Alberta Has Added Relatives To Eligibility Criteria For Express Entry Stream in 2023
As on January 18, having relatives in the province has been a requirement for selection in the Alberta Express Entry Stream, which is run by the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), Alberta’s provincial nominee program.Â
Now, the AAIP will provide those with experience and skills in high-demand jobs one-fourth of the nominations in its express entry stream. The government of Alberta believes that having close familial links to the province will make it easier for new immigrants to settle down. This indicates that candidates are more likely to receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the AAIP if they have immediate family members who are permanent residents of Alberta, such as parents, children, brothers, or sisters. To determine their eligibility, the candidate must have submitted this information on their Express Entry profile.
Why does Canada need immigrants?
The majority (nearly all) of Canada’s labour force increase is attributed to immigration. Approximately 75% of Canada’s population growth is attributable to immigration, primarily in the economic sector. Compared to 20.7% in 2011, immigrants will make up to 30% of Canada’s population by 2036. Due to Canada’s ageing population, the ratio of workers to retirees is predicted to drop from 7 to 1Â by 2035.
Why is there a demand for skilled foreign workers in Alberta?
To deal with Alberta’s labour shortages, employers can use the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. In December 2022, the province added approximately 41,000 new employees, most of which were in the private sector, reflecting its recent substantial expansion. Contrarily, Alberta has a high rate of job openings, with almost 100,000 currently available. The province particularly needs health care, construction, education, technology, and engineering workers. By 2025, there will likely be a combined shortage of over 33,000 workers in all occupations and sectors. This is a significant factor in why the province is putting in extra effort to recruit more immigrant labour.Â
How many nomination certificates were issued under AAIP in 2022?
The yearly nomination cap for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is set at 6,500 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). All 6,500 nomination certificates allocated by IRCC to skilled and semi-skilled applicants in seven immigration streams were distributed by Alberta Advantage Immigration Program in 2022.Â
What is the AAIP?
With the aid of the economic immigration program known as the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, Alberta can recommend and accept suitable foreign employees for permanent residence. Eight streams are currently under the program’s management, which can be roughly separated into worker streams and entrepreneur streams. Worker streams include:Â Â
- Alberta Opportunity stream;Â
- Alberta Express Entry stream, including the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway (AATP); andÂ
- Rural Renewal stream.Â
What is the Alberta Express Entry stream?
- Canada’s federal Express Entry program aligns with the Alberta Express Entry stream. The province chooses qualified applicants for this stream from the Express Entry pool and sends them Notifications of Interest (NOI). Those who have obtained these NOIs can file for an Alberta Provincial Nomination.Â
A candidate must fulfil the following criteria to be eligible for an Alberta Express Entry NOI from Alberta Advantage Immigration Program:Â Â
- An active Express Entry profile, ideally with a validity period of at least five months.Â
- Their Express Entry profile expressed that they were interested in relocating to Alberta.Â
- Work experience in a profession that is in demand in AlbertaÂ
- 300 minimum on the CRS.Â
Candidates’ chances of getting an application invitation have improved if they also:Â
- Possess a genuine job offer in Alberta or work experience;Â
- Graduated from an Alberta post-secondary institution; orÂ
- Possess a parent, child, sibling, or other relatives who reside in Alberta and are citizens or permanent residents.Â
To be considered, applicants must first submit a profile to the federal express entry pool. Candidates selected and receiving an NOI must email a copy of the letter to the AAIP and indicate that they intend to apply. Candidates will get an email invitation to apply to the program if the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program decides that they match the minimum eligibility requirements. Candidates will receive 600 CRS points in the federal pool and must apply. Then, the completed applications are added to a pool of qualified ones for processing.Â
Alberta PNP FAQs
You, your spouse, or your common-law partner, have a relative who is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, is at least 18 years old, and lives in Canada.Â
Through the Family Sponsorship Program, Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor family members who want to move to Alberta permanently to live, work, or study there.Â
You have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 300.Â
Yes, you apply to Alberta for nomination under a non-Express Entry stream. You need to meet the eligibility requirements of the Alberta PNPs. Once set, you submit a paper application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. Application processing times are longer than through Express Entry.
Alberta is frequently regarded as one of the easiest province in Canada to obtain PR due to their low CRS requirement.Â
Your application should be processed in at least 3–4 months. Several variables, including the number of applications received, the quality of the applications (completeness, eligibility, and out-of-date information/documents), etc., could affect how long it takes.Â
You have 60 days to file your Canada PR application when you get an ITA. Most applications are completed about six-ten months after they are submitted.Â
It is highly recommended to stay in the province if you got your Canada PR via PNP’s nomination. However, as a permanent resident, you can live, work or study anywhere in Canada.Â
On either side, a copy of the family member’s birth certificate, citizenship card, and/or permanent resident card must be submitted. It is necessary to give proof that the family member is currently residing in Canada (a residential lease, mortgage documents, utility bills, etc.)Â
A nomination certificate will be sent to the candidate if they are qualified and the Alberta authorities have given their approval. The processing time can range from 6-8 months, depending on the profile.Â
Yes. Four of Alberta’s five immigration streams don’t require a job offer. The Alberta Express Entry Stream under Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, however, may give you a better chance if you already have a job offer.Â
- Registered nursesÂ
- Registered psychiatric nursesÂ
- Transport truck driversÂ
- Retail and wholesale trade managersÂ
Candidates will receive an email inviting them to apply if they match the basic eligibility requirements. Candidates submit an application after determining whether they meet the evaluation criteria. Applications that are complete are added to a pool of those who are eligible for processing. Not to mention that Alberta Advantage Immigration Program manages the Alberta Express stream.
- General Express Entry process.Â
- Receive a request from the AAIP to apply to this stream.Â
- Read the terms and conditions.Â
- Review the assessment criteria.Â
- Complete your application online and pay your application fee.Â
How Can We Help You?
There are various ways for immigrants to become permanent residents of Canada. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program is a great avenue to consider if you intend to relocate to one of Canada’s provinces. Although the application procedure can seem a little intimidating, if you carefully read the eligibility requirements and follow the application guidelines, you might be able to realize your dream of living in Alberta, Canada.Â
Careful planning and understanding Canadian immigration regulations are key to avoiding delays, banes, or refusals of visas. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant can provide expert advice to make the immigration process as smooth and efficient as possible.Â
The regulations governing immigration to Canada are well and thoroughly understood by qualified and specifically trained RCICs. You can speed and simplify the application process for a Canada visa application by seeking professional advice from a qualified, skilled and experienced RCIC. While no one can guarantee you visa approval, professional advice from an RCIC can maximize the potential of your visa being granted.Â
Planning carefully and being aware of Canadian immigration laws are essential for avoiding delays, penalties, and visa refusal. To make the immigration procedure as efficient and smooth as possible, our RCIC provides expert advice.
After one year of experience with 612 points, I applied as a skilled worker in Manitoba, but my PGWP expired soon and is now on maintained status. Express entry CRS is 412 with a valid health care occupation-specific NOC code. I want help to get job offers from provinces like Alberta, etc. Please provide your guidelines for applying in Alberta or as you suggested.
Research Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program (AINP) for eligibility. Network and search for jobs on Alberta-specific platforms. Reach out directly to employers, tailoring your application to match job requirements. Consult immigration professionals for guidance on AINP or other immigration pathways. Consider alternative programs like the Alberta Start-Up Visa Program For Foreign Entrepreneurs (Called Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream) for additional opportunities.