Skip to content
Know Eligibility Requirements For The Alberta Opportunity Stream

Alberta Opportunity Stream For PR: Know Full Eligibility!

Last Updated On 19 January 2023, 9:46 AM EST (Toronto Time)

The Alberta Opportunity Stream of Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is for temporary foreign workers already working full-time in Alberta. Alberta renamed its PNP to AAIP (Alberta Advantage Immigration Program) in February 2022. Previously, AAIP was called Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP).

Currently, AAIP is assessing applications received before September 2, 2022. Furthermore, there are approximately 935 applications in queue. IRCC allocated 6,500 nominations to AAIP for 2022. Out of these, Alberta has already issued 5,837 nomination certificates so far.

This article enlists full eligibility requirements for Alberta Opportunity Stream focusing on:

Language requirements

When you submit your application, you must demonstrate that you have passed the following language tests in English or French. You must get the required points based on a single test result.

National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill LevelCanadian Language Benchmark (CLB) test score requiredNiveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) test score required
If you are working in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (NOC 0, A or B) occupationMinimum of 5 for each English language skillMinimum of 5 for each French language skill
If you are working in a TEER 4 or 5 (NOC C or D) occupationMinimum of 4 for each English language skillMinimum of 4 for each French language skill

When your application is filed, official test results must be no more than two years old. The date you took the exam, not the date your test results were issued, is utilized to establish the age of your test findings. The AAIP will not accept enrollment confirmation for a language exam instead of a test result.

Occupation requirements

Eligible occupations

When you file your application, you must work in a qualifying occupation in Alberta at the time of your application evaluation. The occupation requirements apply to your work experience and a job offer.

In addition, most occupations in National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, 4, and 5 are eligible. 

Post-Graduation Work Permit holders

If you have a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), your occupation in Alberta must also be connected to your subject of study. See the education requirements section for further information on valid Alberta credentials and recognized Alberta institutions.

Suppose you began your Alberta credential program on or after April 1, 2019, and completed an Advanced Education-approved one-year post-diploma or post-baccalaureate certificate. In that case, your occupation must also be connected to your previous post-secondary field of study outside of Canada.



Ineligible occupations

Individuals employed in the occupations listed below at the time of submission and evaluation are ineligible to apply for or be nominated under the Alberta Opportunity Stream.

NOC Code (2021)NOC TEER categoryOccupation
000100Legislators
400210School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education
400300Managers in social, community and correctional services
400410Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers
60040*0Escort agency managers, massage parlour managers
411001Judges
412201Secondary school teachers
412211Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
511111Authors and writers (except technical)
511221Musicians and singers
42200*2Justices of the peace
42202*2Early childhood educators who do not have certification through Alberta Children’s Services – Child Care Staff Certification Office or who have been certified as Level 1 Early Childhood Educator (formerly Child Development Assistant)
431003Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
431093Other instructors
531213Actors, comedians and circus performers
531223Painters, sculptors and other visual artists
531243Artisans and craftspersons
532003Athletes
631013Real estate agents and salespersons
33100*3Dental laboratory assistants/bench workers
441004Home child care providers
441014Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations
643214Casino occupations
551095Other performers
651095Other sales related occupations
652115Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport
652295Other support occupations in personal services
653295Other service support occupations
752005Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs
851015Harvesting labourers
851025Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers
851045Trappers and hunters
851105Mine labourers
851215Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers

Work permit and residency requirements 

When you submit your application and the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) evaluates it, you must have a valid temporary resident status in Canada that allows you to work, i.e. a temporary foreign worker permit.

For work permits to be valid, they should meet one of the following criteria:

  • Have a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or
  • An LMIA exemption for workers based on the following:
    • International trade agreements
    • workers transferred within a company
    • International Experience Canada
    • Mobilité Francophone
  • Have an IRCC-issued open work permit:
    • To vulnerable workers who demonstrate they are at risk of abuse or experiencing abuse in the content of their employment in Canada. It includes exemption under the Vulnerable Workers Open Work Permit (VWOWP)
    • Family members of a vulnerable worker who qualifies for the VWOWP exemption
  • a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) issued to a graduate of Alberta Advanced Education publicly funded post-secondary institution
    • PGWP holders must also fulfill the requirements of the occupation, education, and work experience.
  • An open work permit was granted following one of the IRCC’s open work permit public policies:
  • The permit must be held by an Alberta Advanced Education publicly funded post-secondary institution graduate. Following the temporary policy changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP)
  • Other open work permit requirements:

Regarding requirements, candidates must have a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or one of the accepted LMIA exemption work permits. Candidates must also fulfill additional minimum eligibility requirements for residency and work permit type, occupation, language, education, Alberta job offer, and work experience.

Ineligible applicants

The following individuals are not eligible to apply for or be nominated for the Alberta Opportunity Stream:

  • Individuals involved in a federal appeal or removal procedure – The AAIP does not intervene in federal refugee claims, appeals, or removal proceedings.
  • temporary residents of Canada living or working in a province or territory other than Alberta, or
  • Foreign nationals who live or work in Canada but do not have legal temporary residence status

If you apply to the AAIP under NOC code 33102 (nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates), you must have a CLB of 7 for each English language skill or an NCLC of 7 for each French language skill.

Education requirements

Except for Post-Graduation Work Permit holders, all candidates must have completed a minimum of high school education equal to Canadian standards when filing your application on January 1, 2021.

Applicant must provide a copy of an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) issued by an IRCC-approved organization for your highest level of education. You do not fulfill the education criterion if your ECA report reveals that your certificate is not equivalent to the completion of a Canadian high school or if the foreign educational institution is not recognized.

An ECA is not required if:

You have a valid Alberta Qualification Certificate, a trade certificate recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, or a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized Canadian post-secondary, technical college, or secondary school (AIT).

Candidates who applied before January 1, 2021, had to have completed high school education in their country of origin. These candidates did not need an ECA.

Eligible work experience

When you submit your application, you must have either: 

  • 12 months of full-time job experience in your present occupation in Alberta during the previous 18 months, or
  • A minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience in your current occupation in Canada or overseas during the previous 30 months, or both – this work experience can be a combination of experience earned in Alberta, in Canada (outside of Alberta), or abroad.

Post-Graduation Work Permit holders must have a minimum of 6 months of full-time work experience in their current occupation in Alberta within the past 18 months.

Work experience in the qualifying period is required for all candidates, including those with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

  • full-time work experience for a minimum of 30 hours a week
  • Work experience in the same occupation as your current occupation 
  • Had a valid temporary resident status and IRCC-authorised work permit while working in Alberta or Canada. 
  • Work experience gained while studying does not count unless you were on a PGWP and completed a paid co-op work term as a part of your program of study at an Alberta post-secondary institution. The work term must have been:
    • Minimum of 30 hours per week, paid and full-time.  
    • Work experience directly relates to your current occupation and 
    • All work experience was gained in Alberta. 

All applicants, including PGWP holders, must complete the following license, registration, and certification requirement at the time your application is filed and the AAIP evaluates it:

  • To work in your present occupation in Alberta, you must have the necessary licensure, registration, or certification.
  • You must hold a valid Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Trade (AIT) approved trade certificate if you work in a required trade in Alberta.
  • If you work as a childcare worker, you must be certified as a Level 2 Early Childhood Educator (previously Child Development Worker) or Level 3 Early Childhood Educator (formerly Child Development Supervisor).

Source: Government of Alberta


New Ontario Rent Increase 2024 Guidelines

Ontario Rent Increase 2024: The Ontarian government on June 30, 2023, announced the new rent guidelines, keeping the annual rent increase at 2.5% in 2024, which is much lower than the 5.9% average inflation rate. The rent increase guideline specifies the maximum annual rent increase that a landlord may impose on the majority of tenants…

STEM Targeted Express Entry Draw Sent 5,900 PR Invites | Dec 8

As we expected, IRCC finally conducted the second STEM-targeted Express Entry draw, sending out 5,900 invitations to apply for permanent residency (PR). The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cutoff was 481 targeting 24 STEM occupations; a 5-point drop from the first STEM Express Entry draw on July 5, 2023. Below are the details of the…

Canada Immigration Paradox of Potential and Limited Prospects

Canada is often celebrated as a land of opportunities, a place where the promise of a better life attracts thousands of highly skilled immigrants each year. The country’s immigration policies have long been lauded for their welcoming stance, prioritizing those with the skills and expertise that could enrich the nation’s workforce. However, the reality is…

New IRCC Updates For International Students 2023

New IRCC updates for International Students: Today, Immigration Minister Marc Miller made new announcements for upcoming study permit applicants as well as international students already in Canada. This includes the most-awaited announcements by foreign students, as we reported on December 1, 2023, regarding the full-time work policy for students in Canada as well as the…

New Express Entry Draw Issues 4,750 PR Invitations | Dec 6

Finally, a new Express Entry draw today sent out 4,750 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency in a ‘no program specified’ round of invitations. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score increases by 61 points to 561 as compared to the last ‘no program specified’ Express Entry draw. Full details of the new Express Entry…

4 New Ontario-OINP Draws Issues 2,699 Permanent Residency Invitations

Today, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) sent out 2,699 invitations to apply for permanent residency under four new rounds of invitations. 761 invitations are sent under the OINP Foreign Worker stream targeting profiles with a job offer in any one of the 61 skilled trade occupations (listed in the later part of this article)…

Evolution of Express Entry Draws in 2023 and Your Odds

The Express Entry draws in 2023 have been a roller-coaster ride for Canada permanent residency aspirants, witnessing first-ever introduced changes and rising cutoff scores. Category-based Express Entry draws became reality on June 28, 2023, with the first round of invitations focusing on healthcare occupations. Furthermore, the recent pause on draws since October 26. The problem…

2 Canada Immigration Programs Opening to New Applicants in 2024

There are two Canada immigration pathways that will start accepting permanent residency applications from new applicants in January 2024, with a limited number of spots. These pathways offer permanent residency (PR) for applicants meeting certain requirements and have a limited number of spots every year. It is always good to prepare ahead of time to…

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Calgary | New List

This article reveals the 10 highest paying jobs in Calgary based on median wages of more than $60 per hour, as updated by the official Job Bank of Canada on November 29, 2023. The median wage is a figure that represents the average wage for each occupation. The median wage is the middle of the…

29 Highest Paying Jobs in Vancouver | New List

This article lists the highest paying jobs in the Vancouver area with hourly pay of more than $50 per hour based on the new median wages updated by the official job bank of Canada on November 29, 2023. The Job Bank of Canada updates these wage rates on an annual basis, typically in the fall.…

45 Highest Paying Jobs In Toronto | New List

This article enlists the 45 highest paying jobs in the Toronto area with median wages of more than $50 per hour, as per the new update from the Official Job Bank of Canada on November 29, 2023. The Job Bank of Canada updates these median salary rates on an annual basis, usually in the fall. …

20 Government of Canada Jobs Hiring Now for Multiple Locations

There are multiple Government of Canada jobs hiring now for various locations from coast to coast in different departments. These jobs have a handsome salary and are an opportunity for individuals seeking to enter a career with the Canadian government. Below are 20 Government of Canada jobs hiring now for various locations across the country.…

Ontario Minimum Wage 2023 and Next Raise Date

Ontario Minimum Wage 2023: The general minimum wage in Ontario went up from  $15.50 to $16.55 on October 1, 2023, which is just 20 cents lower than the minimum wage in British Columbia. The minimum wage is the lowest wage a company can pay an employee. Most employees, whether full-time, part-time, or casual, are entitled…

IRCC Silent on 6 Important Imminent Canadian Immigration Matters

We have now entered the last month of 2023, and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is still silent on the important imminent immigration matters. The Canadian immigration department has always been criticized for a lack of communication regarding the upcoming changes and often delayed announcements to cover the tracks. However, the department has been…

New Ontario-OINP Express Entry Draw Invites 1,052 Profiles

A new OINP (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program) Express Entry draw sent out 1,052 invitations to claim provincial nominations on November 30. This Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw for Express Entry candidates comes out after more than two months. The last one was on September 26, 2023. Express Entry profiles with experience in one of…

Why do Immigrants Move to Canada and Is it Still Worth It

Canada has become a beacon for immigrants seeking a better life with its vast landscapes, various cultures, and well-deserved reputation for inclusivity. The attractiveness of the Great White North is based on a number of elements, ranging from economic prospects to the overall quality of life. Recently, a poll suggested that 3 in 4 Canadians…

Why There Is No Express Entry Draw

There has been no Express Entry draw this week so far, while we are all expecting a round of invitations since the last one was on October 26, 2023. The usual frequency of Express Entry draws is every two weeks. However, IRCC has skipped biweekly draws in the past too, so it is not new.…

Government of Ontario Jobs Hiring Now For Various Locations

There are multiple government of Ontario jobs bulk hiring right now for various locations across the province with handsome salaries. These jobs are with different government organizations, such as the Ministries of Health, Transportation, Solicitor General, Social Services, and Attorney General. Please note that these jobs are NOT for foreign nationals living outside Canada seeking an employment opportunity for…

Canada Should Extend International Students Full Time Work Policy

International students and an advocacy group are urging the Canadian government to continue allowing them to work full-time and not re-impose the 20-hour per week restriction. On November 15, 2022, certain foreign students were temporarily permitted to work full-time without any restriction on the number of working hours. With the rising cost of living, these…

Loading…

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.