Tips for Alberta Immigration Nominee Program (AINP)

Alberta Immigration Nominee Program

Submitting an application to this program comes with a long list of requirements as well as employer criteria that you will need to consider. Generally speaking, most occupations in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) matrix are accepted. There are however, a list of specific occupations, regardless of skill level, that are considered not eligible for this application type.

As the nomination programs are time intensive and have caps and deadlines, having the support of a representative in these matters would not only alleviate a great deal of stress but also greatly increase your chances for success. Many of our clients who face this situation are unsuspecting of the complicated nature of these applications or how to go about demonstrating the necessary requirements they will need to make in order to be successful.

Akrami & Associates will guide you every step of the way with this. Contact us for more details.

If you intend on submitting your application without the support of a representative, there are a couple of factors you should keep in mind.

Necessary Amount of Work Experience

The amount of work experience you need to have before applying to the AINP depends on what occupation you are working in at the time you apply.

If you are working in Alberta in an eligible skilled occupation (NOC 0, A or B skill level), you must have at least one year of full-time work experience in Alberta at the time you apply to the AINP. You must have gained this one year of full-time Alberta work experience in the two year period before you applied to the AINP. For example, if you applied on November 15th, 2013 you would need to have one year of full-time Alberta work experience and you must have obtained that experience between November 15, 2011 and November 15, 2013.

If you are working in Alberta in an eligible semi-skilled occupation (NOC C or D skill level), you must have at least two years of full-time work experience in Alberta at the time you apply to the AINP. You must have gained these two years of full-time Alberta work experience in the three year period before you applied to the AINP. For example, if you applied on November 15th, 2013 you would need to have two years of full-time Alberta work experience and you must have obtained that experience between November 15, 2010 and November 15, 2013.

Understanding the NOC

Your NOC code may be listed on your work permit and will also be listed on a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) if you have one. The NOC code is a four digit number and is used to classify your position. If you are working on an open work permit, you can find your NOC code by going to the NOC website. On this website, you will find your NOC code based on the 2006 NOC classification system, which is used by the AINP.

There are different versions of the NOC that are currently available, be certain that you use the correct one. To find your NOC, start at the NOC website. Go to the bottom of the webpage and find the Quick Search section. Enter words you would use to describe your job or your job title in the search box. A list of possible occupations will come up. Review the occupations and see which occupation best describes the job duties you do every day. It is important to make sure your NOC reflects your job duties, as the AINP will assess your application based on your job duties, not based on your job title.