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| Alberta Provincial Nominee Program |
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Prepared
by Peter Wong, Q.C.
The content of this article is intended to be informational only. We
caution you against using or relying upon any information contained
in this article without first seeking legal advice regarding your
particular matter. All matters arising from the use of our website,
including this article, shall be governed by Alberta law and shall
be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Alberta
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| (Updated as of January
2005) |
The Alberta Provincial
Nominee Program (“Alberta PNP”) is pursuant to an agreement signed
between Alberta and the Federal Government giving jurisdiction to
Alberta to select certain categories of immigrants to come to
Alberta as permanent residents.
At the present time Alberta is not selecting entrepreneurial or
other business class applicants, but is instead concentrating on
employer drivern immigration. The Alberta PNP is specifically
assisting Alberta employers who are sponsoring a present employee
(foreign worker) or future employee to come to Alberta to fill a
position with the company. At present over 95% of the successful PNP
applicants are currently foreign workers already in Alberta.
The criteria for such a skilled position to be considered for the
Alberta PNP is as follows:
The position:
• cannot be filled by a Canadian resident;
• is for permanent, full-time employment in Alberta;
• meets provincial employment and wage standards;
• is offered to an individual who meets the required qualifications;
and
• does not conflict with existing collective bargaining agreements
Prospective immigrants will still be required to meet all Federal
statutory requirements regarding health, criminal and security
checks but are not required to take the English or French language
testing or score the minimum number of points under the Federal
Skilled Worker Selection process.
The general process for Alberta PNP is summarized as follows:
6. A prospective Alberta employer puts forward an application to the
Alberta PNP for one or more prospective immigrants.
7. The application is reviewed by the Alberta PNP and the relevant
Alberta Ministry.
8. If the application is successful a letter confirming such a
Alberta PNP approval is issued by the Province and a request for
immigration documentation is made.
9. Once the immigration documentation is reviewed and approved by
the Alberta PNP, a certificate of Provincial Nomination is issued
with bright orange stickers and with the direction that the
immigration documentation with the correct fee to send to the
appropriate Canadian Embassy abroad. These stickers ensure priority
processing by the Federal Government.
10. The Canadian Embassy should issue a letter confirming priority
processing with medical instructions and request for police
certificates. Upon providing that documentation the Embassy will
generally process to conclusion and issuance of visas without
requiring personal interviews. The Embassy process usually takes
between 6 to 8 months.
The Alberta PNP has operated effectively to date with an annual
allotment of nominees of 400 per year. This allotment is subject to
change by agreement on an annual basis.
At the present time the program is generally more effective for
foreign workers already in Canada working for Alberta Employers
under HRSDC Labour Market Opinions or an exemption from a Labour
Market Opinion. The rationale being that both the foreign worker and
the employer have the opportunity to work with each other over time.
If you would like assistance with making an application for
permanent residence please feel free to contact us by email at:
immlaw@caronpartners.com |
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