Compulsory and optional trades criteria

This criteria applies to all supervisors, foremen and tradespeople working in a compulsory or optional trade in Alberta.

The criteria for the Compulsory and Optional Trades Category (includes but is not limited to):

• You must intend to and be able to live and work permanently in Alberta.
• You must have
  • an Alberta Qualification Certificate in a compulsory or optional trade, or

  • a Recognized Trade Certificate in a compulsory or optional trade issued by a recognized regulatory authority in Canada recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) including:

    • a valid trade certificate with an Interprovincial Red Seal,

    • a valid trade certificate without an Interprovincial Red Seal in a Red Seal trade issued by a regulatory authority, or

    • a valid trade certificate issued in a non-Red Seal trade that is recognized by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board.
      
      If you do not have an Alberta Qualification Certificate or an AIT Recognized Trade Certificate when you apply to the AINP, your application will be declined. The AINP will verify that your trade certificate is valid and qualifies.

• You must be residing in Alberta at the time of application and show that you have a valid work permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to work in Alberta in the trade in which you are certified.

• You must show, at the time of application, that you are either currently working in your trade for an Alberta Employer or have previously worked in your trade with an Alberta Employer for a minimum of six months in the past two years.

As of May 1, 2012 AIT will no longer be sending out invitation letters for this category. Applicants no longer need to submit a copy of an invitation letter when they apply to the AINP.

If you meet these criteria, make sure you review the How to Apply section before you submit your application. If your application does not meet AINP criteria, it will be declined. If your application is not complete, it will be returned to you.

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