AINP: Strategic Recruitment Stream: Frequently Asked Questions

Applications postmarked after August 23, 2010 will be returned to you.
When will the AINP start accepting U.S. Visa Holder Category applications again?
There is no set date as to when the AINP may accept U.S. Visa Holder Category applications again. Any changes to the stream will be posted on this website.
Why did the AINP stop accepting applications for the U.S. Visa Holder Category?
The AINP has received a significant volume of applications, and overwhelming public interest, in the U.S. Visa Holder Category since it was introduced. Processing times for the U.S. Visa Holder Category are lengthy. This change will help the AINP process the applications already in the queue.
If my application was returned or declined anytime before August 23, 2010, can I reapply, since I had originally applied before the suspension?
No. Applications are not currently being accepted and you cannot reapply.
My application was postmarked on or before August 23, 2010 so it will be accepted for processing. However, if my application is then returned or declined, can I reapply, since I had originally applied on or before August 23, 2010?
No. Applications are not currently being accepted and you cannot reapply.
Do you have more information about the reasons for the change?
Please read the News Release for more information.
What is the work experience requirement?
The requirement is that you have one year’s experience working on an H-1B U.S. Visa (or other approved categories – H-1B1, H-1C or E-3).
I don’t see my job title on the AINP Occupations Under Pressure List. Am I eligible?
To determine whether your occupation is under pressure in Alberta, you should first go to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) website to determine the four-digit NOC code that best matches your current job description in the U.S. You should then consult the AINP Occupations Under Pressure List for the Strategic Recruitment Stream – U.S. Visa Holder Category to find out if your four-digit NOC code is on the list. Your current occupation in the U.S. must be on the AINP Occupations Under Pressure List to be eligible.
Do I need a job offer in Alberta to qualify?
No, you do not require a job offer from an Alberta employer to qualify for the Strategic Recruitment Stream – U.S. Visa Holder Category. However, if you do receive a valid job offer, your application will receive priority processing. Priority processing means that your application will be processed before U.S. Visa Holder Category applications with no job offers.

Proof of a valid job offer is your employment contract or a letter of employment from an Alberta employer offering you a full time job within the Province of Alberta. The job offer must be in a skilled occupation (NOC level 0, A, or B) in a field related to your post secondary education and current occupation in the U.S. Along with your job offer you must include a detailed job description. The employment contract or letter of employment and your job description must be on the official letterhead of the Alberta employer you will be working for and signed by an authorized representative of the company.

The Alberta Employer must be incorporated or registered by or under an act of the legislature of a province or the Parliament of Canada and operating as a business that has an established production capability, plant, or place of business in Alberta. 

If you applied on or before August 23, 2010, you can send all relevant documents identified above to the AINP by fax at 780-427-6560, making sure you quote your AINP file number.

If you submit an eligible job offer, the AINP may issue a letter of support that would help you apply for a work permit, prior to your application for permanent residence with CIC being finalized.
What happens if I am laid off? Change jobs? My H-1B visa expires? I move? Or I leave the U.S. before I obtain permanent resident status?
Your H-1B visa must be current and valid and you must be legally working in your eligible occupation at the time of final decision by the AINP. You are required to notify the AINP of any changes in your employment situation or change of address throughout the AINP process up to and including obtaining your permanent residence. You can notify the AINP by fax at 780-427- 6560 or by mail at:

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
Suite 940, Telus Plaza North Tower
10025 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 1S6
I am not eligible for the U.S. Visa Holder Category. Do I have other options? (H-1B expired, wrong type of visa, occupation not eligible…)
If you are not eligible for the Strategic Recruitment Stream – U.S. Visa Holder Category, you may consider coming to Alberta as a Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) or apply through the federal skilled worker program. If you obtain a job in Alberta in an eligible occupation, you may be eligible under the AINP Employer-Driven Stream.
What are certified copies?
Certified copies are notarized copies. In Canada, documents can be certified (notarized) by a lawyer or notary public and they will copy the documents, stamp and sign the document indicating that it is a true copy of the original. The AINP will accept certified (notarized) copies from persons/associations in the U.S. authorized to certify (notarize) documents.
Will you be contacting my current employer in the U.S.?
The AINP may contact your current employer in the United States if further explanation regarding your current job duties or confirmation of your current employment is required. If you include all requested supporting documents, including a job description from your current U.S. employer on company letterhead, as well as your most current pay stubs, the AINP will be less likely to contact your current U.S. employer. In cases that are unclear or uncertain, you should provide an explanatory note to the AINP.
Can I work in Alberta while waiting for permanent residence?
You would require a work permit in order to work in Alberta while waiting for permanent residence. The AINP may be able to assist you in obtaining a work permit if you submit proof of a valid full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in a skilled occupation (NOC level 0, A, or B) in a field related to your post-secondary education and current occupation in the U.S.
Is my spouse eligible to work in Alberta prior to receiving permanent residence?
If you come to work in Alberta on a temporary work permit prior to receiving permanent residence your spouse/common law partner can accompany you and may be eligible for an open work permit. For more information visit the CIC website.
When the permanent resident visa is issued, how long do I have to take up residency? Do I have to leave the U.S. right away?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada will issue a permanent resident visa which has an expiry date. You and your dependants must arrive in Canada before this expiry date.
Do I have to live or work in Alberta?
You must show a clear ability and intention to establish permanently in Alberta in order to be nominated through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). The expectation is that you will live and work in Alberta. If you intend to live in another province, you should not apply to the AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream – U.S. Visa Holder Category.
Does permanent resident status expire? Can I lose my permanent resident status?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada is responsible for granting permanent residence. For information on becoming a permanent resident and maintaining permanent residence status in Canada, visit CIC’s About Being a Permanent Resident webpage.
Can I start my own business once I get my permanent resident status?
Yes, a permanent resident of Canada can own and operate a business. We would encourage you to contact the Business Link for additional information on operating a business in Alberta. Find more information at the Canada Business Services for Entrepreneurs website.
Where should I live? What is the weather like? I want to know about the Alberta economy.
Information on living in Alberta can be found in the living section of this website.