We are writing to update you on the Recent Changes Announced to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program and its impact on students.
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), which is run by the Alberta Government in conjunction with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced 2 new application streams as on 14th June, 2018:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) – You may be eligible to apply if you are able to demonstrate strong ties to the province. Under this new program the provincial government has expanded the number of sectors, occupations and skill levels that will be accepted into the program.
- Self Employed Farmer Stream – You may be eligible for the Self-Employed Farmer Stream if you have the financial resources and farm management experience to purchase and establish a farm in Alberta.
The purpose of launching these streams is to attract applicants who will be able to contribute to the socio-economic development of Alberta. Emphasis will be laid on ensuring that workers with professional, personal, and community ties to Alberta are first in line to become permanent residents with a pathway to citizenship.
What you must know about the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS):
- Approved Study Credentials: International Graduates may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through AOS if they have graduated from an approved Alberta post-secondary institution and are working on a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) following their studies in Alberta. International graduates who have completed education programs in other Canadian provinces will NOT be eligible for the program based on their post-graduation work permit. They could be eligible for the program if they have another type of work permit.
The Post-Secondary Courses eligible for Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program can be found here AOS Approved Credential List
If the Alberta post-secondary certificate or diploma credential is NOT on this list, the applicant will NOT be eligible to apply under the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
- Recognized Work Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have gained at least 6 months of work experience in Alberta in an occupation related to their field of study.The purpose of this is to ensure that International graduates have the education and skill sets that are well matched with skills shortages in Alberta. To make things clearer, the Government has released a list of ineligible occupations that can found here List of In-eligible Occupations under AOS. If the candidate’s occupation appears on this list, then the candidate is not eligible to apply under the AOS stream of the AINP.
Note: The above information and links are valid as on date and must be reviewed from time to time for any changes that may impact new applications made under this stream.
Prepared by:
Mr. Hari K Ghai | RCIC #516958
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Member in good standing with ICCRC
