The year 2024 marked significant milestones for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), showcasing Alberta’s commitment to attracting and retaining foreign talent. From exceeding nomination targets to introducing new immigration pathways and adapting to unexpected challenges, the AAIP demonstrated flexibility and foresight in addressing Alberta’s labor market needs. This review delves into the program’s achievements, changes, and impact on immigration policy and the province’s economic development.
Alberta Surpasses Nomination Targets
In 2024, the AAIP issued 9,942 nominations, surpassing its federal allocation of 9,750. Over 85% of these nominations were granted to temporary foreign workers (TFWs) already residing in Alberta, underscoring the province’s focus on transitioning these individuals to permanent residency. This strategic move aligns with Alberta’s efforts to address its labor shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare, technology, and construction.
The AAIP also processed 924 nominee applicants with work permits expiring in 2024, issuing 777 work permit support letters under the Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates. These support letters will allow candidates to continue working while their nomination applications are assessed in 2025 and 2026.
Key Changes and New Initiatives in 2024
New Streams Introduced
To meet the growing demand for skilled workers in specific sectors, Alberta introduced two new immigration streams in 2024:
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream (launched February 13): Designed to address labor shortages in Alberta’s thriving tourism industry.
- Law Enforcement Pathway (launched June 25): Created to combat declining police recruitment rates, this pathway allocated 50 nominations to candidates with relevant law enforcement experience.
Expression of Interest (EOI) System
On September 30, the AAIP introduced a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system for its worker streams. This system enables candidates to submit a Worker EOI, after which they are ranked based on a points grid. The highest-scoring candidates receive invitations to apply for provincial nomination. This shift allows for a more efficient and targeted selection process, prioritizing candidates who best meet Alberta’s labor market needs.
Monthly Intake System
To manage overwhelming demand, the AAIP implemented a monthly intake system starting June 11. Applications for streams such as the Alberta Opportunity Stream, Rural Renewal Stream, Accelerated Tech Pathway, and Tourism and Hospitality Stream were accepted on a specific day each month. This system ensured a controlled and fair intake process, providing transparency and predictability for applicants.
Temporary Measures for Wildfire-Affected Applicants
In response to the devastating wildfires in Alberta during the summer of 2024, the AAIP and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced special measures to support affected applicants. From July 19 to November 30, these measures included:
- Extending deadlines to meet program criteria.
- Free replacement of lost or damaged documents.
- Options for applicants to extend or restore their immigration status.
These initiatives highlighted Alberta’s commitment to compassionately addressing unforeseen challenges faced by immigrants and temporary foreign workers.
Incentives for Skilled Tradespeople
To address a pressing need for skilled labor in housing and infrastructure projects, Alberta launched the Alberta is Calling program in April 2024. This initiative offered a one-time refundable tax credit of $5,000 to up to 2,000 eligible skilled tradespeople. By attracting workers in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, the program contributed to Alberta’s economic growth and infrastructure development.
What Is the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program?
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), formerly known as the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that nominates eligible candidates for permanent residence (PR) in Alberta. The program encompasses multiple streams tailored to workers and entrepreneurs, including:
Streams for Foreign Workers
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Rural Renewal Stream
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream
- Accelerated Tech Pathway
- Law Enforcement Pathway
- Dedicated Health Care Pathway
Streams for Entrepreneurs
- Farm Stream
- Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
- Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
- Rural Entrepreneur Stream
These streams are designed to attract individuals with diverse skills and entrepreneurial potential, ensuring Alberta’s labor market and economic needs are met.
Application Process for Alberta’s PNP
Applying to the AAIP involves the following steps:
- Check Eligibility: Review the criteria for various streams to determine eligibility.
- Submit Expression of Interest: For worker streams, submit a Worker EOI and receive a ranking based on the points grid.
- Invitation to Apply: High-ranking candidates are invited to apply for nomination.
- Apply for PR: Upon receiving a nomination, submit a PR application to IRCC.
Enhanced streams aligned with the federal Express Entry system award successful nominees 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, significantly improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
The AAIP’s performance in 2024 underscores Alberta’s proactive approach to immigration. By exceeding nomination targets, introducing new pathways, and adapting to challenges, the program has solidified its role in shaping Alberta’s economic and social landscape. As the province continues to experience population growth and labor shortages, the AAIP remains a cornerstone of its immigration strategy, fostering opportunities for both foreign workers and Alberta’s communities.
