Alberta Skilled Worker

Owing to the immigrants’ ongoing contributions to Alberta’s social, economic, and cultural strength they are considered an integral part of Alberta. Also, Alberta’s booming economy has put a strain on the workforce, resulting in skill shortages. The province’s overall economic growth might be substantially impacted if there aren’t enough individuals with the proper skills to fill these vacancies.

How does the immigration system work in Alberta?

There are various ways to immigrate to Canada. IRCC is in charge of monitoring and administering several immigration programs in Canada. However, because applicants may express a desire to relocate to a particular province in Canada, the IRCC has allowed all 13 provinces to nominate individuals and allow them to settle in their respective provinces. The Alberta government, too, has set up a separate immigration department to nominate applicants for permanent residency in the province.

How can skilled professionals move to the province of Alberta?

For qualified employees who desire to migrate to Alberta, the province’s and Canada’s immigration authorities provide a variety of options.

The list of programs for skilled workers are:

• Alberta Employment Driven Stream
• Skilled worker program
• International Graduate program
• Semi-skilled worker program
• Alberta Express Entry Program
• Alberta Opportunity Program

Alberta Employment Driven Program

Under this program category, this stream oversees and maintains three programs:

• Skilled worker program in Alberta
• International Graduate Program in Alberta
• Alberta’s initiative for semi-skilled workers

(Note: This program has been terminated since June 2018 and no longer accepts applications. The immigration authorities have not disclosed the reason for the suspension of this program.)

Alberta Skilled Worker Program

OBJECTIVE

This stream is designed for skilled foreign employees who have received a valid offer letter from an Alberta firm and intend to settle in the province permanently. (Note: This program is suspended.)

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must have the following qualifications in order to be considered for this program:

• A valid offer.
• Only people who work in NOC Skill 0, A, or B jobs are eligible to apply.
• Comply with the criteria of the educational system.
• Must be willing to settle permanently in Alberta.
• It is required to have a valid work permit.
• Appropriate job experience is necessary.

Employers are required to fulfill the following criteria:

• It is required to have an operational company in Alberta.
• The job that is being offered must meet the requirements of the provincial employment standards.
• Employers are required to disclose whether or not the position is exempt from LMIA requirements.

Alberta International Graduate Program

OBJECTIVE

It is intended for graduates who have completed their higher studies from Canadian universities and have been offered a full-time permanent position in Alberta. (Note: This program is suspended.)

REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for this program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Intend to settle permanently in Alberta.
• They must be employed by the same Alberta company that is submitting their application for the Alberta Immigration Nominee Program.
• A diploma, degree, or certificate from a Canadian university is required.
• It is necessary to have a valid work permit.

Employers must meet the following requirements:

• It is required to have an operational company in Alberta.
• The job that is being offered must meet the requirements of the provincial employment standards.
• NOC Skill Types 0, A, B, and C must apply to the job.

Alberta Semi-skilled Worker Program

OBJECTIVE

This program is for semi-skilled workers who have acquired a valid offer letter and intend to settle in the province permanently. (Note: This program is suspended.)

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must have the following qualifications in order to be considered for this program:

• A valid work permit should be acquired.
• Must be a high school graduate.
• Required to demonstrate English or French language proficiency with required band score.

Employers are required to fulfill the following criteria:

• Must have an operating business in Alberta.
• Should have a business that makes up one of the 5 industries
• Need to provide a positive LMIA. If not, then must prove that the job is exempt from LMIA.
• Should have a valid settlement plan for employees.

Alberta Express Entry Program

OBJECTIVE

It’s for highly skilled overseas workers who’ve been accepted into the Express Entry pool. In this category, it is beneficial to have a job offer from the employer situated in the province.

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must have the following qualifications in order to be considered for this program:

• An employment offer (best to have; not mandatory).
• Score 7 or higher CLB/NCLC in English or French language tests.
• Comply with age requirements.
• Fulfil other prerequisites for the Express Entry program.
• The candidates’ primary occupation should contribute to Alberta’s growing economy.
• Should be graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institute or equivalent.
• Must demonstrate proof of settlement funds.

Alberta Opportunity Program

OBJECTIVE

It is for individuals who are currently working in the province as temporary foreign workers and have been offered full-time employment and wish to become permanent residents of the province.

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must have the following qualifications in order to be considered for this program:

• Must have a valid full-time job offer.
• A positive LMIA is required (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
• A valid work permit is required.
• It is required to have prior work experience.
• NOC Skill categories 0, A, and B applicants must demonstrate French/English language abilities with an NCLC/CLB score of 5 or higher. Applicants in NOC Skill categories C and D must demonstrate French/English language proficiency with an NCLC/CLB score of 4 or above.
• Required to comply with the education level requirements.

How to apply for Alberta skilled worker programs?

Candidates cannot apply for the Alberta skilled worker program since it is part of the Alberta Employment Driven initiative, which halted in June 2018. As a result, if you are a skilled worker interested in immigrating to Alberta, you can apply through other programs such as the Express Entry program or the Alberta Opportunity program.