Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Alberta is one of the leading provinces in Western Canada and is host to Calgary and Edmonton, two of the country’s largest cities.

Alberta invites prospective immigrants with the skills and experience needed to fill job openings in the province through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP).

Alberta Immigration Streams

There are five streams available for immigrants looking to move to Alberta.

They are:

Alberta Opportunity Stream
This stream can be used by skilled workers employed in an eligible job in the province.

Alberta Express Entry Stream
This is for candidates in the Express Entry (EE) system working in an eligible job and has a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 300

Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream
For those interested in running a farming business

International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
For international graduates from any post-secondary institution of the province looking to start a business in Alberta

Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa
For foreign graduates from a U.S. educational institution looking to start a business in Alberta

Express Entry In Brief

The Canadian government uses the Express Entry system for three key immigration programs.
They are:

• The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

PNP streams using this system are known as enhanced streams. Those not using the systems are called base streams.

Candidates are assessed on their age, qualification, work experience, and linguistic abilities. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to score the candidates. Those with the highest CRS score can apply for permanent residence through a draw.

The candidates must show an interest in immigrating to Alberta and have a CRS score of at least 300. Those who receive a provincial nomination get an additional 600 points. It virtually assures them of an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the coming Express Entry draw.

Alberta Opportunity Stream

For Whom: 

• Foreign nationals working in the province
• International graduates having completed their course from an approved post-secondary institution

Application Fee: CAD 500

Minimum Requirements:

• A valid work permit
• Employed in Alberta in an occupation that matches the work experience
• A Canadian language benchmark o 4 or 5
• A high school degree at the minimum
• At least 12 months work experience in the past 18 months Or 24 months of work experience in the last 30 months

How It Works:

Candidates must submit their online applications through the AINP portal. They must submit specific documents and pay the relevant online application fee on-demand.

Alberta Express Entry System

For Whom:

• Individuals with a profile in the federal Express Entry system
• Those with demonstrated ties to the province and skills to contribute to the economic growth of the province

Application Fee: CAD 500

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be registered in the Federal Express Entry pool
• Must show interest in immigrating to the province
• Must be employed in an occupation that contributes to the economic development of the province
• Must have a CRS score of 300 at least

How It Works:

By invitation only to candidates with an Express Entry profile. The chosen candidates must show their willingness to be selected in this stream. Selected candidates will be asked to apply for provincial nomination through the AINP portal by submitting all the documents.

Self-Employed Farmer Stream

For Whom:

• For candidates looking to immigrate to Alberta to start or buy a local farming business

Application Fee: CAD 500

Minimum Requirements:

• Skilled in farm management
• Must be capable of making a minimum investment of CAD 500,000
• Must submit a documented business plan with investment details

How It Works:

Interested candidates must submit their business plans. The AINP will select candidates with a feasible plan that meets the needs of Alberta’s agricultural industry. Approved candidates must fill forms for both the Alberta government and IRCC.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream

For Whom:

For international graduates of approved post-secondary institutions looking to establish or operate a business in Alberta

Application Fee: CAD 3,500

Minimum Requirements:

• At least two years of education (full-time) in Alberta
• A PG Work Permit valid for at least two years
• A minimum CLB level of 7
• Must start a new business or run an existing business with a minimum of 34 percent stake
• A minimum of six months of work experience

How it works:

Candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AINP portal. The highest-ranking candidates must submit a Business Application.

Foreign Graduate Start-Up Stream

For Whom:

Foreign-educated international graduates looking to launch a start-up business in Alberta

Application Fee: CAD 3,500

Minimum Requirements:

• A minimum of six months of full-time work experience of managing/owning a business
• Submit a business plan with all financials
• Post-secondary education from a foreign institution and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• A 10-minute slides-only business presentation
• A minimum CLB level of 7
• At least 34 percent ownership in an urban-based business or at least 51 percent ownership if located outside Calgary or Edmonton
• Ability to invest at least $100,000 for urban centre, or $50,000 for a regional area
• A letter of recommendation from an AINP-approved agency
• Enough money to set up their business and support the family in Canada

How It Works:

• You must work with a designated agency that will issue a letter of recommendation when all requirements are fulfilled. They will also provide an assessment report.
• Submit a letter of recommendation with their Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AINP Portal.

The application and approval process for AINP is long-drawn, multi-staged, and complicated. With our experience and expertise in Canada Immigration Laws and processes, we at Dev Immigration Services Inc. can help ease your journey. Contact us with your details to tailor a plan for you.