Alberta changes immigration conditions
Now certain candidates will have a better chance of being invited.
The Alberta economy is growing, and there are more and more open jobs in the province. However, further growth is hampered by a shortage of workers.
The province currently has more than 100,000 job openings in many sectors. Analysts predict that by 2025 the problem of labour shortages will become even greater due to retirements.
So the Alberta government has decided to change the provincial immigration program. These changes will give more opportunities to candidates with in-demand occupations who have relatives in Alberta.
"With job vacancies high and unemployment relatively low, the labour market in Alberta is the tightest we've seen in years, and skilled immigration is one of the best ways we can address the labour shortages affecting the majority of Alberta employers," said Adam Legge, President of the Business Council of Alberta.
This year, part of the immigration draws will use in-demand occupation and family ties in the province as factors that increase the chances of being invited. This will affect the Alberta Express Entry Stream. The other draws will continue to invite candidates who score higher on the evaluation system.
Importantly, the changes apply only to the selection of applicants — applicants with in-demand occupations and relatives in Alberta will have a better chance of immigration. Nevertheless, the other criteria have not changed.
The Alberta Express Entry Stream is for applicants who have an Express Entry profile and have scored at least 300 points there. To participate in this stream, applicants must receive a letter of interest from Alberta. It is not possible to apply independently.
The adjustments are expected to help retain workers in Alberta. In addition, it will be easier for newcomers to adapt having family ties.
