Alberta Premier, Jason Kenney announced on February 16, 2022, that the province would be adding two new immigration streams and changing the name of its Provincial Nominee Program.
New changes come into effect for Alberta’s immigration programs
On the heels of Alberta’s latest draw, the Minister announces a name change and introduces the launch of two new programs
Alberta Premier, Jason Kenney made an announcement on February 16, 2022 that the province would be adding two new immigration streams and changing the name of its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Two days after making this announcement, the details of a PNP draw held by the province on February 1, 2022, were released. During this draw, 400 Express Entry candidates were selected to apply for the Alberta Express Entry stream.
In order to qualify for the draw, candidates had to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 340 or higher. Those who successfully receive the provincial nomination will be awarded an extra 600 points on their existing CRS score, meaning selected candidates could end up with a final CRS score of over 940 points and will very likely receive an Invitation to Apply (ITAs) from IRCC.
Alberta immigration changes
Following Minister Kenney’s announcement, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) will now be known as the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). The name is meant to promote Alberta and showcase it as an attractive option for newcomers who are trying to choose the best place to raise their families and build a life in Canada.
The two new streams that were introduced are designed to encourage skilled and talented professionals to settle in rural communities. An influx of newcomers into rural communities will help increase the population and help the economy. The two programs are called:
- Rural Renewal Stream:
This stream is for individuals who have a job offer in hand from an employer in Alberta to work in a designated rural community. Applications are currently being accepted from rural communities that want to participate in this program as a designated community.
- Rural Entrepreneur Stream
This stream is for entrepreneurs who are looking to buy an existing business in a rural community or start one up. Candidates who want to be considered for the program, have to meet the eligibility criteria and submit an expression of interest. They must also visit the community they wish to start their business in.
In addition to these changes, the province has also changed the names of three existing entrepreneur streams. They are as follows:
- The Self-Employed Farmer Stream has been simplified as “Farm Stream”
- The Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa stream is now referred to as “Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream”
- The International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration stream will now be called the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
Eligibility criteria and requirements for the existing stream will remain the same.
The changes will be reflected on the province’s website in the coming weeks.