What is Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is an economic immigration program that helps individuals qualify for permanent residence in Alberta. The program targets people with skills needed to fill job shortages or those planning to buy or start a business in the province. Applicants must also be able to support their families. The governments of Alberta and Canada manage the program.

The AAIP offers four streams for foreign workers living and working in Alberta, or those planning to do so, and four streams for entrepreneurs who plan to live in Alberta and buy or start a business in the province.

 

Streams for Workers:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream: This stream allows foreign workers already living and working in Alberta to apply for permanent residency if they meet specific eligibility requirements.
  
  

• Tourism and Hospitality Stream: This stream is for foreign workers already living and working full-time in Alberta in the tourism and hospitality sector, with a valid job offer to continue working with an Alberta employer in this field.
  
  

• Rural Renewal Stream: This stream helps rural communities apply for designation, enabling them to attract and recruit newcomers to address local labour needs and settle newcomers in their communities.
  
  

• Alberta Express Entry Stream: Qualified candidates with profiles in the federal Express Entry pool may be invited to apply for nomination. Candidates must meet minimum eligibility criteria and align with provincial economic, sectoral, and occupational priorities. This stream also includes dedicated pathways for healthcare professionals, technology workers, and law enforcement officers.
  
  

• Law Enforcement Pathway: This pathway, part of Alberta’s Express Entry Stream, supports internationally recruited police officers seeking to immigrate to Alberta. It works alongside the Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP) to bring skilled law enforcement professionals to the province. Eligible candidates identified by the AACP may receive an invitation to apply.
  
  

• Dedicated Health Care Pathway: This pathway allows qualified individuals with job offers in eligible healthcare professions to apply for permanent residence in Alberta. To be eligible, you must have a valid job offer from an Alberta employer in one of the approved healthcare occupations. There are two application options: Express Entry and Non-Express Entry.

 

Streams for Entrepreneurs:

• Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: This stream allows international graduates of approved Alberta post-secondary institutions who wish to start a business or purchase an existing one to submit an Expression of Interest. Through the AAIP, qualified candidates will be nominated to apply for permanent residence.
  
  

• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: This stream allows qualified foreign graduates with a degree from a post-secondary institution outside of Canada who want to launch start-up enterprises and innovative businesses in Alberta. Qualified candidates can work with a designated agency to submit an Expression of Interest.
  
  

• Rural Entrepreneur Stream: Entrepreneurs who want to start a business or buy an existing one in a rural Alberta community can submit an Expression of Interest.
  
  

• Farm Stream: This stream allows qualified entrepreneurs with the financial resources and farm management experience to establish a new farm or purchase an existing one in Alberta.
  
  

For more details on eligibility and application procedures, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-advantage-immigration-program

The information in this article is for general guidance only. We strongly recommend consulting official government sources or seeking advice from a qualified immigration professional before making any decisions.

Yaffa Lattke is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). A fluent Spanish speaker, she is committed to assisting a diverse range of clients with professionalism and empathy.

For more guidance, please email yaffa@brightfrontiers.ca