Changes to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) are now in effect

Last year, Alberta announced the planned changes in the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) - the Alberta Opportunity Stream.  As of June 14, 2018, changes to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) are now in effect

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.

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Since the announcement by the Government of Alberta on January 27, 2016 about the opening of Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), I have been receiving a lot of inquiries about the program.  Oftentimes, the statement would be like "I was told by my relative that Alberta is now accepting applications for AINP and that I should apply immediately".  But they will end up disappointed after I tell them how the program works.

Banff, Alberta, Canada (May 2015)

So I thought of writing about Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) and to guide those planing to immigrate to Canada. So here it goes...

In a nut shell, you are not eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada under AINP if you:

• are presently not in Alberta and with a valid work permit, or
• don't have a valid job offer from an employer in Alberta or
• don't have financial resources and farm management experience to establish a farm in Alberta

How to qualify and get a permanent residence in Canada via Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)?

First, you need to be Canada ready. Get your documents ready. This includes properly documenting your identity, education, training, work experience and language proficiency.  As to how you will be able to do it, you may visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada website (http://cic.gc.ca) and you can get the information you need for FREE.

But if you think you need help, you may take our FREE Online Assessment or attend one of our information seminar/orientation schedules.

AINP Family Stream and U.S. Visa Holder Category Close

Bad news for those with relatives in Alberta waiting for the AINP Family Stream to open again.  Canadian Immigration Consultancy have just received an email from AINP Office:

"The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) has now permanently closed the Family Stream and U.S. Visa Holder category.  

The closure of these two categories allows the AINP to better align the program with many of the changes taking place to Canada’s immigration system.  These categories were suspended in 2010 to allow the program to focus on nominating temporary foreign workers for permanent residency who are already here working and addressing immediate labour needs.

Final decisions have been made on all U.S. Visa Holder category applications received prior to the suspension and applicants have been informed.  Only a few Family Stream applications remain in the final stage of assessment; these applicants have been notified that a decision on their application is imminent. 
The AINP is an important program, and will continue to play an integral role in supporting our province’s economic growth. The AINP will focus on nominating those individuals who will provide the greatest economic benefit to Alberta.

For those whose clients are interested in family reunification, the option is the federal Family Sponsorship Class."

AINP - Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Backlog Reduction Pilot

If you have a pending FSW application filed before February 27, 2008 and that you selected Alberta as your destination, you may be eligible under AINP - Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Backlog Reduction Pilot. This would mean an expedited process!



You will receive a letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada inviting you to apply under this program if in your Federal Skilled Worker application you indicated that you were interested in moving to Alberta and that you work in one of four occupations in need in Alberta:

NOC 0211 – Engineering Managers
NOC 2131 – Civil Engineers
NOC 2132 – Mechanical Engineers
NOC 0911 – Manufacturing Managers

Criteria you must meet in order to be eligible for the AINP

At the time of application to the AINP, you the Candidate must:

1. Intend to and be able to live and work in Alberta
2. Be between the ages of 24 and 55
3. Meet the following education criteria:

- You have completed a post-secondary diploma or degree program at least two (2) years in duration at an accredited educational institution, in a field of study directly related to your current employment and work experience:

If you are working as a NOC 0211 – Engineering Manager, NOC 2131 – Civil Engineer or NOC 2131 – Mechanical Engineer, a related field of study includes an engineering technology diploma or degree, and

- You currently meet and/or met the licensing or registration requirements to perform the job duties of your current and previous jobs in the country in which you were performing those job duties (if applicable) OR

- You have a “Letter of No Objection” from the body regulating the engineering profession in Alberta, The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists, and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA) or be registered with APEGGA as a foreign licensee.

4. Be currently performing the job duties of the occupation (NOC) identified in the letter you received from CIC advising you of this Pilot, and have a minimum of three (3) years paid, full-time work experience performing duties in this occupation since January 1, 2007

5. Have achieved a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) in the last two (2) years OR a minimum of Level 4.0 on the Test d’evaluation de français (TEF) in the last two (2) years.

6. Have accessible funds in a bank or financial institution of at least CAD $10,000 for the Candidate, and CAD $2,000 for each of the Candidate’s dependants (spouse or common-law partner and child)

Joint accounts with your Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) in which you are clearly identified as one of the account holders are acceptable.

Please note that meeting these criteria does not guarantee your application will be assessed, or that you will be issued a Nomination letter or a permanent resident visa.

If you received an invitation letter, you must submit your application on or before June 1, 2012. More information here.

Optional Certification Trades in Alberta

Here's the list of Alberta's optional trades eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada through Alberta's Immigrant Nominee Program Strategic Recruitment Stream.

Agricultural Equipment Technician
Baker
Bricklayer
Cabinetmaker
Carpenter
Communication Technician
Concrete Finisher
Cook
Electric Motor Systems Technician
Floorcovering Installer
Glazier

Glazier
Auto Glass Technician

Instrument Technician
Insulator
Landscape Gardener
Lather-Interior Systems Mechanic
Locksmith
Machinist
Millwright
Outdoor Power Equipment Technician(OPET)

OPET-Marine Equipment
OPET-Power Equipment
OPET-Recreational Equipment
OPET-Turf Equipment

Painter and Decorator
Parts Technician

Parts Technician
Parts Technician-Materials Technician

Powerline Technician
Power System Electrician
Roofer
Sawfiler

Sawfiler
Sawfiler-Circular Sawfiler

Sprinkler System Installer
Structural Steel and Plate Fitter
Tilesetter
Tool and Die Maker
Transport Refrigeration Technician
Water Well Driller

In the past, temporary foreign workers working in Alberta's optional trades, need an employer inorder for them to apply for permanent residence. This new AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream will give many Filipino workers in Alberta a chance to live and work in Alberta with their family permanently.

New AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream | Foreign Workers certified in Alberta's Optional and Compulsary Trades

Temporary foreign workers certified in Alberta's optional trades can now apply for permanent residence through Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program even without sponsorship from an employer. This is definitely a good news for temporary foreign workers in Alberat working as roofer, tile setter, concrete finisher and cabinet maker, etc.

This announcement was posted in official Government of Alberta website and will be effective immediately!

There are currently 50 designated trades in the province of Alberta. This is composed of 31 optional trades and 19 compulsory trades. Before the changes, workers in the compulsory trades had the option to apply either directly or with their employers.

Criteria for New AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream (Optional and Compulsary Trades)

You must intend to and be able to live and work permanently in Alberta.

You must have an Alberta Qualification Certificate in a compulsory or optional trade. If you have met all the requirements for the Alberta Qualification Certificate Program, Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) will issue you an Alberta Qualification Certificate in your respective trade. After you receive your trade certificate, AIT will send you a letter inviting you to apply to the AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream.

You must have an AINP invitation letter from AIT. If you do not have an AINP invitation letter from AIT, your application will be declined.

You must be residing in Alberta at the time of application and show that you have a valid work permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) in the trade in which you are certified.

You must show, at the time of application, that you are either currently working in your trade for an Alberta Employer or have previously worked in your trade with an Alberta Employer for a minimum of six months in the past two years.

If you are a temporary foreign worker in Alberta and wishes to apply under this new program, Canadian Immigration Consultancy can assist you. We have been processing immigrant visa to Canada for more than 20 years now.


For more information about AINP For Temporary Foreign Workers certified in Alberta’s optional trades, visit albertacanada.com/ainp

AINP on Hold (Family Stream and the U.S. Visa Holder Category)

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

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.

IELTS Exemptions Under Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Part of the criteria in determining your eligibility under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) - Family Stream is the English Language proficiency. You and your spouse must have obtained an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum score of 4.0.

But you may be considered exempt from the need to demonstrate language ability if-

If you reside in any of the following countries:

American Samoa
Gibraltar
South Pacific Islands
Anguilla
Grenada
St Helena
Antigua and Barbuda
Guam
St Kitts and Nevis
Australia
Guyana
St Lucia
Bahamas
Ireland
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Barbados
Jamaica
Scotland
Belize
Malta
Trinidad and Tobago
Bermuda
Mauritius
Turks and Caicos Islands
Canada
Montserrat
United Kingdom
Cayman Islands
New Zealand
United States of America
Dominica
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands
England
Ryukyu Islands
Wales
Falkland Islands
Seychelles
Zimbabwe
Fiji
Singapore
France
South Africa

If you are from the Philippines, you may still be exempted to demonstrate language ability if you and your spouse completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at one of the following institutions:

Adamson University
Benguet State University
Central Mindanao University
Central Philippine University
Far Eastern University
Iligan Institute of Tech of the Mindanao State U
Mindanao State University
Notre Dame University
Philippine Dominican Ctr of Institutional Studies
Silliman University
University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos
University of San Carlos
Xavier University

The AINP reserves the right to require that the Candidate and their Spouse/Common-law partner complete an IELTS or TEF assessment.

AINP Family Stream Pointers

AINP Family Stream is one of the Provincial Nominee Program that you may apply for in case you are not eligible under the new Federal Skilled Worker Class. To avoid delay and hopefully to increase that chances of your approval, here are some pointers.

Sponsor's Proff of Residence in Alberta
The Sponsor must have been residing in Alberta for the past two years to be considered eligible. To establish this, provide supporting documents like mortgage documents or utility bills received by the Sponsor at their Alberta address two years ago.

Minimum Funds Required for Settlement
The funds required for the Candidate to settle in Alberta are in addition to the assets of the Sponsor.

The minimum funds required for the Candidate and their family to settle in Alberta is CAD $10,000 for the Candidate, plus CAD $2,000 for each accompanying dependent. The funds must be in accessible in recognized financial institution, and may be in the name of the Sponsor, the Candidate or the Candidate's Spouse.

For applicants from the Philippines looking recognized Canadian Financial institution, try HSBC.

Language Ability
The Candidate and their Spouse must demonstrate language proficiency in either English or French. They basis for language assessment for English is International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and or Test d'Evaluation de Francais (TEF) for French.

You may submit your application even if you don't have the official assessment result as long as proof of registration (schedule of examination) is included and that the result is sent to AINP Office immediately upon completion.

Sponsorship History
If your Sponsor have previously sponsored and or co-signed an individual under the Citizenship and Immigration Canada - Family Class, you must also provide copy of Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing (IMM 1000), or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292) of the family member previously sponsored by your Sponsor.

AINP Applicants with Federal Skilled Worker Application Already Siubmitted

It is already given that if the candidate has already submitted an application for permanent residence to CIC, such as a Federal Skilled Worker application, they are still eligible to apply to the AINP Family Stream.

There is one important thing that you must consider before filing an application for AINP Family Stream if you already submitted an application under Federal Skilles Worker permanent resident visa application.

When you filed your Federal Skilled Worker permanent resident visa application, what was the destination you have indicated? If it is not Alberta, that may not be considered favorably by AINP.

It is important to establish and convince AINP that you have the real intention of living and working in Alberta. If you failed to do that, there is a great chance that you will never get your nomination.

If the destination you indicated on your Federal Skilled Worker Application is not Alberta, that wouldn't help establish your intention to really settle in Alberta.

Additional Information on AINP Family Stream

Last week, I sent an email to AINP clarifying the settlement funds requirement for the AINP Family Stream Category. Particularly, I asked if funds deposited in a Philippine Commercial banks may be accepted as proof of funds. I received a reply this morning and I want to share the information I've got.

Funds must be in a Canadian financial institution.

If the candidate has already submitted an application for permanent residence to CIC, such as a Federal Skilled Worker application, they are still eligible to apply to the AINP. The candidate must indicate on their AINP application that they have previously applied to CIC. This will enable the AINP and CIC to coordinate and deal with the applications appropriately.

It will take between 6 - 12 months for the AINP office to process applications submitted under the Family Stream. It will take a further 6 - 18 months for permanent residence applications to be processed by CIC. Please note that these processing times may change without notice.

I'll write another entry on how to open a bank account with a Canadian bank from within the Philippines soon.

Update: July 10, 2008
Here's a couple of links where you may find information on how to open a bank account in Canada from within the Philippines:

HSBC Premier - Philippines
HSBC Canada - Opening an account when you're outside Canada.

AINP Family Stream Settlement Funds Requirement

After the news about Alberta's Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) Family Stream category was released on June 19, 2008, I received a lot of emails from clients and readers inquiring about the program.

One of the common questions I received was about the settlement funds requirement-

The Candidate or their spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) or the sponsor must be able to demonstrate that they have the following accessible funds in a recognized Canadian financial institution:

at least CAD $10,000 for the Candidate

CAD $2,000 for each of the Candidate’s dependents (spouse or common-law partner and children)

Does that mean that you have to open a bank account in Canada? Can a non-resident open an bank account in Canada?

I don't think there are other ways to interpret that specific requirement -that the funds must be in a recognized Canadian financial institution. But just the same, I sent an email to AINP clarifying the matter. I'll update this once I received their reply.

But should that be the case, you can actually open an account with HSBC Bank Canada from another country where there are HSBC operations. Contact HSBC Philippines for information on how to open a bank account in HSBC Canada from within the Philippines.

There might be other Canadian banks here in the Philippines where you may open a bank account if that is really necessary. I think there is a Bank of Nova Scotia branch in Makati, too. My boss used to have an account there.

I'll update this entry as soon as I gathered more information.

Family Stream: Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) recently introduced another stream for its Provincial Nominee Program. If you have relatives in Alberta, it will now be easier for you to live and work in Canada!

Alberta now has a Family Stream Category like that of Manitoba. Here are the minimum requirements to qualify.

You can provide proof of a close relative in Alberta (defined as a mother/father, son/daughter, sister/ brother, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew) who is willing to complete a Sponsorship Affidavit of Support on your behalf

Your Sponsor is at least 21 years of age, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (for at least two years) of Canada, and has been living in Alberta for the past two years

Your Sponsor can show their ability to support you by demonstrating employment, private pension or other regular source of income for the past 12 months or a minimum of CAD $15,000 in unencumbered, transferable and available assets (jewellery, cars or other personal assets are not considered) over and above any income received from government transfer payments (e.g. Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan, etc.)

You and your spouse or common-law partner are between the ages of 21 and 45

You and your spouse or common-law partner can demonstrate one of the following:

＊You and your spouse or common-law partner have both obtained an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum score of 4.0, or a minimum level of 3 (361-540) on the Test d’evaluation de français (TEF), OR
＊English or French is your primary language of use (the language most commonly used in your household), OR
＊You and your spouse or common-law partner have completed a minimum of a baccalaureate in English or French

You or your spouse or common-law partner can demonstrate completion of a post-secondary education or training program that is a minimum of 1 year in duration and receipt of a degree, diploma or certificate demonstrate one of the following:

＊a minimum of three years of work experience within the past four years, OR
＊three years of full-time post-secondary school within the past four years, OR
＊a combination of three years of full-time work experience and post-secondary school within the past four years

You or your spouse or common-law partner or your sponsor can satisfactorily demonstrate intention and ability to establish successfully in Alberta, based on your accessible funds in a recognized Canadian bank: at least CAD $10,000 for yourself and at least CAD $2,000 for each of your dependents

A limited number of applications per year will be accepted under this stream. When this number is reached, applications will be returned. You better hurry and file your application as soon as possible.