As of February 15th, the processing of applications for the Alberta Opportunity Stream under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has been temporarily paused until further notice.
The province will proceed with reviewing Alberta Opportunity Stream applications submitted before February 15, and it plans to implement measures to handle future application volumes in line with program priorities and maintain reasonable service standards across all its streams.
However, starting from March 1, the AAIP will introduce a new stream targeting individuals who have worked for a tourism and hospitality business for at least six months and have met the criteria for establishing permanent residency in Alberta. Additionally, candidates must possess a valid full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an approved employer operating within the relevant industry.
As per a recent announcement by the Alberta government, the new stream aims to alleviate shortages in the sector and support businesses province-wide, including those in rural areas, in retaining workers and bolstering the economy. The province will only accept a limited number of applications for this stream and prioritize their processing alongside other initiatives. Additional details are set to be disclosed on March 1.