On February 15, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has halted the processing of applications for the Alberta Opportunity Stream until further notice.
The AAIP cites the need for time to manage its current application backlog and to allocate immigration nominations strategically, prioritizing sectors facing labor shortages such as healthcare, technology, construction, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and other high-demand fields.
Applications submitted prior to February 15 will still be assessed, and the province plans to implement measures to regulate future application volumes according to program priorities while upholding reasonable service standards across its streams.
The Alberta Opportunity Stream within the AAIP is tailored for full-time temporary foreign workers already employed in the province under a valid Canadian work permit, and who possess a full-time job offer from an Alberta-based employer. Additionally, holders of Post-Graduation Work Permits may qualify for this stream.
Alberta Opens New Immigration Program: Tourism and Hospitality Stream
Started on March 1, the AAIP will introduce a novel stream aimed at individuals who have been employed with a tourism and hospitality business for a minimum of six months and have satisfied the criteria for establishing permanent residency in Alberta.
Applicants are required to hold a valid full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an authorized employer within the relevant industry.
A recent statement from the Alberta government underscores that this stream will alleviate shortages across the sector and aid businesses, including those in rural areas, in retaining workers and bolstering the economy.
The province intends to cap the number of applications accepted for this stream while expediting their processing alongside other priority initiatives. Further details are slated for release on March 1.
Alberta stands as one of Canada's premier tourist destinations. Government data reveals that in 2022, the province welcomed 32 million visitors, contributing to $10.7 billion in expenditures.
Moving to Alberta
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program serves as a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) utilized by the Government of Alberta to select economic immigration candidates deemed likely to establish themselves economically within the province.
Similar to other PNPs, there exist multiple streams within the program targeting candidates with various in-demand skills and attributes. For instance, there are streams tailored for skilled workers in specific sectors like healthcare or agriculture, as well as streams for individuals working in rural communities within the province, and even for entrepreneurs.
Under the PNP, provinces receive a set number of nominations they can issue annually. In 2023, Alberta issued 9,750 nominations to AAIP candidates. While the province has yet to confirm its allocation for 2024, the federal Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 outlines Canada's aim to welcome 110,000 newcomers through the PNP by year-end.
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