What this page is: a client-friendly summary of eligibility rules for the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). It's designed for laypersons and focuses on the facts.
Tip: Keep a copy of your work permit, job offer, pay stubs, language test report, and education assessment handy. You'll reference them in most sections below.
Status & Work Permit (who can apply)
You must have valid temporary resident status in Canada that lets you work, both at application and when AAIP assesses you.
Accepted work permits (examples)
- LMIA-based work permits.
- LMIA-exempt work permits under IRCC exemptions (e.g., international trade agreements, intra-company transferees, International Experience Canada, Mobilité Francophone, R205(d) religious work).
- Open work permits for vulnerable workers (VWOWP) and eligible family members.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) issued to a graduate of an Alberta publicly funded post-secondary institution (plus PGWP rules below).
- Certain IRCC temporary public policy open permits (e.g., CUAET; Hong Kong recent graduates), when they confer temporary residence.
Not eligible
- Status maintained during processing (formerly "implied status") or restoration status.
- People living/working outside Alberta, or without valid temporary resident status.
- Refugee claimants or those in federal appeal/removal processes.
Occupation (NOC 2021)
Most occupations in TEER 0-5 are eligible. Check the official NOC 2021 for your TEER and title.
- Ineligible list exists. Review Alberta's official "ineligible occupations" for AOS before you apply.
- PGWP holders: Your job must be related to your Alberta field of study. If you started your Alberta program on/after Apr 1, 2019 and finished an approved one-year post-diploma or post-baccalaureate certificate, your job can also relate to your previous foreign field.
Note: Working in a compulsory trade? You'll need a valid Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) trade certificate. Childcare workers need Level 2 or 3 Early Childhood Educator certification.
Work experience (must match your current occupation)
Standard pathway
- Option A: ≥ 12 months full-time in Alberta in the last 18 months; or
- Option B: ≥ 24 months full-time in Canada/abroad in the last 30 months (can be combined across locations).
PGWP holders
- ≥ 6 months full-time in Alberta in your current occupation within the last 18 months.
What counts as eligible experience?
- Full-time (minimum 30 hours/week).
- Same occupation as your current job.
- Authorized work with valid status if done in Canada.
- Experience while studying in Canada does not count (co-op/internship) — except paid, full-time co-op terms for PGWP holders at Alberta institutions that are directly related to your current occupation and all done in Alberta.
Important: Licensing/certification must be in place at application and assessment (AIT trade certificate for compulsory trades; Level 2/3 ECE for childcare roles).
Employer requirements
Your Alberta employer must meet all of the following criteria to support your AAIP application:
Business basics
- Legitimate business providing goods or services in Alberta.
- Active operations in Alberta for at least 2 full fiscal years.
- Valid business licence (if required by municipality).
- Registered with Alberta Corporate Registry (if incorporated).
Financial requirements
- Minimum $400,000 gross annual revenue (some exceptions for smaller employers).
- Must have at least 3 full-time permanent employees working in Alberta (not including owners/family members).
- Able to demonstrate financial capacity to fulfill the job offer.
Compliance
- Valid Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage in good standing.
- Compliance with all Alberta and federal employment standards.
- No history of non-compliance with immigration programs.
- Workplace located in Alberta at a commercial/industrial zoned location.
Documentation
- Must complete Employer Declaration & Authorization form.
- Provide business registration documents.
- Provide financial statements or tax documents.
- May be subject to site visits or additional verification by AAIP.
Important: Public sector employers (government, health authorities, school boards, publicly funded post-secondary institutions) may be exempt from some financial thresholds. Check the official AAIP employer requirements page for details.
Documents needed (checklist)
Gather these documents before starting your application. Having everything ready will speed up the process.
Identity & Status
- Passport (biographical page + all pages with stamps/visas)
- Current valid work permit
- All previous Canadian work permits
- LMIA documents (if applicable)
- Study permits (if you were a student)
Language & Education
- Language test results (CELPIP/IELTS/PTE/TEF/TCF) - less than 2 years old
- Educational credentials (diplomas, degrees, certificates)
- Transcripts (official, sealed)
- ECA report from designated organization
- Trade certificates (if applicable)
Work Experience
- Employment reference letters (on company letterhead)
- Job descriptions matching NOC duties
- Pay stubs for last 3-6 months
- T4s or Notices of Assessment
- Proof of authorized work (work permits during employment)
Job Offer & Employer
- Signed job offer/employment contract
- Employer Declaration & Authorization form
- WCB clearance letter
- Business licence (if required)
- Proof of business operations (financial statements, tax returns)
- Organizational chart showing your position
Download official checklist: Visit
Alberta.ca AAIP page for the complete document checklist and templates.
Application process (step-by-step)
1
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create an account in the AAIP portal and submit your Worker EOI. This is free. Provide accurate information about your work, education, and language skills.
2
Wait for invitation
AAIP conducts regular draws and ranks EOIs. If selected, you'll receive an email invitation to apply. EOIs are valid for 12 months.
3
Submit application
You have 15 days to start your application and 30 days from start to submit and pay. Application fee: $1,500 CAD (non-refundable).
4
AAIP assessment
AAIP reviews your application and verifies eligibility. Processing time varies (typically 4-6 months). They may request additional documents or interview your employer.
5
Nomination & PR application
If approved, accept the nomination in your IRCC portal and apply for permanent residence. You'll have 600 CRS points added (if Express Entry) or apply through paper-based PNP stream.
Pro tip: Keep your EOI updated. If your situation changes (new job, new language test, etc.), cancel and resubmit your EOI to stay accurate.
Official source
Always verify details on Alberta's official page: AAIP - Alberta Opportunity Stream: Eligibility.
This summary reflects the rules published by Alberta. If policy changes, the official page controls.
Prepared for clients in plain language. This page is not legal advice.