What this page is: a client-friendly summary of Alberta's Dedicated Health Care Pathway under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). It explains the rules in plain language for both Express Entry and Non-Express Entry options.
Important: You need an Alberta job offer in an eligible health-care profession, and you must meet all requirements at submission and at assessment.
Two options (choose the one that fits you)
Express Entry option
- Active Express Entry profile, and eligible under at least one federal program: CEC, FSW or FST.
- Minimum CRS 300.
- Valid, verifiable job offer from an Alberta employer in the health sector (with valid WCB coverage) in an eligible health profession.
- Provide proof you meet the regulator's minimal requirements to practise in Alberta.
- Primary occupation in your EE profile is the eligible health profession; declare intent to settle in Alberta.
Non-Express Entry option
- Use this only if you cannot qualify for Express Entry. If you can create an EE profile with CRS ≥ 300, you must apply via Express Entry.
- Valid, verifiable job offer from an Alberta employer in the health sector (with valid WCB coverage) in an eligible health profession.
- Provide proof you meet the regulator's minimal requirements to practise in Alberta.
- If working in Alberta at submission: you have a valid work permit or maintained status (formerly "implied status").
- Meet language minimums (see Language).
- Declare intent to settle in Alberta.
Key difference: Express Entry candidates get 600 additional CRS points with nomination. Non-Express Entry candidates apply for PR through paper-based PNP.
Eligible professions & regulators
Examples of eligible professions and the Alberta regulator that confirms your ability to practise:
Physicians
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA)
Registered Nurses (RNs)
College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA)
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA)
Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA)
Physician Assistants
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA)
Occupational Therapists
Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT)
Physiotherapists
College of Physiotherapists of Alberta (CPA)
Clinical Social Workers
Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)
Psychologists
College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP)
Important: NOC codes cover many titles. Your job offer must match the regulator-approved profession you're claiming.
Job offer & employer (health sector)
Job offer basics
- Continuous, paid employment under an employer-employee relationship (fee-for-service contracts are allowed for Alberta health-care providers).
- Full-time work = at least 30 hours/week; employment for 12 months or more.
- Special note (this pathway): employment as an employee under full-time, part-time, part-time with actual full-time hours, or casual terms can be counted toward the 12-month employment requirement.
- Wages/benefits must meet Alberta minimum wage and either the LMIA wage (if applicable) or the province's starting wage for the occupation.
Employer basics
- Legitimate Alberta employer with operations in Alberta and valid WCB coverage in the health sector.
- Meets AAIP employer rules (years in operation, revenue/employee thresholds or public-sector exemption).
- Provides a job consistent with business activities and can fulfill all terms of the job offer.
Ineligible job/offer situations
- Independent contractors, business owners or temporary agency workers; individuals listed as directors/shareholders/agents of the employer in CORES.
- Jobs performed outside Alberta or at non-commercial/industrial locations (e.g., home-based), except as allowed by AAIP rules for this stream.
Note: Health-care employers often include hospitals, health authorities, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other health service providers with valid WCB coverage.
Language requirements (Non-Express Entry option)
- Minimum CLB/NCLC 5 in each skill or language sufficient for licensure in your regulated profession (shown by your regulator's registration or by an accepted test).
- LPNs: If licensure language was met via employer verification (providing services primarily in English), you must submit an AAIP-accepted test with at least CLB 5 in each skill.
- Clinical Social Workers: Provide the language exam used for licensure or an AAIP-accepted test with at least CLB 5 in each skill.
- Accepted tests: CELPIP-General, IELTS-General Training, Pearson PTE, TEF Canada, TCF Canada (results must be < 2 years old on submission date).
Note: Express Entry option follows federal language rules for the program you qualify under (CEC/FSW/FST).
How to apply (simple steps)
1
Submit a Worker Expression of Interest (EOI)
In the AAIP portal (no fee).
2
Wait for selection
AAIP runs ongoing draws. If selected, you'll receive an email invitation for this pathway.
3
Apply in the portal
You have 15 days to start and 30 days from start to submit.
4
Pay the fee
Worker-stream application fee is $1,500.
5
Assessment → Nomination
If approved, you'll apply to IRCC for PR via the relevant federal process (Express Entry or non-EE PNP).
Pro tip: Keep your EOI and application accurate. Incorrect info can lead to refusal and re-apply bans.
Documents (what to prepare)
Identity & Status
- Passport (biographical page)
- Work permits (if applicable)
- Study permits (if you were a student)
Professional Licensing
- Proof of regulatory eligibility from your Alberta regulator
- Professional credentials and certificates
- Proof of registration/license (if already licensed)
Education & Language
- Educational credentials (diplomas, degrees)
- Transcripts (official, sealed)
- Language test results (if required for your situation)
- ECA (if applicable for Express Entry)
Job Offer & Employer
- Signed job offer/employment contract
- Employer Declaration & Authorization form
- WCB clearance letter (health sector)
- Employment reference letters (if applicable)
Important: The most critical document is proof from your regulatory body that you meet their minimal requirements to practise in Alberta.
Official source
This summary simplifies official wording. The Government of Alberta pages control if anything changes.
Prepared for clients in plain language. This page is not legal advice.