June 14, 2018
Changes to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program are now in effect. Changes to the Alberta Opportunity Stream will simplify processes, reduce wait times, and provide fair access for applicants across all sectors and industries in Alberta. They will also provide greater opportunities for candidates with ties to the province.
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program must follow federal direction on economic immigration programs. As the Alberta provincial nominee program includes occupations at all skill levels, the federal government requires minimum criteria for language, education and income to ensure Alberta’s nominees can integrate successfully in the workforce, communities and support their families over the longer term. In particular, the federal government has insisted that we increase language requirements.
After discussion with industry, labour and advocacy stakeholders, Alberta negotiated with the federal government to phase in these requirements so program applicants and industry have time to adjust.
The updated program will help diversify the economy, and help Alberta employers expand their workforce. The program will make sure that provincial nominees are not taking jobs that could be filled by Albertans.