In October of 2017, the Government of Alberta announced that the popular Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) would be changing in early 2018.
Those changes, the introduction of the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) and an Express Entry Stream under AINP, were supposed to take effect in early January but have been postponed. Details of the Express Entry Stream are not clear as yet……. but watch this space.
What is the Alberta Opportunity Stream?
It’s part of the AINP and will replace the current Employer-Driven Stream and Strategic Recruitment Streams. The eligibility criteria, while not yet finalized, are expected to be:
Occupation
Most jobs under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 0,A,B,C and D are eligible however, the Government is finalizing a list of ineligible occupations. Not all jobs on these NOC codes will be automatically eligible under AOS.
Status
As a minimum, you must be living and working in Alberta and hold a valid work permit.
Language
You must be able to prove that you have the required level of English/French language ability. You will need to have taken a Government of Alberta approved test within 2 years of making your AOS application.
Please note, that although these are the basic expected criteria, they are subject to change and the final criteria have not yet been announced. Further updates from the Government are expected in the early part of 2018. You can contact us to find out more.
Is the existing AINP still accepting applications?
Yes. You can continue to make applications under the existing AINP provided you meet the relevant eligibility criteria under the AINP streams.
Want to know if you are eligible to apply for Permanent Residence under the AINP, contact us to discuss your situation.
