Alberta nominations reach cap for 2017

The Alberta province of Canada has reached its nomination limit for 2017. Under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) of Canada Express Entry, 5,500 nominations have been allotted to eligible candidates during the year. This number has exceeded the 2017 target of AINP, wherein the province expected to issue 51,000 certificates on the whole. Moreover, there are still 3,050 applications in the queue for assessment and processing. AINP reported that no further certificates would be issued until 2018.

AINP nomination scope for candidates in 2018

According to the multi-year immigration plan released on November 1, 2017, Alberta province will have an increased scope for skilled workers. It has been confirmed that the nomination allotment would increase by eight percent than the target of this year. The target has been set to issuing of 55,000 certificates in 2018.

Candidates with exceptional caliber, skills and experience will benefit from this program. Since Alberta is the largest producer of gas and oil products, professionals of these sectors are to be at a great demand in the coming year.

Introduction of a new stream aligned with Express Entry

In 2018, AINP will also introduce two streams, among which one shall be aligned with Express Entry. The streams are likely to be called as Alberta Opportunity stream and Alberta Express Entry Stream respectively. While Alberta Opportunity stream will be a blend of current Employer-Drive Stream, Strategic Recruitment stream and eleven sub-categories. All of these will be consolidated under one set of eligibility criteria.

The Alberta Express Entry stream will be a pathway for AINP to nominate candidates from the Express Entry pool. AINP can choose candidates with exceptional caliber who have applied under any of the three programs, namely- FSW, FSTW and CEC. Candidates who receive a nomination under AINP Express Entry stream will gain 600 additional CRS and boost their chance for a quicker ITA.

As announced by the Government of Alberta, both these streams in the coming year will have a high demand for candidates in the below occupations or sectors, as these are facing huge labour shortage:

• nurse supervisors and registered nurses (shortage of 5,434 workers by 2025)
• medical technologists and technicians (shortage of 2,322 workers by 2025)
• computer and information systems professionals (shortage of 1,426 workers by 2025)
• managers in construction and transportation (shortage of 1,386 workers by 2025)
• sales and service supervisors (shortage of 1,145 workers by 2025)

Source: CIC news