Alberta has drawn a lot of people who wish to relocate permanently because of its strong economy. The province comprises Canada’s most recognizable landscapes and serves as the center of the country’s oil and gas industry.
About AAIP
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is intended for those who have the knowledge and skills to meet Alberta’s labor needs.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) accepts applications from skilled workers through the Express Entry Alberta Opportunity Stream. This initiative includes the Rural Renewal Stream and the Accelerated Tech Pathway. Additionally, it runs the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, the Entrepreneur Stream, and Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.
IRCC and the federal immigration department oversee the program in collaboration with the province of Alberta. Applying for nomination from the provincial government, followed by applying to the federal government for permanent residence if nominated, is the procedure that interested candidates must undertake.
Define Provincial Nomination Program
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a network of immigration efforts for Canadians managed by the federal government in cooperation with various provinces, each of which has its own requirements and “streams” for applicants (i.e., target groups). Provinces and territories may choose to focus on businesspeople, students, skilled employees, or semi-skilled workers as part of a certain program stream.
PNPs are governed by the provincial government in accordance with their particular objectives, although IRCC, the federal government’s immigration agency, is ultimately responsible for administering and deciding on applications for permanent residence.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) was created to assist provinces in luring immigrants who can fill local labor shortages.
Candidates can file an application to IRCC for permanent residency if they are nominated by a province and meet the requirements of a provincial immigration stream. Except for Quebec, which has its own immigration policies, and the territory of Nunavut, every province in Canada has a PNP.
What justifies the necessity for a Provincial Nominee Program in Alberta?
As is the case in other Canadian provinces, Alberta is having trouble finding enough workers to keep the economy growing. Alberta attempts to draw qualified immigrants in order to achieve this goal.
Previously known as the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, the province recently altered the name of the program to reflect this. Alberta has also just launched a comprehensive talent attraction strategy that includes initiatives to educate skilled immigrants through the International Qualification Assessment Service (IQAS).
In order to support Alberta’s labor force and ensure that immigrants have the best chance to become financially established, the approach was developed.
Immigration streams of AAIP
Alberta provides interested individuals with eight immigration routes. You can categorize these streams into streams for employees and streams for business owners.
Worker’s Stream
The Alberta Express Entry stream
If a candidate is qualified for the FSWP- (Federal Skilled Worker Program), CEC – (Canadian Experience Class), or FSTP – (Federal Skilled Trades Program), and already has an Express Entry profile, they may choose to use this option.
The province may choose from among the federal Express Entry pool of applicants which applicants to invite to submit nomination papers under this stream. Candidates with profiles in the pool who have shown a commitment to Alberta are given first consideration for nomination. Because the Alberta Express Entry stream is structured on an invitation-only system, candidates are not able to apply directly to it.
Express Entry also includes the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway, which is open to qualified applicants with experience in one of 38 tech-related occupations.
Alberta Opportunity stream
Applicants must determine their own credentials as well as submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the provincial capital to be considered for this stream.
Candidates should have a full-time employment contract from an employer in Alberta and be currently employed in the province on a Temporary Foreign Worker Permit (TFWP).
International graduates from accredited learning institutions in Alberta are also eligible for this route.
Rural Renewal stream
Through a community-driven strategy that meets local economic development needs and promotes community growth, the Rural Renewal Stream assists in luring and keeping immigrants to rural Alberta. The Rural Renewal Stream equips rural towns to bring in and keep foreigners to live, work, and settle there.
Streams for entrepreneurs
For newcomers who want to start enterprises or farms in Alberta, there are four different routes available.
Rural Entrepreneur stream
Candidates must be willing to visit a specified rural community and submit a business plan in order to be considered for this stream. The nominee may file an EOI to the AAIP if they are able to secure community support.
Graduate Entrepreneur stream
An entrepreneur is someone who establishes a business with the intention of turning a profit. An entrepreneur is frequently viewed as a creator of novel concepts, products, services, businesses, or methods.
In order to foresee requirements and create opportunities for Albertans, entrepreneurs play a crucial role in the province’s economy. Profits and possibilities for ongoing expansion are given to entrepreneurs who demonstrate success in assuming the risks associated with a start-up business.
To become eligible for this stream applicants must have a PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) which is issued by IRCC. Candidates are required to have a minimum of six months of experience in Ownership and business management as well.
Farm stream
Alberts’s agriculture industry is to be supported through the farm Stream. Participants for this stream should be able to start a new farm in the province or purchase an established farm in order to be eligible. They also need to be able to show that they have farm management abilities through prior experience or equivalent education.
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur stream
The people who want to start a business in Alberta and who have finished their post-secondary education from outside Canada should apply to this stream. Applicants should have a minimum of six months of experience running or owning a business, and they must also submit a business plan and an evaluation of their academic credentials (ECA).
To conclude
The province of Alberta has a relatively high percentage of retention and has been effective in luring newcomers from overseas. To welcome talented immigrants and help them establish themselves economically, Alberta nominated more than 6,250 newcomers in 2021, and the government continues to update and develop its immigration programs.