Alberta puts two immigration programs on hold
Given current job market conditions, Alberta has decided to no longer accept applications for two of its streams under its provincial nomination program. Effective immediately, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) will not accept new applications in the Family Stream and the U.S. Visa Holder Category. According to the Government of Alberta, this change is temporary until further notice.
“Our focus needs to be on jobs for Albertans and Canadians first,” said Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Employment and Immigration. “We will continue to process applications for people who have the skills our growing economy needs.”
Alberta first introduced its Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program to help build a strong workforce of skilled immigrants. The Family Stream and the U.S. Visa Holder Category were added in 2008, and are considered to have been very successful as a large number of applications were submitted under these streams.
The federal government limits the number of people Alberta can nominate for permanent residence. In 2010 Alberta is allowed to nominate 5,000 people. The focus for AINP will be on nominating people who currently work in permanent jobs and those who have job offers in occupations that are in demand in Alberta.
Alberta will continue to accept immigration applications in the following areas:
- Skilled workers
- Compulsory trades
- Semi-skilled workers in certain occupations
- Self-employed farmers
- International students
- Engineering occupations
