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Alberta sends 115 provincial nominations to Express Entry candidates


Alberta sends 115 provincial nominations to Express Entry candidates 

Alberta held a provincial Express Entry draw on October 9, where 115 candidates were invited to apply for provincial nominations. These Express Entry candidates were drawn through the federal system, which manages economic immigrants from the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class, and the Federal Skilled Worker Class. 

Like many Express Entry draws, Alberta Express Entry selects candidates who meet a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS ranks Express Entry applicants based on factors such as their educational background, work history, French or English language skills, and age. For this draw, the selected candidates needed to have CRS scores of 350 points or higher. Although it is not the lowest score Alberta Express Entry has required, it is still significantly lower than the federal Express Entry minimums. The lowest CRS score that the federal Express Entry required in 2019 was 438. In contrast, the lowest score requirement in Alberta this year was 300. 

The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) has proven to be especially helpful for Express Entry candidates who have lower CRS scores. CRS score requirements are significantly lower than the federal draw. As a result, qualified candidates who are short just of the federal scores can boost their score with provincial nominations. Provincial nominations add 600 points added an applicants Express Entry profile. And such high scores all but guarantee a candidates’ selection in the federal Express Entry stream. Subsequently federal draws award successful candidates with Canadian permanent residence.

Qualifying for Alberta Express Entry 

The AINP looks to give provincial nominations to immigration candidates who meet any of their requirements. First, the candidate should have connections to Alberta. This could be a close family in Alberta, previous work history, a job offer, or experience attending school in the province. The candidate should also have the potential to contribute to economic development and the labour market. Finally, the program looks for immigration candidates who help the province meet their diversification objectives. 

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