Immigrating to Alberta

AINP processing times

The AINP will not respond to status inquiries or provide updates on your application. See below to find out approximately how long it will take to process your application. If you have a file in process with the AINP, check this page often for any updates.

This page is updated regularly as AINP processing times are always subject to change without notice depending on a variety of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to: application volumes, available resources, and federal and provincial immigration levels planning. The AINP is limited in the number of nominations it can issue each year based on Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC’s) Immigration Levels Plans.

To avoid delays in processing your application make sure you meet AINP criteria and submit a complete application with all required documents.

To track delivery of your application, send it by registered mail or by courier, as it will take time before you receive notification from AINP of your file number.

Approximate AINP processing times

Employer-Driven Stream processing times

Employer-Driven Stream Processing time
Notification (receiving your file number) At least three months
Alberta Employer and/or Candidate assessments* At least eight months
Total AINP processing time from the date your application was received by the AINP At least eleven months

* If an Alberta Employer and Candidate apply to the AINP at the same time, the AINP will assess the Alberta Employer and Candidate at the same time. If the Alberta Employer applies before the Candidate (only possible under the Semi-Skilled Worker Category), the Alberta Employer can take at least eight months for approval and the Candidate may take an additional eight months for approval.

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Compulsory Trades and Engineering Occupations Categories processing times

Compulsory Trades and Engineering Occupations Categories Processing time
Notification (receiving your file number) At least two months

Candidate assessment

 At least four months
Total AINP processing time from the date your application was received by the AINP At least six months

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U.S. Visa Holder Category processing times

U.S. Visa Holder Category Processing time
Notification (receiving your file number) At least 4 months

Candidate assessment

 At least 24 months
Total AINP processing time from the date your application was received by the AINP At least 28 months*

* If you have a valid full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in a field related to your current occupation in the U.S. you will receive priority processing. For more information visit the U.S. Visa Holder Category page.

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Family Stream processing times

Family Stream Processing time
If your application was received by the AINP before October 2008 At least 26 months* total processing time from the date your application was received
If your application was received by the AINP between November 2008 and December 2008 At least 32 months* total processing time from the date your application was received
If your application was received by the AINP between January 2009 and May 2009 At least 40 months* total processing time from the date your application was received
If your application was received by the AINP between June 2009 and November 2009 At least 46 months* total processing time from the date your application was received
If your application was received by the AINP between November 2009 and August 23, 2010 At least 54 months* total processing time from the date your application was received 

* Both notification (receiving a file number) and final assessment of the application are included in these processing time estimates. Notification (receiving your file number) will take at least 5 months from the date your application was received. The Alberta Relative will be notified of the file number.

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Citizenship and Immigration Canada processing times

The processing times listed above are for the AINP only. If you are nominated by the AINP, you then have to submit your Application for Permanent Residence to CIC. Visit the After You Are Nominated section for more information on this next step.

You can visit the CIC website to see how long they may take to process your case.

To revise or update your AINP application

To submit additional documents or changes to your application send your file number, your full name and the name of your Alberta Employer or your Alberta Relative (if applicable) by mail or fax to the AINP.

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
Suite 940, Telus Plaza North Tower
10025 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1S6
Fax Number: 780-427-6560

Changes may include:

  • accompanying dependants
  • designated representatives
  • education history
  • employment information
  • mailing or residential address or phone number - if your contact information changes print out and fax this contact information form (PDF) to the AINP.

Date Updated: Aug 23, 2010
RDP-961