Alberta Opportunity Stream to be launched January 2018

*UPDATE*: The planned changes, including the January start date, will be postponed in order for government to continue conversations with affected stakeholders. However, the goal remains the same – to better position foreign workers in Alberta for long-term success under standards that will meet the federal government’s requirements. Further updates will be announced in the new year. Prospective applicants can continue to apply under the existing streams into the New Year.

Starting January 2, 2018, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) will simply its programs by consolidating the Employer-Driven and Strategic Recruitment Streams under one new Alberta Opportunity Stream.

Details on how to apply to this stream, including application forms is not yet available. However, criteria for Alberta Opportunity Stream is now available at AINP Website.

Ineligible Occupations

Some occupations will not be eligible to apply. Factors for an occupation to be ineligible include, but are not limited to:

• individuals in occupation are self-employed 
• individuals in occupation are seasonally employed
• individuals in occupation must be permanent residents to perform occupation
• limited economic value of occupation, and/or 
• economic need filled by Albertans and Canadians

Residency status and work permit requirements

At the time your application is postmarked and at the time the AINP assesses your application:

• You must have valid temporary resident status in Canada that authorizes you to work in Canada (i.e. temporary foreign worker). 
• You must have a valid work permit (not implied status or restoration status) for an eligible occupation based on either:

1. a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or
2. a LMIA exemption for workers covered under international trade agreements, workers transferred within a company, or people taking part in International Experience Canada, as determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

International Students Graduates with a Post Graduate Work Permit and Spouses of International Students with Open Work Permit are LMIA exempted workers but is not necessarily included in this stream. Alberta Opportunity Stream may or may not be for them.  Visit AINP for details.