ALBERTA INCREASES IMMIGRATION FEES – MAJOR UPDATES FROM AAIP 2025
📅 Starting April 1, 2025, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has implemented a series of significant changes, especially regarding application fees and accepted English tests. If you’re planning to immigrate to Alberta, don’t miss this!
🔺 1. Increased Application Fees for Worker Streams
🔸 New application fee: $1,500
🔸 Previous fee: $840
🔸 Effective from: April 1, 2025
🔸 Applies to the following worker streams:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Alberta Express Entry Stream (and related pathways)
- Rural Renewal Stream
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream
➡️ Applications submitted before April 1, 2025, will still be charged the old fee.
🌾 2. Increased Fees for Other Services
- Farm Stream (for experienced farmers):
Increased from $500 → $3,500 - Reissuance of nomination certificate (if expired):
Increased from $100 → $150
⏰ Both new fees are effective as of April 1, 2025.
📚 3. PTE Core Now Accepted as a Language Test
🔹 As of April 1, 2025, AAIP accepts the PTE Core test for all streams.
🔹 The currently accepted English and French tests include:
- IELTS
- CELPIP
- PTE Core
- TEF (French)
- TCF (French)
➡️ Great news for those who find IELTS or CELPIP challenging!
🚫 4. Policy Withdrawals and Changes
- Alberta will not participate in the federal policy to issue open work permits to PNP candidates in 2025 (despite initially opting in).
- Family Connection and Occupation in Demand stream: Alberta has stopped issuing invitations through this stream.
➡️ However, candidates can still claim points for having close relatives (parents, siblings, or children who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents) in Alberta.
📉 5. Reduced Immigration Allocations for 2025
- In 2024: Alberta had 9,750 nomination spots
- In 2025: Only 4,875 spots are available 😱
➡️ Competition will be much tougher, so if you’re eligible, apply early!
📩 If you’re planning to immigrate to Alberta or need help strategizing your application, SICON is here to support you with up-to-date information and professional immigration advice!
