Enhancing Opportunities: 5 Upgrades to Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AAIP)

Are you a skilled worker looking for a new home and job in Canada? Consider Alberta, a province that’s dedicated to economic growth and diversification. In fact, in 2022, almost 50,000 people from around the world chose Alberta to invest, work, and raise their families. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AAIP) is an economic immigration program that allows Alberta to nominate qualified workers in in-demand sectors for permanent residency.

To further support businesses and international skilled workers, the Alberta government is making five improvements to the AAIP. Here are five recent changes to the AAIP that will help both businesses and international skilled workers:

1. Dedicated Pathway for Healthcare Professionals:- If you’re a healthcare professional, you can now apply for permanent residency through a dedicated pathway under the Alberta Express Entry Stream. This pathway will use up to 30% of available Express Entry allocations in 2023. Eligible healthcare professionals include physicians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, physician assistants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and clinical social workers. You must have an Alberta job offer in the healthcare sector and verifiable proof that you meet the minimal requirements to practice in Alberta.
2. Lower Investment Required for Rural Entrepreneur Stream:- If you’re an entrepreneur looking to start a business in a rural area of Alberta, you’ll be pleased to know that the minimum investment required has been reduced from $200,000 to $100,000. This makes the AAIP Rural Entrepreneur Stream more comparable and competitive with other entrepreneur streams.
3. Streamlined Community Designation Application Process for Rural Renewal Stream:- If you’re looking to settle in a rural area of Alberta and help renew the community, you’ll be happy to know that the Settlement Organization Endorsement Letter has been removed from the Community Designation Application process. This means the process is now more streamlined. Communities are still required to complete a settlement plan as part of the designation application process to demonstrate adequate support for newcomers.
4. Participation in the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot:- The AAIP is now participating in the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), a federal program designed to help refugees with the skills and qualifications needed to immigrate to Canada through existing economic programs. The AAIP will collaborate with the federal government to implement this pilot program and increase its annual nominations through this unique opportunity. More information on the implementation of this program will be provided in the coming months.
5. AAIP Phone Line for Client Inquiries:- The AAIP now offers a new phone number (780-644-7534) for clients to contact staff directly with program inquiries and to get clarity on processes. This compliments the existing comprehensive suite of AAIP information and contact forms available online, including the self-serve application portal which guides and updates applicants interactively.

So, if you’re a skilled worker looking for a new home and job in Canada, Alberta might be the perfect fit for you. With the AAIP’s recent improvements, it’s easier than ever to make the move and start a new life in this thriving province.