Candidate Frequently Asked Questions
About the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
What is the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)?
What is the step-by-step process?
Requirements
My employer was approved before October 2007. What application forms do I use?
How long must I be employed with my Alberta employer before the AINP can nominate me?
Does the AINP require police or security checks?
Does the AINP require photographs of a Provincial Nominee Candidate and/or their family members?
Status of applications
How long does it take the AINP to process the Provincial Nominee Candidate's application?
What is the difference between a Provincial Nominee Candidate and a Provincial Nominee?
Employment and immigration status
Permanent residence application
Can my family members accompany me to Canada?
If I have been approved as a Provincial Nominee, how do I get my permanent resident visa?
Fees
Use of a representative
About the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
What is the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)?
The AINP is an employer-driven skilled and semi-skilled worker immigration program operated by the Government of Alberta with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). The program helps candidates gain permanent residence and helps employers gain needed workers.
What is the step-by-step process?
- Steps for Skilled Worker and International Graduate Categories
| Condition | Agent and Action |
| If the employer has selected a qualified candidate who is not a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident... | ...the employer and candidate complete the Employer and Worker Application for a Skilled Occupation (ABPNP 005) together. The candidate completes the Application for Provincial Nomination (ABPNP 003). Application forms and all accompanying documents, including a photocopy of the candidate's completed permanent residence application forms, are submitted to the AINP. |
| If the offer of employment meets the AINP eligibility and criteria, and if the candidate meets the qualifications for the job... | ...the AINP approves the candidate as a Provincial Nominee. |
| If the candidate is approved as a Provincial Nominee... | ...he or she then forwards the federal permanent residence application forms to the 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. |
- Steps for Semi-Skilled Worker Category
| Condition | Agent and Action |
| If the employer has hired, or has a need to hire, qualified candidates who are not Canadian Citizens or permanent residents in a selected semi-skilled occupation under the AINP... | ...the employer completes the Employer Application - Semi-Skilled Worker Category (ABPNP 001) to request a specified number of candidates to be considered for a AINP Nomination. The application form and all accompanying documents are submitted to the AINP.* |
| If the employer is approved for an allocation and/or has selected a qualified candidate*... | ...the employer and candidate complete the Employer and Worker Application for a Semi-Skilled Occupation (ABPNP 002) together. The candidate completes the Application for Provincial Nomination (ABPNP 003). Application forms and all accompanying documents, including a photocopy of the candidate's completed permanent residence application forms, are submitted to the AINP.* |
| If the candidate is approved as a Provincial Nominee... | ...he or she then forwards the federal permanent residence application forms to the 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. |
* All application forms and supporting documents may be submitted together at the same time.
What are the advantages to using the AINP?
The AINP program:
- With provincial and federal support, helps skilled workers and selected semi-skilled workers gain permanent residence.
- Helps employers gain needed workers to fill a skill shortage in Alberta.
- Maintains a strong economy by helping employers retain labour resources in industries and sectors that add value to Alberta's economic growth.
- Helps workers get their application for permanent residence processed, on average, in 6-18 months.
How does the AINP assess Provincial Nominee Candidates?
We evaluate the candidate's:
- Related education.
- Related work experience.
- Qualifications that are recognized, or required, by industry standards and associations to work in Alberta.
- Ability to settle in Alberta.
Requirements
My employer was approved before October 2007. What application forms do I use?
Skilled worker and international graduate categories
If an Employer has already been approved by the PNP for allocations, and the Provincial Nominee Candidate has not yet applied, please note:
- Employer and Worker Application for a Skilled Occupation (ABPNP 005) substitutes for what was previously called the Guaranteed Job Offer application.
- Application for Provincial Nomination (ABPNP 003) substitutes for what was previously called the Skilled Worker/Professional application.
Semi-skilled worker category
If an Employer has already been approved by the AINP for allocations, and the Provincial Nominee Candidate has not yet applied, please note:
- Employer and Worker Application for a Semi-Skilled Occupation (ABPNP 002) substitutes for what was previously called the Guaranteed Job Offer application.
- Application for Provincial Nomination (ABPNP 003) substitutes for what was previously called the Skilled Worker/Professional application.
As a candidate, do I need to meet all licensing and regulatory requirements before applying to the AINP?
Yes. As a candidate for a provincial nomination, you must be fully qualified for the job and meet all licensing and regulatory requirements before applying to the AINP. You must provide proof of your qualifications (i.e.: photocopies of all required licenses and registrations).
How long must I be employed with my Alberta employer before the AINP can nominate me?
If an employer has a probationary period for their employees, a candidate must first successfully complete this probationary period prior to nomination. Otherwise, the AINP requires that:
- As a Skilled Worker, you must have accepted an offer for permanent, full-time employment with your Alberta employer. You may require a valid work permit for certain occupations.
- As an International Graduate, you must have accepted an offer for permanent, full-time employment with your Alberta employer, have a valid work permit and be employed for at least six (6) months with your Alberta employer.
- As a Semi-Skilled Worker, you must have accepted an offer for permanent, full-time employment with your Alberta employer, have a valid work permit and be employed for at least six (6) months with your Alberta employer.
Can I apply under the AINP when I already have a Skilled Worker Class application for permanent residence in process?
Yes. The decision to apply to both programs is up to you. However, depending on the processing status of the Skilled Worker Class application for permanent residence, there may or may not be an advantage to applying to both programs.
Can my employer help me, a Provincial Nominee Candidate, complete my Application for Provincial Nomination (ABPNP 003) form and my Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) forms?
You must personally provide the information required on these forms. Completing the forms is your, or your authorized representative’s (if using a representative), responsibility.
The AINP does not discourage employers from helping a Provincial Nominee Candidate complete their application forms.
You should visit the AINP website directly to obtain the current version of the Application for Provincial Nomination instructions and application form. Information about the CIC forms and instructions are available through the CIC website or call centre.
Does the AINP require police or security checks?
No. Although the AINP does not require police or security checks, you should consult the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website for further information on these clearances. They may be required when you submit your application to the CIC Visa Office outside of Canada.
Does the AINP require photographs of a Provincial Nominee Candidate and/or their family members?
No. Although the AINP does not require photographs for the Provincial Nominee Candidate or their family members, you should consult with the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website for further information regarding Photo Specifications. They may be required when you submit your application to the CIC Visa Office outside of Canada.
Status of Applications
How long does it take the AINP to process the Provincial Nominee Candidate's application?
Please note the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program is a two-step process.
In the first step, an employer who is unable to fill skilled or select semi-skilled positions with Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada may apply to the program to have a foreign worker candidate nominated on the employer's behalf.
The second step involves assessing the provincial nominee candidate, identified by the employer, to ensure that he or she has the required education, training and work experience relevant to the occupation. The candidate is only assessed once the employer is approved for the occupation.
Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications received. Please note that we ask applicants to allow a minimum of 30 to 90 days for our office to process each step in the application process. Applications will be assessed in the order in which they are received. Complete applications with all required supporting documents will result in expedited processing times.
How long does it take for Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to process Provincial Nominee's application for permanent residence?
CIC's assessment of candidates includes health, criminal and security checks. They can take 6 to 18 months before reaching a decision. Please note that these are guidelines only, and processing times may vary. Permanent residence applications are processed at CIC Visa Offices outside of Canada.
After the AINP approves me as a Provincial Nominee, how long do I have to submit my application for permanent residence to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)?
You must submit your application to CIC within 180 days from the date on which your nomination is issued. The nomination package that we send includes instructions showing the date by which you must submit your application to CIC. CIC may ask you to submit additional information in support of your application for permanent residence.
What is the difference between a Provincial Nominee Candidate and a Provincial Nominee?
A Provincial Nominee Candidate has not yet been approved by the AINP. The term "candidate" is used on the website, in these FAQs and on the application forms to refer to a potential Provincial Nominee.
A Provincial Nominee has been approved by the AINP.
Employment and immigration status
I have applied for refugee status in Canada. Can I also apply under the AINP?
No. You are not eligible to apply to the AINP if you have applied for refugee status in Canada. The AINP cannot interfere with the federal refugee claim, appeal or removal process.
I would like to immigrate to Alberta, but I do not have an employer or a job offer. Can I apply to the AINP?
No. The AINP is an employer-driven program. You must have accepted an offer for permanent, full-time employment with an Alberta employer.
- For the Skilled Worker and International Graduate categories, you and your employer must complete the Employer and Worker Application for a Skilled Occupation (ABPNP 005) together.
- For the Semi-Skilled Worker category, your employer must first complete the Employer Application - Semi-Skilled Worker Category (ABPNP 001), and then you and your employer must complete the Employer and Worker Application for a Semi-Skilled Occupation (ABPNP 002) together.
I would like to apply to the AINP but I do not have an employer or a job offer. Can you help me find an employer?
No. The AINP cannot give you the names of potential employers. If you wish to search for jobs in Alberta, see below for the link to the Jobs in Alberta website.
Does my employer need to include a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) if the work permit I am working on is LMO-exempt?
If you are a Skilled Worker or International Graduate candidate who currently has an LMO-exempt work permit, your employer is not required to provide an LMO.
However, supporting documents that show the exemption under which your work permit was issued, are required. For example, if you were issued a work permit as an Intra-Company Transferee, provide the letter of support from your employer that you used to help you apply for your work permit.
If you are a Semi-Skilled Worker, an LMO is required.
Permanent Residence Application
Does an approval for a nomination by the AINP ensure that Citizenship and Immigration Canada will issue a permanent resident visa to a Provincial Nominee?
No. Issuing a provincial nomination does not ensure that a Provincial Nominee will receive a permanent resident visa or permanent residence. A Provincial Nominee, and their dependents, must still meet Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s statutory requirements, which include, but are not limited to, health, criminality and security checks.
Can my family members accompany me to Canada?
Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may immigrate with you when you are approved as a Provincial Nominee.
If I have been approved as a Provincial Nominee, how do I get my permanent resident visa?
You apply to a Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Visa Office outside of Canada. Instructions are provided with the provincial nomination package we send you. If you, your spouse or common-law partner and your dependent children meet the federal statutory requirements, including health, criminality and security checks, CIC may issue the permanent resident visa for you to enter Alberta permanently.
Fees
Is there a fee for submitting my application to the AINP?
No. The AINP is free.
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. For more information about CIC fees, see below for the Processing Fees page of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
Use of a Representative
Do I need to use an immigration consultant or lawyer to complete my application?
No. It is unnecessary to use an immigration consultant or lawyer to complete your application. We designed the AINP application forms for applicants to complete on their own. If you do hire a representative to complete your application, it will not receive special attention or be handled differently from other applications.
The AINP will not release information to a paid representative who is not a member in good standing with the following:
- Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC)
- Canadian Provincial or Territorial Law Society
- Chambre des notaries du Québec
I am an immigration consultant and I have several clients who wish to immigrate to Alberta, can you provide a list of employers who are seeking foreign workers?
No. The AINP cannot provide you with a list of potential employers. If you wish to search for jobs in Alberta, see below for the link to the Jobs in Alberta website.
Date Updated: Dec 18, 2008
RDP-622