Alberta invites Express Entry candidates with CRS scores of 350

Alberta issued 150 invitations on January 9, the first draw of 2020

Express Entry candidates may have received invitations to apply for a provincial nomination from Alberta on January 9.

Alberta issued 150 invitations, or Notifications of Interest (NOIs), to candidates in the federal Express Entry Pool.

Candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores as low as 350 were given NOIs.

The Alberta Express Entry Stream allows the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) to select eligible candidates with a profile in the federal Express Entry system.

Express Entry manages the pool of candidates for three of Canada’s main Economic-Class immigration programs — the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class and Canadian Experience Class.

Express Entry candidates with a provincial nomination from Alberta receive an additional 600 points toward their CRS score and are effectively guaranteed an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence in a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool.

The cut-off score of 350 in this latest invitation round is significantly lower than the cut-off scores for draws conducted through the Express Entry system.

For example, in today’s Express Entry draw candidates needed a CRS score of at least 471 in order to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

While a job offer or previous work in Alberta is not required to be eligible for this draw, the AINP says it may give priority to candidates with:

• 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 Alberta.

For more detailed information on the Alberta Express Entry Stream, go to this dedicated page.