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Immigration Column
Changes to Alberta Immigration: Invitation vs. First Come, First Served
The Alberta government is considering changing the immigration assessment method from first-come, first-served to an invitation-based system starting September 30. This marks a significant shift in Canadian immigration policy.
The first-come, first-served system grants permanent residency based on the order of application, while the invitation-based system issues invitations to apply only to those who meet specific criteria.
The Alberta government is considering introducing the invitation-based system to handle the backlog of immigration applications that have surged since the pandemic.
The introduction of the invitation-based system is seen as an inevitable choice to improve the efficiency of immigration policy, favoring those with higher qualifications.
The Alberta government is considering changing the immigration assessment method from first-come, first-served to an invitation-based system starting September 30. This marks a significant shift in Canadian immigration policy.
Recently, news has emerged that the Alberta government is considering changing its immigration assessment method from the first-come, first-served approach to an invitation-based system starting September 30. This change carries significant implications for Canadian immigration policy. Let's explore the differences between the invitation-based and first-come, first-served systems and what this change means.
The first-come, first-served system grants permanent residency to applicants in the order they apply, provided they meet the minimum eligibility criteria. This method is relatively straightforward, offering equal opportunities to anyone who meets the qualifications. From the applicant's perspective, it provides certainty regarding the timing and outcome of their application. For immigration authorities, it is the simplest and easiest assessment method. However, if the number of eligible applicants surges, this system can lead to backlogs in processing and an increased burden on the administration, causing delays and prolonged uncertainty for applicants.
On the other hand, the invitation-based system requires applicants to pre-register their profiles and operates a pool from which only some are selected to apply for permanent residency. Invitations are typically issued based on a point system, with points awarded according to the applicant's qualifications. Those with higher points are more likely to receive invitations. In addition to points, factors such as occupation may also be considered. Recently, the Canadian government has favored selecting candidates based on in-demand occupations, a trend evident not only in the federal Express Entry system but also in various provincial programs. For example, the Alberta Express Entry (AEE) program's invitation trends show a focus on healthcare professions throughout the year. If a particular occupation is in demand at a specific time, those in that field are more likely to receive invitations.
Since the pandemic, Alberta has attracted new residents from across Canada due to its affordable cost of living and attractive real estate market. The relatively easy immigration process has also made Alberta a popular destination for prospective immigrants. However, the backlog of immigration applications has more than doubled, exacerbated by applicants who lost their opportunity to apply for permanent residency during the pandemic, an influx of new residents, and delayed arrivals of immigrants. This phenomenon is mirrored across Canada, leading some provinces to temporarily halt new applications or adjust their immigration assessment methods.
Initially, Alberta attempted temporary halts and a one-day-per-month application acceptance strategy, but this only increased confusion. As a result, the province concluded that adopting the invitation-based system was a better solution.
Historically, Alberta has maintained a balance between the number of immigrants and its annual nomination quota, allowing it to sustain the first-come, first-served system. However, since 2023, the backlog of applications has become increasingly severe, prompting the provincial government to consider the invitation-based system. Many people are concerned that the influx of new residents will make it more challenging to immigrate to Alberta. However, the chart below shows how Alberta's quota has significantly increased.
Although Alberta's population growth rate is the highest in Canada at 4.41%, the nomination quota has increased by about 1.6 times since 2022. If the number of applicants and the quota are similar, the minimum required score may not increase significantly, even with the introduction of the invitation-based system. However, if the number of applicants surges and demand exceeds supply, an increase in required scores is inevitable.
For example, in British Columbia and Ontario, the imbalance between supply and demand means that very high scores are required to receive an invitation. In contrast, in Manitoba, where supply and demand are more balanced, most applicants with job offers can obtain permanent residency. Despite these differences among provinces, a temporary influx of applicants can cause a temporary increase in scores, which will persist until the backlog of applications is cleared.
The introduction of the invitation-based system in Alberta appears to be an inevitable choice to improve the efficiency of immigration policy. The method of prioritizing better-qualified immigrants by processing the backlog of applications seems the most rational choice from the provincial government's perspective. While this may pose a greater challenge for applicants with relatively lower qualifications or those not prioritized at a particular time, it is expected to stabilize by the end of the year. The points system will determine the difficulty of immigration and the selection criteria based on how supply and demand dynamics operate. Alberta has maintained a balanced supply and demand over the past 20 years, allowing most applicants to obtain permanent residency smoothly. Although imbalances have occasionally occurred, leading to application suspensions or program changes, this is natural given that Canadian immigration law closely follows economic trends. Particularly, the introduction of the invitation-based system reflects a broader trend in Canadian immigration. Most people can expect to obtain permanent residency with minimal disruption if they prepare adequately without panicking.
"The Alberta government is considering changing the immigration assessment method from first-come, first-served to an invitation-based system starting September 30. This marks a significant shift in Canadian immigration policy."
