The AINP is an immigration program operated on behalf of the Government of Alberta by the Ministry of Employment and Immigration in conjunction with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). The AINP expedites the processing of an application for permanent residence.

The AINP is designed to support Alberta's economic growth by attracting labour-market-destined immigrants to the province.

What is the Family Stream?

The Family Stream provides a way for Alberta residents to assist family members, with the skills and abilities needed to succeed in Alberta’s labour market, for immigration to the province.

AINP Family Stream Changes - September 14, 2009

Can you provide me with a list of changes that occurred on September 14?

Changes that apply to the Alberta Relative

Former Criteria

New Criteria

Alberta Relative must complete the Family – Sponsorship Affidavit of Support.

Alberta Relative must complete the AINP Family Stream – Affidavit of Support (AINP 006A).

No Settlement Plan required.

Settlement Plan now required with the application as part of the AINP 006A. A Settlement Plan would describe how the Alberta Relative will help the Candidate and any accompanying family members with shelter, food, clothing, finding work in their field and integrating into the community.

On the Family – Sponsorship Affidavit of Support, you must affirm that neither you, nor your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), have defaulted or are otherwise obligated to meet the conditions of any other sponsorship agreement entered into with a Government of a Province or Territory of Canada, including the Government of Alberta, or the Government of Canada for another sponsored family member who has obtained their permanent residence in Canada.

On the AINP Family Stream - Affidavit of Support, you must identify whether or not you or your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), have submitted previous applications to the AINP Family Stream only and what the status is of those previous applications.

Please note that if the Alberta Relative or anyone in the Alberta Relative’s household has already submitted an application under the AINP Family Stream where a decision has not yet been made or where a commitment of support is still in effect, a second application should not be submitted.

Alberta Relative can demonstrate funds ($10,000 CAD for the Candidate and $2,000 for each accompanying dependent) on behalf of the Candidate.

Alberta Relative can no longer demonstrate these funds on behalf of the Candidate. The Candidate or the Candidate’s spouse/common-law partner must demonstrate these funds.

Changes that apply to the Candidate

Former Criteria

New Criteria

Candidate must complete the Family – Application for Nomination (AINP 006).

Candidate must complete the AINP Family Stream – Application for Nomination (AINP 006B).

The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate completion of a post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate program of at least one (1) year in duration.

The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program of at least two (2) years in duration.

The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate one of the following:

a minimum of three years of full-time work experience within the past four years
a minimum of three years of full-time post-secondary school within the past four years
a combination of three years of full-time work experience and full-time post-secondary school within the past four years.

The Candidate or their Spouse/Common-law partner (if applicable) must be able to demonstrate one of the following:

a minimum of three years of full-time work experience that is related to individual’s post-secondary credential within the past four years
a minimum of three years of full-time post-secondary school within the past four years
a combination of three years of full-time work experience and full-time post-secondary school within the past four years. The education and work experience must be related (i.e. an Engineering degree and working as an Engineer).

Proof of accessible funds ($10,000 CAD for the Candidate and $2,000 for each accompanying dependent) had to be in a recognised Canadian financial institution.

If you could not demonstrate these funds in a recognised Canadian financial institution, your Alberta Relative could submit this proof of funds.

Proof of accessible funds ($10,000 CAD for the Candidate and $2,000 for each accompanying dependent) can now be demonstrated from a financial institution in your home country.

The Alberta Relative can no longer demonstrate these funds on behalf of the Candidate.

Can you describe how these changes will impact my application?

Date Application was Submitted

What will happen?

Which forms and supporting documents do I submit?

Before September 14, 2009

Your application will be assessed based on the previous criteria.

If you have submitted a complete application, you are not required to complete the new version of the forms or include additional required supporting documentation.

Before September 14, 2009, but my application was returned to me as incomplete on or after September 14, 2009.

You will be required to submit a new application and it will be assessed based on the new criteria.

When you re-submit your application, you will need to complete the most current version of the application forms and include all required supporting documents.

If you do not submit the new forms, your application will be returned to you.

Postmarked on or after September 14, 2009 but before September 26, 2009

Your application will be assessed based on the new criteria.

You must complete the most current version of the application forms and include all required supporting documents.

If you submit a complete application with the previous forms during this two week time period, you will receive a letter instructing you to complete and send in the new forms within 30 days. Wait until you receive the letter to send in any new documents.

Postmarked on or after September 26, 2009

Your application will be assessed based on the new criteria.

You must complete the most current version of the application forms and include all required supporting documents.

If you do not submit the new forms, your application will be returned to you.

I was previously declined by the AINP under the Family Stream because I had sponsored a family member under the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Family Class. Does this still apply?

No. With the new changes, on the AINP Family Stream - Affidavit of Support, you must identify whether or not you or your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), have submitted previous applications to the AINP Family Stream only and what the status is of those previous applications.

If you were previously declined under the AINP Family Stream because you had sponsored a family member under the CIC Family Class, you can submit a new application to the AINP. However, you must ensure that you apply with the new forms and that you meet all the criteria for the AINP Family Stream prior to submitting this new application.

Process and timelines

What is the step-by-step process for the Family Stream?

Condition

Action

If an eligible Alberta Relative and an eligible candidate decide to apply to the AINP family stream…

…the Alberta Relative completes the AINP Family Stream – Affidavit of Support (AINP 006A).

The Candidate completes the AINP Family Stream – Application for Nomination (AINP 006B).

The sponsor and candidate assemble all required supporting documents outlined in the AINP Family Stream – Document Checklist.

A complete package is mailed to the AINP for review.

If the application is complete, and meets all minimum criteria…

…the AINP will assess the application.

If Alberta Relative and Candidate receive a positive assessment from the AINP…

...Candidate becomes a Provincial Nominee.

If the Provincial Nominee receives their Confirmation of Acceptance from the AINP and has compiled all necessary documents…

...the Provincial Nominee then forwards their Application for Permanent Residence forms to a Citizenship and Immigration Canada Visa Office abroad.

If the Provincial Nominee and their dependents meet the federal statutory requirements, including health, criminality and security checks...

...Citizenship and Immigration Canada may issue the permanent resident visa(s) for immigration to Alberta.

How long will the AINP take to assess my application?

Current AINP Family Stream Processing Times.

Where should I send the application when it is complete? Who should send the application, the Alberta Relative or the Candidate?

Complete applications can be mailed to:

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
Suite 940, Telus Plaza North Tower
10025 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1S6

Please note that facsimiles are not accepted. If you send an application by fax, it will be returned.

Either the Alberta Relative or the Candidate can mail the application to the address above. The important thing to remember is that all required forms and supporting documents must be submitted in the same application package.

Please note that for Family Stream applications, the Alberta Relative will act as the primary contact and will be responsible for answering any questions or requests for additional information. Therefore, the Alberta Relative should be aware of the date the application was submitted.

Is there a fee for submitting my application to the AINP?

No. There is no fee required for submitting an application to the AINP.

Is there a fee for the permanent resident visa?

Yes. You must pay processing fees to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) when you apply for permanent residence. You must also pay a “Right of Permanent Residence” fee to gain final permanent resident status.

Alberta Relative Criteria

Family Connection

I would like to assist my brother in becoming a permanent resident; my wife would like to assist her parents in becoming permanent residents. Can we submit two family stream applications to the AINP?

No. There can only be one ongoing commitment of support per household at a time. A second application could only be considered once the initial commitment of support has been fulfilled. The commitment of support is defined as two years from the date that the Candidate became a permanent resident of Canada.

Can I assist my cousin in becoming a permanent resident?

No. Eligible family members under the AINP Family stream include a Parent, Child, Brother, Sister, Aunt, Uncle, Niece or Nephew.

Can I assist my step-sibling in becoming a permanent resident?

Yes. Either step-relatives or half-relatives are eligible relatives under the AINP Family Stream. However, the blood connection (or adoptive, if applicable) must be clearly demonstrated in the application. It is the responsibility of the Alberta Relative and Candidate to provide sufficient documentation to adequately demonstrate that the relationship is eligible.

No. The relationship between the Alberta Relative and the Candidate must be direct. You cannot sponsor in-laws.

What information is required to prove the direct family relationship?

Certified copies of official documents demonstrating the relationship between the Alberta Relative and Candidate are required with an application under the Family Stream. Common examples of official documents which may help prove the relationship include Birth Certificates, Adoption Documents, Citizenship Documents, Passports, and/or Family Register Documents.

You must consider whether or not there are sufficient official documents to clearly show the connection between the Alberta Relative and the Candidate. For example, if the Alberta Relative is the Aunt of the Candidate, the following must be included with the application:

Official documents showing the Alberta Relative’s parents
Official documents showing the Candidate’s parents
Official documents showing the Candidate’s grandparents

Would an affidavit by a family member declaring the names and relationships of other family members be considered official documentation?

No. Common examples of official documents which may help prove the relationship include Birth Certificates, Adoption Documents, Citizenship Documents, Passports, and/or Family Register Documents. Affidavits are not acceptable for demonstrating proof of relationship.

Residence in Alberta

No. An Alberta Relative must have been living in Alberta for the past two years without interruption. If, at any time in the past two years, your primary residence (where you live and work) was outside Alberta, you are not eligible to assist a relative in becoming a permanent resident.

All three Notice of Assessments (NOA’s) must be submitted with the application. If an Alberta Relative cannot present a NOA for any of the past three years, it is the Alberta Relative’s responsibility to clearly demonstrate that they have been living in Alberta for the past two years. An Alberta Relative’s residency in Alberta must be clearly supported in the application, or it will be returned as incomplete.

Alberta Relative Support

No. The Alberta Relative must be able to directly demonstrate one of the two criteria.

I plan to demonstrate that I have $15,000 in available assets. Are my RRSP’s considered assets?

RRSP’s would be considered if the funds are accessible. Locked-in RRSP’s (RRSP’s that cannot be accessed or are not available until a certain age is reached) would not be considered.

Candidate Criteria

Both you and your spouse/common-law partner must meet the age and language ability criteria.

Either you or your spouse/common-law partner must meet the education/work experience criteria, and the adaptability (financial) requirements.

A complete list of requirements can be found in the candidate eligibility section.

Age

I am 43 but my spouse/common-law partner is 46. Can my Alberta Relative still assist me through the AINP?

No. The Candidate and their spouse/common-law partner must both be between 21 and 45 at the time of application.

What if I am 45 at the time of application, but turn 46 before a decision is made by the AINP on my application? Can I still apply?

Yes. A Candidate and their spouse/common-law partner must be between 21 and 45 at the time of application.

As a candidate, you may or may not choose to include your spouse/common-law partner as an accompanying dependant on your application for permanent residence. However, both you and your spouse/common-law partner must meet the age criteria (and language criteria) of the AINP under the Family Stream regardless of whether or not the spouse/common-law partner is accompanying the candidate to Canada. If you have a spouse/common-law partner, he/she will be assessed with the application and he/she must meet any required criteria.

Language Testing

How long are International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test d’evaluation de français (TEF) results valid?

The AINP will accept IELTS/TEF test scores obtained within the past five years.

IELTS has two types of tests, general and academic. Which is the right one?

The AINP will accept either the general or the academic version.

Can I submit my Family Stream application if I haven’t completed my IELTS/TEF tests yet?

An IELTS/TEF assessment must accompany the application.

There are only two situations in which an IELTS/TEF assessment would not be required for the AINP Family Stream:

You and your Spouse/Common-law partner can demonstrate that English or French is your primary language of use (the language most commonly used in your household), OR
You and your Spouse/Common-law partner have completed a minimum of a baccalaureate in English or French

If you and your Spouse/Common-law partner reside in one of the following countries or have a baccalaureate (bachelor’s degree) or higher from one of the following educational institutions; you may be exempt from the need to demonstrate language ability.

The AINP reserves the right to require that the Candidate and their Spouse/Common-law partner complete an IELTS or TEF assessment.

What is a “baccalaureate in English or French”?

“Baccalaureate in English or French” is a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree obtained from a post-secondary institution where the primary language of instruction is English or French.

Education/Work Experience

I have grade 12 education and started college/university but I have not yet finished or did not finish my program. Am I eligible?

No. A candidate or their spouse/common-law partner must have already completed a post-secondary education or training program of at least two (2) years in duration and obtained a degree or diploma prior to applying to the AINP under the family stream. If no program has been completed by either the candidate or their spouse/common-law partner, the candidate would not be eligible.

I completed a diploma program from a college. It was a two-year program, but I actually had only 16 months of classes because of summer breaks. Does this qualify?

Yes. The criteria of being able to demonstrate completion of a post-secondary education program of at least “two years” in duration would be assessed based on having completed two school years. A school year is generally considered to be at least eight months at a post-secondary institution (two four-month semesters).

I manage/own my own business in my home country. Does this count as work experience?

Yes. However, it is your responsibility to adequately demonstrate documented and verifiable experience as a self-employed person.

Adaptability/Financial Requirements

Can I provide proof of funds from a bank in my home country?

Yes. You must submit with the application a letter from a financial institution (which can be in your home country) showing:

Account ownership in the name of you or your spouse/common-law partner
Current balance(s)
Type of account(s)
If funds are accessible
The financial institution contact information e.g., address, telephone number, fax number, website

Can I submit my application, and provide you with my account history at a later date?

No. Three months of account history stamped by the financial institution must be submitted with the application.

Does the account containing the funds required for myself and my dependents have to be in my name?

The required funds ($10,000 for you and $2,000 for each dependant) must be in the name of either you or your spouse/common-law partner.

Alberta's official immigration website

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Family Stream Frequently Asked Questions

About the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

AINP Family Stream Changes - September 14, 2009

Process and timelines

Alberta Relative Criteria

Family Connection

Residence in Alberta

Alberta Relative Support

Candidate Criteria

Age

Language Testing

Education/Work Experience

Adaptability/Financial Requirements

Other Candidate Questions

About the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

AINP Family Stream Changes - September 14, 2009

Process and timelines

Alberta Relative Criteria

Family Connection

Residence in Alberta

Alberta Relative Support

Candidate Criteria

Age

Language Testing

Education/Work Experience

Adaptability/Financial Requirements

Other Candidate Questions

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