AINP Family Stream Changes Effective September 14, 2009

If you are planning to apply or have just submitted an AINP Family Stream application, please be informed of the following AINP Family Stream changes effective September 14, 2009.

Changes that apply to the Alberta Relative
Former Criteria	New Criteria
Alberta Relative must complete the Family – Sponsorship Affidavit of Support.	Alberta Relative must complete the AINP Family Stream – Affidavit of Support (AINP 006A).
No Settlement Plan required.	Settlement Plan now required with the application as part of the AINP 006A. A Settlement Plan would describe how the Alberta Relative will help the Candidate and any accompanying family members with shelter, food, clothing, finding work in their field and integrating into the community.
On the Family – Sponsorship Affidavit of Support, you must affirm that neither you, nor your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), have defaulted or are otherwise obligated to meet the conditions of any other sponsorship agreement entered into with a Government of a Province or Territory of Canada, including the Government of Alberta, or the Government of Canada for another sponsored family member who has obtained their permanent residence in Canada.	On the AINP Family Stream - Affidavit of Support, you must identify whether or not you or your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), have submitted previous applications to the AINP Family Stream only and what the status is of those previous applications. Please note that if the Alberta Relative or anyone in the Alberta Relative’s household has already submitted an application under the AINP Family Stream where a decision has not yet been made or where a commitment of support is still in effect, a second application should not be submitted.
Alberta Relative can demonstrate funds ($10,000 CAD for the Candidate and $2,000 for each accompanying dependent) on behalf of the Candidate.	Alberta Relative can no longer demonstrate these funds on behalf of the Candidate. The Candidate or the Candidate’s spouse/common-law partner must demonstrate these funds.
Changes that apply to the Candidate
Former Criteria	New Criteria
Candidate must complete the Family – Application for Nomination (AINP 006).	Candidate must complete the AINP Family Stream – Application for Nomination (AINP 006B).
The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate completion of a post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate program of at least one (1) year in duration.	The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program of at least two (2) years in duration.
The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate one of the following: a minimum of three years of full-time work experience within the past four years a minimum of three years of full-time post-secondary school within the past four years a combination of three years of full-time work experience and full-time post-secondary school within the past four years.	The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate one of the following: a minimum of three years of full-time work experience that is related to individual’s post-secondary credential within the past four years a minimum of three years of full-time post-secondary school within the past four years a combination of three years of full-time work experience and full-time post-secondary school within the past four years. The education and work experience must be related (i.e. an Engineering degree and working as an Engineer).
Proof of accessible funds ($10,000 CAD for the Candidate and $2,000 for each accompanying dependent) had to be in a recognised Canadian financial institution. If you could not demonstrate these funds in a recognised Canadian financial institution, your Alberta Relative could submit this proof of funds.	Proof of accessible funds ($10,000 CAD for the Candidate and $2,000 for each accompanying dependent) can now be demonstrated from a financial institution in your home country. The Alberta Relative can no longer demonstrate these funds on behalf of the Candidate.

How will these AINP Family Stream changes may affect your application?

If your application was submitted before September 14, 2009, your application will be assessed based on the previous criteria. If you have submitted a complete application, you are not required to complete the new version of the forms or include additional required supporting documentation.

If your application was submitted before September 14, 2009, but your application was returned to you as incomplete on or after September 14, 2009, you will be required to submit a new application and it will be assessed based on the new criteria. When you re-submit your application, you will need to complete the most current version of the application forms and include all required supporting documents. If you do not submit the new forms, your application will be returned to you.

If your application was postmarked on or after September 14, 2009 but before September 26, 2009, your application will be assessed based on the new criteria. You must complete the most current version of the application forms and include all required supporting documents. If you submit a complete application with the previous forms during this two week time period, you will receive a letter instructing you to complete and send in the new forms within 30 days. Wait until you receive the letter to send in any new documents.

If your application was postmarked on or after September 26, 2009, your application will be assessed based on the new criteria. You must complete the most current version of the application forms and include all required supporting documents. If you do not submit the new forms, your application will be returned to you.

To avoid delay in processing of your AINP Family Stream application, please be guided with these changes effective September 14, 2009.