Alberta is home to a thriving economy powered by natural resources, innovation, and the great outdoors. Many foreign entrepreneurs choose this Canadian province for the headquarters of their next businesses, and it is not difficult to see why. Alberta has many opportunities – and the Alberta Opportunity Stream makes creating a new business here easier than ever. But what exactly is the Alberta Opportunity Stream, and how does it help immigrants contribute to the economy in this Canadian province? Why should you apply for a work permit in Alberta, and when can you get started with your immigration plan? These are all questions you might want to ask your Canadian immigration lawyer.
Business is Booming in Alberta
If you are considering a move to Canada, Alberta might seem like a relatively unknown province. Compared to British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, Alberta has a reputation for being more rural. However, Alberta is home to many urban centers – such as Calgary and Edmonton. These cities house millions of people – all potential customers for your new business.
Alberta also has the lowest business tax in all of Canada, making it an obvious choice for foreign entrepreneurs. In fact, the corporate tax rate in Alberta is among the lowest in the entire North American continent at just 8%. In Alberta, you get to keep more of what you earn. This partly explains why Albertans have the highest post-tax income in Canada, with an average of $72,000 per year. In addition, Alberta has the youngest population in all of Canada – helping to fuel innovation and growth.
Alberta leads the entire nation in economic growth, and this is partially due to the province’s rich natural resources. The tar sands are a common subject in Canada, and although this source of energy is somewhat controversial, there is no arguing with its economic value. That being said, oil and gas is not Alberta’s only industry. It is also home to booming real estate, construction, finance, and insurance sectors. These sectors continue to grow with each passing year.
What Is the Alberta Opportunity Stream?
The Alberta Opportunity Stream focuses on temporary foreign workers. This is an example of a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and each province has its own unique immigration programs. For example, some PNPs encourage foreign entrepreneurs to start businesses in rural locations. Others focus on attracting university graduates in STEM fields. The Alberta Opportunity Stream falls under the general category of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). The Alberta Opportunity Stream is often abbreviated as “AOS.”
The most important benefit of the Alberta Opportunity Stream is that it provides a pathway toward permanent residency. This could be the first stepping stone toward Canadian citizenship and all of its related benefits.
What are the Requirements for the Alberta Opportunity Stream?
The general requirements for the AOS are simple: You must already be working full-time in Alberta, and you must have a full-time job offer for continued work in Alberta. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required in most cases, and there may be certain language requirements that you must meet.
When you apply for the AOS, you must have valid temporary resident status – and your temporary residency must allow you to work in Canada. In other words, you must have a temporary foreign worker permit.
One way to meet this requirement is with an LMIA. In other words, you must be working or applying for work in a field where there is a deficit of domestic Canadian workers. If your role involves replacing Canadian workers or taking their opportunities, you may not satisfy the requirements of your LMIA.
That being said, you could be exempt from an LMIA requirement in certain situations. First, you might be subject to an international trade agreement (this applies to many US workers). Next, you might be working as a transferee from within a company that has a branch inside Canada. Religious workers might also qualify for an exemption, as well as workers participating in programs like International Experience Canada and Mobilité Francophone.
Certain vulnerable workers at risk of abuse could qualify for the AOS without LMIAs. You might also qualify for this stream if you graduate from certain post-secondary institutions in Alberta. This is called a Post-Graduation Work Permit or “PGWP.”
In addition, it is worth reviewing the various people who cannot apply for the AOS under any circumstances. These include refugee claimants, people living outside of Alberta, or foreign nationals with no temporary work permits.
There are also certain occupations that are ineligible for the AOS. These include legislators, school principals, fire chiefs, judges, secondary school teachers, musicians, singers, early childhood educators, athletes, real estate agents, performers, hunters, landscapers, and many others. For a full list of ineligible occupations, consider speaking with an immigration lawyer in Canada.
Language requirements are often overlooked when it comes to the AOS. You must have either English or French mastery when you apply for the AOS, and you can provide your official test results from various pre-approved exams. These include the CELPIP, the IELTS, the TEF Canada, and the TCF Canada.
Finally, a high school education is required for all AOS applicants. Note that even if you graduated from high school in a different country, you need to show that your education meets Canadian standards. This might not always be easy, and you may need to complete additional education or exams prior to your application.
Contact Ackah Law to Learn More About the Alberta Immigration Stream
Although online research is a positive first step, the Alberta Opportunity Stream is a complex program with many detailed requirements. If you’re serious about taking advantage of this Provincial Nominee Program, consider a consultation with Ackah Law. During your first meeting, you can discuss immigration opportunities in more detail. Our experienced immigration lawyers have considerable experience with various opportunities in Canada – and we can help you assess all of the various options available to you. Reach out today to get started with an action plan.
