Alberta is one of Canada’s most powerful provincial economies attracting newcomers from all over Canada as well as the rest of the world. It is known for its fossil energy, agriculture, forestry, education, tourism, and hospitality as well as its manufacturing industry providing jobs in Canada for thousands of people.

As a combined result of the number of jobs created by a strong economy, the number of temporary foreign workers in the province, and the increased tightening of federal immigration programs, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) has become one of Canada’s most popular immigrant recruitment programs, offering Canadian permanent residency to skilled foreign workers and entrepreneurs. The AINP (or Alberta PNP) also offers fast-tracked application processing times with its new online portal which has decreased processing times to as little as 4 to 6 months!  

Let’s take a closer look at the Alberta PNP to find out if it’s the right way for you to immigrate to Canada.        

What Is the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)?

The Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (aka Alberta PNP, or AINP) is an immigration program that lets the province hire skilled workers who have the right work experience and training needed to fill in-demand jobs in Alberta.  

Below are the 3 Canadian immigration streams under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program: 

Those who successfully apply to immigrate to Canada through the program can get permanent residence when they receive a Provincial Nomination (PN) from the province. In order to qualify for all PNPs you will also need the following:

• Medical Certificate; 
• Police Clearance; 
• Biometrics; 
• Security Checks; and 
• Federal Checks.

If you succeed in getting a nomination from the province, you, your spouse or partner, and your dependent children can apply for permanent residence in Alberta. 

Alberta Express Entry Stream

This program allows the province of Alberta to nominate a limited number of candidates from the Express Entry system. Candidates with strong ties to the province or those who will add to the economy of Alberta will be asked to submit an application via a notification of interest. International graduates who have graduated from Canadian institutions may also be nominated. 

If you would like to apply to immigrate to Canada through this stream you will have to satisfy all of the following personal eligibility requirements.

The Accelerated Tech Pathway

This Express Entry-linked program is geared towards tech professionals looking to immigrate to the province through Express Entry. There are 38 eligible in-demand jobs in Alberta that could make you eligible to apply for permanent residency under this program.

Alberta Opportunity Stream

The Alberta Opportunity Stream allows foreign workers to apply to immigrate to Canada if they have a full-time offer of employment in Alberta and are already living and working in the province to apply for permanent residence in Canada under the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program. 

If you would like to apply to immigrate to Canada through this stream you will have to satisfy all of the following personal eligibility requirements. 

Please note that your occupation must not feature on the ineligible occupations list in order for you to qualify to apply under this stream. To find out if your occupation is eligible, visit our Alberta In-Demand Jobs in Canada page.

Post Graduation Work Permit Applicants

If you have a Post Graduation Work Permit and would like to apply for Canadian permanent residence under this stream, you will also need to have a job related to your previous tertiary qualification obtained outside of Canada, if:

• Your Alberta credential program started on or after April 1, 2019; and 
• Have completed an Advanced Education approved one-year post-diploma or post-baccalaureate certificate.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream (IGEIS) allows international foreign post-graduate work permit holders with at least 6 months of business work experience and a qualification from a college or university in Alberta to start or buy an existing business in Alberta, Canada.

If you would like to apply to this stream you will have to satisfy all of the following personal eligibility requirements.

Foreign Graduate Start-up Visa Stream

The Foreign Graduate Start-up Visa Stream (FGSVS) allows foreign graduates who would like to launch their start-ups in Alberta, apply for permanent residency from outside of Canada. Applicants will have to work with a designated agency that will issue a letter of recommendation which will need to be submitted with the Expression of Interest (EOI) to the province.

Approved Designated Agencies

• Empowered Start-ups
• Platform Calgary

Self-Employed Farmer Stream

This Self Employed Farmer Stream in Alberta was created to help foreign immigrants start their own farms in Canada. This stream allows experienced agricultural entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residence. It is managed by both the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program and the Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and will need to meet the requirements and regulations stipulated by both organizations.  

The basic requirements to apply to the Alberta Self Employed Farmer Stream are assessed on your:

• Education; 
• Experience; 
• Funds; and 
• Language skills

If you want to start your own farming business in Alberta, you can do so with the Self Employed Farmer Stream.  

Those Who Cannot Apply for the AINP Self Employed Farmer Stream

You cannot apply for this stream if you are:

• A refugee claimant; 
• Being removed or in the process of being removed from Canada; 
• Work as a caregiver in Canada; 
• Work as a Temporary Foreign Worker who is not living in Alberta; or 
• Study in Canada as an international student doing internships or co-op work placements.

Like what you have read about the fantastic province and the Alberta PNP and want to start your application for a Canadian visa? Sign up right here and we will call you about the application process. Get great Canadian immigration advice from our professionals.