The Alberta Nominee Program (AINP) has recently made it much easier and quicker to apply for permanent residency through its new online application portal, which launched on October 1, 2020.
Although Self-employed stream candidates are unable to use the platform and Alberta Express Entry stream candidates are required to get permission from the AINP to gain access, the new portal is designed to make Canadian immigration both simpler and quicker. All applicants using the portal will receive useful tips on how to use the portal as well as personalized lists of required documents and will be able to save their application and return to complete it if need be.
Applicants will be initially assessed through the portal so that time and money are not unnecessarily wasted. There is a $500 non-refundable processing fee and it is important to note that paying the application fee does not guarantee that you will receive a provincial nomination.
It is also important to note that this portal is only accessible by the applicant, which means that if you are using a representative or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) you will need to print a preview.
Changes to the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (AINP)
1. Application Fees
The AINP has introduced an application processing fee. If you have applied on or before October 1, 2020, by mail you will not have to pay the application fee.
2. Post-Decision Services
As of October 1, 2020, all post-decision services must be requested via email and applicants will be charged a $100 processing fee including:
- Request for reconsideration;
- Nomination extensions; and
- Nominee requests for Letters of Support.
Please note that Letters of Support will no longer automatically be supplied with a nomination. Applicants will have to request one in writing from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
3. COVID-19 Measures
The AINP has made some changes to its COVID-19 temporary measure that has been put in place. These changes are as follows:
- Incomplete applications will no longer be accepted. Incomplete applications mailed on or after October 1, 2020, or submitted in the online portal will be declined;
- Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) and Alberta Express Entry Stream applications must be completed using the new AINP online portal. Only Self-Employed Farmer Stream applicants will continue to mail their applications. Only additional information or application updates can be submitted by email;
- All candidates who have lost their job after submitting an application to the AINP, regardless of the date they applied, as well as all nominees will have up to 6 months (180 days) from the time their application is assessed to find employment that meets AINP criteria. Candidates must meet employment requirements at the time an application is submitted or mailed. We will advise by email when an application is put on hold. This change provides more opportunity to meet AINP employment criteria and extends the time to find employment by up to 4 months for candidates and nominees. Previously, nominees and select candidates were given up to 60 days to find qualifying employment.
For more information about changes made to the AINP due to COVID-19 visit the provincial page here.
Top Canadian Immigration Pathways To Alberta
The Alberta Provincial Nominee Program has three main immigration streams:
- The Alberta Express Entry Stream;
- The Alberta Opportunity Stream;
- The Self-Employed Farmer Stream;
The Alberta Express Entry Stream
This program is designed to help highly skilled foreign workers immigrate to Alberta, Canada. To be considered eligible you will need an Express Entry profile and will need to submit a notification of interest to the province. You will need at least 1 - 2 years work experience depending on which category you apply through however will not necessarily require a job offer in Alberta to qualify.
The Alberta Opportunity Stream
This program is designed to help highly skilled foreign workers who are already living and working in Alberta, and already have a job offer, immigrate to Canada under the AINP. To be considered eligible you will need an Express Entry profile and will need to submit a notification of interest to the province. You will need at least 1 year of work experience and a high school diploma or certificate. This program originally had longer processing times of approximately 15 - 19 months however with the new online portal, applicants can enjoy much faster processing times!
The Self-Employed Farmer Stream
This program is designed to help highly skilled foreign farmers who want to immigrate to Alberta, Canada, and start their own farms in the province. To be considered eligible you will need to be able to show that you have experience managing a farm and meet the minimum investment funds (at least $500,000 equity) and net worth (at least $500,000).
Ready to start your journey to Alberta? Our professionals can help you get there. No stress. No complications.
Let Us Help You Get to Canada
Applying for a visa on your own can be time-consuming and difficult to understand. With strict deadlines, procedures, and requirements, it can be easy to make a mistake that could cost you your chance to immigrate to Canada through the AINP. But with the guidance and assistance of one of our knowledgeable Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), who are accredited by the ICCRC the process will be stress-free.
When you choose to use our expert and government trusted service you will get:
- An in-depth eligibility assessment
- Guidance on which of 100+ immigration programs and visas to choose from;
- An immigration plan tailored to your individual needs;
- A review and submission of all application forms and documentation; as well as
- Support through every step of the application process.
All you have to do is fill out our application form to receive your eligibility assessment and let us take care of the rest. It’s just that simple! Your Canadian journey starts here.
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