Alberta EOI System
Most AAIP streams use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Candidates submit an EOI profile and are ranked against others in the same category. Alberta issues invitations from the EOI pool in draws — registering does not guarantee an invitation. EOI scores are based on age, education, language, work experience, adaptability, and job offer status. Workers with an active Express Entry profile receive 600 additional CRS points upon nomination.
AAIP Streams
- Must currently be working in Alberta with a valid work permit
- Job offer from an Alberta employer required — full-time, non-seasonal
- Minimum 12 months of full-time Alberta work experience in the past 18 months
- Language: CLB 4 minimum (CLB 5 for TEER 0 and 1)
- Education: Canadian high school equivalent minimum
- Occupation must not be on the AOS Excluded Occupations list
Processing: AOS uses a draws-based system. Invitations are issued in regular rounds; not all registrations receive an invitation.
Strategic note: AOS is Alberta's highest-volume stream — it processes the majority of AAIP nominations. The 12-month Alberta-specific work experience requirement is strict: experience outside Alberta does not count toward this threshold.
Where Most AAIP Applications Fail
AOS: Alberta-specific work experience (12 months) not met — experience in other provinces does not count
Job offer from an excluded occupation category (excluded list updated periodically)
AOS: employer is a staffing agency, labour broker, or related party to the applicant
Express Entry: EOI score not competitive in targeted occupation draw — registration does not guarantee invitation
Rural Renewal: applicant not residing in a designated community at time of application
Language test below the minimum threshold for the stream or occupation TEER level
Related pathways: Candidates with a lower CRS score should review CRS optimization strategies before registering for an EOI. Workers requiring employer sponsorship may also need an LMIA-backed job offer to strengthen their profile.