AAIP eligibility change in response to Alberta wildfires

Alberta has temporarily waived work experience requirements for some applicants in the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).

The temporary waiving of the need for specific work experience in the Alberta Opportunity and Tourism and Hospitality Streams of the AAIP aims to allow workers whose current employment is affected by the wildfires to find new work as soon as possible.

According to the Government of Alberta, the AAIP will accept open work permits issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for workers in these Streams affected by the wildfires, and seeking employment.

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The changes to eligibility are projected to last from July 19, 2024, until November 30, 2024. This is a temporary measure aimed at supporting those at risk of losing employment due to the fires, which occurred where many of Alberta’s hotels and resorts are located.

Work experience requirements

Outside of the measure, candidates in the Tourism and Hospitality stream were required to have six consecutive months of work experience (780 hours) with their current employer.

Alberta Opportunity Stream candidates require:

• a minimum of 12 months full-time work experience in their current occupation in Alberta within the last 18 months, or
• a minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience in their current occupation in Canada or abroad within the last 30 months or both – this work experience can be a combination of experience gained in Alberta, in Canada (outside Alberta) or abroad.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit holders require a minimum of 6 months full-time work experience in their current occupation in Alberta within the last 18 months.

Applicants seeking to make use of the Rural Renewal and Express Entry pathways will not be affected due to these streams not having specific work experience requirements.

Further support for those affected by wildfires

The changes join a series of special measures implemented by IRCC to support those directly affected by the wildfires. On July 26, the Alberta government announced that those affected could:

• Apply to replace citizenship, immigration, or travel documents (including passports) lost, damaged, or destroyed for free.
• Extend or restore their temporary resident status; transition from an employer-specific work permit to an open work permit if you’re unable to work for your current employer.

Applicants will have one year to prove they meet the criteria outlined by the AAIP including finding a new, eligible position if left unemployed by the fires.

The Alberta government notes that all other criteria for each stream will still apply, and it will continue monitoring the situation for further updates.

Impact of wildfires on Alberta’s economy

This summer has seen over 100 wildfires burning across Alberta in the last month. As of now, the fires have claimed 358 of the 1,113 total structures in Jasper, with the evacuation notice only lifted on August 17, 2024.

The fires have already disrupted the local economy, particularly the hospitality industry in Jasper, which attracts thousands of tourists and temporary workers every year. With plans to more than double the size of the tourism economy by 2025, the Alberta government’s response to the wildfires aims to support both the businesses and workers at the heart of the hospitality sector.

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