Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP): How It Works

The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) is one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominates people to become permanent residents of a Canadian province. However, the requirements and priorities vary from one province to another. Hence, it’s important to get familiar with the requirements of a particular province.

Alberta is often high on the people’s wishlist when migrating to Canada. With the diverse landscape and high standard of living, it’s no wonder that many consider it a perfect place to live and work in. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) implies different rules for people who want to move to Alberta.

If you’re interested in how to apply for the AINP, the complete guide is presented below.

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program: Minimal Requirements

First things first: What are the requirements one has to fulfill to be eligible for the program?

An applicant has to be familiar with the minimal requirements for the program to determine eligibility. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program operates on three streams, and each has its criteria. Hence, an applicant has to choose the appropriate stream of the three: 

1 – Alberta Opportunity Stream

In the first place, applicants have to fulfill occupation requirements to be nominated for this stream. They have to possess a valid work permit in a profession in Alberta with at least 12 months of full-time work experience. At the same time, the occupation has to be in demand in Alberta. Most of the occupations of NOC skill levels 0, A, B, C, and D meet this criterion.

Another group of people that can apply is Post-Graduation Work Permit holders, with certain limitations. Namely, their job must not belong to high and low-wage occupations in Alberta. For example, real estate agents, civil engineers, and carpenters cannot apply.

Next, applicants have to demonstrate Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens for 0, A, and B NOC occupations. Likewise, candidates for C or D occupations should demonstrate at least level 4.

In addition, people with high school or higher education from a recognized institution are eligible under this stream.

How to Apply?

Do you meet all the selection criteria under the Alberta Opportunity Stream?

Then you can start with the application process. First, you ought to submit official test results for English or French. Second, you should download the checklist and complete all the forms mentioned in the text. Should you need any help, you can read instructions for applying. Finally, you mail the application to the Government of Alberta. 

When you receive the Provincial Nomination certificate, you can apply to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence.

2 – Alberta Self-Employed Farmer Stream

Alberta motivates immigrants with substantial farm management experience to apply.

Candidates have to prove their success in the existing farm business. Everything has to be backed up with official documentation. By the same token, they have to provide a business plan for farming in Alberta. The competence of the proposed business plan plays a significant role in the process. At the same time, there has to be proof that a Canadian institution wants to finance it.

Furthermore, applicants need to be able to invest at least CAD $500,000 of funds in farming in Alberta. Thus, this stream works two-way: applicants gain an opportunity, and, at the same time, stimulate the growth in the province.

How to Apply?

It’s recommended that you contact Alberta Agriculture and Forestry beforehand, as they can help you in the process.

After you’re certain that you have all the necessary documents, you should go through the document checklist for the Self-Employed Farmer Stream. Complete all the forms, and attach necessary copies. Unlike the other two streams, candidates send this application package directly to Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.

3 – Express Entry Stream

Express Entry program is one of the biggest opportunities for people looking to settle in Canada. In the program, individuals who fulfill the requirements have a chance to immigrate. Based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, the candidates are graded against each other.

Accordingly, candidates who want to move to the province of Alberta can succeed in doing so via Express Entry.

Here’s how the process works: once it is determined that someone meets the criteria, s/he enters the Express Entry pool and creates a profile. Candidates who express an interest in immigrating precisely to Alberta have a chance to be selected by Alberta. They must also work in an occupation that supports economic development in the province, and have a minimum 300 of CRS.

How to increase the likelihood to qualify for this stream?

Candidates who already have work experience in Alberta, or at least a valid job offer, have a preference. Besides, a Canadian diploma or a close relative living in Alberta can lift someone’s chances.

On the flip side, if the candidate’s Express Entry profile expires in less than three months, that may decrease their chances of being nominated by Alberta. The same rules about the high-wage and low-wage occupations in Alberta apply here. Simply put, there’s enough of those jobs in Alberta with no vacancies; hence, they aren’t encouraged.

The selected candidates will receive a Notification of Interest letter from Alberta. 

How to Apply?

When the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program chooses you from the entry pool, they will send you an email with all the forms and documents you should submit. These are not available online, and you’ll only receive them if they select you. Upon receiving the email, you must send your application within the next 30 days to the Government of Alberta.

Final Words on Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Above all, the AINP supports the growth of the economy and agriculture industry.

If you can contribute to the province, you can become their nominee. Just make sure to go carefully through the three streams that allow you to apply. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program is a terrific path permanent residence.

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