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Immigration Column
Introduction of the Points-Based Invitation System in Alberta
Alberta has shifted from a first-come-first-served to a points-based invitation system for permanent residency applications.
Points are awarded based on education, experience, age, and English proficiency, with job offers being highly significant.
The process consists of following steps, starting with EOI registration and leading to permanent residency application upon receiving an invitation.
Initial scores may be high and might fluctuate based on the number and qualifications of applicants.
Applicants must choose the appropriate program beforehand, as each program has its own pool.
Invitation scores are likely to decrease over time, and most applicants are expected to receive permanent residency after some waiting.
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program started implementing an EOI (Express of Interest) system based on points and invitations as of September 30. This week, we will explore how the Alberta EOI system is being implemented and the main scoring criteria.
Many people misunderstand this change as the disappearance of existing programs and the introduction of new permanent residency programs. However, it's crucial to note that the EOI system is not a new permanent residency program. Existing programs like AOS, THS, and RRS remain unchanged; only the application method has shifted from first-come-first-served to an invitation system based on points. Previously, if you met the eligibility criteria for each program, you could submit your permanent residency application, and reviews were conducted in the order of submission. Now, you must first register in the EOI system, and those with higher scores within the registered applicant pool are prioritized for permanent residency applications.
The scoring is based on the following criteria, with a total of 100 points.
1. Education is worth a total of 22 points, with an additional 6 points if you studied in Canada and an extra 10 points if you studied in Alberta.
2. For degrees related to trades occupations, such as chefs, bakers, welders, construction trades, and hairstylists, you can receive 7 points—the same as a bachelor's degree—even with shorter study periods.
3. Work experience is worth up to 21 points. While the points are significant, an additional 10 points are awarded if you have worked in Alberta for more than six months, and you receive the maximum of 21 points if you have worked for one year. Therefore, most applicants are expected to score full points in this category, offering little differentiation.
4. Age is worth only 5 points, with a maximum difference of 2 points based on age, offering minimal differentiation.
5. English proficiency is worth a total of 10 points. The difference between CLB levels 4 and 6 is only 5 points. Additionally, if you have French proficiency, you can receive up to 13 points.
6. Job offers are the most significant differentiator, awarding up to 21 points. Additional points are given if you have an endorsement from an RRS community or a job offer in a THS occupation. An extra 5 points are awarded for regions outside the Greater Calgary and Edmonton areas.
