AINP: Family Stream: Frequently Asked Questions

If your documents are not in English or French you must provide certified translations.

How can I demonstrate proof of relationship if I or my family members are from China?
You can prove your relationship is eligible by submitting the following documents:

• Birth certificates
• Notarial certificates of birth and the household register or “hukou” (of Alberta Relative, Candidate, Candidate’s parents, etc.)

If your documents are not in English or French you must provide certified translations.

Is an affidavit by a family member declaring the names and relationships of other family members considered official documentation?
No. Affidavits from family members will not be considered. Examples of official documents include: Birth Certificates, Adoption Documents, Passports, and/or Household Register Documents.

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Residence in Alberta

I lived in Alberta from 2005-2007. I moved out of the province for a year in 2008. However, I moved back in 2009. Am I eligible to assist my relative, because my total time in Alberta is over two years?
No. An Alberta Relative must have been living in Alberta for the past two years. If, at any time in the past two years, your primary residence (where you live and work) was outside Alberta, you are not eligible to help a relative in becoming a permanent resident.

It is stated in the AINP Family Stream – Document Checklist that Notices of Assessment (NOAs) from the Canada Revenue Agency for the past three years are needed. What if I don’t have a NOA from three years ago? Can I still submit an application if I don’t have all three NOAs?
All three Notices of Assessment (NOAs) from the Canada Revenue Agency must be submitted with the application. If an Alberta Relative does not have a NOA for any of the past three years, the Alberta Relative must prove they have been living in Alberta for the past two years. An Alberta Relative’s residency in Alberta must be clearly shown in the application, or it will be returned as incomplete.

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Alberta Relative Support

I want to help my sister become a permanent resident. I cannot show a regular source of income for the past 12 months or a minimum of CAD $15,000 in available assets. However, my husband/wife can. Would this be acceptable?
No. The Alberta Relative must be able to directly demonstrate one of the two criteria.

I plan to show that I have $15,000 in available assets. Are my RRSPs considered assets?
RRSPs will be considered if the funds are accessible. Locked-in RRSPs (RRSPs that cannot be accessed or are not available until you reach a certain age) will not be considered.

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Candidate Criteria

I am confused about the use of “and/or” for myself and my spouse/common-law partner. What are the criteria I must meet as a Candidate, and what are the criteria my spouse/common-law partner must meet?
Both you and your spouse/common-law partner must meet the age and language ability criteria.

Either you or your spouse/common-law partner must meet the education/work experience criteria, and the financial requirements.

A complete list of requirements can be found in the candidate eligibility section.

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Age

I am 43 but my spouse/common-law partner is 46. Can my Alberta Relative still assist me through the AINP?
No. You and your spouse/common-law partner must both be between 21 and 45 at the time of application.

What if I am 45 at the time of application, but turn 46 before a decision is made by the AINP on my application? Can I still apply?
Yes. You and your spouse/common-law partner must be between 21 and 45 at the time of application.

My spouse/common-law partner does not meet the age requirement. Can my Alberta Relative just assist me to come to Canada right now, and I will sponsor my spouse/common-law partner at a later date through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Family Class?
No. If you have a spouse/common-law partner, he/she will be assessed with the application and he/she must meet any required criteria whether or not the spouse/common-law partner is accompanying the candidate to Canada.

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Language Testing

How long are International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test d’evaluation de français (TEF) results valid?
The AINP will accept IELTS/TEF test scores obtained within the past five years.

IELTS has two types of tests, general and academic. Which is the right one?
Both are eligible. The AINP will accept either the general or the academic version.

Can I submit my Family Stream application if I haven’t completed my IELTS/TEF tests yet?
An IELTS/TEF assessment must accompany the application.

If you and your Spouse/Common-law partner live in one of these countries or have a baccalaureate (bachelor’s degree) or higher from one of these educational institutions, you may be exempt from showing language ability.

The AINP may require you and your Spouse/Common-law partner take an IELTS or TEF assessment.

What is a “baccalaureate in English or French”?
“Baccalaureate in English or French” is a minimum of a bachelor’s degree obtained from a post-secondary institution where the primary language of instruction is English or French.