Alberta
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
Situated in Western Canada, Alberta boasts two of the nation’s largest cities, Calgary and Edmonton. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) welcomes skilled individuals with the necessary skills and experience to address job vacancies in the province.
Alberta Immigration Streams
There are five streams available for prospective immigrants considering a move to Alberta:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream: Suited for skilled workers engaged in eligible employment within the province.
- Alberta Express Entry Stream: Targeting Express Entry (EE) candidates holding eligible employment and a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 300.
- Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream: Geared toward those interested in establishing a farming business.
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream: Designed for international graduates of Alberta post-secondary institutions aspiring to initiate a business in the province.
- Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa: Tailored for foreign-educated graduates from U.S. educational institutions looking to initiate a business in Alberta.
Express Entry Overview
The Canadian government employs the Express Entry system for three main immigration programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Streams under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) using this system are considered enhanced, while those without it are known as base streams. Candidates are evaluated based on criteria such as age, qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assigns scores to candidates, and those with the highest CRS scores can apply for permanent residence through draws.
Candidates indicating interest in immigrating to Alberta and possessing a CRS score of at least 300 are eligible. Those receiving provincial nominations receive an additional 600 points, significantly enhancing their prospects in the Express Entry draw.
Alberta Opportunity Stream
For Whom:
- Foreign nationals employed in the province.
- International graduates with degrees from approved post-secondary institutions.
Minimum Requirements:
- Valid work permit.
- Employment in Alberta in a relevant occupation.
- Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 or 5.
- High school diploma at a minimum.
- 12 months of work experience in the last 18 months, or 24 months in the past 30 months.
Application Process:
Candidates submit online applications through the AINP portal, including required documents and application fees.
Alberta Express Entry Stream
For Whom:
- Individuals with a profile in the federal Express Entry system.
- Individuals with strong ties to the province and skills contributing to its economic growth.
Minimum Requirements:
- Registration in the Federal Express Entry pool.
- Demonstrated interest in immigrating to Alberta.
- Employment in an occupation supporting the province's economic development.
- CRS score of at least 300.
Application Process:
Invitation-only for Express Entry profile holders. Selected candidates express their willingness to be part of this stream. Chosen candidates apply for provincial nomination through the AINP portal, submitting required documents.
Self-Employed Farmer Stream
For Whom:
- Candidates looking to establish or purchase a local farming business in Alberta.
Minimum Requirements:
- Farm management skills.
- Ability to invest at least CAD 500,000.
- Submission of a comprehensive business plan including investment details.
Application Process:
Interested candidates submit their business plans, and the AINP selects viable plans aligned with Alberta’s agricultural industry. Approved candidates complete forms for the Alberta government and IRCC.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
For Whom:
- International graduates from approved post-secondary institutions seeking to establish or operate businesses in Alberta.
Minimum Requirements:
- Completion of at least two years of education in Alberta.
- Possession of a PG Work Permit valid for at least two years.
- Minimum CLB level of 7.
- Start a new business or hold at least a 34% stake in an existing business.
- Six months of work experience.
Application Process:
Candidates submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AINP portal. The highest-ranking candidates then submit a Business Application.
Foreign Graduate Start-Up Stream
For Whom:
- Foreign-educated graduates aspiring to initiate start-up businesses in Alberta.
Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum six months of full-time business management/ownership experience.
- Submission of a detailed business plan, including financials.
- Foreign post-secondary education and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- 10-minute slides-only business presentation.
- Minimum CLB level of 7.
- At least 34% ownership in an urban business or 51% outside Calgary or Edmonton.
- Ability to invest at least $100,000 (urban) or $50,000 (regional).
Application Process:
Candidates work with a designated agency for recommendation letters and assessment reports. Submission of the letter of recommendation and Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AINP Portal follows.
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