Alberta has launched a new online Eligibility Explorer to help foreign nationals identify which Alberta Advantage Immigration Program streams may match their situation. The tool gives guidance based on a short questionnaire, but Alberta says it does not confirm eligibility or guarantee an invitation.
The Government of Alberta announced the launch of the Eligibility Explorer on June 17. The tool is designed for people considering Alberta permanent residence pathways through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.
The questionnaire first asks whether the user intends to:
- Live and work in Alberta, or continue doing so; or
- Start or buy a business in Alberta.
Based on the answers, the tool lists AAIP streams that may be relevant. Users can then review stream requirements and, where applicable, create an Expression of Interest through the AAIP system.
For worker candidates, the tool asks about factors such as:
- Job offer;
- Alberta residency status;
- Work permit type, if already living in Alberta;
- National Occupational Classification code.
For entrepreneur candidates, the tool asks about:
- Educational background;
- Investment capacity;
- Interest in establishing a business in rural Alberta.
Alberta states that the checker is only a guidance tool. A result from the Eligibility Explorer does not mean the applicant is eligible, and it does not guarantee an invitation after submitting an Expression of Interest.
As of the article’s publication, the fee to submit a worker Expression of Interest is $135. The fee for an entrepreneur Expression of Interest is $200, except for the Farm Stream, which goes directly to application and has a $3,500 fee.
AAIP worker streams
The AAIP has four worker streams.
Alberta Opportunity Stream: for qualified candidates who live and work in Alberta and have a job offer from an Alberta employer.
Alberta Express Entry Stream: for qualified candidates with profiles in the Express Entry pool, a Comprehensive Ranking System score of 300, and a primary occupation connected to a provincial economic, sector, or occupational priority.
The Alberta Express Entry Stream includes four pathways:
- Dedicated Health Care Pathway;
- Accelerated Tech Pathway;
- Law Enforcement Pathway;
- Priority Sectors Pathway.
Rural Renewal Stream: for temporary workers who have a job offer from an Alberta employer in a designated community and an endorsement letter from that community.
Tourism and Hospitality Stream: for qualified candidates who live and work in Alberta and have a full-time job offer from an employer in Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sector.
AAIP entrepreneur streams
The AAIP has four entrepreneur streams.
Rural Entrepreneur Stream: for entrepreneurs who want to start a business or buy an existing business in a rural Alberta community.
Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: for international graduates of approved Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to start or buy a business.
Farm Stream: for experienced farmers who plan to buy or start a farm in Alberta.
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: for foreign graduates with a degree from a post-secondary institution outside Canada who want to launch a start-up or innovative business.
The practical value of the Eligibility Explorer is that it can help prospective applicants narrow down which AAIP streams may be worth reviewing before paying an Expression of Interest or application fee. However, candidates still need to check the full stream requirements before relying on the result.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
