Alberta is one of the Prairies Provinces in Western Canada. The province has a natural resource portfolio that consists of natural gas, minerals, coal, oil, and Alberta oil sands. This makes Alberta one of the fastest-growing economies in Canada and a popular destination for newcomers, who come looking for job opportunities through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program.
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
The Alberta Immigration Nominee Program (AINP) is one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). It is an economic immigration program that allows immigrants Permanent Residence (PR) in Alberta. Usually, these immigrants are foreign workers, students, or entrepreneurs interested in settling in Alberta permanently.
The program is designed for candidates with the skills, abilities, and experiences to benefit and fill labour shortages in Alberta. Or candidates looking to buy or start a new business in the province.
The Alberta government regulates this program in partnership with the IRCC. To get nominated, candidates must apply for a nomination to the provincial government. If nominated, then the candidate may apply for PR to the federal government together with their spouse or children.
Alberta Immigration Nominee Program (AINP) Streams
This program offers five streams:
- Opportunity stream
- International graduate entrepreneur immigration stream
- Express Entry stream
- Foreign graduate startup visa stream
- Self-employed farmer stream
Opportunity Stream:
This stream offers an immigration pathway to foreign workers in the province. It requires that a candidate must already have a job offer in the province to be eligible.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream (IGEIS)
This stream is for students who have already completed post-secondary education in the province and wish to reside permanently. This can either be by buying or starting a new business.
Express Entry stream
This stream requires that candidates must have an active Express Entry profile. They will be invited through their accounts with specific selection criteria. One of the major advantages of this stream is that candidates receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. Also, they receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
Foreign Graduate Start-up Visa Stream (FGSVS)
This stream is specifically designed for candidates who have completed post-secondary education outside Canada but wish to reside in the province. To be eligible, candidates must be interested in starting a new business in the province.
Self-Employed Farmer stream
This stream is for farmers who possess enough experience to buy or start a farm in the province.
What are the Eligibility Criteria of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) depends on the stream a candidate chooses. However, here is a list of the general criteria:
- A valid work permit earned through Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Proof and status of temporary resident in Canada
- Proof of work in an occupation accepted by AINP
- Work experience for the job you want to apply
- Proof of funds to settle in Canada
- Language test results. Applicants must score at least 5 for CLB and NCLC (7 is required in some cases)
- The language skill results must be from IELTS/CELPIP/TEF
- Educational certificate from a post-secondary institution, a diploma for two years, or an undergraduate/graduate degree
- Full-time work experience of 12 months in the province within the past 18 months. Or full-time work experience in 24 months in Canada within the past 30 months
However, a valid work permit is not needed in these cases:
- When applicants have an LMIA exempt occupation
- When applicants have a post-graduation work permit.
What Documents are Required to Apply Under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program?
- A valid passport
- Fully completed and signed application form
- Work permit
- Birth certificate
- Address proof
- Marriage certificate (if present)
- Police clearance certificate
- Language skills results (For English – IELTS/CELPIP and French – TCF/TEF)
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Employee reference letter (if needed)
- Employment letter
- Statement of Earnings
- Proof of funds
How to apply for the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
Here is how you can apply for the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program:
- Check the eligibility criteria
- Create an Express Entry profile
- Ensure you submit the necessary documents to get your application to reach the Express Entry pool
- The Alberta province reviews your profile at this point
- Get the Notification of Interest (NOI) from Alberta
- Submit a complete application much earlier before the deadline
- Check your Express Entry account to receive the notification and accept the provincial nomination and also get the 600 additional points added to your CRS score – the minimum CRS score for Alberta is 300
- Submit the Expression of Interest (EOI)
- If your application is accepted, you will be selected from the Express Entry draw
- Receive the ITA
What is the Cost of Applying to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program?
Although this is dependent on the stream you are applying under, the general cost of the AINP is broken down below:
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee – CAD 500
- Processing Fee – CAD 550
- Dependent child – CAD 225
You must visit their website for updates.
How Long Does it Take to get Alberta’s PNP?
This will depend on the stream you have applied under:
- The skilled worker category – one month
- The semi-skilled worker category – four months
- International Graduates Category – one month
- Engineering Occupations Category – one month
- Compulsory and Optional Trades Category – one month
Do you want to migrate to Canada? Reach out to our certified Canadian immigration consultants to guide you through the application process. You can send us an email at info@mapleeducation.ca or fill our inquiry form
