In a move that has gone largely unnoticed, Alberta has recently implemented significant changes to its Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) nomination program, specifically targeting the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) and the Accelerated Tech Pathway under Alberta Express Entry Stream. The changes, which came into effect quietly, introduce stricter criteria and conditions for Alberta employers seeking to nominate foreign workers for permanent residency through the program.
Under the previous system, Alberta employers were able to extend job offers to foreign workers without stringent conditions. However, the recent update specifies a set of criteria that employers must now meet in order to participate in the program.
One of the key changes is that businesses must now demonstrate legitimacy, with stringent requirements such as being operational in Alberta for at least two fiscal years prior to submitting a PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) application. Moreover, these businesses must have a physical presence in Alberta and provide evidence of genuine need for the job posting.
Additionally, employers are now required to meet financial thresholds, including having an annual gross revenue of at least $400,000 for the most recent fiscal year and maintaining a minimum of three full-time employees in Alberta.
For those employers who do not meet the financial criteria, certain restrictions apply. For instance, businesses operational for only two years are allowed to nominate only one foreign worker, while those operational for three years can nominate up to two. Furthermore, for each additional year of operation, an employer can nominate one additional foreign worker for permanent residency.
These changes mark a significant shift in Alberta’s approach to immigration under the AINP, emphasizing the province’s focus on attracting and retaining skilled workers who can contribute to its economy effectively. By tightening the requirements for employers, Alberta aims to ensure that only genuine job offers are extended to foreign workers, aligning with the province’s economic needs and priorities.
While the changes have been implemented with relatively little fanfare, they represent a notable adjustment to Alberta’s immigration policies, likely to have significant implications for both employers and prospective immigrants seeking opportunities in the province.
References
- [1] https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-job-offer-and-employment-requirements#jumplinks-1
