CRS Score Drop in the New Alberta PNP Draw

Key Highlights:

• Overview
• The Last Alberta PNP Draw
• Express Entry System
• Alberta Express Entry Stream
• The Year 2020 for AINP
  

The new Alberta PNP draw sees a drop in the CRS points. The second Alberta provincial nomination round of January doubles the invitations but lowers the CRS requirement.

Alberta now released the details of the second draw that was held in January 2021.

The Last Alberta PNP Draw

The last Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) draw was conducted on 28th January 2021. 

• A total of 100 invitations were issued to AINP-aligned Express Entry candidates.
• The cutoff minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for these candidates was 360 points.

Candidates selected in this draw can apply for a provincial nomination through the Alberta Express Entry Stream. 

Express Entry System

Being eligible for a provincial nomination requires that you first enter your profile into the Express Entry system. Express Entry is the federal immigration application management system that caters to three federal high-skilled immigration pathways.

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points are awarded to immigration candidates having their profile in the Express Entry pool. Factors determining the scores are based on Canada’s labour market demands.

IRCC, the immigration department of Canada holds Express Entry draws about every two weeks. Highest scoring candidates in these rounds receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada.

Alberta Express Entry Stream

Candidates within the Express Entry pool can apply for a provincial nomination from Alberta. However, they will need to have work experience in eligible occupations supporting the economic development and diversification priorities of the province. 

Selected candidates receiving an invitation to apply through AINP will automatically get 600 CRS points added to their Express Entry profile. 

The normal cutoffs for Express Entry draws are in the 400s. These extra points ensure that provincial nominees receive an ITA in subsequent Express Entry rounds.

The Year 2020 for AINP

Alberta was to issue 6,250 nomination certificates in 2020. The allocation, however, was reduced to 4,000 nominations due to the COVID-19 situation.

The pandemic was the reason why there were no AINP draws after June 2020. They were withheld in the second half of the year.

Allocation of provincial nominations to AINP in 2021 has not yet been disclosed. It could be a pleasant surprise for immigration candidates.