October 26, 2020: Launch of new pathways

The Government of Alberta is launching 2 new immigration pathways to encourage international graduates to open businesses here in Alberta that will create new high-paying jobs for Albertans and help diversify the economy.Starting October 26, 2020, recent international graduates from Alberta’s universities and colleges interested in launching business ventures and start-ups in Alberta can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) under to the new Graduate Entrepreneur Stream. In January, Alberta will also launch the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream to attract talented international graduates from top U.S. universities and colleges to start businesses and settle in Alberta communities.Details on the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream are available now. Information on the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream will be posted to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) website later this year.

2024-03-29 14:07:17

October 1, 2020: Online portal launch

New Alberta Advantage Immigration Program online portalStarting October 1, 2020, all candidates (except Self-Employed Farmer Stream candidates) can apply online using the AAIP portal. Alberta Express Entry Stream candidates must receive authorization from the AAIP to access the portal.The AAIP portal was designed to make the application for candidates easy. Candidates receive tips on how to enter data, a customized list of documents and can save a draft application to complete at a later date. The system does an initial assessment on eligibility, and ensures that candidates who clearly do not meet basic criteria do not waste time and money submitting an application.Check out the new AAIP Portal.Application feesAll applications submitted using the AAIP online portal on or after October 1, 2020, are subject to a $500 processing fee. The application fee is non-refundable once an application has been submitted. The fee covers the cost of processing the application and is required whether a nomination certificate is issued or not.Alberta Opportunity and Express Entry streamsCandidates who submitted an Alberta Opportunity Stream and Express Entry Stream application by mail on or before October 1, 2020, do not have to pay the processing fee.Farm StreamThe introduction of an application fee has changed the process for applying to the Farm Stream. Candidates submitting to this stream by mail on or before October 1, 2020, do not have to pay the processing fee. Applications mailed after October 1, 2020, must pay the fee.Post-decision servicesAll requests for post-decision services must now be emailed.The AAIP is now charging a fee for post-decision services, including requests for reconsideration, nomination extensions and nominee requests for 204(c) Letters of Support. All fees are paid online.Requests for services emailed on or after October 1, 2020, including requests for reconsideration, nomination extensions and nominee requests for 204(c) Letters of Support, are subject to a $100 service fee.204(c) Letters of Support will no longer be issued with a nomination and must be requested by the nominee. Nominees who have a written request from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a 204(c) Letter of Support do not need to pay the service fee.The fee covers the cost of processing your request and is required even if it is determined you are not eligible to have your decision reconsidered or that you are not eligible to receive a nomination extension or 204(c) Letter of Support. Refunds will only be provided for requests for reconsideration where the original decision to decline an application is overturned. All other service fees are non-refundable.For more information on application and post-decision services fees, see the 'Eligibility', 'How to apply' and 'After you are nominated' sections for each AAIP stream.Changes to COVID-19 measuresWe have made some changes to several of our temporary COVID-19 application and processing adjustments. For more information, see Changes due to COVID-19.Application updates now submitted by emailAll candidates, including those who applied by mail, will send their application updates by email. This includes informing the AAIP about: corrections or updates to information or documents in an application updates to employment status, immigration status, contact information, family composition updates to use of a third party representative application withdrawal For more information, see the 'How to apply' and 'After you are nominated' sections for each AAIP stream.

2024-03-29 14:07:17