AAIP - (Worker) Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program - Alberta Opportunity Stream

Updated according to Alberta government sources on October 6, 2026.

The Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) allows eligible candidates to apply for a nomination to become a permanent resident of Canada. This is an ideal option for those currently working in Alberta under a valid work permit and who have a job offer in an eligible occupation.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Residency Status and Work Permit:

• Candidates must have valid temporary residency status in Canada and a valid work permit at the time of application and when the AAIP assesses the file.
• The work permit must be based on one of the following categories:
  • A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
  • A work permit type accepted by the AAIP according to a specific list, including certain LMIA-exempt categories and eligible PGWPs. Not all open work permits are accepted; maintained status does not replace a valid work permit when applying for the AOS.

2. Eligible Occupations:

• Candidates must be working in an eligible occupation in Alberta at the time of application. Most occupations under TEER categories 0 to 5 are eligible.
• Ineligible occupations include positions such as: legislators, judges, elementary and secondary school teachers, actors, artists, and staff in other personal services.

3. Language Requirements:

• Candidates must meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) based on the TEER occupation category:
  • TEER 0, 1, 2, 3: Minimum CLB 5 for each skill.
  • TEER 4, 5: Minimum CLB 4 for each skill.
  • Specifically, NOC 33102 (nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates) requires CLB/NCLC 7 for all skills.

4. Education Requirements:

• Candidates must have a minimum education level equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.
• An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required for credentials earned outside of Canada. Candidates with degrees from recognized Canadian educational institutions do not require an ECA.

5. Work Experience:

• Candidates must have at least 12 months of full-time work experience in their current occupation in Alberta within the last 18 months, or 24 months of full-time work experience within the last 30 months in Canada or abroad.

6. Job Offer:

• Candidates must have a full-time job offer from a valid Alberta employer at the time of application. The job must meet AAIP requirements and Alberta regulations.

KeyApply Services:

KeyApply provides comprehensive consulting and support services for the Alberta Opportunity Stream. With a team of experienced immigration lawyers and consultants, KeyApply will help you check your eligibility, prepare your application accurately, and support you throughout the provincial nomination process. We are committed to providing the best support to help you settle in Canada smoothly and effectively.

Specific requirements for PGWP and language tests

PGWP holders require a minimum of six months of full-time experience in their current occupation in Alberta within the last 18 months, and the job must be related to their Alberta program of study. The diploma and educational institution must be on the Alberta-approved list; some post-diploma/post-baccalaureate programs must also be related to prior studies outside of Canada. Accepted tests include IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, PTE Core, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada; results must be less than two years old at the time of application.

Worker EOI, invitations, and government fees

Candidates must create a Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI), be selected, and receive an invitation before applying for the AAIP. The WEOI fee is 135 CAD as of April 7, 2026; the worker stream application fee is 1,500 CAD. These are government fees, separate from service fees and IRCC fees. A WEOI is valid for one year; updating information does not extend this validity. It is necessary to update salary and hours worked when applying. Meeting requirements or entering the pool does not guarantee an invitation or nomination.

AAIP issues provincial nominations; IRCC makes decisions on permanent residence. A nomination does not automatically grant PR or a work permit.

Source: Alberta.ca – official requirements and AAIP updates.

AAIP 2026 Updates

All AAIP worker streams now use a Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) before being invited to apply. From April 7, 2026, the WEOI application fee is 135 CAD. A WEOI is valid for 12 months. Having a WEOI does not guarantee an invitation; the AAIP selects candidates based on scores, labour market needs, provincial priorities, remaining nominations, and application volume.

Since February 25, 2026, the WEOI includes additional information on salary and hours worked for candidates with an Alberta job offer; these factors may be used in draw rounds.

Update source: Government of Alberta – AAIP Updates / How to apply to AAIP worker streams.

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