Effective April 1, 2025, Alberta has increased its application fees for many immigration streams. If you’re planning to apply to immigrate to Alberta as a worker or a farmer, here’s what you need to know in simple terms.
What Changed?
Alberta raised the application fee for worker immigration streams under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) from $840 to $1,500.
✅ Who Needs to Pay the New Fee?
- Anyone applying on or after April 1, 2025.
- If you already submitted your application before April 1, you don’t have to pay the new fee.
Which Immigration Streams Are Affected?
The higher $1,500 fee applies only to worker-related streams:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream – for people already working in Alberta.
- Alberta Express Entry Stream – linked to the federal Express Entry system.
- Rural Renewal Stream – for those with job offers in smaller towns in Alberta.
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream – for workers in hotels, restaurants, and related sectors.
Other Fee Increases
🧑🌾 Farm Stream
- Old fee: $500
- New fee: $3,500
- Applies to farmers who want to start or buy a farm in Alberta.
📄 Nomination Certificate Reissue
- Old fee: $100
- New fee: $150
- This is for people whose nomination certificate expired and need a new one.
Other Recent Changes to Alberta Immigration
❌ Alberta Pulls Out of Temporary Work Permit Program
- The federal government offered a temporary open work permit policy in 2025.
- Alberta originally joined but later opted out.
- So, if you are nominated under AAIP, you cannot get an open work permit just because of the nomination.
🛑 No More Invitations for “Family Connection and Occupation in Demand Pathway”
- Alberta will no longer invite candidates through this pathway.
- But don’t worry—you can still claim points if you have a close family member in Alberta (parent, sibling, or child who is a Canadian citizen or PR).
✅ PTE Core Now Accepted as Language Test
Starting April 1, Alberta accepts Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core for all streams.
You can now take any of these approved language tests:
- IELTS
- CELPIP
- PTE Core (new!)
- TEF Canada
- TCF
Important: Fewer Immigration Spots for Alberta in 2025
In 2024, Alberta could nominate 9,750 people for permanent residency.
But in 2025, the federal government cut that number in half — Alberta now only gets 4,875 spots.
This means:
- More competition
- Higher chances of delays
- Stronger applications are more important than ever
❓ Why did Alberta increase the fees?
To better support program costs and manage the reduced number of nominations allowed.
❓ Do I have to pay the new fee if I applied before April 1, 2025?
No. The new fees apply only to applications submitted on or after April 1, 2025.
❓ Can I still apply under the Family Connection stream?
You can’t get an invitation under this stream anymore, but if you have close family in Alberta, you can still get extra points in your application.
❓ Which language test is best now?
It depends on your comfort level, but PTE Core is now accepted, giving you more options to choose from.
❓ Is Alberta still a good province to immigrate to?
Yes, Alberta still offers great opportunities—but with fewer spots available, it’s important to prepare a strong application and seek professional guidance.
✅ Need Help With Your Alberta Immigration Application?
Ask Kubeir can help you:
- Check your eligibility
- Choose the right stream
- Prepare a strong application
- Avoid costly mistakes
📲 Contact us now for expert help and get ahead in your immigration journey!
📞 Call us: 04 260 7837
📲 WhatsApp: wa.me/971529693030
🌐 Website: www.askkubeir.ae
📍 Office No. 45, 9th Floor, Conrad Tower, WTC, Dubai
