Alberta

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is an economic immigration initiative designed to support Alberta’s workforce and business sectors by nominating individuals for permanent residence. Eligible candidates must possess the skills needed to address labor shortages or have plans to invest in or establish a business in Alberta. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate the financial ability to support their families. This program is jointly managed by the governments of Alberta and Canada.

The AAIP offers four pathways for foreign workers who currently reside and work in Alberta or intend to do so:

1. Tourism and Hospitality Stream – This stream is for candidates already living and working in Alberta who have a full-time job offer in the province’s tourism and hospitality sector.

2. Alberta Opportunity Stream – Qualified individuals residing and working in Alberta with a job offer from an Alberta-based employer may apply for nomination.

3. Alberta Express Entry Stream – Candidates in the federal Express Entry pool who meet Alberta’s minimum eligibility criteria may be invited to apply for nomination. Specific pathways exist within this stream for healthcare professionals, technology sector workers, and police occupations.

4. Rural Renewal Stream – Alberta communities must first obtain designation to recruit and endorse qualified candidates. Temporary foreign workers with a job offer from an employer in a designated community and an endorsement letter may then apply for nomination. Additionally, communities can support refugee candidates under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) with assistance from designated referral partners.

Applying for Permanent Residence

Individuals nominated through the AAIP may apply for permanent residence, including their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is responsible for processing applications and making final decisions on permanent residence status.

If you are considering immigration to Alberta through the AAIP, the experienced immigration lawyer can guide you through the application process and ensure compliance with all requirements. For assistance, contact the office at https://ialaw.ca/contact/.