Basics of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program

How to Immigrate to Alberta through PNP

In Canada, there are many provinces and territories that many foreign nationals would love to visit; however, the province of Alberta is a unique destination for foreign nationals to immigrate. The province of Alberta offers many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds that work together to create a very strong and unique province. Foreign nationals who are applying through Express Entry and are interested in immigrating to Alberta can obtain a provincial nomination from Alberta through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). Under this program, Alberta chooses individuals who have a connection with Alberta. In this article, I will address what the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program is and the different streams and categories available under this program.

What is the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) is an economic immigration program that assists Alberta meet its labour market needs and prioritizes economic development within Alberta. The program facilitates Alberta to nominate foreign nationals that are prepared to work in Alberta and obtain permanent residency. These individuals will then be able to contribute to Alberta’s economy. The AINP also assists employers with recruiting and retaining skilled foreign workers.

How does the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) work

If the province of Alberta decides to nominate you to work in Alberta, you, as well as your spouse or common-law partner and any dependent children, may proceed to apply for permanent residency in Canada as a provincial nominee through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). IRCC ultimately makes the final decisions on all permanent residency applications in Canada.

The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) offers nominations for both semi-skilled workers and skilled workers alike. In order to apply for the AINP, you can either do so on your own or with your employer. Under the AINP, there are different streams and categories that you can apply under; therefore, it is best to understand all of them before applying for the one that best suits you.

Streams under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

There are three different streams that you can apply for under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program. Below, I will list and describe the different streams in detail.

Strategic Recruitment Stream

Under this specific stream, there are three different categories that candidates can fall under, such as:

Compulsory and Optional Trades Category

In order to qualify under this category, you must be a temporary foreign worker in Canada and must have a valid work permit. You must also have a valid trade certificate in a compulsory or optional trade in Alberta. Additionally, this trade certificate must be issued or recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT).

Engineering Occupations Category

In order to qualify under this category, you must be a temporary foreign worker in Canada and must have a valid work permit. You must also have work experience in Alberta in an eligible engineering occupation. For instance, if you fall under National Occupation Classification code, better known as NOC code, 0211, 2131, 2133, or others from the Engineering Occupations list, then you may qualify under this category.

Post-Graduate Worker Category

In order to qualify under this category, you must currently work in the province of Alberta with the authorization of a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Additionally, you must provide proof that you have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in the province of Alberta.

Employer-Driven Stream

Under this specific stream, there are three different categories that candidates can fall under, such as:

Skilled Worker Category

In order to qualify under this category, you must have a valid job offer for a permanent and full-time job from an Alberta employer. Keep in mind, this job must be in an eligible skilled occupation. Additionally, you must also make sure you meet Alberta’s employment and wage standards and obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment or provide evidence that an LMIA exempt.

International Graduate Category

In order to qualify under this category, you must have recently graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada. In other words, the post-secondary institution must be listed on the designated learning institutions list. Additionally, you must also be working in Alberta on a post-graduation work permit. The ultimate requirement under this category is that you must obtain a valid job offer for a permanent and full-time position from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation.

Semi-Skilled Worker Category

In order to qualify under this category, you must have a valid job offer for a permanent and full-time job from an Alberta employer. The job must be in an eligible semi-skilled occupation. Additionally, you must already be a temporary foreign worker in Canada. Keep in mind, only a select few occupations are qualified in this category, therefore it is important to research whether your occupation is eligible. You must ensure you also meet the minimum language standards.

Self-Employed Farmer Stream

Under this specific stream, you may qualify if you have the appropriate financial resources available and acquire farm management experience. If you have both of these characteristics then you may purchase and establish a farm in Alberta. Of course, in order to prove your financial resources and work experience, there are specific documentation you must provide.

For all of the above mentioned streams and categories, there are eligibility requirements and documentation that must be submitted in order to accurately apply and qualify. Therefore, it is always advisable to research further the requirements for each stream and category.

Contact Akrami & Associates

It is essential that you have taken all of the aforementioned important information in consideration prior to applying for the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). Additionally, if you are unsure what requirements are needed from you, it is always best to research beforehand. Applying under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) for permanent residency in Canada is a difficult task to do on your own; therefore, it is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to submit the application. Here, at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many of our clients apply through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) and have helped them obtain permanent residency in Canada. If you believe that you might be eligible, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advice.

With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!