Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Immigration Pathway

Alberta, a rapidly growing western Canadian province, is home to Calgary and Edmonton and boasts impressive landscapes, including mountains, glacial lakes, boreal forests, and fertile prairies. Minerals, coal, oil, natural gas, and the well-known Alberta oil sands are among the natural resource deposits in Alberta.

In recent years, Alberta has emerged as one of the famous provinces for candidates wanting to settle in Canada. This province of Canada is also a part of the Canada PNP program and has a PNP program named the Alberta provincial nominee program. 

Each year, Alberta welcomes almost 6000 immigrants to its land through the Alberta advantage immigration program, contributing to its population and economic growth. 

If you are also planning to go to Alberta immigration, this guide is for you. It will provide you with complete information about the Alberta PNP program. But, before delving into a deep understanding, let us explain the meaning of the Alberta immigrant nominee program(AINP). 

What is the Alberta immigrant nominee program(AINP)? 

Alberta immigration nominee program (AINP) is an economic immigration program managed by the Provincial Government of Alberta and the Federal Government of Canada. The AINP is set up so immigration aspirants can apply for permanent residency in Alberta. The AINP is designed to fill the labor gaps and meet Alberta's rising demand for skilled workers.

Advantages of the Alberta advantage immigration program (AAIP) 

The following are the benefits candidates can get through the Alberta permanent residency. 

1. Pathway to permanent residency 
2. AAIP prioritises candidates with family ties in Alberta 
3. Issues notification of interest (NOIs) to candidates with CRS scores below 400 
4. Better career opportunities 
5. Immigrant-friendly 

Different categories under the Alberta Canada provincial nominee program 

There are various streams under the Alberta PNP program, however, some of the most opted streams of the Alberta provincial nominee program are mentioned below along with requirements:

1. The opportunity stream

The opportunity stream is a directed way for foreign workers working in Alberta to get a Canadian permanent residence visa. Foreign workers require a valid job offer from an employer in Alberta to be eligible for this program. The candidate must meet the following eligibility criteria for this program. 

2. The express entry stream

The express entry stream is for express entry candidates who get the NOI from Alberta. The stream enables the province to select candidates already in the express entry pool.

Though the stream is aligned with express entry, this invitation will stand under Alberta PNP only, and such candidates will receive 600 additional CRS points. In the subsequent draw from the pool, they get a notification of interest (NOI). The candidate must fulfill the following requirements to become eligible under this stream. 

3. The international graduate entrepreneur immigration stream

After completing their studies at post-secondary educational institutions in Alberta, international students can apply under the International graduate entrepreneur immigration stream or IGEIS.

Steam offers such students a way to immigrate to the province permanently, either by starting a business or purchasing an existing business. The candidate must fulfill the following requirements to apply for this program. 

4. The self-employed farmer stream

The self-employed farmer stream is for farmers with rich experience and capability to operate a farm in Alberta. Self-employed farmers can get permanent residence visas through PNP nomination and live in Alberta permanently. To apply for this program, candidates are required to fulfill the following criteria. 

Immigration aspirants who fulfill the eligibility or selection criteria get the nomination under Alberta PNP. Here is the list of detailed Alberta PNP requirements:

• Applicants must have an active express entry profile.
• A minimum of 1-year work experience in an occupation that supports Alberta’s plans.
• A CRS score of 300 or above.
• An IELTS score of band six or above in each module.
• Intention to work and live in Alberta.

To make a stronger express entry profile and improve the chances of receiving a nomination under Alberta PNP, the applicant can secure points for:

• Relatives residing in Alberta
• Post-secondary education certificate from Alberta.
• Fresh job offer/prior work experience in Alberta.

Documents required for Alberta provincial nominee program 

The following is the list of documents required for the Alberta provincial nominee program. 

1. A valid passport
2. A filled-out and signed application
3. Work permit
4. Birth certificate 
5. Address proof 
6. A marriage certificate (if required) 
7. Police clearance certificate 
8. Test scores for language proficiency (TCF/TEF for French, IELTS/CELPIP for English) 
9. Labour market impact assessment (LMIA) 
10. Educational credential assessment
11. Employee reference letter (if required) 
12. Employment letter 
13. An earnings statement
14. Proof of funds 

How to apply for Alberta PNP? 

The application procedure of Alberta immigration through AINP begins once the candidate has received a notification of interest or an application from AINP inviting them to apply. 

The complete step-by-step procedure to apply for the AINP program is explained here.

Step 1- Create a federal skilled worker express entry profile

The first step towards the Alberta Express Entry stream is to create an Express Entry profile under the federal skilled worker program and select Alberta as a province to settle down permanently.

Step 2 – Wait for the notification of interest to apply for Alberta PNP

The second step for the applicant is to wait for the province to send an exciting letter to apply for the Alberta provincial nominee program. The letter is issued after assessing the applicant's occupation if the same is in demand and is not being filled out by the current permanent residents and citizens of Canada.

Step 3 – Receive the notification of the letter of interest to apply for Alberta PNP

The applicant receives the notification of interest to apply for the Alberta provincial nominee program.

Step 4 – Submission of PNP application under Alberta express entry

After receiving the province's notification of interest, the applicant must submit their application within 30 days under the Alberta immigration nominee program with all required documents.

Step 5 – Receive 600 points for a nomination certificate from Alberta PNP

The applicant must wait for nomination approval from the province, which will award 600 points under the federal express entry program.

Step 6 – Wait for the next express entry round of invitations draw

After adding 600 points to the applicant’s profile, the applicant must receive an invitation to apply for a Canada PR visa in the next express entry draw.

Step 7 – Final pr visa application submission

After receiving the invitation to apply through a general express entry round of invitations, applicants must submit their application within 60 days with all required documents. Candidates must show a strong desire and likelihood of settling permanently in Alberta. 

AINP reserves the right to decline applications that seem to fit their criteria. You can check your occupation in demand before applying for an Alberta express entry program. Click here to check the NOC Codes.

Alberta PNP processing time 2025

The Alberta PNP processing time can take up to 15-19 months. However, it may vary based on individual nationality and the workload of the immigration authorities. But if the candidate follows these steps, it shouldn't take longer: 

1. Ensure that the candidate receives their application notification
2. Maintain the accuracy of their application information; 
3. Their application will be assessed, and. 
4. A decision regarding their application will be given to them. 

Alberta advantage immigration program application fee 

The application for the Alberta advantage Canada immigration program is free, but the candidate is required to pay the following fee.