Alberta Immigration Nominee Program (AINP)
On June 14, 2018 the Government of Alberta changed the Alberta Immigration Nominee Program to “simplify processes, reduce wait times and and provide fair access for all workers who wish to build lives in Alberta” by introducing the Alberta Opportunity Stream and the Alberta Express Entry Stream.
Alberta Express Entry Stream
The new Express Entry Stream now allows Alberta to invite candidates from the Express Entry pool to apply for a provincial nomination.
In general, Alberta Immigration Nominee Program will give priority to “candidates who have demonstrated strong ties to Alberta and who can help support the government’s economic development and diversification”.
Firstly, the Express Entry System manages candidates in Canada’s 3 main economic immigration classes – the Federal Skilled Worker Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Class and the Canadian Experience Class.
Secondly, qualified candidates with profiles in the Express Entry pool will be selected directly by the AINP. Express Entry candidates can only apply for a provincial nomination after receiving an invitation from the AINP.
Lastly, a candidate in the Express Entry pool who receives a nomination from a Canadian province obtains 600 extra points under the Comprehensive Ranking System and is prioritized for an Invitation to Apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS)
In addition, Alberta Immigration Nominee Program announced that it will accept applications under the Self-Employed Farmer Stream and the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
Further, the AOS operates outside of Express Entry and provides a pathway to permanent residence for candidates who are working in Alberta. Candidates can apply without the support of their employer.
To be eligible, candidates must be currently working full-time in Alberta in an eligible occupation. Furthermore, they must satisfy minimum selection criteria for residency and employment status, occupation, language, education, work experience, and income level.
Nominations
Finally, IRCC allotted a maximum of 5,600 nominations for 2018. Recently, the AINP issued 2,277 nomination certificates so far.
