Alberta is a prosperous province, rich in natural beauty and resources, in western Canada. It is home to two of Canada’s major cities, Calgary and Edmonton, and is the most populous of the country’s three prairie provinces. Alberta is also known as one of the most beautiful regions in North America, with celebrated national parks such as Banff and Jasper.
The province operates the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Through this programme, prospective immigrants with the right combination of skills and work experience that the province needs can obtain an Alberta provincial nomination.
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Overview of the AAIP
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is the Alberta component of theProvincial Nominee Program (PNP), under which the Government of Alberta is responsible for nominating immigration candidates who match the province’s economic and social needs.
The final decision on permanent residence rests withImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). A provincial nomination nevertheless gives a candidate a strong chance of becoming a Canadian permanent resident.
For workers:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS): for skilled workers currently working in an eligible occupation in Alberta.
- Alberta Express Entry Stream: for candidates in the Express Entry system with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 300 who are currently working in an eligible occupation.
- Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway: part of the Express Entry stream and open to candidates currently working in Alberta’s technology sector, or holding a job offer from that sector, in 38 occupations identified by the province.
- Alberta Rural Renewal Stream: for candidates with a job offer from an Alberta employer to work in a rural Alberta community.
For entrepreneurs:
- Alberta Farm Stream: for those wishing to operate an agricultural business in Alberta.
- Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: for international students who have graduated from a designated post-secondary institution in Alberta and wish to start a business in Alberta.
- Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: for foreign nationals who graduated outside Canada and wish to start a business in Alberta.
- Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream: for entrepreneurs wishing to buy or start a business in a rural Alberta community.
| AAIP category | Is a job required? | Is it linked to Express Entry? | Is it currently accepting applications? | Connection to the province |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) | Yes | No | Yes | Work experience in the province |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream | No | Yes | Yes | Work experience in the province, or a parent, child or sibling who is an Alberta-based Canadian permanent resident or citizen |
| Accelerated Tech Pathway | Yes | Yes | Yes | Working full time in Alberta or holding a full-time job offer in Alberta |
| Rural Renewal Stream | Yes | No | Yes | Must have the intention and the ability to live and work in the designated Alberta community |
| Farm Stream | No | No | Yes | – |
| Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | No | No | Yes | Completion of a programme of study in Alberta |
| Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream | No | No | Yes | – |
| Rural Entrepreneur Stream | No | No | Yes | Must hold a community support letter from a participating rural Alberta community |
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Alberta Opportunity Stream
Detailed article on theAlberta Opportunity Stream (AOS)under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
Foreign nationals working in Alberta and international students who have completed their studies at an approved post-secondary institution in Alberta are eligible to apply for a provincial nomination under the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
Application fee: $500 CAD
How it works:Candidates interested in the Alberta Opportunity Stream must complete their application online through the AAIP portal. They are then asked to submit specific documents according to their personal circumstances and to pay the application fee online.
Minimum requirements:
- Must hold a valid work permit.
- Must be working in an eligible occupation in Alberta that matches their work experience.
- A minimumCanadian Language Benchmark (CLB)of 4 or 5, depending on the occupation.
- A high school diploma as a minimum.
- At least 12 months of work experience in Alberta within the past 18 months, or at least 24 months of work experience in Canada within the past 30 months.
Alberta Express Entry Stream
Detailed article on theAlberta Express Entry Streamunder the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
The Alberta Express Entry Stream allows the province of Alberta to nominate individuals who already have a profile in the federalExpress Entrysystem. Individuals who have demonstrated a connection to Alberta and hold the skills needed to contribute to the province’s economic growth may be invited by the province to apply.
Express Entry candidates who receive a provincial nomination from the AAIP are awarded an additional 600 points in theThe Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This all but guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next Express Entry round of invitations.
Application fee: $500 CAD
How it works:
- The Alberta Express Entry Stream operates by invitation. Candidates with an Express Entry profile may receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the Government of Alberta directly within the federal system. Invited candidates then have a limited period in which to notify the province that they are interested in being considered for selection under this stream.
- If selected, the candidate receives a request from the AAIP to apply for a provincial nomination by submitting all required documents through the AAIP online portal.
Minimum requirements:
- Must be in the Express Entry pool.
- Must demonstrate an intention to settle permanently in Alberta.
- Must work in an occupation that supports Alberta’s economic growth and diversification.
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 300.
Accelerated Tech Pathway
Detailed article on theAlberta Accelerated Tech Pathwayunder the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
The Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway is a fast-track immigration route for technology professionals who have a profile in the federal Express Entry system and are eligible for the Alberta Express Entry Stream.
Individuals who have established that they meet the eligibility criteria for this pathway are invited to submit an online form on the AAIP portal to be assessed under it. The AAIP verifies that the candidate meets the minimum eligibility criteria and, where they do, invites the candidate to apply for a provincial nomination.
Application fee: $500 CAD
How it works:
- AAIP candidates may start the application process on the fast track if they are currently working, or hold a job offer, with an employer in Alberta’s technology sector in an eligible tech occupation and meet the requirements of the Alberta Express Entry Stream.
- To do so, they must submit an online form through the AAIP website. If they meet the stream criteria, the candidate receives an invitation from the AAIP to apply for a provincial nomination by submitting all required documents through the AAIP online portal.
Minimum requirements:
- Must have a profile in the Express Entry pool;
- Must demonstrate an intention to settle permanently in Alberta;
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 300;
- Must be working in, or hold a job offer in, an eligible technology occupation in Alberta.
Rural Renewal Stream
Detailed article on theAlberta Rural Renewal Streamunder the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
The AAIP Rural Renewal Stream is for candidates with a job offer from an Alberta employer to work in a rural community in Alberta.
Application fee: $500 CAD
How it works:This stream is community-driven, meaning the candidate must first obtain the support of a participating community in Alberta. Designated communities work to attract and retain foreign nationals, employers extend job offers, and the community is responsible for confirming that the candidate meets the stream criteria. A letter of support is then issued to the foreign national. Once approved, the foreign national submits their application to the AAIP.
Minimum requirements:
- Must hold a valid full-time job offer or employment contract from an Alberta employer to work in an eligible occupation in the designated community.
- Must have at least 12 months of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation within the 18 months before applying. This work experience may combine experience gained in Alberta, elsewhere in Canada or abroad.
- Must meet the minimum language requirement.
- A secondary school qualification, as a minimum, equivalent to Canadian education standards.
- Must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and all family members moving to the designated community.
Farm Stream
Detailed article on theAlberta Farm Streamunder the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
The AAIP Farm Stream is for candidates interested in immigrating to Alberta to buy or start a business in the agricultural sector.
Application fee: $500 CAD
How it works:Interested candidates must first submit their business plan to the Government of Alberta and wait for a decision. The AAIP takes its decision in consultation with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry to ensure that the business plan is viable and that the project meets the needs of Alberta’s agricultural industry. If the decision is positive, the candidate must then gather the required documents and complete the forms required by both the Government of Alberta andImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Minimum requirements:
- Farm management skills.
- Sufficient financial resources (a minimum investment of CAD 500,000).
- An investment plan documented in a proposed business plan.
Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Detailed article on theAlberta Graduate Entrepreneur Streamunder the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
The Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for international students who have graduated from approved post-secondary institutions in Alberta and are interested in establishing or operating a business in Alberta.
Application fee: $3.500 CAD
How it works:
- Interested candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP online portal. Candidates receive their EOI score within 30 days, and the highest-ranked candidates are asked to submit a Business Application.
- The Business Application must be completed within 90 days of receiving the email requesting it. The candidate must also submit all required documents.
Minimum requirements:
- At least two years of full-time study in Alberta.
- YesPost-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)valid at the time of application.
- A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7.
- Must establish a new business or operate an existing business with at least 34% ownership.
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Detailed article on theAlberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Streamunder the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
The AAIP Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for international students who graduated abroad and wish to start a business in Alberta and become Canadian permanent residents.
Application fee: $3.500 CAD
How it works:
- Candidates interested in this programme must work with a designated agency. The agency issues the candidate a letter of referral if the candidate meets the requirements.
- The candidate must then submit the letter of referral together with an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AAIP portal.
- The agency also provides a written report on its assessment of the candidate’s proposed business plan. The candidate must submit this report with their application.
Designated agencies:
Minimum requirements:
- At least six months of full-time work experience managing or owning a business;
- Must have a business plan with financial projections.
- Must hold a post-secondary qualification from a foreign institution together with anEducational Credential Assessment (ECA). The qualification must have been completed within the past 10 years.
- A 10-minute slide-only presentation explaining the business and setting out the details investors want to see.
- A minimumCanadian Language Benchmark (CLB)of at least 5.
- Must hold at least 34% ownership where the business is located in an urban centre, or at least 51% where it is located outside Calgary or Edmonton.
- Must make a minimum investment of CAD 100,000 in an urban centre, or CAD 50,000 in a rural area. Higher scores are awarded for larger investments. These funds may come from the candidate’s own equity, or from a recognised Canadian financial institution, venture capital fund or angel investor.
- Must hold a letter of referral from an AAIP-approved agency.
- Must have sufficient funds to establish the business and to support themselves and their family in Canada.
Rural Entrepreneur Stream
Detailed article on theAlberta Rural Entrepreneur Streamunder the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
The Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream is for candidates who wish to start a business in a rural community in Alberta.
Application fee: $3.500 CAD
How it works:
- This stream is community-driven, meaning that entrepreneurs wishing to establish a business in rural Alberta must first contact a participating community and arrange an exploratory visit.
- After the exploratory visit, the entrepreneur must provide a business proposal setting out information about the business and its benefits to the community. A letter of support is then issued to the entrepreneur. Once the foreign national has community support, they submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the AAIP.
Minimum requirements:
- At least three years of experience as a business owner or active manager, or at least four years of experience as a senior manager, within the past 10 years.
- A secondary school qualification, as a minimum, equivalent to Canadian standards as confirmed by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 in each English skill, or NCLC level 4 in each French skill;
- Must have a minimum net worth of CAD 300,000;
- A minimum investment of CAD 200,000 from the candidate’s own equity.
- Must hold a Community Support Letter from a participating rural Alberta community.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the AAIP
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), formerly the AINP, has eight immigration streams:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS).
- Alberta Express Entry Stream.
- Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway.
- Alberta Rural Renewal Streamfor candidates with a job offer in a rural Alberta community.
- Alberta Farm Streamfor those wishing to operate an agricultural business.
- Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Streamfor international students in Alberta wishing to start a business;
- Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Streamfor international students who graduated abroad and wish to start a business in Canada;
- Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Streamfor candidates wishing to start a business in a rural Alberta community.
The basic steps:
- Step 1:Depending on the candidate’s particular circumstances, choose the appropriate stream.
- Step 2:Apply to the chosen stream.
- Step 3:Receive a provincial nomination from Alberta.
- Step 4:Apply for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Enhanced streams are linked to the federalExpress Entrysystem. In Alberta, only the Alberta Express Entry Stream is an enhanced stream. Candidates in the Express Entry system who show an interest in immigrating to Alberta may receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the Government of Alberta. They then have two weeks to respond. If selected, they must apply through the AAIP portal.
All other current Alberta streams are base streams. This means they are not linked to Express Entry. Interested individuals are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the province’s AAIP portal rather than being selected through the Express Entry system.
Immigrating to Alberta is not the right solution for everyone. What is straightforward for one candidate may be difficult for another. The stream should therefore be chosen to suit the candidate’s particular circumstances.
For example, a candidate currently working in Alberta in an eligible occupation who wishes to become a permanent resident may qualify through the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
Occupations in high demand in Alberta include interpreters, optometrists, cabinetmakers, dental hygienists, dietitians and chiropractors, among many others.
The full list of occupations considered to be in demand in Alberta is available athere.
The benefits of living in Alberta include lower provincial taxes and a lower cost of living than in other well-known provinces.
Alberta also has higher wages. The minimum wage in Alberta is CAD 15 an hour, the highest in Canada (apart from Nunavut).
Alberta is known as one of the most beautiful regions in North America. In their free time, candidates can enjoy celebrated national parks such as Banff and Jasper.
According to Canada’s most recent census, in 2016, visible minority groups such as South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino, Latin American, Arab, Southeast Asian, West Asian, Korean and Japanese made up more than 23% of Alberta’s population.
The Indigenous population (including First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other groups) accounted for a further 6.5%.
Processing times for the AAIP vary. See the Government of Alberta website for further information onAAIP application processing times.
Alberta offers several cost-of-living advantages. For example, there are no provincial health insurance premiums and no provincial sales tax (PST).
This means that candidates pay only the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that everyone in Canada pays. That rate is 5%.
In other provinces, candidates pay both GST and PST. In British Columbia, for example, a candidate pays 7% PST and 5% GST, meaning 12% in sales tax overall.
Alberta also offers rebates and tax credits that help support a candidate’s finances.
Alberta has higher household incomes than the rest of Canada.
According to the 2018 Canadian Income Survey, families in Alberta earned an average of CAD 98,400 after tax. The Canadian average was CAD 84,900.
Yes. Alberta offers a range of education options depending on language or religion. There are, for example, many French-language school options in Alberta.
Alberta has 26 universities and colleges for candidates to choose from.
The University of Alberta ranks among the top six universities in Canada and the top 150 in the world, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021.
The University of Calgary ranks among the top 10 universities in Canada and the top 200 worldwide.
The Government of Alberta subsidises tuition at universities and colleges. These fees vary across the province, so it is worth checking tuition costs on each institution’s website.
Alberta is the sunniest province in Canada. According to the Alberta government website, the province receives 1,900 hours of sunshine in the north and 2,300 hours in the south.
Winters are dry, sunny and cold. Summers are warm and more humid.
Edmonton experiences extreme temperature swings. In January, temperatures range between -14 and -51°C. In July, they range between 16 and 35°C.
Alberta residents can receive full coverage for medically necessary services, as well as certain oral health and oral surgery services, through the provincial Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Many medical services are fully covered, including medically necessary services, necessary diagnostic services (laboratory work, X-rays and other procedures) and psychiatric consultations, among others.
Many hospital services are also fully covered, such as accommodation, meals, medication administered in hospital, use of operating rooms, care units, radiotherapy, physiotherapy and anaesthesia facilities, and much more.
Medical services, hospital stays and consultations may be fully covered, partially covered or not covered at all. Detailed information is available athere.
The minimumThe Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)score for the Alberta Express Entry Stream is 300.
Yes. Candidates do not need a job offer for three of Alberta’s four immigration streams.
That said, holding a job offer can improve a candidate’s chances under the Alberta Express Entry Stream.
Alberta welcomes more than 40,000 new immigrants in an average year, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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