Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program AAIP (Alberta PNP Guide)

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (formerly Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program) an Alberta PNP is designed to target Alberta’s skilled labor demand and support business entrepreneurs. Nominees can apply for permanent residence with their families.

Eligibility Requirements for Alberta PNP

1. Residency and Work Permit: Individuals must be currently living and working in Alberta. Must hold a valid work permit and be employed in an eligible job offer.

2. Language Proficiency: Must meet minimum language proficiency requirements, typically assessed through Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels or equivalent which is CLB 6 and some streams may have only CLB 4 as a requirement in Alberta PNP.

3. Education: Minimum education level equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma is required. Educational credentials may need to be validated through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization.

4. Work Experience: Possess relevant work experience in an eligible occupation or industry, often requiring a minimum duration of full-time work experience of at least 1 year within a specified timeframe some streams would require only 6 months of work experience.

5. Intent to Reside: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to live and work in Alberta.

6. Financial Requirements: Must demonstrate sufficient funds to support oneself and any accompanying family members.

7. Legal Status: Must have legal status in the country of residence in Alberta PNP.

8. Additional Requirements: Specific streams may have additional requirements tailored to their objectives, such as community support, business ownership or management experience, investment commitments, and sector-specific qualifications.

AAIP Program Streams

Alberta PNP program has a total of 9 streams to choose which are further categorized into 2 categories, for workers and entrepreneurs.

Streams for Workers

Stream Name Eligibility Requirements Minimum Requirements Application Process
1. Alberta Opportunity Stream (Temporarily Paused) Individuals living and working in Alberta with a job offer.
  • Job offer or 12 months of work experience in Alberta.
  • CLB level 4 or 5.
Job offer or work experience, language proficiency, education, minimum CRS score, sufficient funds, legal status, intent to reside.
2. Alberta Tourism and Hospitality Stream Applicants with job offers in Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sector. Eligible occupations, full-time work in Alberta, genuine job offer, language proficiency, education.
3. Alberta General Express Entry Stream Individuals with existing profiles in the federal Express Entry system.
  • Existing profile in federal Express Entry system.
  • Minimum CRS score of 300.
Post-secondary education and work experience in high-demand occupation.
4. Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway Technology professionals with profiles in the federal Express Entry system.
  • Existing profile in federal Express Entry system.
  • Employed in technology related occupation.
Eligible for Alberta Express Entry Stream. Successful verification by Alberta PNP.
5. Rural Renewal Stream Individuals with job offers for rural communities in Alberta.
  • Valid job offer from Alberta employer for rural community.
Relevant 12 months of full-time work experience, language proficiency, legal status, intent to reside.

Streams for Entrepreneurs

Stream Name Who Can Apply? Minimum Requirements How to Apply?
6. Graduate Entrepreneur Graduates from designated post-secondary institutions in Alberta. – Graduation from an approved Alberta post-secondary institution. Candidates should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP online portal. Top-ranking candidates will be invited to submit a Business Application.
7. Farm Individuals intending to immigrate to Alberta with the intention of purchasing or initiating a farming business. – Skills and experience in farm management Submit a business plan to the Alberta government. Await a decision. Proceed with necessary documents for Alberta government and IRCC.
8. Rural Entrepreneur Individuals who want to start their business in rural communities of Alberta. – Minimum of 3 years of experience as an active business owner/manager or senior manager.

– High school equivalent to Canadian standards.

Contact a participating community. Arrange for an exploratory visit. Furnish a comprehensive business proposal. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the AAIP.
9. Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur International graduates educated outside Canada aspiring to establish a startup business in Alberta. – Develop a comprehensive business plan.

– Minimum of six months of full-time experience in managing or owning a business.

Collaborate with a designated agency. Upon meeting program requirements, submit a letter of recommendation and Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP Portal. Include a business plan.

Check your eligibility points through Alberta PNP Points calculator

Check out latest Alberta PNP Draws

1. Alberta Opportunity Stream (Temporarily Paused)

Who is eligible?

Individuals who are currently living and working in Alberta, and holding a job offer from an Alberta employer are eligible to seek a nomination under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. You must have a valid work permit and work in Alberta in an eligible job offer.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Job Offer or Work Experience: Must have a valid job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation or at least 12 months of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation in Alberta within the last 18 months.
  • Language Proficiency: Must meet minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 or 5.
  • Education: Minimum education level equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.
  • Minimum CRS Score: Must have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which is determined by the Alberta government based on various factors.
  • Funds Requirement: Must demonstrate sufficient funds to support oneself and any accompanying family members.
  • Legal Status in Country of Residence: Must have legal status in the country of residence in Alberta PNP.
  • Intent to Reside in Alberta: Must demonstrate a genuine intention to live and work in Alberta.
List of Eligible Job Occupations
NOC Code NOC Skill Level Occupation
0011 0 Legislators
0422 0 School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education
0423 0 Managers in social, community and correctional services
0432 0 Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers
0651 0 Escort agency managers, massage parlour managers
4031 A Secondary school teachers
4032 A Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
4154 A Professional occupations in religion
5121 A Authors and writers
5133 A Musicians and singers
5135 A Actors and comedians
5136 A Painters, sculptors, and other visual artists
1227 B Court officers and justices of the peace
3223 B Dental laboratory assistants/bench workers
4214 B Early childhood educators who do not have certification through Alberta Children’s Services – Child Care Staff Certification Office or who have been certified as child development assistant (formerly Level 1)
4216 B Other instructors
4217 B Other religious occupations
5232 B Other performers, not elsewhere classified
5244 B Artisans and craftsperson’s
5251 B Athletes
6232 B Real estate agents and salespersons
4411 C Home childcare providers
4412 C Home support workers, housekeepers, and related occupations
4413 C Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
6533 C Casino occupations
6564 C Other personal service occupations
7513 C Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs
8442 C Trappers and hunters
6623 D Other sales related occupations
6722 D Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation, and sport
6742 D Other service support occupations, not elsewhere classified
8611 D Harvesting labourers
8612 D Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers
8613 D Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers
8614 D Mine labourers

Application Fee: CAD $500

How to Apply?

Applicants for the Alberta Opportunity Stream are required to submit their application through the online portal provided by the AAIP. After they will have to submit the required documents that will be accessed further.

You can learn more about Alberta Opportunity Stream here.

Note: This stream has been temporarily paused and New stream is introduces mentioned below.

2. Alberta Tourism and Hospitality Stream (New)

The Alberta Tourism and Hospitality Stream, part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) or Alberta PNP, addresses the increasing demand for workers in Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Eligibility Requirements

Employer Requirements

Sector Association and Travel Alberta Membership Requirements

  • Employers must be members of approved sector associations or listed as experienced providers on the Travel Alberta website.

Applicant Requirements

  • Eligible Occupations: Includes various positions in recreation, food services, accommodation, and related fields.
  • Employment Requirements: Applicants must live and work full-time in Alberta in an approved job with a valid work permit. Minimum 6 months of continuous full-time work experience in an eligible job is required.
  • Job Offer Requirements: Genuine full-time job offer for at least 12 months from the same employer. Job offer must meet specific criteria and be signed by a legitimate Alberta employer.
  • Ineligible Applicants Based on Job Offer: Part-time, casual, seasonal, or remote workers are ineligible. Independent contractors, business owners, or temporary agency workers are also ineligible.
  • Language Requirements: Minimum CLBL level 4 in English or French is required.
  • Education Requirements: High school education equivalent to Canadian standards is mandatory. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization by IRCC is required

You can learn more about this stream here.

3. Alberta General Express Entry Stream

Who is eligible?

Under the Express Entry stream, Alberta PNP can nominate individuals with existing profiles in the federal Express Entry system. Those who can show strong connections to Alberta and possess the essential skills to enhance the province’s economic development may receive invitations from the province to proceed with their applications.

Minimum Requirements

  • Express Entry Profile: Must have an existing profile in the federal Express Entry system.
  • Invitation: Candidates are selected by Alberta from the Express Entry pool based on the province’s economic and labor market needs. Invitations are typically issued to candidates who have ties to Alberta or can contribute to the province’s economic growth.
  • Education: Have completed post-secondary education, and the education level should be equal to or higher than the Canadian equivalent.
  • Work Experience: Possess work experience in an occupation that supports Alberta’s economic development. The work experience should be in a high-demand occupation.
  • (CRS) Score: Have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score 300.

Application Fee: CAD $500

How to Apply?

Participation in the Alberta Express Entry Stream is by invitation only. Eligible candidates with existing Express Entry profiles may receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) directly from the Alberta government within the federal system. Subsequently, invited candidates must submit an expression of interest in being considered for selection under Alberta PNP.

Upon selection, candidates will get a request from the AAIP to initiate the provincial nomination process. This involves the submission of all necessary documents through the AAIP online portal.

Learn more about the Alberta General Express Entry Stream here.

4. Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway

Who is eligible?

The Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway is an initiative designed for technology professionals who already have files in the federal Express Entry system and meeting the eligibility criteria for the Alberta Express Entry Stream. Individuals who are eligible for this stream are invited to complete an online form on the AAIP portal for assessment.

The AAIP verifies that candidates fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria, and upon confirmation, the Alberta PNP extends an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination.

You can learn more about Occupations in demand in Alberta.

Minimum Requirements

  • Express Entry Profile: Candidates must have an existing profile in the federal Express Entry system.
  • Eligibility for Alberta Express Entry Stream: Individuals need to be eligible for the Alberta Express Entry Stream, which typically includes having ties to Alberta or the ability to contribute to the province’s economic development.
  • Tech Occupation: Candidates must be employed in a technology-related occupation that aligns with the province’s economic needs.
  • Online Form Submission: Interested individuals should submit an online form on the AAIP portal. This form is used for initial assessment.
  • Verification of Eligibility: The Alberta PNP verifies that candidates meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway.
  • Invitation to Apply for Provincial Nomination: If deemed eligible, candidates may receive an invitation from the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) to apply for a provincial nomination.

Application Fee: CAD $500

Learn more about Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway here.

5. Rural Renewal Stream

The Rural Renewal Stream under Alberta PNP is specially designed for individuals with job offers from Alberta employers intending to work in rural communities within the province.

Minimum Requirements

  • Job Offer: Candidates typically need a valid job offer from an Alberta employer to work in a rural community.
  • Work Experience: Relevant 12 months of full-time work experience in the occupation specified in the job offer may be required.
  • Eligible Occupations: The job offer should fall within certain eligible occupations specified by the Rural Renewal Stream.
  • Language Proficiency: Meeting minimum language proficiency requirements, usually assessed through language tests like IELTS or CELPIP, might be necessary.
  • Legal Status: Applicants should have legal status in their current country of residence.
  • Intent to Reside: Demonstrating a genuine intention to live and work in the rural community specified in the job offer may be a requirement.

Application Fee: CAD $500

How to Apply?

Designated communities actively engage in attracting and retaining foreign nationals, offering them job opportunities. The community takes responsibility for verifying that the candidate meets the stream criteria, and upon confirmation, issues a letter of support to the candidate. Subsequently, with the received endorsement, the foreign national proceeds to submit their application to the AAIP.

Learn more about Rural Renewal Stream here.

6. Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream in Alberta Alberta is designed for graduates from desginated post-secondary institutions in Alberta who wish to establish or run a business within the province.

Minimum Requirements

  • Graduation from an Approved Alberta Post-Secondary Institution: Typically, candidates must have graduated from an approved post-secondary institution in Alberta.
  • Interest in Establishing or Operating a Business: The candidate should express an interest in establishing or operating a business in Alberta.
  • Business Plan: A comprehensive business plan outlining the proposed business venture may be required with at least 34% ownership.
  • Post-Graduation Work Permit: Having a valid post-graduation work permit (PGWP) might be a prerequisite.
  • Language Proficiency: Meeting minimum language proficiency Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7.
  • Community Support: Obtaining support from the local community in Alberta might be a key aspect of the application.

How to Apply?

Candidates should initiate the process by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP online portal. An EOI score will be provided within 30 days, and the top-ranking candidates will be invited to submit a Business Application.

Upon receiving an email request to submit a Business Application, candidates must complete the application within 90 days. Additionally, all necessary documents must be submitted during this period.

Learn more about Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream here.

7. Farm Stream

The Self-Employed Farmer Stream is designed for individuals who are looking to immigrate to Alberta with the intention of purchasing or initiating a farming business.

Minimum Requirements

  • Skills and Experience in farm management
  • Minimum investment of CAD $500,000 and adequate resources
  • Clearly outlined investment plans documented in a proposed business plan

How to Apply?

Applicants must submit their business plan to the Alberta government and await a decision. The AAIP makes its determination in collaboration with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, ensuring the feasibility of the business plan and see if it is necessary for Alberta’s agricultural industry.

Upon receiving a favorable decision, applicants are then required to compile necessary documents and complete the requisite forms for both the Alberta government and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Learn more about Alberta Farm Stream here.

8. Rural Entrepreneur Stream

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream is designed for all the candidates who want to start their business in rural communities of the province.

Minimum Requirements

  • Possess a minimum of 3 years of experience as an active business owner/manager or a senior manager for at least 4 years within the last decade.
  • Hold a high school equivalent to the Canadian standard, verified through an Education Credential Assessment (ECA).
  • Demonstrate a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 for each English language skill or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) of 4 for each French language skill.
  • Maintain a minimum net worth of $300,000.
  • Commit to a minimum investment of $200,000 from the candidate’s own (and/or spouse/common-law partner) equity.
  • Obtain a Community Support Letter from a participating rural Alberta community.

How to Apply?

Entrepreneurs aiming to establish a business in rural Alberta through this stream are required to initiate contact with a participating community and arrange for an exploratory visit of the business. Once the visit is done, entrepreneurs must furnish a comprehensive business proposal outlining details about the business and its potential benefits to the community.

Subsequently, a supporting letter is issued to the entrepreneur. Once the individual gains the backing of the community, they proceed to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the AAIP.

Learn more about Rural Entrepreneur Stream Alberta here.

9. Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is designed for international graduates educated outside Canada who aspire to establish a startup business in Alberta and achieve permanent residency in Canada.

Minimum Requirements

  • Develop a comprehensive business plan with projected financials.
  • Must have a minimum of six months of full-time experience in managing and/or owning the business.
  • Must have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 5.
  • Hold a post-secondary education from a foreign institution, validated by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), with the degree completed within the last ten years.
  • Commit to a minimum investment of $100,000 for urban centres or $50,000 for regional areas, with higher investments earning additional points.
  • Maintain ownership of at least 34% for businesses in urban centres or at least 51% for those outside Calgary or Edmonton.
  • These investments can originate from personal equity or recognized Canadian financial institutions, venture capital, or angel investment firms. Secure a letter of recommendation from an AAIP-approved agency.

How to Apply?

To participate in this program, you must collaborate with a designated agency. Upon meeting the program requirements, the agency will furnish you with a letter of recommendation. Subsequently, you are required to submit both the letter of recommendation and your Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP Portal. Additionally, the agency will assess your proposed business plan and provide a written report, which must be included in your application.

These are the Agencies:

  1. Empowered Startups
  2. Platform Calgary

Learn more about Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream here.

FAQs

What are Alberta advantage immigration program requirements?

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program requirements include having a valid job offer in Alberta, meeting minimum language and education requirements, and having sufficient funds to support yourself and your family.

What are the fees to apply for the Alberta Advantage immigration program?

The average fee for most streams under the Alberta Advantage immigration program (AAIP) is $500.

What is the minimum IELTS score needed for AAIP?

The minimum score you will need is a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 5 for Alberta PNP.

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