Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Do you want to work and live in Alberta province in Canada? If you are interested in immigrating to Alberta, then you might as well want to understand how to apply for the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program.

This article will provide you with all you need to know from start to finish about Alberta immigration.

Alberta is one of the fastest-growing provinces in Canada, with cities like Calgary and Edmonton expanding rapidly.

Many international workers seeking stable, long-term employment consider Alberta an attractive destination.

As well as, the province has a significant amount of oil reserves and industries, resulting in high demand for skilled workers.

As of 2018, the government-approved minimum wage for workers in Alberta is CAD 15 per hour; hence the province can boast of being the top salaried part of Canada.

What Is the Alberta AINP Program?

But what is the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)?

The AINP is an economic immigration program that nominates people to live permanently in Alberta.

Nominees must possess skills to fill job shortages or intend to purchase or start a business in Alberta.

In addition, they must be able to support their families as well. The Alberta and Canadian governments are in charge of the initiative.

Also, if you are nominated under the program, you and your spouse or common-law partner and any dependant children may apply for permanent residence status.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) manages or supervises applications for permanent residence. And these applications are likewise decided by the Canadian federal government.

What are the various AINP Immigration Pathways?

The Alberta Provincial Nominee Program or AINP accepts applications from candidates via the following four immigration pathways:

• Alberta Opportunity Pathway
• Farmer Self-Employed Pathway
• Express Entry Pathway
• International Graduate Pathway

How to apply for Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program

You can apply for the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program by following the steps below.

• Check the eligibility criteria.
• It would help if you created an Express Entry profile
• Submit all the necessary documents
• The application reaches the Express Entry pool
• Here, Alberta reviews the profiles of the various applicants
• You can get the Notification of Interest (NOI) from Alberta Province
• After getting the NOI, you must submit a complete application within a specific period
• You will get the notification through the Express Entry portal
• Then, you have to accept the provincial nomination
• After you accept it, 600 points are added to the CRS score
• The applicants must now submit the EOI (Expression of Interest)
• Candidates are then selected from the Express Entry draw
• Then, the Invitation to Apply (ITA) is issued

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) Eligibility 

The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) has different eligibility requirements depending on the immigration stream.

For instance, if you meet the following criteria, you are qualified to apply for the Alberta Opportunity Stream:

• You must obtain a valid work permit through Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
• A valid work permit is not required if a candidate has an LMIA-exempt occupation.
• If you have a post-graduation work permit:
• Status of temporary resident in Canada.
• Work in a field that is included in the NOC or accepted by AINP
• Work experience for the job you wish to apply for.
• Language test results must score at least 5 for CLB and NCLC.
• The language skill results must be government-approved, i.e. (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF).
• Educational certificate from a post-secondary institution or An undergraduate/ graduate degree or A diploma for two years.
• You must possess full-time work experience of Twelve (12) months within Eighteen (18) months in Alberta province.
• Or full-time work experience of Twenty-four (24) months within Thirty (30) months in Canada.
• You must have sufficient funds to settle in Canada.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Farmer Self-employed Stream?

The eligibility criteria of the Farmer Self-employed Stream are:

• A business strategy/plan for a farm in Alberta province.
• Proof of expertise or skills in managing a farm.
• Proof that a Canadian institution is willing to invest.
• For language skills, CLB and NCLC 4 are recommended.
• Completion of high school and receipt of a diploma certificate that meets Alberta’s educational requirements
• A minimum annual income of $ 23,392 is required.
• A minimum investment of $500,000 is needed.
• A net worth of at least $500,000 is needed.

What are the eligibility criteria for the International Graduate Stream?

This category of the AINP applies to graduates who studied at an eligible post-secondary education institute in Canada and have been offered a full-time, permanent position by an employer in Alberta.

If you meet the following criteria, you are qualified to apply for the International Graduate Stream:

• Must intend to live and work in Alberta on a long-term basis.
• The graduates must be employed by the same Alberta employer submitting their application for the Alberta Immigration Nominee Program. It must be full-time, permanent work that is not regarded as ineligible for this program.
• Applicant must have earned a degree, certificate, or certification from a recognized educational institution in Canada or Alberta.
• One year is the minimum amount of study time required.
• The applicant must hold a valid Postgraduate Work Permit.
• If working in a NOC level C position, you must submit a test score to confirm your language skills.

Alberta AINP Express Entry

The Alberta Express Entry Stream permits Alberta to nominate a limited number of qualifying candidates through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada Express Entry system.

Candidates who have established significant ties to Alberta or who can help the government achieve its economic development and diversification goals may be requested to apply.

Furthermore, this stream permits international graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions to apply.

Please Note:

• The Alberta Express Entry Stream does not accept direct applications.
• You cannot apply for the Alberta Express Entry Stream or the federal Express Entry system using a nomination from another AINP stream.
• You may be barred from reapplying to the AINP for up to 5 years if the AINP discovers fraud or misrepresentation in your application.
• Nominees in the Alberta Express Entry Stream cannot prolong their nomination.

Document Required for the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program

You will be required to provide some of these documents during your application:

• Valid passport
• Fully completed and signed application form
• Work permit
• Birth certificate
• Proof of Address
• Marriage certificate (if present)
• Police clearance report
• Results of language skills tests (IELTS/CELPIP for English and TCF/TEF for French)
• Assessment of the Labor Market’s Impact (LMIA)
• Assessment of Educational Credentials (ECA)
• Letter of recommendation for an employee (if needed)
• Employment letter
• Proof of fund
• Statement of Earnings

Alberta AINP Processing Time

The length of time it takes for your Alberta PNP to be processed is determined by a number of criteria.

They include the labor market information, the volume of applications submitted, and the date the application was received.

A nomination certificate will be issued to you once you are eligible and have been approved by the Alberta authorities.

Generally, the entire process could take 4-6 months, depending on the profile you opt for.

How much does it cost to apply for AINP?

The cost of applying to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program is free. However, you must pay the fees listed below.

• Rights of Permanent Residence Fee – CAD 500
• Processing Fee – CAD 550
• Dependent child – CAD 225

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program Family Sponsorship

Besides the immigration pathways mentioned above, there is the Family Sponsorship option.

The Family Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor family members to become permanent residents of Alberta, allowing them to live, work, and study there.

If you have a family member in Canada like your parent, child, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, niece, or nephew who has resided in Alberta for at least two years or has obtained permanent residency status or Canadian citizenship, you may request for sponsorship from them to immigrate to Alberta.

Although a job offer is not required, you must have a post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate, work experience, and be between the ages of 21 and 45 to be considered for provincial nomination.

Furthermore, you or your sponsor must have at least CAD 10,000 cash on hand, plus another CAD 2,000 for each accompanying dependent.

Learn more about applying and getting a provincial nomination through family sponsorship here.

Alberta Provincial Nominee Program Latest Draw

To apply for permanent residency in Canada through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) in 2021, you should familiarize yourself with the latest draws.

The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) regularly monitors the IRCC’s Express Entry pool for applicants who might qualify for one of Alberta’s Express Entry immigration streams.

Also Read: Eligibility Criteria for Nova Scotia Nominee Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum CRS score for Alberta?

Alberta’s minimum CRS score is 300.

Is it easy to get a Permanent Resident in Alberta?

Yes, it is easy to get a Permanent Resident in Alberta. The reason is that Alberta accepts a low CRS score.

Moreover, the absence of a specific job ensures that skilled foreign workers from various fields can apply.

Is it possible to apply for Alberta PNP without having a job offer?

You can apply for Alberta PNP even if you don’t have a job offer. But, you must work in a field that contributes to the province’s economic well-being.

What are your options for obtaining a Notification of Interest (NOI)?

To get a Notification of Interest (NOI), you must complete the following steps:

• Have a CRS score of at least 300
• Maintain an active Express Entry profile.
• Work in a job that contributes to Alberta’s economic well-being.
• Demonstrate your desire to live and work in the province indefinitely.

Is it possible to apply for Alberta PNP without having a job offer?

Yes, you can apply for Alberta PNP without a job offer. But, you must have an occupation that supports the province’s economic advancement.

What is Alberta’s minimum age to work?

The Alberta minimum age to work is 12 years. Although, there are strict regulations that have to be followed if the person is under the age of 18 years. Some jobs might also require a permit.

Candidates from the Express Entry Pool are gathered by the AINP to be personally invited to live and work in Alberta. If you are interested to learn more Alberta provincial nominee program, check out our latest invitations.