What is Alberta Advantage Immigration Program?

August 13, 2024

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) helps skilled individuals apply for permanent residency in Alberta. It aims to address labour shortages and support business growth. The program works with both the Alberta provincial government and the Canadian federal government, with the final step being a permanent residency application processed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Eligibility and Nomination

Successful nominees, along with their immediate family members, can apply for permanent residency. Selection is based on the individual’s skills and their potential to contribute to Alberta’s economy.

Streams for Workers

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) offers several pathways for skilled workers:

Alberta Opportunity Stream: Designed for foreign nationals currently working in Alberta who have a full-time job offer. Applicants need to meet specific requirements related to work experience, education, and language skills.

Alberta Express Entry Stream: This allows Alberta to nominate candidates from the federal Express Entry pool who have connections to the province. A nomination boosts the candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by 600 points, increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway: Aims to fast-track candidates in the tech industry who have valid job offers for one of 38 in-demand tech roles. This pathway speeds up the immigration process for tech professionals.

Streams for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs can explore several pathways within the AAIP:

Rural Entrepreneur Stream: For individuals looking to start businesses in rural areas of Alberta, helping to boost economic development in less populated regions.

Farm Stream: Aimed at experienced farmers who want to begin new farming operations in Alberta. Applicants need to submit a detailed business proposal.

Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: Targeted at international graduates from Alberta’s post-secondary institutions who plan to start their businesses in the province.

Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: Designed for recent graduates with international qualifications who wish to establish businesses in Alberta.

Closed Streams

In June 2018, Alberta discontinued two immigration streams:

Alberta Strategic Recruitment Stream: This stream was previously focused on specific occupations but is now closed.

Alberta Employer-Driven Stream: This stream provided immigration pathways for individuals who had job offers from employers in Alberta.

Next Steps for Interested Applicants

Alberta does not pre-announce dates for provincial nominee draws, as they depend on the province’s immigration needs and quotas. To stay informed, you can check the official AINP website for regular updates or subscribe to notifications for announcements about upcoming draws.

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