
Efforts focused on filling key sectoral shortages and supporting rural labour markets
In a strategic effort to address both labour shortages and economic priorities, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) recently conducted a series of targeted immigration draws between April 29 and May 8, 2025. During this two-week span, the province invited a total of 295 candidates across six different immigration pathways under its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The draws reflected Alberta’s ongoing focus on attracting skilled talent in healthcare, rural development, and high-demand industries such as construction, agriculture, and aviation. This marks a proactive approach to filling workforce gaps and supporting economic growth in regions most in need.
Key Highlights of the Latest AAIP Draws
Over the six draws conducted during the period, Alberta issued invitations to candidates with a range of eligibility scores and from a variety of professional backgrounds. The lowest qualifying Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 51, and the draws ranged in size depending on the stream.
Here is a breakdown of the draws:
Date | Stream | Invitations Issued | Cut-Off Score |
May 8, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Non-Express Entry) | 35 | 53 |
May 6, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sector (Aviation) | 20 | 51 |
May 5, 2025 | Rural Renewal Stream | 165 | 68 |
May 1, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry) | 36 | 59 |
April 30, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sector (Agriculture) | 19 | 64 |
April 29, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sector (Construction) | 20 | 67 |
Sector-Specific Focus: Healthcare, Rural Development, and Key Industries
Alberta continues to place significant emphasis on filling vacancies in the healthcare sector, with a total of 71 invitations issued to healthcare professionals through both Express Entry and non-Express Entry pathways. This is a clear indication of the province’s persistent effort to enhance health service delivery in both urban and underserved communities.
Additionally, the Rural Renewal Stream saw the largest single draw during this round with 165 invitations issued. This reflects Alberta’s robust rural immigration strategy aimed at revitalizing smaller communities by encouraging skilled newcomers to settle in less populated regions of the province.
Meanwhile, Alberta’s Express Entry-aligned draws targeted individuals working in aviation, agriculture, and construction sectors identified as priority areas due to persistent labour shortages. Notably, this series included Alberta’s first 2025 draw specifically targeting construction workers, a move likely intended to support the province’s growing infrastructure and housing demands.
2025 Nomination Quota and Remaining Capacity
Alberta has received a significantly reduced PNP nomination quota from the federal government in 2025, with just 4,875 nominations available—down 50% from the 9,750 granted in 2024. Despite the reduction, the AAIP continues to efficiently allocate nominations across multiple streams based on economic and regional priorities.
As of mid-May 2025, the province’s remaining nomination spaces and current pool data are as follows:
Stream | Total 2025 Allocation | Remaining Spaces | EOIs in Pool | Applications in Progress |
Dedicated Health Care Pathways (Express Entry & Non-EE) | 500 | 358 | 1,356 | 123 |
Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (All) | 405 | 281 | 3,757 | 243 |
Rural Renewal Stream | 950 | 601 | 3,623 | 1,948 |
Note: The figures above combine data across sub-streams. For example, both Express Entry and non-Express Entry health care pathways are grouped under one allocation, and the same applies to the priority sector draws.
Navigating the Path to Nomination
The AAIP continues to provide transparency through its online portal, offering up-to-date statistics on nomination spaces, pool sizes, and application processing volumes. For candidates hoping to apply under the AAIP, understanding the province’s shifting priorities and stream-specific trends can significantly improve chances of receiving an invitation.
Prospective applicants should pay close attention to Alberta’s ongoing updates and consider aligning their profiles with in-demand occupations. With a limited number of nomination spaces available and high competition, strategically tailoring applications remains key.
What This Means for Aspiring Immigrants
Alberta’s recent draws underline the province’s commitment to attracting skilled professionals who can address immediate economic and labour market needs. While reduced quotas have added pressure to the selection process, Alberta remains a promising destination for immigrants who can fill key roles—especially in healthcare, agriculture, aviation, construction, and rural development.
Those interested in immigrating to Alberta through the AAIP are encouraged to regularly assess their eligibility, monitor draw trends, and prepare strong, occupation-aligned applications to maximize their chances in upcoming selection rounds.