The Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) is a key immigration pathway under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). It provides foreign workers already in Alberta with an opportunity to transition to permanent residence in Canada. This program is designed to support Alberta’s labor market by selecting skilled workers who have the necessary qualifications, experience, and a genuine connection to the province.
1. Eligibility Requirements for AOS
To qualify for the Alberta Opportunity Stream, candidates must meet specific residency, work, and language requirements.
1.1 Residency and Work Requirements
- Must be working full-time in Alberta at the time of application.
- Must have valid temporary resident status in Canada (work permit holder).
- Work permits must be based on:
- A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or be an LMIA-exempt work permit under international agreements (e.g., CUSMA), federal programs, or intercompany transfers.
- Open work permit holders may qualify if they are eligible under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) category.
1.2 Eligible Occupations
- Most National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 jobs qualify, but some occupations are ineligible (e.g., food counter attendants, taxi drivers, etc.).
- Candidates must be working in an occupation that matches their work experience.
1.3 Work Experience Requirements
- Minimum of 12 months of full-time work experience in Alberta within the past 18 months, or
- Minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience in Canada or abroad within the past 30 months.
1.4 Language Requirements
- Minimum CLB 4 (Canadian Language Benchmark) for most occupations.
- CLB 5 for NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 jobs.
- English or French test results must be from an IRCC-approved language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF).
1.5 Education Requirements
- High school diploma or higher (Canadian or foreign credential).
- PGWP holders must have graduated from an approved Alberta institution.
2. Application Process
Step 1: Ensure Eligibility
- Check if your occupation, work permit, and job status qualify.
Step 2: Gather Documents
- Proof of work experience (employment letters, pay stubs).
- Language test results.
- Educational credential assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees.
- Proof of residency in Alberta.
Step 3: Submit an Online Application
- Applications are submitted through the AAIP Portal.
- Processing fees apply (non-refundable).
Step 4: AAIP Review & Nomination
- If approved, you will receive a provincial nomination certificate.
- Use this to apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residence
- Submit a federal PR application via the non-Express Entry stream.
- IRCC finalizes your permanent residence.
