What is Express Entry and how does it work?

Express Entry is Canada's primary system for managing applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. Candidates create an online profile and are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). IRCC conducts regular draws to invite the highest-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residence. Category-based draws introduced in 2023 now allow candidates in specific occupations — healthcare, STEM, trades, and French speakers — to be invited at lower CRS scores.

Do I need a job offer to immigrate to Canada?

Not always. Federal programs like Express Entry do not require a job offer. Some provincial nominee programs also allow immigration without a job offer. As of March 2025, job offer points were removed from the CRS calculation entirely, meaning a job offer no longer provides a scoring advantage in Express Entry.

How long does it take to get Canadian permanent residence?

Processing times vary by pathway. Express Entry applications are targeted at 6 months from the date of application. Provincial Nominee Program applications can take longer depending on the province and stream. Your consultant can give you a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation.

What is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)?

An RCIC is a licensed professional authorized to provide immigration advice and representation in Canada. RCICs are regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). You can verify an RCIC's license on the CICC website using their registration number. Sao Khadjieva's RCIC registration number is R515185.

Can I immigrate to Canada as an international student?

Yes. Many international students use the study-to-permanent-residence pathway: obtain a study permit, complete a PGWP-eligible program, gain Canadian work experience on a Post-Graduation Work Permit, and then apply for permanent residence through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program.

What documents do I need for a Canadian study permit?

A Canadian study permit application typically requires a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution, proof of financial support (minimum $22,895 CAD for living expenses as of September 2025, plus tuition and travel costs), a Statement of Purpose, valid passport, and a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for most undergraduate applicants.

AAIP Worker EOI Points Calculator

Education (Max 22 pts)

Highest Level of Education Completed

If your highest credential was obtained outside Canada, select based on your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from an IRCC-designated organization.

Was your highest level of education completed in Canada?

If your highest credential was obtained abroad, you cannot claim Canadian education location points — even if you completed lower credentials in Canada.

Language (Max 13 pts)

What is your English CLB score?

Based on your lowest score across listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Minimum CLB 4 is required to submit an EOI.

What is your French NCLC score?

Based on your lowest score across all four competencies. Select "Not applicable" if you did not complete a French test. AAIP awards the higher score between English and French.

Bilingual Language Proficiency

3 bonus points if you have CLB 4+ in English AND NCLC 4+ in French.

I qualify for bilingual proficiency bonus — +3 pts

Work Experience (Max 21 pts)

Total Work Experience

Includes all experience accumulated in Canada and abroad.

Work Experience in Canada

AAIP awards the higher score between Alberta and another province. Select whichever gives the most points.

Age (Max 5 pts)

What is your age at time of application?

Family Connection in Alberta (Max 8 pts)

Do you have a qualifying family member living in Alberta?

Must be your parent, child, or sibling — a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident aged 18+. Points are not awarded for in-laws.

Yes — I have a qualifying family member in Alberta — +8 pts

Alberta Job Offer (Max 16 pts)

Do you have a permanent full-time job offer in Alberta?

Yes — permanent full-time job offer in Alberta — +10 pts

Does your job offer qualify under a select rural community or sector?

Only one of the following applies — 6 pts each.

Endorsement letter from a Rural Renewal Stream designated community

Tourism & Hospitality Stream — employer is a member of a required sector association

Law enforcement occupation — employer is a member of the AACP

Where is your Alberta job offer located?

Regulated Occupation (Max 10 pts)

Do you have a job offer in a regulated occupation with valid Alberta certification?

Regulated occupations require a licence or certificate to practise in Alberta — including professional occupations (e.g. engineers, nurses) and designated trades (e.g. electricians, welders). You must hold a valid Alberta Qualification Certificate or an AIT-recognized trade certificate to claim these points.

Yes — my job offer is in a regulated occupation and I hold the required Alberta certification — +10 pts

AAIP Worker EOI Points Calculator

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