Jimmyz500:
My file number is in the 10XX. I sent my application on January 15th, 2009 and it reached Alberta on January 21st,2009. Like I mentioned before, I received my file number on March 21st, and in the email it indicated that my file was created and entered on their system on March 4th.
Hang in there, I strongly believe that your processing is in the works and you should hear something from Alberta soon. Are you still in H1-B status in the U.S? From what I have seen so far, the 2281 NOC code does not have as many applicants as the 2171 ones, so you never know, it could actually play in your favor by them not having many applications for your NOC.
Keep the faith, and the nomination shall come.