based system to rank and select candidates from the Worker Stream pool. Each Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) is scored and ranked using a points grid, with a maximum score of 100 points. Interestingly, there is no minimum score required to submit an EOI.

The AAIP considers various factors when awarding points, including education, language abilities, work experience, age, and family connections in Alberta. Additional points are given for education completed in Alberta and Alberta work experience. To better understand the scoring system, candidates should review the Worker EOI points grid available on the AAIP website.

In addition to the points-based factors, the AAIP collects information on candidates' status with IRCC, job offer details (including NOC code), and potential employer's primary line of business. While these factors don't contribute to the point score, they are used to support selection for draws that meet specific sector labor needs and program priorities.

Frequency of Selection Draws

The AAIP conducts ongoing selection draws from the Worker Stream pool. The frequency of these draws is not fixed and depends on various factors, including provincial labor market needs, available nominations, and application levels. Candidates should regularly check the AAIP EOI Draws page for information on completed selection draws.

It is important to note that Worker EOIs are valid for one year after the date of creation. If you are not selected within 12 months, their EOI will be canceled, and they must submit a new one to remain in the pool.

Receiving an Invitation to Apply

When the AAIP selects candidates through a draw, those chosen will receive an invitation to apply by email. This invitation will be sent to the same Alberta.ca Account email address used to create the Worker EOI. The candidate's status in the AAIP portal will change to.

Upon receiving an invitation, candidates have 30 days to start their application and 60 days to submit it. During this period, they are removed from the Worker Stream pool and are ineligible to receive other invitations. If a candidate doesn't complete and pay for the application within the given timeframe, they will be placed back into the pool and must wait to be selected again.

It is crucial to understand that being invited to apply does not guarantee a nomination. The AAIP has sole discretion in selecting candidates, and there is no guarantee that an EOI will be assessed, processed, or result in an invitation to apply. While candidates indicate their preferred stream in the Worker EOI, the AAIP may choose to invite them to apply to a different stream based on provincial needs and priorities.

You must ensure that the information provided in your Worker EOI is accurate and up-to-date. Any incorrect or fraudulent information could result in the AAIP application being declined, and the candidate could be banned from applying to the AAIP for a period of time.

Next Steps After Receiving an Invitation

Submitting a full AAIP application After receiving an invitation to apply to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), you have 30 days to start your application and 60 days to submit it. During this period, you'll be removed from the Worker Stream pool and won't be eligible for other invitations. It's crucial to act promptly, as failing to complete and pay for your application within the given timeframe will result in you being placed back into the pool to await potential selection again. To begin your application, use the unique link provided in your invitation email. You'll need to use the same Alberta.ca account you used to create your Worker Expression of Interest (EOI). Before proceeding, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements for the stream or pathway you've been invited to apply for. This includes ensuring your employer meets all job offer and employer requirements.

Required Documents and Fees

When submitting your AAIP application, you must provide various documents. These may include:

• Alberta Express Entry Stream Document Checklist
• Alberta Opportunity Stream Document Checklist
• Tourism and Hospitality Stream Document Checklist
• Rural Renewal Stream Document Checklist
• Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot Document Checklist

You may also need to submit the Employer Declaration and Authorization, Use of Representative form, and Spouse, Common-Law Partners and Dependants Authorization form.

An application fee of 840 CAD applies to all online applications. This fee is non-refundable once submitted and covers the cost of processing your application, regardless of whether a nomination certificate is issued. You must pay this fee within 24 hours of submitting your application using a single credit or debit card.

Processing Times and Outcomes

After submitting your application, an AAIP program officer may contact you or your current or past employers for additional information or documents. It's important to respond promptly to these requests to avoid delays in processing.

The processing time for AAIP applications can vary. Once a decision has been made, you will receive an email notification. If your application is approved, you will become a Provincial Nominee and receive a nomination package via email. Make sure to read all documents in the package carefully.

If your application is declined, you'll receive an email with a letter explaining the reasons for the decision. In some cases, you may be eligible to submit a request for reconsideration if you can demonstrate that an error was made in assessing your application.

Remember, being invited to apply does not guarantee a nomination. The AAIP reserves the right to decline applications if they believe the candidate may not be economically established in Alberta. Stay informed about any updates or changes to the AAIP criteria by regularly checking the AAIP website.

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FAQS

What Happens if My AAIP Application is Declined?

If your AAIP application is declined, you will receive an email containing a letter that explains the reasons for the decision.

When am I eligible to Submit a Request for Reconsideration?

You can submit a request for reconsideration of your AAIP application decision only if:

• It directly relates to the reasons outlined in the decision letter.
• It demonstrates an error in applying program criteria.
• The request is submitted by the applicant named in the decision letter or their authorized representative.
• The request is submitted within 30 calendar days of the decision letter being issued.