Recently the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) published details of the new provincial nominee draw (PNP). On April 29, a total of 200 invitations were sent to the Express Entry applicants, also known as Notifications of Interest (NOIs). The lowest-ranked candidate invited in this draw had a score of 322.
NOI recipients now have the ability to qualify for a Provincial nomination. When the AINP accepts their submission, an additional 600 CRS points will be allocated to a corresponding federal Express Entry draw automatically.
The additional points awarded mean the applicant will obtain an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been holding Express Entry Draws directly targeting PNP recipients, since travel restrictions were introduced in Canada on March 18th
Alberta currently only considers applicants for a provincial nomination if they are currently living and working in the province. Generally, a job offer is not needed to receive an NOI via the Alberta Express Entry Stream.
Alberta does, however, offer some flexibility for PNP candidates who are unable to submit all documents due to service disruptions. The AINP will accept copies of documents, and their file will be held for 60 calendar days if the candidate meets the requirements.
Alberta Express Entry System
In order to be eligible for the Alberta Express Entry stream, candidates must first have a profile in the Express Entry. They need work experience in an occupation that supports the economic growth and diversification goals of the province, although the AINP does not have a list of qualified occupations.
AINP requirements to receive a nomination with special corona measures in place.
· Be employed in Alberta at the moment, even though they work from home;
· Have a work permit which allows them to work in their current job;
· Have a full-time paid job, meet the provincial minimum wage, surpass the requirements of the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA);
· Job in an eligible occupation.
Candidates who worked full time before the coronavirus pandemic and others who work in a supervised profession who cannot meet the criteria for a license will have their applications on hold for 60 calendar days. If applicants do not have a recent job background in the province, their applications will not be processed until further notice.
Alberta has issued 1,407 invitations to applicants of Express Entry, till date this year. A total of 6,884 invitations were issued via the Alberta Express Entry stream in 2019.
