Key Changes to Alberta PNP as of October 1, 2020

Alberta has introduced some key changes to Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) with effect from 1st October 2020. The AINP is one of the most popular Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in Canada, which invite the candidates even with lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and subsequently, nominate them for Canadian Permanent Residence visa.

Key highlights of the changes this time around are as follows:

• Introduction of new online portal for AINP- Express Entry stream & Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS)
• Applicable application fees

In view of the pandemic situation, province of Alberta, Canada has introduced some changes in the AINP processing. A few changes introduced in April 2020 are still applicable. Let us look at the latest AINP changes

Temporary Changes in AINP process from 1st October

From October 1, 2020:

• Incomplete applications- AINP will not accept the incomplete applications. The incomplete applications mailed on or after October 1, 2020 or submitted in the online portal will be declined. Decline
• AINP Online portal- Alberta Express Entry Stream and Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) applications needs to be completed using the new AINP online portal. Only Self-Employed Farmer Stream applicants will continue to mail their applications. Only extra information or application updates can be submitted by email.
• Employment criteria - All applicants, who have lost their job after submitting AINP application, irrespective of the date they applied, as well as all nominees, will have up to 6 months from the time their application is assessed to find a job that meets the AINP parameters. The applicants require fulfilling the employment requirements at the time an application is submitted or mailed. The AINP will intimate by e-mail, when an application is put on hold.

This last change provides more opportunity to meet employment criteria of Alberta PNP and lengthens the time to find employment by up to four months for applicants and nominees. Earlier, nominees and selected applicants were given up to 60 days to find qualifying job.

Moreover, the temporary changes announced on April 29, 2020 shall also remain in effect.

Application fees

With effect from October 1, 2020, all applications submitted using the AINP online portal will have to pay a processing fee of $500. The application fee is non-refundable after the submission of application. The fee covers the cost of processing the application and is required irrespective of the fact that the nomination certificate is issued or not.

• Alberta Opportunity and Express Entry streams

The applicants who submitted an Alberta Opportunity Stream and Express Entry Stream application by mail on or before October 1, 2020 do not require paying the processing fee.

• Self-Employed Farmer Stream

Applicants, who applied for this stream by mail on or before October 1, 2020 do not need to pay the processing fee. Applications mailed after 1st October 2020 need to pay the fee.

To confirm the latest update about the Canada Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and apply for the best Canada PNP this year, you may contact Visas Avenue immigration expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar