Alberta is one of Canada’s most powerful provincial economies attracting newcomers from all over Canada as well as the rest of the world. It is known for its fossil energy, agriculture, forestry, education, tourism, and hospitality as well as its manufacturing industry providing jobs in Canada for thousands of people.
As a combined result of the number of jobs created by a strong economy, the number of temporary foreign workers in the province and the increased tightening of federal immigration programs, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) has become one of Canada’s most popular immigrant recruitment programs, offering Canadian permanent residency to skilled foreign workers and entrepreneurs. The AINP also offers fast-tracked application processing times with its new online portal which has decreased processing times to as little as 4 to 6 months!
Let’s take a closer look at the Alberta PNP to find out if it’s the right way for you to immigrate to Canada.
What Is the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)?

The Alberta Provincial Nominee Program PNP or AINP is an immigration program that lets the province hire skilled workers who have the right work experience and training needed to fill in-demand jobs in Alberta.
Below are the 3 Canadian immigration streams under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program:
Alberta INP Categories |
---|
Alberta Express Entry Stream |
Alberta Opportunity Stream |
International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream |
Self-Employed Farmer Stream |
Those who successfully apply to immigrate to Canada through the program can get permanent residence when they receive a Provincial Nomination (PN) from the province. In order to qualify for all PNPs you will also need the following:
- Medical Certificate;
- Police Clearance;
- Biometrics;
- Security Checks; and
- Federal Checks.
If you succeed in getting a nomination from the province, you, your spouse or partner, and your dependent children can apply for permanent residence in Alberta.
Alberta Express Entry Stream
This program allows the province of Alberta to nominate a limited number of candidates from the Express Entry system. Candidates with strong ties to the province or those who will add to the economy of Alberta will be asked to submit an application via a notification of interest. International graduates who have graduated from Canadian institutions may also be nominated.
If you would like to apply to immigrate to Canada through this stream you will have to satisfy all of the following personal eligibility requirements.
Alberta Express Entry Stream Eligibility Requirements | |
---|---|
Express Entry Profile | Yes (Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 300) |
Connection to Province | No |
Job Offer | No |
Language Proficiency | Express Entry Requirements (CLB 7 for FSWP and CEC; CLB4 for FSTP) |
Level of Education | Express Entry Requirements (tertiary qualification, high school and/or job-specific training or on-the-job-training) |
Work Experience | Express Entry Requirements (1 year for FSWP and CEC; 2 years for FSTP) |
Age | Express Entry Requirements |
Income/Settlement Funds | Yes |
Average Processing Time | 4 - 6 months |
Alberta Opportunity Stream
The Alberta Opportunity Stream allows foreign workers to apply to immigrate to Canada if they have a full-time offer of employment in Alberta and are already living and working in the province to apply for permanent residence in Canada under the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program.
If you would like to apply to immigrate to Canada through this stream you will have to satisfy all of the following personal eligibility requirements.
Alberta Opportunity Stream Eligibility Requirements | |
---|---|
Express Entry Profile | No |
Connection to Province | Work Experience |
Job Offer | Yes |
Language Proficiency | NOC 0, A or B - CLB 5 or higher NOC C or D - CLB4 or higher |
Level of Education | High School Diploma/Certificate |
Age | No |
Work Experience | At Least 12 months |
Income/Settlement Funds | No |
Average Processing Time | 4 - 6 months (AIP Online Portal) 15 - 19 months (paper application) |
Please note that your occupation must not feature on the ineligible occupations list in order for you to qualify to apply under this stream. To find out if your occupation is eligible, visit our Alberta In-Demand Jobs in Canada page.
Post Graduation Work Permit Applicants
If you have a Post Graduation Work Permit and would like to apply for Canadian permanent residence under this stream, you will also need to have a job related to your previous tertiary qualification obtained outside of Canada, if:
- Your Alberta credential program started on or after April 1, 2019; and
- Have completed an Advanced Education approved one-year post-diploma or post-baccalaureate certificate.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream (IGEIS) allows international foreign post-graduate work permit holders with at least 6 months business work experience and a qualification from a college or university in Alberta to start or buy an existing business in Alberta, Canada.
If you would like to apply to this stream you will have to satisfy all of the following personal eligibility requirements.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream Eligibility Requirements | |
---|---|
Express Entry Profile | No |
Connection to Province | At least 2 years of full-time degree or diploma from an educational institution in Alberta Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holder valid for at least 2 years |
Job Offer | No |
Language Proficiency | CLB/NCLC 7 or higher |
Level of Education | Post-secondary (Diploma or degree) |
Age | No |
Work Experience | At Least 6 months actively managing and/or owning a business |
Business Establishment | Yes (at least 34% ownership of a new or existing business in Alberta) |
Income/Settlement Funds | No |
Average Processing Time | 4 - 6 months (AIP Online Portal) 15 - 19 months (paper application) |
Self-Employed Farmer Stream
This Self Employed Farmer Stream in Alberta was created to help foreign immigrants start their own farms in Canada. This stream allows experienced agricultural entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residence. It is managed by both the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program and the Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and will need to meet the requirements and regulations stipulated by both organizations.
The basic requirements to apply to the Alberta Self Employed Farmer Stream are assessed on your:
- Education;
- Experience;
- Funds; and
- Language skills
If you want to start your own farming business in Alberta, you can do so with the Self Employed Farmer Stream.
Alberta Self-Employed Stream Eligibility Requirements | |
---|---|
Express Entry Profile | No |
Connection to Province | No |
Job Offer | No |
Language Proficiency | No minimum |
Level of Education | No minimum |
Work Experience | Express Entry Requirements (1 year for FSWP and CEC; 2 years for FSTP) |
Age | Express Entry Requirements |
Business Plan | Yes |
Income/Settlement Funds | No |
Investment Funds | At Least $500,000 equity |
Net Worth | At Least $500,000 |
Investment from Canadian Institutions | Written proof (if applicable) |
Average Processing Time | 15 - 19 months (paper application only) |
Those Who Cannot Apply for the AINP Self Employed Farmer Stream
You cannot apply for this stream if you are:
- A refugee claimant;
- Being removed or in the process of being removed from Canada;
- Work as a caregiver in Canada;
- Work as a Temporary Foreign Worker who is not living in Alberta; or
- Study in Canada as an international student doing internships or co-op work placements.
Like what you have read about the fantastic province and the Alberta PNP and want to start your application for a Canadian visa? Sign up right here and we will call you about the application process. Get great Canadian immigration advice from our professionals.