How to Immigrate to Alberta
April 20, 2021
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Alberta is considered as one of Canada’s ‘prairie’ provinces along with Saskatchewan and Manitoba. It is the most populous of the three and noteworthy for its balance between cityscapes and breathtaking natural wonders. Discover how to immigrate to Alberta through Canada’s various immigration structures such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Express Entry system’s federal programs. There is a demand for skilled workers in most provinces and Alberta is no different. This follows an announcement by the Canadian federal government to introduce over a million immigrants into the workforce to address these labour market shortages. Find out if you’re eligible and start making plans to immigrate to Alberta today.
Why Alberta?
The capital of Alberta is Edmonton but the province is also home to the well-known city of Calgary. This is the province’s most populous city and also one of the world’s cleanest. This is due to wind-powered public transport, a focus on recycling, and local pride in maintaining the city. You’ll find many diverse centers like this throughout the province’s different cities. In terms of education and healthcare, there are many ways to ensure that your family receives the best in Alberta, for example, you can apply for an Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Card (get on the waiting list on arrival) and benefit from many free services within the province. When it comes to leisure activities, Alberta has got them all. Calgary is on the foothills of the Canadian Rockies while the rest of the province houses Banff and Jasper National Park where there are alpine forests and fjords. Sled, ski, hike, canoe, or bike through these landscapes where you’ll find incredible wildlife and make memories with your family.Best Ways to Immigrate to Alberta
There are many ways to immigrate to Canada with specific programs tailored to certain candidates through Alberta immigration streams. These streams are designed to target specific candidates that match a need within the province or wider Canada in general. Applicants need to make sure they’re eligible before applying for their selected stream.Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) was created to address labour market shortages specific to the province offering the immigration stream. Not every province/territory offers its own immigration programs but Alberta offers three different streams under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP).| Alberta PNP Streams | |
|---|---|
| Streams | Description |
| Alberta Opportunity Stream | For candidates who are currently working in Alberta in an eligible occupation. |
| Alberta Express Entry Stream | For candidates who are already in the Express Entry pool and are eligible under this stream. |
| Alberta Self-employed Farmer Stream | For candidates with farming experience and funds to purchase and develop a farm in Alberta. |
Express Entry System
The Express Entry system controls the federal government’s three programs, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class. These were grouped under Express Entry in 2015 to fast-track (within six months) the process, making it quicker and easier for needed skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. In order to apply for one of these programs, candidates need to check their eligibility, then create an online profile where they answer questions based on their background and qualifications. Profiles are then scored according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) which awards points for the criteria listed below. CRS Criteria Awards Points For:- Age
- CLB Language proficiency (English and French)
- Level of Education (In and outside Canada)
- Work Experience (In and outside Canada)
- Arranged employment
- Provincial Nomination achieved
- Siblings living in Canada as permanent residents/citizens
- Your spouse’s profile (if married)