Alberta Opportunity Stream
The Alberta Opportunity Stream is a popular immigration stream under the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that targets foreign workers with a job offer in a skilled occupation that is in high demand in the province. This stream allows eligible candidates to apply for permanent residency in Canada through a streamlined process, which can significantly reduce the processing time compared to other immigration programs.
To be eligible for the Alberta Opportunity Stream, candidates must have a valid job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation, meet the minimum language proficiency requirements, have completed high school education, and have sufficient settlement funds. They must also meet the minimum work experience requirements for their occupation and meet other program-specific requirements.
The Alberta Opportunity Stream is an excellent option for those who have a job offer in Alberta and wish to settle permanently in the province. Successful applicants and their families can enjoy all the benefits of living in Alberta, including a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, and access to stunning natural landscapes and recreational activities.
Who is it for
For temporary foreign workers
- Who are already working full-time in Alberta, and have a full-time job offer from an Alberta employer.
- Must have a positive LMIA or hold one of the accepted LMIA exemption work permits.
- Must also meet other minimum eligibility criteria (work permit type, occupation, language, education, Alberta job offer and work experience).
Eligible applicants summery
Express Entry Profile | No |
---|---|
Connection to Province |
Work Experience |
Job Offer |
Yes |
Language Proficiency |
NOC TEER 1, 2, 3 – CLB 5 NOC TEER 4, 5 – CLB 4 |
Level of Education |
High School equivalent to Alberta standard |
Work Experience |
12 months, minimum |
Investment Requirement |
No |
Work experience requirements
Ineligible applicants
Occupation requirements
Most occupations under NOC TEER Categories 0, 1, 2, 3 4 and 5 are eligible under the AAIP.
PGWP holder’s occupation must also be related to your field of study in Alberta.
Language requirements
(NOC) TEER category | CLB test score required | Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) test score required |
---|---|---|
If you are working in a NOC 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations |
Minimum of 5 for each English language skill |
Minimum of 5 for each French language skill |
If you are working in a NOC 4 or 5 occupation |
Minimum of 4 for each English language skill |
Minimum of 4 for each French language skill |
Language tests:
Test results must be less than 2 years old at the time your application was submitted.
Education requirements
Must have credential issued by an Alberta Advanced Education publicly funded post-secondary institution. If you started attending your Alberta credential program before April 1, 2019:
If you started attending your Alberta credential program on or after April 1, 2019:
Work experience requirements
Your current occupation must also match your work experience at the time your application is submitted and at the time the AAIP assesses your application. Eligible work experience: At the time your application is submitted you must have either:
PGWP – require a minimum of 6 months full-time work experience in your current occupation in Alberta within the last 18 months.
All applicants-
Eligible job offers
Must have a bona fide full-time job offer or employment contract from an Alberta employer to work in your current occupation in Alberta.
Ineligible applicants based on job offer
How to apply
- Online application using the AAIP portal.
- Paper application submitted by mail.
Application fee – $500
You will need to pay your fee within 24 hours of submitting your complete application in the portal. The $500 fee must be paid online using a single credit or debit card.
Reconsideration fee
Subject to a service fee of $100.
Summary of Alberta Opportunity Stream changes
Selection Requirements | Effective April 1, 2019 | Effective January 1, 2020 | Effective January 1, 2021 |
---|---|---|---|
Residency Status, Work Permit |
No change |
No change |
No change |
Occupation |
No change |
No change |
No change |
Language |
CLB or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 4 except NOC 3414 which required CLB or NCLC 7. |
CLB/NCLC 5 for NOC 0, A or B occupation. No change for NOC C or D occupations and no change for NOC 3414. |
No change |
Education (for all applicants except Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Holders) |
Minimum High School in Country of Origin |
No change |
Minimum High School equivalent to Alberta standard; Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) required if qualifying based on foreign education credentials |
Education (Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Holders only) |
If you started attending an Alberta program on or after April 1, 2019, entry level certificates are no longer eligible. No change to other eligible credentials (post-diploma or post-baccalaureate certificates, diplomas, degrees and graduate level. certificates/diplomas) |
If you started attending an Alberta program on or after April 1, 2019, entry level certificates are not eligible. Eligible credentials include post-diploma or post-baccalaureate certificates, diplomas, degrees and graduate level certificates/diplomas |
No change |
Work Experience (for all applicants except Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Holders) |
No change |
No change |
No change |
Work Experience (Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Holders only) |
Eligible post-graduate certificate holders must show occupation/work experience is related to their prior post-secondary field of study outside Canada |
No change |
No change |