AINP: Strategic Recruitment Stream: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about the Strategic Recruitment Stream.
General Questions
Compulsory and Optional Trades Category Questions
Engineering Occupations Category Questions
U.S. Visa Holder Category Questions
General Questions
How long will it take for the AINP to assess my application? If I am approved by the AINP, how long does it take CIC to assess my application in the second step?
Visit AINP Processing Times
Visit CIC Processing Times
How do I obtain a status update?
Status updates will not be provided. Visit our processing times page for more information.
My address changed. How can I let AINP know?
Fill out a Contact Information Form and fax it to the AINP.
Is there a fee for submitting my application to the AINP?
There are no fees required to apply to the AINP. However, if you are issued a nomination, you will be required to submit processing fees to Citizenship and Immigration Canada along with your federal application forms. For more information on fees visit CIC’s Application Fees webpage.
Do I need to include photos, police certificates and medical clearances when applying to the AINP?
No, the AINP does not require these documents.
Can my family members accompany me to Canada?
Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included as accompanying dependents on your application for permanent residence that you send to CIC once you are a provincial nominee. This is subject to approval by CIC.
I have been nominated. What do I do next?
Visit the after you are nominated section of the website to guide you through the next steps of submitting your application to CIC as a Provincial Nominee.
Do I need to use an immigration consultant or lawyer to complete my application?
No. You do not need an immigration consultant or lawyer to complete your application. The AINP application forms were designed for applicants to complete on their own. If you do hire a representative to complete your application, it will not receive special attention or be processed faster than other applications.
The AINP will only release information to someone who is an authorized immigration representative.
Can I still apply to the AINP if I already have an application for permanent residence through one of the other CIC classes in process?
Yes. The decision to apply to both programs is up to you. However, depending on the processing status of your previous application, there may or may not be an advantage to applying to both programs.
Will the Strategic Recruitment Stream ever be expanded, scaled back, or cancelled?
The Strategic Recruitment Stream is for occupations that are in demand in Alberta. This stream is adjusted according to changes in Alberta’s labour market.
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Compulsory and Optional Trades Category Questions
Questions about obtaining an Alberta Qualification Certificate
How do I find out if my trade is designated as a Compulsory or Optional Trade in Alberta?
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) has a list of Compulsory and Optional Certification Trades available on their website.
How do I obtain my Alberta Qualification Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training?
- Start by downloading and completing the Qualification Certificate – Work Experience Application Form and the applicable Application Guide from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training’s (AIT’s) website.
- Submit the completed application to AIT with the required fees.
- Once you have met all the requirements of the Alberta Qualification Certificate Program, you will be issued a trade certificate from AIT.
- Once certified, AIT will send you an AINP invitation letter to apply to the Strategic Recruitment Stream.
What is the cost to apply? How much work experience in my trade do I need to apply?
You can find all the information about the application costs and the amount of work experience in your trade that you need to demonstrate in the Qualification Certificate – Work Experience Application Guide from AIT and on the AIT website.
Questions about the AINP
If I submitted my application postmarked prior to or on March 14, 2011 under the AINP Employer-Driven Stream, Skilled Worker Category as a supervisor, foreman, or tradesperson, what will happen to my application?
Your application will be processed based on the criteria posted prior to March 14, 2011 and would still be assessed under the Employer-Driven Stream, Skilled Worker Category. For your reference, the AINP criteria for the Employer-Driven Stream, Skilled Worker Category posted on this website prior to March 14, 2011 are outlined in this document (PDF).
Applications submitted to the AINP Employer-Driven Stream from supervisors, foremen, and tradespeople working in occupations designated as Compulsory or Optional Trades postmarked after March 14, 2011 will be returned to the Candidate.
I do not have an Alberta Qualification Certificate and/or an AINP invitation letter from AIT. Can I apply to the AINP anyway?
No. You must have an Alberta Qualification Certificate in your trade and an AINP invitation letter from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT). If you do not submit these documents with your application, it will be declined.