Skilled Worker criteria

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Skilled Worker Category Criteria (includes but is not limited to):

Alberta Employer criteria

As an Alberta Employer, you must:

  • Be incorporated or registered by or under an act of the legislature of a province or the Parliament of Canada and operating as a business that has an established production capability, plant or place of business in Alberta.
  • Provide a job offer to the Candidate for permanent, full-time employment in a skilled occupation. A skilled occupation is an occupation that falls under one of the following skills levels under the the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system:
    • NOC 0: Includes management occupations that usually require a university degree (bachelor's, master's or doctorate) or a professional designation.
    • NOC A: Includes occupations that usually require university education.
    • NOC B: Includes occupations that usually require college education.
  • Provide a job offer to the Candidate that meets Alberta's employment and wage standards.
  • Provide a job offer to the Candidate that does not conflict with existing collective bargaining agreements. The AINP will not approve an application if there is a labour dispute in progress that may involve, directly or indirectly, either the employer or the candidate.
  • Provide proof of your authorization to hire a foreign worker by showing either the Labour Market Opinion (LMO), or evidence of the LMO exemption.
    • If there is an LMO in place for the Candidate, you must show that you are following all the conditions of the LMO (including salary).
    • If the Candidate is exempt from an LMO, you must show you are offering wages and benefits to the Candidate that meet industry standards. Visit the ALIS website for wage and benefit standards in Alberta by occupation.
  • Clearly show the need for the position and that you have made a significant effort to hire a Canadian or permanent resident of Canada for the position only if the Candidate is not currently working in Alberta (is abroad).
  • Meet additional criteria if the Candidate's occupation is in one of the following:

Candidate criteria

As a Candidate, you must:

Supervisors, foremen, and tradespeople working in occupations designated as a Compulsory or Optional Trade in Alberta (including Chefs, Cooks, and Line Cooks) are no longer eligible to apply under the Employer-Driven Stream and must apply under the Strategic Recruitment Stream, Compulsory and Optional Trades Category.

Meeting the criteria listed above does not guarantee a nomination or permanent residence.

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Additional criteria - Plasterers, Drywallers, and Upholsterers

If you are working as a Plasterer, Drywaller, or Upholsterer, the AINP will require that a minimum of 48 months of relevant work experience and training in that occupation be proven.

The AINP reserves the right to require minimum work experience requirements from Candidates working in occupations beginning with 72 or 73 under the National Occupational Classification where the Candidate is not a supervisor, foreman, or tradesperson working in an occupation designated as a Compulsory or Optional Trade in Alberta.

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Additional criteria - Early Childhood Educators and Child Care Staff

As an Alberta Employer of an Early Childhood Educator, you must also:

As an Early Childhood Educator Candidate, you must also:

  • Hold a work permit under the NOC code 4214 and be residing in Alberta
  • Have completed a minimum of high school education
  • Be certified as a Child Development Worker (Level 2) or Child Development Supervisor (Level 3) through Alberta Human Services - Child Care Staff Certification Office.
  • Be employed in Alberta for a minimum of six (6) months with a pre/accredited daycare program or family day home agency before applying to the AINP

Preference will be given to Candidates who have completed a first aid course.

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Additional criteria - Managers/Supervisors in the Service, Retail and Foodservice Industries

As an Alberta Employer of a Manager/Supervisor in the Service, Retail and Foodservice Industries, you must also:

  • Sign an Employer Compliance Declaration Form, only if you are operating in the foodservices industry, and attach it to your application responding to each question about the status of your business with the following legislative authorities:
    • Employment Standards Code; Public Health Act; Occupational Health and Safety Act; Workers' Compensation Act; and Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act.

As a Manager/Supervisor Candidate in the service, retail and foodservice industries, you must also:

  • Be able to demonstrate completion of a post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate in a related field of study (Commerce, Business Management, etc.)
  • Be able to show a minimum of two years of managerial/supervisory experience in a related industry or four years of work experience in a directly related industry. You must submit reference letters from employers showing that you have this previous related experience.
    • Reference letters must:
      • be dated
      • be written on company letterhead
      • state the name of the employer and employer contact information
      • state your occupation title and main duties
      • include the start date and end date of employment
      • be signed by a company official (i.e.: owner, administrator, supervisor).
    • Documents not written in English must be attached to a certified translation.

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