The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) will start accepting work permits issued by Immigration, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (IRCC) in the Alberta Opportunity and Tourism and Hospitality Streams.
This is part of a temporary special measure to assist those people directly affected by recent wildfire activity in the province.
Since January 1, 2024, 95 wildfires have burned approximately 251,702 hectares (ha) in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
As of August 13, 2024, the Fort McMurray Forest Area has an “EXTREME” wildfire danger level status, with 21 active wildfires affecting the region.
Two are out of control, 12 are being held, and seven are under control.
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For those directly affected by the wildfires and transitioning from an employer-specific work permit to an open work permit because they are unable to work for their current employer, AAIP will accept the permit issued under special measures between July 19, 2024, and November 30, 2024.
While the Rural Renewal and Express Entry streams do not have work permit requirements, the Alberta Opportunity and Tourism and Hospitality Streams accept specific work permit types.
Open work permits issued by IRCC under these measures will be accepted at any stage of the AAIP process within the Alberta Opportunity and Tourism and Hospitality Streams.
According to the Alberta website, all other criteria for each stream continue to apply, along with the temporary measures the province introduced on July 26, 2024, to support applicants affected by provincial wildfires.
This announcement comes a little less than a week from AAIP’s announcement of the launch of a new expression of interest system.
AAIP is a provincial immigration initiative designed to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs to the province of Alberta.
The program plays a crucial role in addressing the labour market needs of the province, particularly in sectors experiencing shortages, and supports the growth of Alberta’s economy.
The AAIP has four streams for foreign workers who are living and working in Alberta:
- Tourism and Hospitality Stream
- Alberta Opportunity Stream
- Alberta Express Entry Stream
- Rural Renewal Stream
The AAIP has four streams for entrepreneurs who plan to live in Alberta and buy or start a business in the province:
- Rural Entrepreneur Stream
- Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
- Farm Stream
- Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
