Alberta cutoff score much lower than CRS score and no ITA issued

[Yazan9]

Hi everyone,

I have submitted an application through the express entry stream to Alberta and my profile shows that I have a score of 384. Since then (over one month) there were 2 draws, the first was 301 (April 6) and the second was 302 (April 20) which are much lower than my score.

My profile states that I have met the minimum eligibly criteria, and my occupation is not included in the Ineligible Occupations list, so I'm not sure why I'm not being issued the ITA just yet?

Can someone help me with this please?

 

[Naturgrl]

Are you working in Alberta or have a LMIA? Alberta has been only selecting inland so ITAs are for those who are living and working in the province or have a LMIA. Also Alberta picks the NOCs they want but don’t publish the list. So just because your CRS score is within range, it doesn’t mean your NOC is selected.

 

[Yazan9]

No actually I don't live inside Alberta or have a LMIA. But thank you so much for the clarification, it really helps, finally an answer!

Is this COVID related? because even the express entry stream for Canada is only taking applicants from the Canadian express entry class and Provincial Nominee Program. The last time federal skilled worker stream was considered was back in December 2020.

Or is it that Alberta usually has the policy of prioritizing inlanders regardless of the score?

 

[Naturgrl]

No actually I don't live inside Alberta or have a LMIA. But thank you so much for the clarification, it really helps, finally an answer!

Is this COVID related? because even the express entry stream for Canada is only taking applicants from the Canadian express entry class and Provincial Nominee Program. The last time federal skilled worker stream was considered was back in December 2020.

Or is it that Alberta usually has the policy of prioritizing inlanders regardless of the score?

Right now Alberta is prioritizing those in Canada. Will it change, who knows. Also they pick from specific NOCs but don't publish it. Many people wonder why they aren't getting an invitation.

 

[scylla]

No actually I don't live inside Alberta or have a LMIA. But thank you so much for the clarification, it really helps, finally an answer!

Is this COVID related? because even the express entry stream for Canada is only taking applicants from the Canadian express entry class and Provincial Nominee Program. The last time federal skilled worker stream was considered was back in December 2020.

Or is it that Alberta usually has the policy of prioritizing inlanders regardless of the score?

Even before COVID, Alberta gave preference to those with connections to Alberta (this could include individuals living and working there, those with close family members there, those with job offers there), as well as targeting specific NOC (beyond those not on the ineligible list).

You should look to increase your score and/or explore other PNP programs. Alberta is far from a sure thing for your profile even after the pandemic is over. Many here have started taking actions like learning French and/or getting further education. Good luck.

 

[Yazan9]

Thank you both. This is really helpful, now I realize that my chances are not great with Alberta, which is a bummer, but at least I can restart the search for other alternatives.

Thank you again for your help, truly appreciate it.

 

[scylla]

Thank you both. This is really helpful, now I realize that my chances are not great with Alberta, which is a bummer, but at least I can restart the search for other alternatives.

Thank you again for your help, truly appreciate it.

Alberta might still happen for you. Just don't assume this is a slam dunk once the pandemic situation resolves itself. This is very far from a guarantee.

It's the right move to explore other options.

Good luck!