Alberta Opportunity Stream for ICT Transferees: Your Pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency

Introduction

Welcome to our blog! Today, we’ll explore the Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS), an exciting immigration pathway for ICT transferees with an LMIA-exempt work permit in Alberta. The best part of this program is that you may not have to wait 12 months to apply for PR. If you’re considering expanding your business to Canada, or are deciding which location to choose for multiple employer locations across Canada and you are interested in applying for Canadian PR, this blog is for you! Read on to learn about this fantastic program.

Section 1: Overview of the Alberta Opportunity Stream

The Alberta Opportunity Stream is part of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), aimed at foreign workers with a valid work permit in Alberta. Work permits can be LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt, and in some cases, even open work permits can qualify. In this blog, let’s explore how this program works specifically for people coming to Canada through the Intra-Company Transfer program.

Section 2: Eligibility Criteria for ICT Transferees

To qualify for the AOS, you’ll need to meet the following requirements specific to ICT transferees:

1. Valid Work Permit: You must have a valid work permit that’s LMIA-exempt under the Canadian interests category.
2. Occupation: Most occupations are eligible for this program, making it very attractive. However, you need to ensure that your occupation isn’t on the list of ineligible occupations for AINP.
3. Language Proficiency: Demonstrate a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 in English or French in all four language abilities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
4. Work Experience: You’ll need at least 12 months of full-time work experience in your current occupation in Alberta within the last 18 months OR 24 months of full-time work experience in your current occupation in Canada and/or abroad within the last 30 months. This experience must be with the same employer who provided you with the LMIA-exempt job offer.
5. Education: Hold a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent. Foreign education requires an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove it meets Canadian standards.

Once you establish your business in Alberta and apply for an ICT work permit for yourself and get it approved, you don’t have to wait the full 12 months to begin your application under the Alberta Opportunity Stream to get nominated by the province. Of course, you will have to be inside Alberta when you apply for this program.

If you’re nominated by the AINP, you’ll receive a nomination certificate, which allows you to apply for permanent residency to the federal government.

Conclusion

The Alberta Opportunity Stream is an excellent pathway for business owners with an LMIA-exempt work permit to obtain Canadian permanent residency. By considering this pathway and understanding the eligibility criteria, you can make informed decisions about your immigration journey to Canada. Good luck!