Despite the coronavirus crisis, Canada continues to invite candidates through provincial nominations. Last March 4, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) held its latest Express Entry-linked provincial nominee program draw. Over 100 candidates with profiles in the federal Express Entry pool who had Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores as low as 300 were invited to apply for a provincial nomination.

Candidates who received Notifications of Interest (NOIs), which is the official name for invitations issued through the Alberta Express Entry Stream, did not need a job offer to be invited. However, they did need to have profiles in the federal Express Entry system.

Candidates who received Notifications of Interest (NOIs) were not required to have a job offer, but were required to have profiles in the federal Express Entry system. Candidates who received a provincial nomination could potentially add 600 points to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) rank, if successful. 

The highest-scoring candidates are selected to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in regular Express Entry draws.

While it is not necessary to have a job offer to be eligible for this stream, the AINP says it may give priority to candidates who meet the following three criteria:

• a job offer and/or work experience in Alberta;
• a degree from a Canadian post-secondary institution and a valid job offer; or
• a parent, child or sibling already living in the province.

So far this year, Alberta has issued 751 invitations to Express Entry candidates. In 2019, Alberta issued a total of 11,137 invitations through the Alberta Express Entry Stream.