Alberta has introduced a new policy that could provide significant relief to Alberta Opportunity Stream and Rural Renewal Stream nominee applicants. As of August 26, 2024, certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates may be eligible to receive a letter of support for an open work permit valid for up to two years. This is made possible through the 'Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates' agreement, signed in collaboration with the Federal government.
Who is Eligible?
The policy applies to applicants who meet the following criteria:
Application Status: You must have been waiting for a final decision on your Alberta Opportunity Stream or Rural Renewal Stream application as of August 26, 2024.
Work Permit Validity: You must have held a valid work permit with an expiry date between May 7 and December 31, 2024, at the time of your application.
Previously Declined Applications: If your application was declined between May 7 and August 26, 2024, solely because your work permit expired in 2024, you may also qualify.
Important Points to Note
No Direct Application: Applicants cannot directly apply for this initiative. Instead, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) will conduct an initial assessment to determine eligibility.
Job Offer Requirement: Eligible applicants must demonstrate that they are likely to meet the minimum requirements of their stream and have a valid Alberta job offer.
Expired Work Permits: If your work permit has expired, you will need to show that you maintained your status during processing or are eligible for restoration of temporary resident status.
How It Works
If you qualify, the AAIP will contact you directly via email, based on the work permit expiry date you declared when you applied. Once you receive the letter of support, you can apply for an open work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which will be valid for up to two years.
This extension provides a crucial buffer, allowing you to continue working and maintaining your eligibility for nomination while waiting for a final decision. It’s important to note that the final assessment of your eligibility for nomination will not occur until at least 2025.
What This Means for You
For those whose work permits expired between January 1, 2024, and May 6, 2024, or are set to expire in early 2025, the AAIP will now prioritize making final decisions on your applications. This prioritization will continue for the rest of 2024, ensuring that eligible candidates can benefit from this new policy.
This initiative is a significant step in supporting Alberta's nominee applicants, providing them with more time and stability as they navigate the immigration process. If you believe you may qualify, keep an eye on your inbox for communication from the AAIP, and be prepared to act quickly to secure your open work permit.
For more information or assistance with your immigration process, feel free to contact us at ask@infoplacecanada.ca We’re here to help you every step of the way!
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