Zemp Law Group has just received confirmation from the Alberta Immigration Nominee Program (“AINP”) that an unofficial initiative to grant a one-time bridging work permit to applicants waiting for their AINP Nominations has now taken effect. It is imperative to note that this initiative has not been formally announced, and may not be, however we have spoken directly with AINP representatives and they have confirmed that this program has been implemented.
Please be advised that the following criteria must apply in order to be eligible for this program:
- Applicant must have applied for an AINP Nomination prior to July 1, 2014;
- Applicant must be subject to the 4-year cumulative duration cap and unable to otherwise extend their work permit; and
- Applicant must have a work permit expiring in 2015.
AINP has been clear that they will select the individuals they wish to sponsor and contact them accordingly. While the exact details of the program have not been released, AINP has indicated that they will select approximately 1,000 applicants currently in queue that fill the aforementioned criteria. They have also indicated that they will not notify everyone that fits the criteria, only those that are drawn, and letters informing applicants to proceed with applying for the bridging permit will be issued closer to respective expiry dates.
We will release additional information on this program as it becomes available and in the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any applications that may be affected by this information.