Alberta targets healthcare workers in the latest PNP draws. A total of 81 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued via recent draws, focusing exclusively on skilled workers in the healthcare field across three pathways.
Last week, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) retroactively published updates on three recent draws, which collectively invited healthcare professionals through both Express Entry and non-Express Entry aligned streams.
| Date of draw | Stream | Number of invitations issued | Cut-off score |
| April 1, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry) | 34 | 60 |
| April 4, 2025 | Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors (Health Care) | 19 | 71 |
| April 8, 2025 | Dedicated Health Care Pathway (non-Express Entry) | 28 | 53 |
The draws emphasize Alberta’s continued demand for healthcare professionals to fill urgent labor gaps in the province’s medical sector. The AAIP used both its Express Entry-linked as well as base streams to issue these invitations.
April 1 Draw: Express Entry Healthcare Pathway
The first of the three draws, held on April 1, 2025, focused on healthcare professionals eligible under the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway tied to the Express Entry system.
This draw issued 34 invitations to qualified candidates with profiles in the federal Express Entry pool. These applicants needed to score a minimum of 60 points to receive an invitation.
The stream is designed for those already in the Express Entry pool who also meet Alberta’s health sector-specific criteria, including a job offer from an eligible employer and profession alignment.
April 4 Draw: Priority Sector Stream via Express Entry
The second draw, conducted on April 4, 2025, was carried out under Alberta’s Express Entry Priority Sectors stream and specifically targeted professionals working in healthcare.
A total of 19 healthcare professionals with active Express Entry profiles were selected. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for this draw was 71.
This draw was part of Alberta’s ongoing focus on attracting skilled workers in high-demand sectors—specifically healthcare—who also meet the province’s eligibility criteria, including a valid job offer.
April 8 Draw: Non-Express Entry Healthcare Pathway
The most recent draw, held on April 8, 2025, was executed through Alberta’s non-Express Entry version of the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway.
In this round, 28 invitations were issued to eligible applicants who are not part of the federal Express Entry system. Moreover, these individuals required a minimum assessment score of 53 to be selected.
This pathway is designed for healthcare workers who may not qualify under the Express Entry system but still meet the province’s stringent requirements.
Who Is Eligible For Alberta’s Healthcare Streams?
As Alberta targets healthcare workers in the latest PNP draws, understanding the eligibility criteria for each stream is crucial.
Below is a list of the eligible healthcare professions and the associated regulatory organizations responsible for verifying licensure in Alberta:
| Healthcare Profession | Regulatory Organization |
| Physician | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) |
| Registered Nurse | College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) |
| Nurse Practitioner | College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) |
| Physician Assistant | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) |
| Occupational Therapist | Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT) |
| Physiotherapist | College of Physiotherapists of Alberta (CPA) |
| Clinical Social Worker | Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) |
| Psychologist | College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) |
Requirements For Non-Express Entry Healthcare Stream
To be eligible under the non-Express Entry stream of the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway, applicants must:
- Hold a valid and verifiable job offer from an Alberta employer in a qualifying healthcare occupation
- Meet a minimum language proficiency of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in each ability, unless they are required to submit a licensing body-approved language test
- For Licensed Practical Nurses, submit proof of language proficiency (CLB 5 minimum) if license was obtained through employer language verification
- For Clinical Social Workers, provide a licensure language exam or an AAIP-approved test showing CLB 5 in all skills
- Demonstrate that they meet all requirements set by the appropriate Alberta regulatory authority to work in the profession
- Possess valid temporary resident status (e.g., work permit) or maintained status throughout the application process if residing in Alberta at the time of application
Applicants who qualify under Express Entry-aligned criteria are advised to apply through the enhanced stream instead.
Requirements For Express Entry-Aligned Healthcare Stream
Those who wish to apply through the Express Entry-linked healthcare pathway must meet the following:
- Have an active Express Entry profile
- Score at least 300 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System
- Indicate an eligible healthcare occupation as their primary profession in their profile
Additionally, to be selected under Alberta’s Priority Sector Draws, candidates must:
- Have a valid job offer from an Alberta employer in the healthcare sector
- Ensure their primary occupation in Express Entry is aligned with one of the eligible professions listed above
These measures ensure that the province targets candidates who will integrate quickly & successfully into Alberta’s healthcare system.
Conclusion
With these three draws, Alberta continues its strategic focus on strengthening the provincial healthcare workforce through targeted immigration. Moreover, a total of 81 ITAs issued across various streams show the province’s proactive approach to addressing urgent labor needs.
As demand continues, healthcare professionals are encouraged to review eligibility criteria and prepare for future draws. Timely applications can improve the chances of selection, especially as quotas are quickly filled each year.
For those interested in building their careers in Alberta’s vibrant healthcare sector, the province offers a clear and structured pathway to permanent residency.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
