Alberta introduces Express Entry stream and opportunity stream
Alberta as on 14th June 2018 opened two new streams for its provincial nominee program. First, the Express Entry aligned Alberta PNP and then Alberta Opportunity Stream.
The Express Entry aligned AINP will invite candidates who meet all the eligibility of Express Entry and prove strong ties to Alberta and support its government in its economic development and diversification. If a candidate receives an AINP nomination then he or she will be awarded extra 600 points towards their CRS score.
Alberta Opportunity Stream
From 14 June onwards Alberta will accept applications for its new opportunity stream and Self-Employed Farmer Stream. The AOS replaces both Employer-Driven Stream and Strategic Recruitment Stream.
This stream is for those people who are currently living and working in Alberta, person whose occupation is in the eligible occupation list and meet the other eligibility in the selection criteria.
The AINP said the purposes of these changes are:
- simplify the application process and cut the waiting time
- open up the program to almost all skills and professions in Alberta with more flexibility for trade skills
- make sure that workers with professional, personal, and community ties to Alberta are first in line to become permanent residents with a pathway to citizenship.
- It has also expanded the occupations and skill level accepted.