Canada Visa Guide | Alberta Opportunity Stream Explained | Canada Immigration Updates

The Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) is a pathway under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) for foreign nationals working in Alberta to apply for permanent residency. This stream targets individuals who are already working in Alberta and have an intention to live and work in the province permanently. Here are the eligibility criteria for the Alberta Opportunity Stream:

1. Residency and Work Permit Requirements

• Residency: The candidate must be residing and working in Alberta at the time of application.
• Work Permit: The candidate must have a valid temporary resident status in Canada that authorizes them to work in Alberta. This includes:
  • A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) work permit.
  • A LMIA exemption work permit.
  • A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

2. Occupation Requirements

• The candidate must be working in an eligible occupation in Alberta.
• The occupation must be listed as NOC (National Occupational Classification) skill level 0, A, B, C, or D.
• The occupation must not be on the Alberta Opportunity Stream Ineligible Occupations list.

3. Language Proficiency Requirements

• Minimum CLB/NCLC Levels:
  • For NOC 0, A, B: CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) level 5.
  • For NOC C, D: CLB level 4.
• Language Tests: Accepted language tests include IELTS, CELPIP for English, and TEF, TCF for French.

4. Education Requirements

• Minimum Education Level:
  • High school diploma or higher.
  • If the education was obtained outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization is required.
• Exemptions: Individuals with a valid work permit issued under the International Mobility Program for work in Alberta are exempt from the ECA requirement.

5. Work Experience Requirements

• Alberta Work Experience:
  • At least 12 months of full-time work experience in the current occupation in Alberta within the last 18 months.
• OR Canadian Work Experience:
  • At least 24 months of full-time work experience in the current occupation in Canada within the last 30 months.
• Work experience must be in a paid occupation, and unpaid internships, co-op placements, and volunteer work do not count.

6. Job Offer Requirements

• The candidate must have a valid job offer from an Alberta employer to continue working full-time in their current occupation.
• The job offer must be for continuous, paid work, and meet Alberta’s minimum wage requirements.

7. Income Level Requirements

• The candidate’s total annual income must meet the minimum income threshold for their family size.

Additional Criteria

• The candidate must show intent to reside in Alberta permanently.
• The candidate must be working full-time in Alberta at the time of application and assessment.
• If working in a regulated occupation, the candidate must possess valid Alberta licensure.

Application Process

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the AINP portal.
2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if eligible.
3. Submit a complete application within the timeframe specified in the ITA.
4. Wait for the nomination from the Alberta government.
5. Apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using the nomination.

The Alberta Opportunity Stream is designed to ensure that immigrants who have already integrated into the Alberta labor market and community can transition to permanent residency smoothly, contributing to the province's economy and diversity.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult with our Immigration Experts.