Here's a not so good news for those planning to file an application under AINP Family Stream and and the U.S. Visa Holder Category.
The AINP is currently not accepting applications under the AINP U.S. Visa Holder Category and the AINP Family Stream. Applications postmarked after August 23, 2010 will be returned. Applications postmarked on or before August 23, 2010 will be accepted for processing and will be processed according to AINP Processing Times and U.S. Visa Holder Category or Family Stream criteria.
This is in response to current job market conditions in Alberta.
Effective immediately, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) will not accept new applications in the Family Stream and the U.S. Visa Holder Category. This change is temporary until further notice.
“Our focus needs to be on jobs for Albertans and Canadians first,” said Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Employment and Immigration. “We will continue to process applications for people who have the skills our growing economy needs.”
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program was first introduced to help Alberta build a strong workforce of skilled immigrants. In 2008 the Family Stream and the U.S. Visa Holder Category were added. Both these programs were very successful and have resulted in a large number of applications.
The federal government limits the number of people Alberta can nominate for permanent residence. In 2010 Alberta is allowed to nominate 5,000 people. With limited numbers, Alberta's focus will be on nominating people who currently work in permanent jobs and those who have job offers in occupations that are in demand in Alberta.
Alberta will continue to accept immigration applications in the following areas:Skilled workers Semi-skilled workers in certain occupations International students Compulsory trades Engineering occupations; and Self-employed farmers.
Source: Alberta puts two immigration programs on hold
