AINP: Strategic Recruitment Stream: Frequently Asked Questions

I obtained trade certification in a different Canadian province. Can I apply to the Compulsory and Optional Trades Category?
No. You must obtain your trade certificate through the Alberta Qualification Certificate Program to apply under this category. Only those who have been assessed and received a trade certificate through the Alberta Qualification Certificate Program process can obtain a letter of invitation to apply to the AINP in this category.

What supporting documents do I need to send with my AINP application?
You can find the list of supporting documents in the Document Checklist that goes with the Application Form.

If I do not have an Alberta Qualification Certificate in my trade, can I just apply under the AINP Employer-Driven Stream?
No. 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.

As of March 14, 2011, supervisors, foremen, and tradespeople working in all occupations designated as Compulsory or Optional Trades  in Alberta, including Chefs, Cooks, and Line Cooks, must obtain their Alberta Qualification Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) and apply under the Strategic Recruitment Stream, Compulsory and Optional Trades Category.

I am a Chef/Cook/Line Cook. Do I need to be certified to qualify for the AINP?
Yes, you need to obtain an Alberta Qualification Certificate to qualify for the AINP. Visit the AIT website for more information on obtaining your Alberta Qualification Certificate as a Cook.

I am a supervisor, foreman, or tradesperson working in an occupation designated as Compulsory or Optional Trade. Why am I no longer eligible to apply under the Employer-Driven Stream?
By obtaining an Alberta Qualification Certificate in your trade, you will be invited to apply directly to the AINP without the support of a nominating employer under the Strategic Recruitment Stream (SRS). This change will allow you, as an Alberta certified tradesperson, to readily respond to employment opportunities and obtain new work permits, should your current employment situation change.

The SRS also allows for faster processing times than the Employer-Driven Stream.

An Alberta Qualification Certificate in your respective trade shows that you have met Alberta industry trade standards and are recognized as a journeyperson in your trade.

See the following news release for more information.

If I have been nominated, can I use my AINP Nomination to go to a port-of entry (the border crossing, the airport, etc.) and get a new work permit?
No. An AINP nomination cannot be used to apply for a work permit at a port of entry (i.e. border crossing, airport, etc.). If you receive an offer of employment in Alberta and you need to change your work permit, contact us for the appropriate procedures to follow.

I can’t get an Alberta Qualification Certificate in my trade because I don’t have the experience/didn’t pass the exam. How can I immigrate to Alberta if I can’t go through the AINP?
There are other options that you can explore. You may qualify under Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC’s) Skilled Worker class, either under one of the eligible occupations, or because you have arranged employment. You may also qualify under CIC’s Canadian Experience Class if you have two years of skilled work experience in Canada.
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Engineering Occupations Category Questions

What supporting documents do I need to send with my application?
You can find the list of supporting documents in the Checklist that goes with the Application Form.
Can I use my AINP Nomination to go to a port-of entry (the border crossing, the airport, etc.) and get a new work permit?
No. An AINP nomination cannot be used to apply for a work permit at a port of entry (i.e. border crossing, airport, etc.). If you receive an offer of employment in Alberta and you need to change your work permit, contact us for the appropriate procedures to follow.
I am an Engineer but my NOC isn’t on the list. Can I still apply under this category?
No. Your occupation in Alberta must be on the AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream – Engineering Occupations List to apply under the Strategic Recruitment Stream – Engineering Occupations Category.  If you are working in Alberta in a NOC code not on the list, you may want to see if you meet the criteria for the AINP Employer-Driven Stream – Skilled Worker Category.

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U.S. Visa Holder Category Questions

The AINP is currently not accepting applications under the AINP U.S. Visa Holder Category. Applications postmarked after August 23, 2010 will be returned to you. Applications postmarked on or before August 23, 2010 that meet all program criteria will be accepted for processing and will be processed according to AINP Processing Times and U.S. Visa Holder Category criteria.

How do I know if the application I mailed to the AINP will be accepted?
All applications postmarked on or before August 23, 2010 will be accepted for processing. Please note that it will take time for you to receive your file number.