Alberta's strong economy makes it an attractive destination for permanent residents. It is home to some of Canada’s most famous landscapes and two large cities. The province is also the center of Canada’s oil and natural gas industry.
About the AAIP
The Alberta Advantage Immigrant Program is Alberta's provincial nominee program. The program offers eight pathways for Canadian permanent residents who are interested in being nominated by the provincial government. This province places more emphasis on the attraction of entrepreneurs than any other Canadian province.
What is a Provincial Nomination?
The Provincial Nominee Program is designed to attract skilled immigrants to the provinces. They can then apply for permanent residence at Immigration, Refuge, es, and Citizenship Canada. Exce forpt Quebec which has its immigration programs and the territory in Nunavut, all Canadian provinces have a PNP.
Why does Alberta have to have a Provincial Nominee program?
Alberta, like all Canadian provinces, is experiencing a shortage of labor. To keep the economy strong, Alberta tries to attract skilled newcomers.
Recently, the province changed the name of the PNP from Alberta Provincial Nomination Program (APNP) to Alberta Advantage immigration Program (APIP). Alberta recently released a comprehensive strategy to attract global talent. It includes initiatives to retrain skilled immigrants under the International Qualification Assessment Service.
This strategy aims to provide immigrants with the best opportunity to establish their economic independence while also supporting Alberta's labor force.
AAIP Immigration streams
For interested candidates, Alberta has eight pathways to immigration. These streams can be divided into two groups: streams for workers or streams for entrepreneurs
Streams for workers
Alberta Express Entry stream
Candidates who have an Express Entry profile are eligible to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
The province may select candidates from the federal Express Entry pool and invite them to apply for nomination under the stream. Nominations are open to candidates who have a profile on the pool and have strong ties with Alberta. This stream is invitation-only and candidates can't apply directly to the Alberta Express Entry stream.
Express Entry also covers the Alberta Accelerated Technology Pathway and is available to qualified candidates who have work experience in any of 38 tech industry occupations.
Alberta Opportunity stream
Candidates must decide if they are eligible and then submit an Expression of Interest to the province.
Candidates must be in Alberta working on a Temporary foreign worker permit (TFWP) and have a full-time job from an Alberta employer to be eligible.
This stream is also available to international graduates who have completed their studies in Alberta at a designated learning institution.
Rural Renewal stream
This pathway was created for those who have been offered jobs outside of Alberta's urban areas. Designated rural communities provide support letters and recruit newcomers.
This stream is only open to candidates who have at least completed secondary school.
Entrepreneur Streams
For newcomers to Alberta, there are four options available.
Rural Entrepreneur stream
candidates must have a minimum of three years of experience in business and be willing and able to visit designated rural communities and present a business plan. If the candidate can gain community support, they can submit an EOI (Executive Notice of Intent) to the AAIP.
Graduate Entrepreneur stream
International graduates that have completed at least two years at an Alberta Advanced Education publicly-funded post-secondary institution can be eligible for this stream, provided they have a valid post-graduate work permit (PGWP), and at least six months of experience in business management/ownership.
Farm stream
The farm stream was created to encourage agriculture in Alberta. This stream requires that candidates can either buy or establish a farm in Alberta. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their farm management skills by demonstrating experience or equivalent education.
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur stream
This stream is for those who have completed post-secondary education in another country and want to start a business here. Candidates must have a minimum of six months of experience in managing or owning businesses. They must also provide a business plan, and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Conclusion
Alberta has a strong track record of attracting immigrants from overseas and maintaining a high retention rate. In 2021 Alberta had 6,250 newcomers. The province continues to invest in its immigration programs and welcomes skilled immigrants.