The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is implementing key updates effective from 2024 through 2026. Notable changes include revised criteria for the Rural Renewal Stream starting January 1, 2026, additional nomination allocations from IRCC raising the 2025 total to 6,403, acceptance of the Pearson Test of English Core for language requirements from April 1, 2025, and updated application fees for worker streams. AAIP has also introduced a new expression of interest system launching September 30, 2024, and temporary measures to support applicants affected by Alberta wildfires.

• Effective January 1, 2026, changes to the Rural Renewal Stream (RRS) include endorsement allocation limits per designated community, a one-year validity period for Endorsement of Candidate Letters, implementation of a TEER-Based Endorsement Model, and eligibility changes requiring foreign nationals in Canada to hold a valid work permit at application and assessment.
• On September 9, 2025, IRCC provided AAIP with an additional 1,528 nominations, increasing the total 2025 allocation to 6,403 to support regional labour market needs and provincial priorities.
• From April 1, 2025, AAIP will accept the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core for language requirements across all streams for applications received on or after this date.
• Application fees for AAIP worker streams increased to $1,500 effective April 1, 2025, aligning fees with service delivery costs.
• A new Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) system will launch on September 30, 2024, requiring candidates to submit a Worker EOI to be considered for worker streams; draws from the Worker Stream pool will begin mid to late October 2024.
• Temporary measures are in place to support applicants affected by Alberta wildfires, including acceptance of special open work permits issued by IRCC between July 19, 2024, and November 30, 2024, for Alberta Opportunity and Tourism and Hospitality Streams.
• AAIP is not participating in the Government of Canada’s Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective PNP Candidates in 2025 to better manage limited nomination allocations.

• Rural Renewal Stream endorsement limits and validity periods introduced effective January 1, 2026.
• Eligibility for foreign nationals within Canada now requires a valid work permit at application and assessment.
• Acceptance of Pearson Test of English Core for language requirements starting April 1, 2025.
• Increase in AAIP worker streams application fee to $1,500 effective April 1, 2025.
• Introduction of a Worker Expression of Interest system replacing monthly application acceptance dates.
• Non-participation in the 2025 Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective PNP Candidates.
• Temporary special measures for wildfire-affected applicants including acceptance of special open work permits.

• Applicants to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, especially those applying under the Rural Renewal Stream, Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, and Tourism and Hospitality Stream.
• Foreign nationals currently in Canada applying to AAIP who must hold valid work permits.
• Candidates interested in worker streams who must submit a Worker Expression of Interest starting September 30, 2024.
• Applicants affected by the 2024 Alberta wildfires seeking work permit accommodations.
• Applicants with expiring or expired work permits between May and December 2024 who may be eligible for letters of support for open work permits.

• Submit applications to AAIP streams following updated criteria effective from specified dates.
• For worker streams, submit a Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) via the AAIP portal starting September 30, 2024.
• Ensure valid work permits are held at the time of application and assessment if applying from within Canada.
• Upload all application updates and requested documents exclusively through the 'Update Employment Information' tab in the AAIP portal.
• Applicants affected by wildfires may use special open work permits issued by IRCC between July 19, 2024, and November 30, 2024.

• September 30, 2024: Launch of new Worker Expression of Interest system.
• January 1, 2026: Implementation of updated Rural Renewal Stream criteria.
• April 1, 2025: Acceptance of Pearson Test of English Core and updated application fees.
• September 9, 2025: Additional nomination allocations received from IRCC.
• August 26, 2024: Temporary public policy for work permits for certain nominee applicants with expiring permits.
• July 26, 2024: Temporary measures for wildfire-affected applicants.

• https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-updates