FAQ – Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
In this article, I will address a few popular questions and answers for the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) in Canada and some important information to consider if you are applying under this program for permanent residency in Canada. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program is an economic immigration program that assists the province of Alberta to meet its labour market needs. If you feel as though you would be eligible to apply for under this program, I suggest you read our article on “Basics of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program” before reading this question and answer article. The intention of this article is meant to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program in Canada.
Q: If I am applying as a semi-skilled worker under the AINP, is a language test required of me?
A: A language test is required of all semi-skilled workers that are applying under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). You must submit an official language test result in order to apply for this program. It must also meet the language standards.
Q: Which language tests will AINP accept?
A: The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program will accept language tests results from three designated testing agencies. The designated testing agencies are IELTS (International English Language Testing System), CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) or TEF (Test d’Evaluation de Francais). The minimum language standards differ for all three language testing agencies. Keep in mind, no other language tests will be accepted.
Q: If I am working in a NOC 0, A or B occupation as an International Graduate, am I required to submit a language test result for the AINP?
A: No, you do not have to submit a language test result for the AINP if you are working in a NOC 0, A or B occupation as an International Graduate.
Q: If I am working in a NOC C occupation as an International Graduate, am I required to submit a language test result for the AINP?
A: Yes, you have to submit a language test result for the AINP if you are working in a NOC C occupation as an International Graduate. Additionally, your language test results must meet the language standards.
Q: If I am currently working as a supervisor in an occupation designated as a Compulsory or Optional Trade, am I eligible to apply under the Employer-Driven stream?
A: No, unfortunately. Supervisors working in an occupation designated as a Compulsory or Optional Trade in Alberta, such as chefs or cooks, are not eligible to apply under this stream. On the other hand, they are eligible to apply under the Strategic Recruitment Stream under the Compulsory and Optional Trades category.
Q: Under the Employer-Driven Stream, does the Alberta employer have to provide financial statements?
A: No, the Alberta employer is not required to provide financial statements under the Employer-Driven Stream. However, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program has the authorization to request financial statements throughout the application process should they need to ensure that the company is reputable and viable.
Q: When submitting an application to or receiving a nomination from Alberta, do I have to maintain my status as a temporary foreign worker?
A: This is a very important question. The simple answer is yes. You and your employer must ensure that you maintain your status in Canada as a temporary foreign worker and that you still have a valid work permit throughout the entire application process under the AINP. Keep in mind, an application to the AINP or receiving a nomination from the AINP does not ensure that your work permit will be renewed or that you will still have temporary foreign worker status in Canada. If your work permit will expire throughout the process of applying through the AINP, it is your responsibility to renew it.
Q: If my work permit is about to expire, will the AINP prioritize my application?
A: Unfortunately, no. The AINP does not prioritize any applications due to expiration of the work permit. Additionally, there is no guarantee that your application will be processed prior to the expiry of your work permit. Therefore, it is extremely vital for your application for you to have a valid work permit and if it will expire, that you will renew it.
Q: Is it possible for me to still apply to the AINP if I have already submitted an application to another program for permanent residency in Canada?
A: Yes, it is possible for you to apply to the AINP even if you have already submitted an application to another program for permanent residency in Canada. The ultimate decision to apply to either program is entirely up to you. Keep in mind, depending on the application that had been submitted prior, there may or may not be an advantage of applying to both programs.
Q: Does the AINP require police and security checks for the application process?
A: AINP does not require police and security checks for the application process. These documents and information will be requested and required once you are invited for permanent residency in Canada. It is advisable not to send these documents and information to AINP as they will not assess them.
Contact Akrami & Associates
Should you have any further questions or feel confused or unclear about how to apply for the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, it is important to talk about any questions you may have and discuss your concerns. By talking to immigration professionals about your concerns, this will ease your worries and assist with the application process. Many immigration applications are difficult to pursue on your own and it is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to apply. Here, at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many of our clients obtain permanent residency through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program. If you believe that you may be eligible to apply, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advice.
With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!