Alberta

Alberta is the land of vast oil reserves and booming industry. Located on top of these resources is Alberta’s provincial government, which has positioned this area as one that produces agricultural produce for Canada and provides many jobs in not just farming communities across western provinces.

Their immigration streams are divided into:

1. Alberta Opportunity Stream

The Alberta Opportunity Stream is a new immigration program that targets foreign nationals already working in Canada and with an official employment offer from their Canadian employer. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements regarding work experience, job offers, language proficiency, and education levels.

Eligibility Requirements

Work Experience:  All candidates must prove that they have the farm management skills for a farm in Alberta. AINP requires all applicants to submit financial documents of their existing farming business, training, proof of education, and work experience related to farm management.

Investment: All candidates must be able to invest a minimum of CAD 500,000 of equity in a primary production farming business in Alberta. To prove this, candidates must have a minimum net worth of at least CAD 500,000.

Application Process – Alberta Opportunity Stream

The stream is always open to new applications. Eligible candidates can submit an application that is processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The application requires applicants to provide evidence they have researched the farming environment in Alberta and Canada and complete a paper-based application.

2. Alberta Express Entry Stream

The newly-launched Alberta Express Entry stream is only open to candidates with active profiles in the federal pool. Candidates will be considered for nomination and supported by a team of experts at AINP, seeking those best suited for regional economic development opportunities across the province.

New candidates applying to Canadian immigration with a provincial nomination through Express Entry will see their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score increase by 600 points, virtually guaranteeing them an Invitation to Apply for Canadian permanent residence in the subsequent draw.

Eligibility Requirements

Requirement
Express Entry Profile	Yes
Connection to Province	No
Job Offer	No
Level of Education	Express Entry requirement
Language Proficiency	Express Entry requirement
Work Experience	Express Entry requirement
Investment Requirement	No

Language Proficiency

All candidates must demonstrate language proficiency in English or French. A CLB 7 test score is required for Federal Skilled Workers, and CLB 4 test score is needed for Federal Skilled Trades candidates.

Application Process – Alberta Express Entry

The Alberta Express Entry stream operates on an invitation basis. To apply to the stream, candidates must create an Express Entry profile. They must then wait to be issued a Notification of Interest from the province.

Once a candidate receives an NOI, they will be given a strict deadline for applying for AINP. If the province approves the application, Alberta will notify the applicant and send ITA.

3. AINP Self-Employed Farmer Stream

The stream is an excellent opportunity for those who know how, plan and have the resources to start their farm. Candidates must consult with the province in detail about what they’re planning before applying so that no mistakes are made during processing time.

Program Requirements

Requirement
Express Entry Profile	No
Language Proficiency	No minimum
Connection to Province	No
Job Offer	No
Investment Requirement	Investment: $500,000 CAD Personal Net Worth: $500,000 CAD
Level of Education	No minimum
Work Experience	Farm Management Experience

Province Connection

Applicants must have valid status as temporary residents, and the candidate must be residing and working in Alberta. Please note that refugee claimants are not eligible under this stream. Applicants must have a valid work permit for suitable occupation.

Work Experience

When the application AINP assesses the application, the applicant must be working in an occupation in Alberta that matches their previous work experience.

Level of Education

All applicants must have completed a minimum of high school education in their country of origin.

Language Proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, equivalent to the CLB of Level 4.

Application Procedure – AINP Self-Employed Farmer

The stream is always open to new applications. The applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested candidates must prepare a complete paper-based application. 

• All documents must be prepared in hard copy and submitted in a single envelope, by mail, to the AINP office.
• If the province approves the application, Alberta will notify the applicant they have been selected for provincial nomination. 
• Successful applicants will receive an official nomination package in the mail from AINP.