Alberta Opportunity Stream – Resumes on June 11, 2024
This is an update from February 15, 2024, when the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) temporarily paused the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) application intake. The AOS is a permanent residence application stream that allows applications in all job types, regardless of their National Occupation Classification or TEER. It is an important mechanism to ensure access to permanent residency to all in Alberta, not just those with high level English, post graduate degrees, and professional level occupations, which most other immigration programs are limited to.
What are the changes to the AOS (Alberta Opportunity Stream)?
June 3, 2024, the province of Alberta announced that AOS – Alberta Opportunity Stream will commence the acceptance of applications on June 11. However, this will be under new instructions. A unique aspect of these instructions is that applications will only be accepted monthly commencing on the following dates:
- June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, November 5, and December 10
- When a stream or pathway monthly application target is reached, no further applications will be accepted until the next date.
What are the potential challenges for applicants?
Alberta received 9,750 nominations from the federal government. This means that going forward each month, only a specific number of applications will be accommodated until the next scheduled date. These numbers have not been released at this time. In addition, the application quotas will fill up very quickly each month, so applicants will need to be very well prepared and have access to reliable computers to be able to have a chance at applying.
What are the advantages of these new procedures?
The official news release notes that: “This new approach will result in better processing times and also offer applicants multiple opportunities to apply to the program for the limited number of available provincial nomination certificates.”
Who is eligible to apply under this program?
According to the government of Alberta website, “The Alberta Opportunity Stream is for temporary foreign workers who are already working full-time in Alberta and have a full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation. Candidates must have a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or hold one of the accepted LMIA exemption work permits. Candidates must also meet other minimum eligibility criteria for residency and work permit type, occupation, language, education, Alberta job offer and work experience.”
What are the benefits to Albertans?
The AOS is a priceless program for Alberta employers and business owners, and the Alberta economy. The program has the prospect of recruiting and retaining workers in the long term creating stability in the job market and for businesses to be able to plan in the long term.
Contact Osuji & Smith Alberta Immigration Lawyers for immigration assistance
Why not contact Osuji & Smith, Alberta Immigration Lawyers, Canada’s largest Black-owned law firm, through [email protected] to book a consultation?
Our experienced immigration lawyers are well-versed in form requirements and provide guidance on necessary documents and procedures, simplifying the process for you. Having a professional oversee your paperwork, create a strategic immigration plan, and proactively address potential issues provides not only financial security but also peace of mind throughout the process.
Author: Vincent Igenoza
