What is the Alberta Opportunity Stream?
The Alberta Opportunity Stream is a major immigration pathway under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program known as the AAIP program. This stream allows eligible foreign workers who are already employed in Alberta to apply for Canadian permanent residency. This stream is perfect for individuals who have a valid job offer from an employer in Alberta and meet specific qualifications.
The Alberta Opportunity Stream was designed to help Alberta employers hire and retain skilled workers from outside Canada. This stream helps to fill labour shortages in the province's workforce and provides various opportunities for skilled workers to immigrate and work in Alberta. The province will be able to boost its economy, strengthen its industry, and create more growth opportunities.
Alberta Opportunity Stream Eligibility
To apply for the Alberta Opportunity Stream, applicants should meet specific eligibility requirements. The program is open to foreign workers who are already living and working in Alberta on a valid work visa. Applicants having a job offer from an employer in Alberta can also apply. The basic eligibility criteria of the Alberta Opportunity Stream are given below.
Job Offer
The applicant should have full-time and a permanent job offer from an employer in Alberta for an eligible occupation. The job offer should be an occupation that falls under the in-demand occupations list of Alberta. It should be an eligible National Occupational Classification code. The job offer should be for a position that requires a high school diploma or a post-secondary education.
Work Experience
The applicant should have at least 12 months of full-time work experience in the occupation provided by the employer in Alberta. If the applicant is already working in Alberta, the work experience obtained should be in the same NOC code as that of the job
Language Requirements
The applicant should demonstrate their proficiency in English or French at the required language level. The minimum CLB score required depends on the job offer. Most of the applicants are required to have a minimum CLB score of 4 in English. However, higher score is required for specific jobs.
Work Permit Status
The applicant should be currently working in Alberta on a valid work permit. This can include a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or an International Mobility Program. Spouses of skilled workers who are working under an open work permit are also eligible to apply for the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
Educational Requirements
The applicant should have completed a post-secondary education or training that should meet the job qualifications. This depends on the occupation of the applicant. Alberta also requires the applicants to assess their educational credentials and verify them through a Credential Assessment.
Proof of Intent to Settle in Alberta
The applicant has to demonstrate their genuine intention to settle permanently in Alberta. This is also a part of the application process and will increase the chances of approval.
Alberta Opportunity Stream Application Process
The application process for the Alberta Opportunity Stream is simple. It requires careful attention to every detail and accuracy in submitting the required documents. Here is a simple step by step process of the application.
Determine Eligibility
The applicant has to review the Alberta Opportunity Stream requirements carefully to make sure they meet all the eligibility criteria. Once determining the eligibility, applicants can proceed if eligible.
Submit an Expression of Interest
The next step of the application process is to submit an EOI known as an Expression of Interest. This should be submitted through the Alberta Advantage Immigration program portal. The EOI should consist of the basic information regarding qualifications, work experience and job offers in Alberta. The EOI allows the Alberta government to assess your profile and invite you for the provincial nomination.
Receive a Notification of Interest
If the EOI is successful, the applicant will receive a Notification of Interest known as the NOI from the government of Alberta. This means that the applicant is invited to apply for the Alberta Opportunity Stream. This NOI will specify the eligibility and the documents needed for the application.
Complete the Application
The next step of the application is to submit the completed application to the Alberta government. The application should include details about your work experience, language skills, education and other relevant documents. The applicant has to provide a valid job offer and prove that they meet all the requirements and are eligible to apply under this stream.
Processing and Decision
After applying, the Alberta government will assess the profile. If the application is approved, you will receive a provincial nomination. With this provincial nomination, the applicant can apply for permanent residence in the Government of Canada.
Apply for Permanent Residence
Once a provincial nomination from Alberta has been received, the applicant can now apply for Canada PR through the Express Entry System of the Federal Skilled Worker program. The Alberta Opportunity stream will enhance the chances of success in getting permanent residence in Canada.
Why Choose the Alberta Opportunity Stream?
Below listed are some of the reasons for applicants to choose the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
- Alberta has a wide variety of economic opportunities. The province boasts a robust and diverse economy which has opportunities in many sectors including healthcare, technology, manufacturing and agriculture. Applicants can have access to these growing job markets and employment prospects which are long-term.
- As a Provincial Nominee of Alberta, applicants are directly connected to the immigration system of the province. This will simplify and speed up the process of getting a Canada PR.
- This stream provides a clear path for temporary foreign workers to apply for permanent residency. Applicants can eventually get citizenship in Canada.
The Alberta Opportunity Stream provides a highly beneficial and easy pathway for skilled workers to become permanent residents of Alberta and Canada. The important steps in getting a better future in Alberta are to meet eligibility requirements, have a job offer in Alberta and fulfil language requirements. The applicant should also demonstrate their work experience in the same field as that of the job offer.
If you want to apply for the Alberta Opportunity Stream, make sure to have a clear understanding of the AOS requirements and collect all the required documents. This will make sure the application process will be smoother. The growing economy of Alberta has abundant opportunities awaiting you to start the journey today. Our consultants at Croyez Immigration will guide you through each step of the process.