Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

What is the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)?

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), formerly known as the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), is a provincial nominee program (PNP) tailored to the province of Alberta. The program's aim is to attract skilled immigrants capable of addressing job shortages in Alberta or those intending to establish or purchase a business within the province.

If nominated through AAIP, candidates can apply for permanent residency along with their spouse or common-law partner, as well as their dependent children. The program operates collaboratively between the provincial government of Alberta and the federal government of Canada.

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Streams for Workers:

1. Tourism and Hospitality Stream: Qualified candidates currently employed in Alberta's tourism and hospitality sector, with a full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in this sector, are eligible to apply for an AAIP nomination.

2. Alberta Opportunity Stream: Eligible candidates working in Alberta with a job offer from an Alberta employer in any sector can apply for an AAIP nomination.

3. Alberta Express Entry Stream: Candidates with profiles in the federal Express Entry pool, meeting minimum requirements and aligning with provincial economic, sectoral, and occupational priorities, may be invited to apply for nomination. This stream also includes dedicated pathways for healthcare professionals and technology workers.

4. Rural Renewal Stream: Communities must first apply for designation to recruit and endorse candidates. Temporary foreign workers with a job offer from an Alberta employer in a designated community, along with an endorsement letter from said community, are eligible to apply for an AAIP nomination. Additionally, communities can endorse refugees who qualify under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), with the assistance of a non-governmental referral partner.

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Business Immigration to Alberta

Alberta’s Business Immigration Streams under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) provide opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners to establish or expand their businesses in Alberta. These streams are designed to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and support innovation in key sectors. Whether you are a graduate entrepreneur, foreign investor, or rural business owner, Alberta offers tailored immigration pathways that lead to permanent residency for qualified candidates.

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Tourism and Hospitality Stream 

The Tourism and Hospitality Stream is an immigration pathway under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), designed to attract and retain skilled workers in Alberta's tourism and hospitality sector. This stream is intended for temporary foreign workers who are already employed full-time in Alberta within this industry and have a full-time job offer from a qualifying Alberta employer in an eligible occupation.

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Eligibility 

1. Job Offer Requirement

To be eligible, candidates must have a full-time, non-seasonal, permanent job offer from an approved Alberta employer in the tourism and hospitality sector. The employer must:

• Be registered and operating in Alberta.

• Offer a valid, positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or be exempt from LMIA requirements.

• Provide wages and benefits that meet industry standards for the position.

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2. Work Experience in Alberta

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A minimum of six months (780 hours) of full-time work experience in Alberta’s tourism and hospitality industry.

• The work experience must be in the same occupation as the job offer.

• Experience must have been gained while on a valid work permit.

This requirement ensures that candidates have practical industry experience and adaptability to Alberta’s job market.

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3. Residency and Work Authorization

To apply under the Tourism and Hospitality Stream, applicants must:

• Be legally residing in Canada at the time of application.

• Hold a valid temporary foreign worker status and work permit.

• Be currently living and working in Alberta.

Applicants outside of Canada or those on a visitor visa are not eligible for this stream

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4. Language Proficiency

Applicants must meet the minimum English or French language proficiency levels based on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).

The minimum requirements are:

• CLB/NCLC 4 or higher for NOC TEER 4 and 5 jobs (e.g., food and beverage servers, hotel clerks).

• CLB/NCLC 5 or higher for NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 jobs (e.g., chefs, cooks, supervisors).

Proof of language proficiency must be provided through official test results from one of the approved testing organizations such as:

• IELTS (General Training)

• CELPIP (General Test)

• TEF Canada (for French applicants)

• TCF Canada

Test scores must be less than two years old at the time of application.

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5. Educational Qualifications

Candidates must have at least a high school diploma (secondary school education) equivalent to Canadian standards. If the education was obtained outside Canada, applicants must:

• Provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a recognized agency, confirming equivalency to a Canadian high school diploma.

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Employer Eligibility Criteria for Tourism and Hospitality Stream

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1. Business Operations Duration

Employers must have been in continuous and active operation in Alberta for a minimum of two complete fiscal years prior to the application submission. This requirement ensures that the business is stable and has a proven track record in the industry.

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2. Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) Coverage

Employers are required to provide a valid WCB-Alberta clearance letter to demonstrate compliance with provincial workplace safety regulations. This letter confirms that the employer has appropriate workers' compensation coverage or is exempt from needing coverage. Employers can obtain a clearance letter through the WCB-Alberta website.

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3. Sector Association Membership

Employers must be members of a recognized sector association relevant to the tourism and hospitality industry or be listed as an Experience Provider with Travel Alberta. This affiliation demonstrates the employer's commitment to industry standards and best practices. Applicants should work with their employers to obtain proof of such membership or listing, which must be included in the application.

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By ensuring that employers meet these criteria, the AAIP aims to maintain high standards within Alberta's tourism and hospitality sector, benefiting both workers and the broader community.

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Alberta Opportunity Stream

The Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) is a key pathway under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), designed to facilitate permanent residency for temporary foreign workers currently employed in Alberta. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria across several categories:

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Eligibility 

1. Residency and Work Permit Requirements

• Valid Temporary Resident Status: Applicants must hold a valid temporary resident status in Canada that authorizes them to work in Alberta.

• Eligible Work Permit: Candidates should possess a valid work permit based on:

  • A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or

  • An LMIA exemption for workers under international trade agreements, intra-company transferees, or participants in the International Experience Canada program.

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Holders: Must have:

  • Completed an approved credential from an Alberta Advanced Education-approved institution.

  • Their current occupation related to their field of study in Alberta.

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2. Occupation Requirements

• Eligible Occupations: Applicants must be employed in an occupation classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, excluding ineligible occupations listed by the AAIP.

• Ineligible Occupations: Certain occupations are excluded from the AOS; applicants should consult the AAIP's list of ineligible occupations to ensure their current job qualifies

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3. Language Proficiency

• Minimum Language Requirements:

  • NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in English or French.

  • NOC TEER 4 or 5: Minimum CLB level 4.

• Accepted Language Tests: Applicants must provide valid results from approved language tests such as IELTS (General Training), CELPIP (General Test), TEF Canada, or TCF Canada.

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4. Educational Requirements

• Minimum Education: Completion of at least a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent.

• International Credentials: Non-Canadian education must be accompanied by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a recognized organization, confirming its equivalency to Canadian standards.

• PGWP Holders: Must have completed a program of study from an approved Alberta institution, leading to an approved credential.

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5. Work Experience Requirements

• General Applicants:

  • At least 12 months of full-time work experience in their current occupation in Alberta within the last 18 months, or

  • A minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience in their current occupation in Canada or abroad within the last 30 months.

• PGWP Holders: A minimum of 6 months of full-time work experience in Alberta, related to their field of study, within the last 18 months.

• Work Experience Criteria:

  • Must be in the same occupation as the current job.

  • Must have been authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

  • Cannot include work experience gained during co-op placements or internships, unless part of a PGWP holder's program of study in Alberta

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6. Job Offer Requirements

• Valid Job Offer: Applicants must have a full-time job offer from an Alberta employer to continue working in their current occupation.

• Employment Conditions:

  • The job offer must be signed by both the applicant and the employer.

  • Must offer continuous, full-time, paid work meeting provincial wage and employment standards.

• Ineligible Employment Types:

  • Part-time employees, independent contractors, business owners, temporary agency workers, and employees working in home-based businesses or virtual locations are not eligible.

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Alberta Express Entry Stream

The Alberta Express Entry Stream is a pathway under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) that allows the province to nominate a limited number of qualified candidates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's Express Entry system.

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In 2024 and early 2025, the AAIP will consider invitations to apply based on the following priorities:

• Family connection and primary occupation in demand

• Dedicated Health Care Pathway

• Accelerated Tech Pathway

• Law Enforcement Pathway

• Priority sectors, such as agriculture and construction

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Eligibility

To qualify to submit an application and receive a nomination, you must meet the following minimum assessment requirements at the time of application and assessment:

• Have an active Express Entry profile in the federal Express Entry pool

• Meet the criteria of at least one of the federal immigration programs managed by Express Entry:

  • Canadian Experience Class

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program

• Have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 300

• Your primary occupation in your federal Express Entry profile must be an occupation in demand, included as part of a specific Express Entry stream pathway, or identified as an occupation connected to a provincial economic, sector, or occupational priority

• If invited based on having an Alberta job offer, you and your Alberta employer must meet all the requirements outlined on Alberta Job Offer and Employment Requirements

• Intend to and be able to live and work permanently in Alberta and have stated an interest in immigrating permanently to Alberta

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Rural Renewal Stream

The Rural Renewal Stream is an initiative under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) designed to attract and retain newcomers to rural Alberta communities. This community-driven approach supports local economic development by addressing labor shortages and promoting population growth in designated rural areas.

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Key Features:

• Community Designation: Rural communities must apply and receive designation from the AAIP before they can recruit and endorse candidates. Once designated, these communities can identify and support foreign nationals to fill labor gaps.

• Candidate Endorsement: Endorsed candidates receive a letter from the community, which is a prerequisite for applying to the AAIP under this stream.

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Eligibility Criteria for Candidates:

1. Job Offer Requirements:

   • Obtain a full-time, permanent job offer or employment contract from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation within the designated community.

   • The job offer must meet Alberta's employment standards in terms of wages and working conditions.

2. Work Experience:

   • Possess a minimum of 12 months of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation within the last 18 months prior to application.

   • Experience can be gained in Alberta, elsewhere in Canada, or abroad.

   • The work must have been paid, full-time employment (minimum 30 hours per week) and meet specific TEER category requirements based on the job offer.

3. Language Proficiency:

   • Demonstrate proficiency in English or French by achieving minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores:

     • For NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations: CLB 5 in each language skill.

     • For NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupations: CLB 4 in each language skill.

   • Accepted tests include CELPIP (General), IELTS (General Training), TEF Canada, and TCF Canada.

4. Education:

   • Completed a minimum of high school education equivalent to Canadian standards.

   • If education was obtained outside Canada, provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization.

5. Settlement Funds:

   • Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members when settling in the designated community.

   • This requirement applies if you are not currently residing in Canada or are in Canada but not working.

6. Licensing and Certification:

   • Hold the necessary licensing, registration, or certification to work in your current occupation in Alberta or the occupation specified in your job offer.

   • For compulsory trades, possess a valid Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Trade (AIT) recognized trade certificate.

   • Childcare workers must have valid certification as a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Childhood Educator.

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Application Process:

1. Community Endorsement:

   • Secure a job offer from an employer within a designated rural community.

   • Obtain an endorsement letter from the community after meeting their specific requirements.

2. AAIP Application:

   • Submit an online application to the AAIP, including all required supporting documents and the community endorsement letter.

   • Pay the applicable application fee.

3. Await Decision:

   • The AAIP will assess your application and communicate the decision via email.

   • If approved, you will receive a nomination certificate, allowing you to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

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The Rural Renewal Stream offers a unique opportunity for foreign nationals to integrate into Alberta's rural communities, contributing to local economies and addressing labor market needs. For more detailed information, visit the official AAIP Rural Renewal Stream page

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Business Immigration - Alberta

Alberta offers several business immigration streams under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), designed to attract entrepreneurs and investors to stimulate economic growth and innovation within the province. These pathways provide opportunities for individuals to establish or purchase businesses in Alberta, leading to potential permanent residency in Canada.

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1. Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

This stream is tailored for international graduates from approved Alberta post-secondary institutions who wish to establish or operate a business in Alberta.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Education: Completion of at least a two-year full-time degree or diploma from an approved Alberta institution.

• Work Permit: Possession of a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at the time of application.

• Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in English or French.

• Business Establishment: A business plan with projected financials and a minimum of 34% ownership in the proposed business.

• Residence: Intent to reside in Alberta while actively managing the business.

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2. Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Designed for foreign-educated international graduates who wish to launch a start-up business in Alberta.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Education: Completion of a degree from a post-secondary institution outside Canada within the last 10 years.

• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB level 5 in English or French.

• Business Plan: A comprehensive business plan with financial projections and a minimum ownership of 51% if establishing a new business, or 100% ownership if purchasing an existing business.

• Work Experience: At least six months of full-time work experience in managing or owning a business, or equivalent.

• Investment: A minimum investment of $100,000 CAD from the candidate's own equity.

• Letter of Recommendation: A letter from an AAIP-approved designated agency.

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3. Rural Entrepreneur Stream

Aimed at entrepreneurs who want to start a business or buy an existing business in a rural Alberta community.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Work Experience: Minimum of three years as an active business owner or manager, or four years as a senior manager within the last 10 years.

• Education: Completion of high school equivalent to Canadian standards.

• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB level 4 in English or French.

• Net Worth: Minimum net worth of $300,000 CAD.

• Investment: Minimum investment of $200,000 CAD to establish a new business or purchase an existing business in a rural Alberta community.

• Community Support: A letter of support from a participating rural Alberta community.

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These streams are part of Alberta's strategy to attract skilled entrepreneurs who can contribute to the province's economic development and diversification. Each stream has specific requirements and processes, so it's essential for prospective applicants to carefully review the criteria and prepare thorough applications.

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For assistance navigating the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, contact Litmus Immigration Services Inc for expert guidance and support

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