Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program

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.

• If nominated, apply to the Canadian government for permanent residency (PR visa).

• 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

• Express Entry 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

• Post-graduate Work Visa

• 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

• Continuous paid work

• 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

• Must have a minimum CRS score (Comprehensive Ranking System)of 300 points

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 inExpress 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

• Managerial Occupations

• Applied and Natural Sciences and Associated Occupations

• Finance and Business Administration Occupations

• Jobs in religion, government service, education, and social science.

• Health Occupations

• 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