Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Suspends Alberta Opportunity Stream Applications
Effective February 15, the AAIP has paused the processing of applications for the Alberta Opportunity Stream until further notice. The decision comes as the program aims to manage its existing application backlog and strategically allocate immigration nominations to sectors experiencing labor shortages, including healthcare, technology, construction, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and other high-demand fields.
While applications submitted before February 15 will continue to be assessed, the province plans to implement measures to regulate future application volumes in alignment with program priorities while maintaining reasonable service standards across all streams.
The Alberta Opportunity Stream caters to full-time temporary foreign workers already employed in the province under a valid Canadian work permit and individuals holding Post-Graduation Work Permits.
Introduction of Alberta’s New Immigration Program: Tourism and Hospitality Stream
Starting March 1, the AAIP will launch a new stream targeting individuals employed in the tourism and hospitality sector for a minimum of six months and meeting the criteria for permanent residency in Alberta. Applicants must hold a valid full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an authorized employer in the industry.
According to a recent statement from the Alberta government, this stream aims to address labor shortages in the sector, support businesses, including those in rural areas, in retaining workers, and stimulating economic growth.
The province plans to cap the number of applications accepted for this stream while expediting their processing alongside other priority initiatives. Further details are expected to be released on March 1.
Alberta: A Premier Destination for Tourists
Alberta stands out as one of Canada’s leading tourist destinations. Government data for 2022 indicates that the province welcomed 32 million visitors, contributing to $10.7 billion in expenditures.
Moving to Alberta
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program serves as a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) used by the Government of Alberta to select economic immigration candidates likely to establish themselves economically within the province. Similar to other PNPs, the program offers multiple streams targeting candidates with various in-demand skills and attributes, including skilled workers, individuals working in rural communities, and entrepreneurs.
Under the PNP, provinces receive a set number of nominations annually. In 2023, Alberta issued 9,750 nominations to AAIP candidates. While the province has yet to confirm its allocation for 2024, Canada’s federal Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 aims to welcome 110,000 newcomers through the PNP by year-end.
