Changes Made to Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program

On Friday, September 13th, the Province of Alberta announced several changes to its Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). These changes will help to facilitate immigration for certain categories of workers intending to settle in the province.

Food Services Industry Pilot Project – Additional Allocations

Until November 28th, 2013, Alberta employers with workers eligible for this pilot project may nominate up to 20% of their total workforce, per restaurant location, for immigration.

Strategic Recruitment Stream – Addition of Post-Graduate Category

The Strategic Recruitment Category of the AINP now includes a Post-Graduate Worker category.

International graduates of an eligible Canadian institution who are currently working in Alberta may be eligible to apply for nomination without an employer-supported application. Eligible applicants must be currently working in the province on a valid post-graduation work permit, and their occupation must be considered either skilled or semi-skilled.

Alberta Work Experience Category – New Eligible Occupations

Most skilled and semi-skilled occupations are now eligible for immigration through this category. The AINP has published a list of ineligible occupations, with the implication that those occupations not on the list are eligible.

In addition, targeted low-skilled occupations are now temporarily eligible. These are:

• Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers (NOC 7611)
• Other Trades Helpers and Labourers (NOC 7612)
• Light Duty Cleaners (NOC 6662)
• Specialized Cleaners (NOC 6661)
• Janitors, Caretakers and Building Superintendents (NOC 6663)

Skilled Worker Category – New Eligible Occupations

Plasterers, Drywallers, Upholsterers, and Managers /Supervisors in Service, Retail and Food service industries may now be eligible under the skilled worker criteria.

International Graduate Category – Streamlined Criteria

The Employer-Driven stream of this category has been amended. Employers must fulfill the following criteria:

• Be incorporated or registered by or under an act of the legislature of a province or the Parliament of Canada and operating as a business that has an established production capability, plant or place of business in Alberta.
• Provide a job offer to the Candidate for permanent, full-time employment an occupation that falls under an NOC 0, A, B, or C skill level.
• Provide a job offer to the Candidate that meets Alberta’s employment and wage standards.
• Provide a job offer to the Candidate that does not conflict with existing collective bargaining agreements.
• Show they are offering wages and benefits that meet industry standards.