Alberta has reopened its Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) or new applications. The AINP is one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs, which allow provinces such as Alberta to nominate individuals for permanent immigration to Canada.
Alberta has not been accepting new applications to the AINP since August 27, 2015. The government of Alberta announced at that time that the program would reopen on January 27, 2016.
The AINP is split into three streams: the Employer-Driven Stream, the Strategic Recruitment Stream, and the Self-Employed Farmer Stream. All streams of the AINP are ‘base’ streams, meaning that they are not aligned with the federal Express Entry system.
In addition to seeking skilled new immigrants, Alberta is also looking for applicants in certain semi-skilled occupations. Furthermore, while a job offer is required for a number of AINP categories, candidates with prior work experience in Alberta and who have a valid trade certificate in a Compulsory or Optional Trade, as well as those in certain engineering occupations, may be eligible to apply. Individuals who have completed their studies in Canada may also be able to make an application under the AINP.
The AINP Employer-Driven Stream
The Employer-Driven Stream aims to attract candidates with a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in Alberta. The stream is divided into three categories:
This category is for candidates with a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in Alberta in a skilled occupation (NOC skill level 0, A, or B).
International Graduate Category
This category is for candidates who have recently graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution and have a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in Alberta in a NOC skill level O, A, B, or C occupation. Note that this category is open to candidates with job offers in semi-skilled, as well as skilled, occupations.
This category is for candidates who have a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in Alberta in a semi-skilled occupation (NOC C or D) that is eligible under the AINP.
The AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream
The Strategic Recruitment Stream allows Alberta to attract newcomers who may benefit the provincial labour market over the long term. The stream is divided into three categories:
Compulsory or Optional Trades Category
This category is for candidates who have a valid trade certificate in a Compulsory or Optional Trade in Alberta issued or recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT).
Engineering Occupations Category
This category is for candidates who have credentials as an engineer, designer, or drafter and work experience in Alberta in an eligible engineering occupation, listed below:
- Engineering Managers (NOC 0211)
- Civil Engineers (2131)
- Mechanical Engineers (2132)
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers (2133)
- Chemical Engineers (2134)
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers (2141)
- Mining Engineers (2143)
- Geological Engineers (2144)
- Petroleum Engineers (2145)
This category is for candidates who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Alberta, are currently working in Alberta in an eligible occupation, and have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit.
The AINP Self-Employed Farmer Stream
Candidates for this stream must prove prior farm management skills, invest a minimum of CDN $500,000 of equity in a primary production farming business in Alberta, and submit a proposed business plan.
To learn more about the AINP Self-Employed Farmer Stream, click here.
To learn more about Alberta, click here.
