The Canadian province of Alberta will soon reopen its doors to newcomers who wish to settle in one of Canada’s most beautiful and vibrant provinces. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs, will begin accepting new applications from January 27, 2016.

Alberta has not been accepting new applications to the AINP since August 27, 2015.

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.

Potential applicants should note that, 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.

The AINP is also beneficial to individuals who have completed their studies in Canada.

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:

Skilled Worker Category

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.

Semi-Skilled Worker Category

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)

Post-Graduate Worker Category

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

Given that one of the major industries in Alberta is agriculture and that Alberta is traditionally a province that promotes small- and medium-sized business activity, it is only natural that the AINP also has a 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.

Destination Alberta

“Alberta is variously known as the energy province, the sunshine province, and Wild Rose country. It is all of these, and more. It is no accident that it is one of the most visited provinces of Canada,” says Attorney David Cohen.

“It is also noteworthy that projections show Alberta will continue to be one of the fastest growing regions of North America, with more and more people likely to settle there over the coming years and decades.

“In terms of immigration opportunities, the reopening of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program is an exciting moment early in the new year. The government of Alberta has shown that it is seeking a broad range of newcomers with the knowledge and motivation to succeed. The government has also proven that it is willing to invest in the economy and diversify the range of industries with sustainable employment opportunities over the long term. I encourage individuals, both those eligible for Express Entry and those who may not be, to consider their Canadian immigration options through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program.”

Alberta quick facts

Provincial capital: Edmonton

Largest city: Calgary

Other major cities with population over 50,000: Red Deer, Lethbridge, St. Albert, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie

Population: 4.2 million

Languages: The predominant language in Alberta is English, followed by Chinese languages, German, and French.

Climate: Most of Alberta enjoys a continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The province extends for over 1,200 km (750 miles) north to south, and the southern areas, particularly the dry prairies in the southeast, are noticeably warmer.

Major industries: Conventional crude and synthetic crude oil, natural gas, mining, agriculture, forestry, finance, banking, information technology (IT),  tourism, tertiary services. Alberta also employs many people in the public sector, particularly in healthcare.

Employment rate: 93%

Major attractions: Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Elk Island National Park, the Calgary Stampede, Edmonton – “Canada’s Festival City”

To learn more about your Canadian immigration options through the AINP, or any of over 60 Canadian immigration programs, please fill out a free online assessment today.

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