Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
What is the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)?
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), also called
the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), helps skilled workers find
jobs in Alberta. It offers pathways like the Alberta Opportunity Pathway and
Express Entry system. AINP also has options for businesspeople, such as farmers
and graduate entrepreneurs. The program is run by the Government of Alberta,
with support from Canada's Immigration Department.
How does AINP work?
- Apply to Alberta for nomination.
- AINP receives a set number of nominations from the Canadian
government each year.
AINP immigration pathways: what are they?
The AINP, or Alberta Provincial Nominee Program, has four
different ways for people to immigrate:
- Alberta Opportunity Pathway
- Farmer Self-Employed Pathway
- Overseas Graduate Entrepreneur Pathway
Alberta opportunity pathway
This pathway was started by AINP in June 2018 to replace two
older pathways. Its goal is to make applying to AINP easier, reduce the time
people have to wait, and make things fairer for both employers and candidates.
Minimum Requirements for AINP Opportunity Pathway:
- To be eligible for the Alberta Opportunity Pathway,
candidates must fulfil a number of requirements.
- All requirements must
be met when applying to the AINP, unless stated otherwise.
Work visa and residency
Candidates need a valid Provisional Resident status in
Canada allowing them to work.
This can be based on
- Positive LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment)
- LMIA exemption for inter-company transferees, international
trade agreements, Mobility Francophone, or International Experience
- Additionally, candidates must work in an eligible
occupation.
Candidates who are not eligible include
- Refugees undergoing removal or appeal proceedings.
- Temporary residents residing outside of Alberta.
- Temporary residents with restoration or implied status.
- Holders of a Post-Graduate Work Visa, who must meet
additional criteria. Their current job must be related to their field of study
in Alberta.
- A Post-Graduate Certificate or Certificate of at least one
year.
- Completion of a minimum two-year Diploma Program.
- Attainment of an Undergraduate Bachelor's Degree.
- Achievement of a Diploma, Certificate, or Degree at the
Graduate level.
Occupation requirements
To qualify for the Alberta Opportunity Pathway, you must
have a job in Alberta in a recognized occupation. Many jobs categorized under
NOC Skill levels D, C, B, A, and 0 are eligible for the AINP. Unlike some other
provinces in Canada, Alberta doesn't give priority based on specific job lists.
However, AINP does have a list of jobs that are not eligible.
Language requirements
When you apply, you need to show the results of language
tests proving you have at least Level 4 CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) in
all language skills in French or English.
The exception is for applicants with NOC Code 3413 - Patient
Service Associates, Orderlies, and Nurse Aides. They must have a language test
score of at least Level 7 CLB or NCLC for each language skill in French or
English.
Language Requirement Update for Immigration Candidates
As of January 1, 2020, candidates applying under NOC B, A,
and 0 categories now need to meet a higher language standard of NCLC or CLB
Level 5.
Education criteria
Applicants need to finish high school in their own country
before they apply.
Starting January 1, 2021, candidates must meet high school
education standards equivalent to those in Alberta.
Work experience guidelines
Upon application, candidates must fulfill the following work
experience requirements
You need to have worked for at least one year full-time in
Alberta in the last year and a half, or for at least two years full-time in
Canada or another country in the last two and a half years. This work could be
in Alberta, outside Alberta, or in Canada or another country.
Post-graduation work visa holders
Post-graduation work visa holders must have at least six
months of work experience in
- Their current occupation within Alberta over the past 18
months.
- An occupation related to their studies, aligned with a
credential and institution approved in Alberta.
Additional requirements
Candidates must hold certification, registration, or
licensing required for their current occupation in Alberta.
A full-time and valid job offer from an Alberta employer for
the current occupation is necessary, and candidates must be employed full-time
with that employer in Alberta.
Requirements for Alberta Express Entry pathway
The job offers needs both you and your employer in Alberta's
signatures and must provide
- Full-time job with at least 30 hours per week for 1 year
- Employment in your current occupation
- Employment in a qualified occupation in AINP for which you
have a Work Visa, meeting AINP Work Visa requirements.
What is Alberta Express Entry pathway?
The Alberta Express Entry Pathway lets the province choose a
limited number of eligible applicants for nomination from the Federal Express
Entry pool. Candidates in the Express Entry pool are directly chosen by AINP.
Prior to applying, candidates must receive a Notification of Interest.
This immigration route targets individuals with strong ties
to Alberta, capable of enhancing the economy and cultural diversity of the
province. Even international graduates are encouraged to apply.
Requirements for Alberta Express Entry stream
Candidates need to meet the following requirements to be
eligible for receiving a notification of interest
- Have an active profile in the Canada Express Entry pool
- Express interest in permanently immigrating to Alberta
- Be employed in an occupation that contributes to the
diversification and economic development of Alberta
Factors that can increase the chances of receiving the
NOI for candidates include
- Job offers from an employer in Alberta and/or work
experience in Alberta
- Graduation from a Canadian post-secondary institution
- Having relatives residing in Alberta: Sibling and/or Child,
Parent
Factors reducing chances of getting NOI
Express Entry Profile Ending Soon: If your profile in
Express Entry ends in the next 90 days, it lowers your chances.
- Disqualified Occupation: Working in a job not
eligible for immigration can also reduce your chances.
- Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Pathway: This pathway
focuses on individuals who want to invest in agriculture in Alberta. It's
managed by AINP in collaboration with Alberta's Agriculture and Forestry
Department.
Requirements for self-employed farmer pathway
- Experience in managing a farming enterprise.
- Relevant work experience, training, and education.
- A detailed Business Plan for the agricultural venture in
Alberta.
- Proof of financial support from a Canadian financial
institution.
- Minimum investment of $500,000 in the agricultural business,
with a net worth of at least $500,000 or access to these funds.
- The Alberta Overseas Graduate Entrepreneur Pathway is for
graduates from Alberta's colleges and universities who want to start a business
in the province.
Requirements for overseas graduate entrepreneur pathway
Operate or establish a business in Alberta for at least 1
year on a Work Visa.
Fulfill the Agreement for Business Performance terms to be
nominated for Canada PR Visa by AINP.
How to apply for PR visa via AINP entrepreneur pathway
Step 1: Send an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Eligible candidates can submit EOIs for assessment. The
highest-ranking candidates will proceed to
Step 2: Provide Business Application Package
Selected candidates must submit a Business Application
within 3 months along with a non-refundable $3,500 fee.
Step 3: Business Application Assessment
AINP evaluates the Business Application and sends a Business
Performance Agreement (BPA) to approved candidates. Upon signing and returning
the BPA, candidates receive a Letter of Approval for Business Application.
Step 4: Establish Business in Alberta
Candidates must operate and own their business in Alberta
for at least 1 year, with a minimum 34% ownership.
Step 5: Nomination Report Submission
After meeting Business Performance conditions, candidates
submit a final report for nomination. AINP forwards a Certificate of Nomination
to IRCC if approved.
Latest Alberta PNP draws
AINP regularly reviews profiles in the Canada Express Entry
pool and invites candidates to apply through draws. Details of draws are typically
announced about a month later.
In-demand occupations in Alberta
- Applied and Natural Sciences and Associated Occupations
- Finance and Business Administration Occupations
- Jobs in religion, government service, education, and social
science.
- Sales and Service Occupations
- Occupations in Sport Recreation, Culture, and Art
- Occupations Exclusive to Manufacturing, Processing, and
Utilities
- Equipment, Transport, Trades, Operators, and Associated
Occupations