Provincial Nominee Program Alberta: What You Need To Know

Alberta's thriving economy attracts many people who want to become permanent residents. The province boasts some of Canada’s most iconic landscapes, and two major cities, and is the center of the country's oil and gas industry.

What Is The Provincial Nominee Program?

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is for workers who:

• Have the skills, education, and work experience to boost the economy of a specific province or territory.

• Want to live in that province or territory.

• Want to become permanent residents of Canada.

Each province and territory has its own immigration programs and requirements, targeting groups like:

• Students

• Business people

• Skilled workers

• Semi-skilled workers

About The AAIP

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is Alberta’s provincial nomination program that began accepting applications in 2018. It includes eight pathways for those seeking Canadian permanent residency, focusing on attracting more entrepreneurs than other provinces. This stream lets Alberta nominate a select number of qualified Express Entry candidates. Here is how it works:

• Provincial nomination gives candidates 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.

• Candidates with a provincial nomination quickly receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) when Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts a draw.

• The AAIP contacts and invites candidates directly to apply through the Alberta Express Entry stream via the AAIP Online Portal.

• Candidates with strong ties to Alberta and who support the government’s economic development goals are prioritized.

• International graduates are also invited to this stream.

• A provincial nomination is highly desirable for Express Entry candidates as it’s the best way to accumulate CRS points.

The Alberta Ministry of Labour projects shortages by 2025 of:

• 7,800 nurses and medical technologists

• 1,400 IT staff

• 1,400 construction and transportation managers

• 1,100 sales and service supervisors

AAIP Immigration Streams

The AAIP has eight immigration streams, divided into options for workers and entrepreneurs:

Understand the Application Options

How you apply depends on the stream you choose. The application process varies by stream.

Here is how the express entry process works:

• Ensure you qualify for the PNP of the desired province or territory and for one of the three Express Entry programs.

• Contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination. Create an Express Entry profile and select your preferred provinces or territories. If you get a "notification of interest," apply for a nomination.

• Update (or create) your Express Entry profile to show your nomination. This will earn you 600 additional points to help you get an invitation to apply.

• Wait for an ITA for PR. If you receive one, apply online.

For the non-express entry, the process looks like this:

• Ensure you qualify for the PNP of the desired province or territory.

• Contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination.

• If nominated, apply for permanent residence online.

Alberta Immigration Pathways: Streamlined Programs and Requirements

Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway

The Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway is designed for tech professionals with profiles in the federal Express Entry system who are eligible for the Alberta Express Entry Stream. To apply, candidates submit an online form through the AAIP portal. If they meet the criteria, they will be invited to apply for a provincial nomination.

• Application Fee: CAD $500

• Minimum Requirements:

• Profile in the Express Entry pool

• Interest in immigrating to Alberta permanently

• Minimum CRS score of 300

• Job in an eligible tech occupation in Alberta

Rural Renewal Stream

The Rural Renewal Stream targets candidates with job offers in rural Alberta communities. Candidates must first secure support from a participating community, which then provides a letter of support. With this endorsement, candidates submit their application to AAIP.

• Application Fee: CAD $500

• Minimum Requirements:

• Valid full-time job offer or contract from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation in a designated community

• 1 year of work experience in the last 18 months

• Minimum language requirements

• High school education equivalent to Canadian standards

• Sufficient funds to support self and family in the community

Farm Stream

The Farm Stream is for individuals interested in purchasing or starting a farming business in Alberta. Candidates must submit a business plan to the Alberta government and await approval. Once approved, they gather the required documents for both the Alberta government and IRCC.

• Application Fee: CAD $500

• Minimum Requirements:

• Farm management skills

• Minimum investment of CAD $500,000

• Documented investment plans in a business plan

Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is aimed at international graduates from Alberta institutions who wish to establish or operate a business in the province. Candidates start by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP portal. High-ranking candidates are invited to submit a Business Application within 90 days.

• Application Fee: CAD $3,500

• Minimum Requirements:

• At least two years of full-time education in Alberta

• Valid Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

• Minimum CLB level of 7

• Establish or operate a business with at least 34% ownership

Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

This stream is for foreign-educated graduates who want to launch a start-up in Alberta. Candidates must work with a designated agency to obtain a letter of recommendation and then submit an EOI through the AAIP portal.

• Application Fee: CAD $3,500

• Minimum Requirements:

• Six months of business management/ownership experience

• Business plan with financial projections

• Post-secondary education with an ECA, completed within the last ten years

• 10-minute business presentation

• Minimum CLB level of 5

• Specific level of business ownership and investment based on location

Rural Entrepreneur Stream

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream supports candidates looking to start a business in rural Alberta. Entrepreneurs must contact a participating community, plan an exploratory visit, and submit a business proposal. With community support, they can submit an EOI to AAIP.

• Application Fee: CAD $3,500

• Minimum Requirements:

• Three years of business owner/manager experience or four years as a senior manager

• High school education equivalent with an ECA

• Minimum CLB level of 4

• Net worth of $300,000

• Minimum investment of $200,000

• Community Support Letter

Conclusion

With streams like the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway, Rural Renewal Stream, and others, candidates can find options that fit their skills and goals. Each stream has specific criteria, processes, and fees. By meeting these requirements and following the application steps, candidates can become permanent residents and contribute to Alberta's thriving economy and vibrant communities.