Last Updated: December 2025 | A comprehensive guide for Filipino immigrants exploring Alberta’s provincial nominee program
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)—formerly known as the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)—is Alberta’s provincial nominee program that helps skilled workers and entrepreneurs obtain permanent residence in Canada. With Alberta’s booming economy in energy, technology, healthcare, and agriculture, this province offers excellent opportunities for Filipino immigrants seeking to build their future in Canada.
Why Choose Alberta?
Alberta offers several advantages for Filipino immigrants:
- No Provincial Sales Tax (PST) – Only 5% GST, making it one of Canada’s most affordable provinces
- Strong Job Market – High demand in healthcare, technology, construction, and energy sectors
- Growing Filipino Community – Large, established Filipino communities in Calgary and Edmonton
- Lower Cost of Living – More affordable than Toronto or Vancouver
- +600 CRS Points – Provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry score
AAIP Streams Overview
The AAIP operates 8 immigration streams divided into two categories:
Worker Streams (4 Streams)
| Stream | Best For | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | Workers already in Alberta | 12 months AB work experience |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream | Express Entry candidates | EE profile + CRS 300+ |
| Tourism and Hospitality Stream | Hotel/restaurant workers | Job offer in tourism sector |
| Rural Renewal Stream | Workers in rural communities | Community endorsement |
Entrepreneur Streams (4 Streams)
| Stream | Best For | Investment Required |
|---|---|---|
| Rural Entrepreneur Stream | Business owners (rural) | Varies by community |
| Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | Alberta graduates | Business plan required |
| Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | International graduates | $50K-$100K minimum |
| Farm Stream | Experienced farmers | $500K minimum |
Alberta Opportunity Stream (Most Popular)
The Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) is the most accessible pathway for Filipino workers already employed in Alberta. This stream doesn’t require an Express Entry profile.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Work Experience | 12 months full-time in Alberta (last 18 months) OR 24 months in Canada/abroad (last 30 months) |
| Current Employment | Working in an eligible occupation in Alberta |
| Work Permit | Valid work permit at time of application |
| Education | High school diploma (minimum) |
| Language (TEER 0-3) | CLB 5 in all abilities |
| Language (TEER 4-5) | CLB 4 in all abilities |
| Language (Nurse Aides – NOC 33102) | CLB 7 in all abilities |
Eligible Occupations
Most occupations under NOC TEER Categories 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are eligible. However, certain occupations are NOT eligible, including:
- Legislators and elected officials
- Elementary and secondary school teachers
- Professional athletes and coaches
- Musicians, singers, and performers
- Taxi and limousine drivers
- Escort agency or massage parlour managers
Important for PGWP Holders: Your occupation must be related to your field of study in Alberta.
Alberta Express Entry Stream
If you already have an Express Entry profile, the Alberta Express Entry Stream can fast-track your PR application by adding 600 CRS points to your score.
Basic Requirements
- Active Express Entry profile in one of the federal pools (FSW, CEC, or FSTP)
- Minimum CRS score of 300
- Occupation that supports Alberta’s economic development
- Demonstrated connection to Alberta (work experience, job offer, family, etc.)
Priority Pathways (2025)
Alberta has dedicated pathways for in-demand occupations:
| Pathway | Target Occupations | Recent Draw Scores |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Health Care | Nurses, physicians, healthcare workers | Score 52+ |
| Accelerated Tech | Software developers, IT professionals | Score 60-71 |
| Priority Sectors – Construction | Skilled trades, construction workers | Score 60+ |
| Priority Sectors – Agriculture | Farm supervisors, agricultural workers | Varies |
| Priority Sectors – Aviation | Aircraft mechanics, pilots | Varies |
| Police Occupations | Police officers, corrections officers | Varies |
Note: Alberta’s 2025 draws focus heavily on healthcare, technology, and construction—sectors with critical labor shortages.
Tourism and Hospitality Stream
This stream targets workers in Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sector, including:
- Hotel front desk agents and housekeepers
- Restaurant servers, cooks, and kitchen staff
- Tourism operators and guides
- Event coordinators
Requirements
- Full-time job offer in Alberta’s tourism/hospitality sector
- Currently living and working in Alberta
- Valid work permit
- Meet language and education requirements
Rural Renewal Stream
The Rural Renewal Stream helps smaller Alberta communities attract and retain newcomers. You need:
- Job offer from an employer in a designated rural community
- Endorsement letter from the designated community
- Valid work permit
- Commitment to live in the rural community
Popular designated communities: Brooks, Drumheller, High River, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, and many others.
2025 Updates and Important Changes
⚠️ 2025 Key Changes: Application Fee Increase: As of April 1, 2025, the worker stream fee increased from $840 to $1,500. New Language Test: PTE Core now accepted alongside IELTS and CELPIP (effective April 1, 2025). Increased Allocation: Alberta received 6,603 nominations for 2025 (originally 4,875, increased by 1,728). Priority Sectors: Healthcare, technology, construction, aviation, and agriculture are prioritized in 2025 draws.
Processing Times (November 2025)
| Stream | Currently Processing Applications From |
|---|---|
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | August 25, 2025 |
| Tourism & Hospitality | December 19, 2024 |
| Dedicated Health Care Pathways | November 15, 2025 |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream | September – November 2025 (varies by pathway) |
| Entrepreneur Streams | Up to 4 months for EOI + business application |
2025 Progress: As of November 2025, AAIP has issued 5,745 nominations out of 6,603 allocation, with 858 spaces remaining and approximately 1,980 applications in queue.
Application Fees
| Stream Type | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| All Worker Streams | $1,500 CAD (as of April 1, 2025) |
| Entrepreneur Streams | Varies by stream |
Language Test Requirements
AAIP accepts the following language tests (results must be less than 2 years old):
English Tests
- IELTS General Training (NOT Academic)
- CELPIP-General (NOT CELPIP-LS)
- PTE Core (accepted as of April 1, 2025)
French Tests
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
Minimum CLB Scores by Occupation
| Occupation Category | Minimum CLB | IELTS Equivalent (L/R/W/S) |
|---|---|---|
| TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 | CLB 5 | 5.0 / 4.0 / 5.0 / 5.0 |
| TEER 4, 5 | CLB 4 | 4.5 / 3.5 / 4.0 / 4.0 |
| Nurse Aides (NOC 33102) | CLB 7 | 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 |
How to Apply
Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Check eligibility – Verify you meet work experience, language, and occupation requirements
- Gather documents – Language test, educational credentials, work permits, employment letter, etc.
- Create AAIP portal account at alberta.ca/aaip
- Submit application with all supporting documents and pay $1,500 fee
- Wait for assessment – Processing varies by stream
- Receive nomination – Apply for PR through IRCC within 6 months
Alberta Express Entry Stream
- Create Express Entry profile through IRCC
- Indicate interest in Alberta in your profile
- Wait for Notification of Interest (NOI) from AAIP
- Submit provincial application within 14 days of receiving NOI
- Receive provincial nomination (+600 CRS points)
- Accept ITA from Express Entry and apply for PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply without a job offer?
For the Alberta Express Entry Stream, you don’t need a job offer but must demonstrate strong ties to Alberta. For the Alberta Opportunity Stream, you must be currently employed in Alberta with valid work authorization.
What CRS score do I need for Alberta Express Entry?
The minimum requirement is CRS 300, but actual draw scores depend on the pathway. Healthcare workers have been invited with scores as low as 52, while tech workers typically need 60-71. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score.
How long does AAIP processing take?
Processing times vary by stream. The Alberta Opportunity Stream is currently processing applications from August 2025, while Express Entry streams process faster (within weeks to a few months). After provincial nomination, federal PR processing takes an additional 6-12 months.
Can I apply if I’m working on a PGWP?
Yes! PGWP holders can apply to the Alberta Opportunity Stream, but your current occupation must be related to your field of study in Alberta.
What if my occupation is regulated in Alberta?
If your occupation requires licensing in Alberta (nurses, electricians, engineers, etc.), you must obtain proper licensing or registration from the appropriate regulatory body before applying to AAIP.
Explore Other Provincial Programs
Each Canadian province has its own nominee program. Compare your options:
- Ontario OINP Guide – Canada’s largest province with the biggest Filipino community
- BC PNP Guide – Second-largest Filipino population, tech hub
- Manitoba MPNP Guide – High approval rates and lower cost of living
- Saskatchewan SINP Guide – In-demand occupations and fast processing
How JCA Law Office Can Help
As a Toronto-based firm serving the Filipino-Canadian community, JCA Law Office provides expert assistance with Alberta immigration applications:
- Eligibility assessment – Determine which AAIP stream is right for you
- Document preparation – Ensure your application is complete and accurate
- Express Entry profile optimization – Maximize your CRS score
- Application submission – Handle the entire process from start to finish
- Appeals and refused applications – Address refusals and compliance issues
📞 Call us today: 1-855-522-5290
📧 Email: [email protected]
Related Resources
Explore our other provincial immigration guides:
- Filipino Immigrant Guide to Canada – From Visa to PR (Main Guide)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Complete Guide
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Guide
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and AAIP requirements change frequently. For personalized advice on your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration lawyer or consultant.
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