A List of August 2024 Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Updates
Post by : Admin on Sep 04,2024
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) allows Alberta to nominate eligible candidates for permanent residence (PR). Skilled entrepreneurs, students and workers can get PR in Canada if their occupation is in demand. All you have to do is meet the specific criteria of the program and you will be a step closer to becoming a permanent resident in Alberta.
The government has been making significant changes to the program since 2020. August 2024 is no exception. You should stay aware of the updates if you want to attain your PR through this program. This blog discusses all updates done to AAIP in August 2024. Let’s begin.
2-year open work permit from IRCC
(Temporary measure) (26th August, 2024)
Who is it for?
Alberta Opportunity Stream and Rural Renewal Stream nominee applicants
What is this update all about?
The government announced a temporary public policy through which specific candidates from the above streams will be eligible to seek a maximum 2-year, open work permit from IRCC. You cannot apply for this policy separately. The AAIP sends you a letter of support if they determine you are eligible. The letter of support enables the selected candidate to seek a 2-year extension on an existing work permit.
What is the eligibility criteria?
The above-mentioned candidates should meet the following criteria:
● You are waiting for the processing of your application to be completed as of 26th August 2024.
● You had a legit work permit with expiry dates from 7th May and 31st December 2024, at the time of application
● Your application was declined between 7th May and 26th August 2024 because your work permit expired in 2024.
You do not become eligible for this program update if your work permits expired. In that case, you need to show that the permit has maintained its status during the processing of your application. You can also determine your eligibility to restore the temporary resident status to receive the letter of support.
How does it benefit eligible candidates?
Eligible candidates can receive an open work permit valid for a maximum of 2 years. The added ‘two years’ allow the applicants to maintain their eligibility for PR and work at the same time. The nominee applicants will be able to enjoy their extended employment. However, their eligibility for a nomination will remain unknown until 2025.
The new temporary policy will help AAIP make significant decisions about work permits with specific expiration dates. Examples include work permits with expiry dates between 1st January 2024 and 6th May 2024 along with work permits that are expiring in early 2025.
Open work permit for those affected by Alberta wildfires
The government has brought forth this temporary special measure for those directly affected by recent wildfires. The AAIP will accept work permits that IRCC issued under the Alberta Opportunity and Tourism and Hospitality Streams.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible if the wildfires prevent you from working for your current employer and hence you need to convert the employer-specific work permit to an open work permit. In that case, AAIP will accept the work permit between 19th July 2024 and 30th November 2024.
The work permit requirements are not available in Rural Renewal or Express Entry streams. The Alberta Opportunity and Tourism and Hospitality Streams, however, can accept the work permit under these special measures.
A new expression of interest system
The AAIP will launch a new expression of interest system (EOI) on 30th September 2024. This update marks a significant shift from the previous monthly application process. The new system will allow continuous intake of EOIs. That means the eligible candidates can express their interest at any time instead of following specific application dates.
The new system puts candidates in a selection pool. IRCC will rank each candidate on the basis of skills, work experience and their potential to meet the labour market needs of Alberta. Applicants with the highest rankings will get the invitation to apply for permanent residence. This update will make the immigration process to Alberta simpler and more efficient.
Final Thoughts,
The AAIP is a popular economic immigration program in the Canadian province of Alberta. Whether you want to set a business up in Alberta or work as a foreign national here, this program is the way to go. If you fit the eligibility criteria, the AAIP can further nominate individuals for permanent residence in Alberta. You can gather updated information about AAIP changes from experienced consultants at reputed immigration firms such as Onkar Immigration. They can assess your eligibility criteria and process the applications hassle-free.
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