October 23, 2017
ANNOUNCEMENT OF MAJOR REVISIONS TO AINP
Effective January 2, 2018, the Alberta Immigrant Nomination Program (“AINP”) will be making changes to its streams. The AINP will reduce the number of streams available. These changes will simplify application processes, reduce wait times, and make it more fair for applicants across all sectors and industries in Alberta. The AINP will also be more responsive to emerging labour market needs while supporting the goal of building a skilled, permanent workforce and a more diversified economy.
As of January 2, 2018, the AINP will accept applications under two streams: the new Alberta Opportunity Stream and the Self-Employed Farmer Stream. The Alberta Opportunity Stream will replace the Employer-Driven Stream and Strategic Recruitment Stream. Complete applications for the Employer-Driven Stream and Strategic Recruitment Stream postmarked on or before January 1, 2018, will be accepted for processing and those already in queue for processing will be assessed under the eligibility criteria that was in place at the time the application was received.
The AINP will also have an Alberta Express Entry stream operational in January 2018. This will allow Alberta to nominate a limited number of qualified applicants from the Government of Canada’s Express Entry system.
In January 2018, the AINP website will be updated with further details and application forms for the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
To highlight some of the major changes, please see below:
1. Caps on some NOCs
2. Caps on Sector categories
3. Skill level C & D will be eligible, but subject to cap as outlined above
4. English test is mandatory for all
5. Educational Credential Assessment is mandatory for all, unless you have a Canadian degree or trades QC
6. Mandatory work experience minimums
7. LICO test for all
For more guidance on how these changes may affect your business and immigration strategies, please contact one of our qualified immigration professionals.