The Government of Alberta is extending a temporary transition period for applicants to the Alberta Opportunity Stream who hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) says the extension will allow both applicants and post-secondary institutions more time to adjust to the Alberta Opportunity Stream's List of Alberta Advanced Education Approved Post-Secondary Credentials.

The list determines which credential programs at Alberta post-secondary institutions are approved for Alberta Opportunity Stream applicants with a Post-Graduation Work Permits.

The AINP says the purpose of the list is to help international students find out whether their education and work experience is "well-matched with current skill shortages in Alberta."

Under the transition period, international students who are admitted and enrolled before April 1, 2019, to one-year entry-level certificate programs and post-graduate certificate and diploma programs that are not on the list will still be considered for the Alberta Opportunity Stream as long as they meet all other requirements.

Students who are admitted on or after April 1, 2019, to a program that is not on the list will not be eligible to apply to the AINP with a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

However, they can still apply to the Alberta Opportunity Stream if they are able to secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment-based work permit.

All applicants to the Alberta Opportunity Stream are required to meet residency status and work permit, language, education, work experience (in an occupation that is not part of the ineligible occupations list); and income level requirements.

To learn more about the Alberta Opportunity Stream, click here.

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