Before you arrive

Before you arrive

Every year Alberta welcomes thousands of new immigrants. If you are thinking about immigrating to Alberta, there are several steps that you can take to prepare:

Learn more about Alberta, Canada

Information is available to help you decide if Alberta, Canada is the right place for you. Research the information on this web site about the province of Alberta and its communities, and about living and working in Alberta.

Visit Alberta before you decide to immigrate

The Government of Alberta urges you to visit the province before completing your immigration plans to obtain first-hand knowledge of what to expect. For example, if you are a business immigrant (an investor, entrepreneur or self-employed person) you can find out about potential business and investment opportunities, markets, competition and cost of doing business in Alberta. Skilled workers can learn more about Alberta’s employment opportunities and work culture. Visiting Alberta will also give you an opportunity to learn more about personal matters such as lifestyle, social conditions, education, health care and the cost of living.

Review Canada's immigration laws and regulations

Contact your nearest visa office of the Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in your country of residence, or visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada web site to obtain an application kit as well as more specific information about Canada's immigration laws and regulations.

Complete the immigration application kit

Once you have completed your research and are confident with the business and personal and employment opportunities available to you in Alberta, complete the appropriate application kit. Submit your completed application kit and appropriate fees to the Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate visa office.

Prepare for an interview with a visa officer

Upon meeting the basic requirements, you may be invited to an interview with a visa officer. Business immigrants: You must be able to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of doing business in Alberta. Skilled workers: You must be able to demonstrate your skills and work experience in finding employment in Alberta. If your application is successful, the visa officer will arrange for a medical examination for you and your family. Immigration officials will verify your personal background.

Prepare yourself and your family for arrival in Alberta
Review the before you arrive checklist for tips on preparing to come to Alberta.

Checklists: Before and after you arrive

Welcome to Alberta!

As a successful candidate you and your family members will receive a permanent residence in Canada and you can begin your new life in Alberta. For further information - contact Alberta Employment and Immigration - Foreign Worker Hotline: by phone or e-mail. Related information from the Government of Alberta.

Checklists: Before and after you arrive

Related Information

Government of Canada
Immigrating to Canada
Canadian visa offices
Going to Canada website

How to apply

To live in Alberta permanently, you must qualify under one of the following immigration categories:

Skilled workers
If you have a good education, work experience, knowledge of English or French, and other skills, you may be able to become a permanent resident in Alberta.
Investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons

The business immigration program seeks to attract experienced business people to Alberta who will support the development of a strong and prosperous economy. As a business migrant, you will be expected to make a $400,000 investment or to own and manage businesses in Alberta.
Sponsoring your family

When you arrive in Canada as a permanent resident, you must make every reasonable effort to provide for your own essential needs and those of your family. If you sponsor a relative to come to Canada as a permanent resident, you are responsible for supporting your relative financially when they arrive. As a sponsor, you must make sure that your spouse or relative does not need to seek financial assistance from the government. The process to sponsor your family begins when you, as a citizen or permanent resident in Canada, apply to be a sponsor.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Alberta Provincial Nominee Program is an employer driven skilled worker immigration program designed to fast-track the processing of applications for permanent residence.

It is designed to meet the needs of Alberta employers who are unable to fill skilled and certain semi-skilled positions with Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada.

Related Information

Government of Alberta

Skilled workers
Business immigrants: investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons
Alberta Provincial Nominee Program

Government of Canada

Sponsoring your family (Citizenship and Immigration Canada)

Business immigrants

Investors

To qualify as an Investor, you must:

Demonstrate business experience.
Have successfully operated, controlled or directed a business.
Have a minimum net worth of CDN $800,000.
Make a minimum investment of CDN $400,000.

Entrepreneurs

To qualify as an entrepreneur, you must:
Have business experience (managed and controlled a percent of equity of a qualifying business).
Have legally obtained a net worth of at least CDN $300,000.

After you immigrate, you must:

Make a significant contribution to the economy of Alberta.
Have the intention and ability to control a percentage of equity of a qualifying Canadian business.
Create at least one new full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Provide active and ongoing management of the qualifying Canadian business.

Entrepreneurs are requested to establish themselves in business within 3 years of becoming permanent residents of Canada and must meet the terms and conditions set out in their visa.
Self-employed persons

To qualify as Self-Employed, you must:
Have relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics or farm management.
Have the intention and ability to establish a business that will, at a minimum, create employment for yourself.
Make a significant contribution to cultural activities or athletics or purchase and manage a farm in Canada.

"Relevant experience" means the following types of experience:
Self-employment in cultural activities or in athletics or
Participation at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics, or
Farm management experience.

Unlike the entrepreneur category, under the self-employed immigration program, there are no immigration conditions imposed on your visa. There is no minimum investment level for a self-employed person. The capital required depends on the nature of the work. You must have enough money to support yourself and your family members after you arrive in Canada.

Skilled worker

Skilled Workers are individuals whose education and work experience, among other factors, could qualify them to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
To qualify as a skilled worker, you must:

Meet the minimum work experience requirements.
Prove that they have the funds required for settlement.
Earn enough points in the six selection factors to meet the pass mark.

Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Alberta is a province with friendly people, a diverse landscape and exciting communities. Plenty of opportunities await skilled newcomers. If you are considering living and working permanently in Alberta, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can help you through the immigration process.

Find out what's new in the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program

What is the Alberta PNP?

The Alberta PNP is an employer driven immigration program operated on behalf of the Government of Alberta by the Ministry of Employment and Immigration in conjunction with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to expedite the processing of an application for permanent residence.
The Alberta PNP is designed to meet the needs of Alberta employers who are unable to fill skilled and select semi-skilled positions with Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.
Individuals nominated by the Province of Alberta, together with their spouse and dependent children, are eligible to apply for a permanent resident visa through CIC as a Provincial Nominee. CIC grants priority to processing permanent resident visa applications for Provincial Nominees. CIC makes the final decision on the permanent resident visa application.
How it works

The Alberta PNP is a two-step process:

Alberta employers

Employers unable to fill skilled or select semi-skilled positions with Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada may present their business case to the Alberta PNP and apply for approval to recruit and/or retain foreign candidates to fill these positions.

Employers must meet the Employer Eligibility and Criteria prior to applying to the Alberta PNP. Employers must also meet the Criteria for the specific category under which they are applying.

Employee candidates

The candidate identified by the employer is required to apply for a provincial nomination. The candidate must have accepted a permanent and full-time position with the employer and must meet the required education, accreditation, licenses, training and experience relevant to the occupation.

To be considered for a nomination, candidates must ensure they meet the Provincial Nominee Candidate Eligibility. Candidates must also meet Criteria for the specific category under which they are applying.

Before you arrive
After you arrive
Checklists
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Role of the Alberta Government
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Employer FAQ
- PN candidate FAQ
- Glossary of terms
- Status of applications
- News
- PNP related services
- Skilled workers
- International graduates
- Semi-skilled workers
- Self-employed farmers
Translated information

Home » Immigrate to Alberta » Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) » Employer Frequently Asked Questions

Employer Frequently Asked Questions

About the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

What is the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
Who is eligible to apply to the Alberta PNP?
What is the step-by-step process of the Alberta PNP?
What are the program's advantages?
I applied to the Provincial Nominee Program before October 2007. Do I need to submit new application forms?
What occupations are eligible under the Alberta PNP?

Employer's business case

What is a business case?
How will the business case be assessed?
Is the employer required to submit financial statements?

Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the Alberta PNP

I have an employee who is a temporary foreign worker and I would like to retain him or her for a permanent position. Does the Alberta PNP accept applications for candidates who are temporary foreign workers?
What is the difference between the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the Alberta PNP?
Which government department administers the Temporary Foreign Worker Program?

Status of PNP applications

How much time does it take the Alberta PNP to process applications?
How will I know the status of my application?
How will the employer know the status of their selected candidate's application for provincial nomination?

Fees

Is there a fee for submitting an application to the Alberta PNP?

Other

Does an approval for a nomination by the Alberta PNP ensure that Citizenship and Immigration Canada will issue a permanent resident visa to a Provincial Nominee?
How does the Alberta PNP differ from other Provincial Nominee Programs?

About the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

What is the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
The Alberta PNP is an employer-driven skilled and semi-skilled worker immigration program operated by the Government of Alberta with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). The program helps candidates gain permanent residence and helps employers gain needed workers.
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Who is eligible to apply to the Alberta PNP?
Alberta companies that are eligible to apply to the Alberta PNP are defined as:
Incorporated or registered by or under an act of the legislature of a province or the Parliament of Canada, operating as a business that has an established production capability, plant, or place of business in Alberta.
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What is the step-by-step process of the Alberta PNP?

Steps for Skilled Workers and International Graduate Categories

Condition

Agent and Action

If the employer has selected a qualified candidate who is not a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident...

...the employer and candidate complete the Employer and Worker Application for a Skilled Occupation (ABPNP 005) together.

The candidate completes the Application for Provincial Nomination (ABPNP 003).

Application forms and all accompanying documents, including a photocopy of the candidate's completed permanent residence application forms, are submitted to the Alberta PNP.

If the offer of employment meets the PNP eligibility and criteria, and if the candidate meets the qualifications for the job...

...the PNP approves the candidate as a Provincial Nominee.

If the candidate is approved as a Provincial Nominee...

...he or she then forwards the federal permanent residence application forms to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Visa Office abroad.

If the Provincial Nominee and their dependents meet the federal statutory requirements, including health, criminality and security checks...

...Citizenship and Immigration Canada may issue the permanent resident visa(s) for immigration to Alberta.

Steps for Semi-Skilled Worker Category

Condition

Agent and Action

If the employer has hired, or has a need to hire, qualified candidates who are not Canadian Citizens or permanent residents in a selected semi-skilled occupation under the Alberta PNP...

...the employer completes the Employer Application – Semi-Skilled Worker Category (ABPNP 001) to request a specified number of candidates to be considered for a PNP Nomination.

The application form and all accompanying documents are submitted to the Alberta PNP.*

If the employer is approved for an allocation and/or has selected a qualified candidate*...

...the employer and candidate complete the Employer and Worker Application for a Semi-Skilled Occupation (ABPNP 002)together.

The candidate completes the Application for Provincial Nomination (ABPNP 003).

Application forms and all accompanying documents, including a photocopy of the candidate’s completed permanent residence application forms, are submitted to the Alberta PNP.*

If the candidate is approved as a Provincial Nominee...

...he or she then forwards the federal permanent residence application forms to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Visa Office abroad.

If the Provincial Nominee and their dependents meet the federal statutory requirements, including health, criminality and security checks...

...Citizenship and Immigration Canada may issue the permanent resident visa(s) for immigration to Alberta.

* All application forms and supporting documents may be submitted together at the same time.

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What are the advantages to using the Alberta PNP?

The Alberta PNP program:

With provincial and federal support, helps skilled workers and selected semi-skilled workers gain permanent residence.
Helps employers gain needed workers to fill a skill shortage in Alberta.
Maintains a strong economy by helping employers retain labour resources in industries and sectors that add value to Alberta's economic growth.
Helps workers get their application for permanent residence processed, on average, in 6-18 months.

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How does the Alberta PNP assess Provincial Nominee Candidates?

We evaluate the candidate's:
Related education.
Related work experience.
Qualifications that are recognized, or required, by industry standards and associations to work in Alberta.
Ability to settle in Alberta.

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Requirements

My employer was approved before October 2007. What application forms do I use?
Skilled worker and international graduate categories
If an Employer has already been approved by the PNP for allocations, and the Provincial Nominee Candidate has not yet applied, please note:
Employer and Worker Application for a Skilled Occupation (ABPNP 005) substitutes for what was previously called the Guaranteed Job Offer application.
Application for Provincial Nomination (ABPNP 003) substitutes for what was previously called the Skilled Worker/Professional application.

Semi-skilled worker category
If an Employer has already been approved by the Alberta PNP for allocations, and the Provincial Nominee Candidate has not yet applied, please note:
Employer and Worker Application for a Semi-Skilled Occupation (ABPNP 002) substitutes for what was previously called the Guaranteed Job Offer application.
Application for Provincial Nomination (ABPNP 003) substitutes for what was previously called the Skilled Worker/Professional application.

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As a candidate, do I need to meet all licensing and regulatory requirements before applying to the Alberta PNP?
Yes. As a candidate for a provincial nomination, you must be fully qualified for the job and meet all licensing and regulatory requirements before applying to the Alberta PNP. You must provide proof of your qualifications (i.e.: photocopies of all required licenses and registrations).
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How long must I be employed with my Alberta employer before the Alberta PNP can nominate me?
If an employer has a probationary period for their employees, a candidate must first successfully complete this probationary period prior to nomination. Otherwise, the Alberta PNP requires that:
As a Skilled Worker, you must have accepted an offer for permanent, full-time employment with your Alberta employer. You may require a valid work permit for certain occupations.
As an International Graduate, you must have accepted an offer for permanent, full-time employment with your Alberta employer, have a valid work permit and be employed for at least six (6) months with your Alberta employer.
As a Semi-Skilled Worker, you must have accepted an offer for permanent, full-time employment with your Alberta employer, have a valid work permit and be employed for at least six (6) months with your Alberta employer.

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Can I apply under the Alberta PNP when I already have a Skilled Worker Class application for permanent residence in process?
Yes. The decision to apply to both programs is up to you. However, depending on the processing status of the Skilled Worker Class application for permanent residence, there may or may not be an advantage to applying to both programs.

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Can my employer help me, a Provincial Nominee Candidate, complete my Application for Provincial Nomination (ABPNP 003) form and my Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) forms?
You must personally provide the information required on these forms. Completing the forms is your, or your authorized representative’s (if using a representative), responsibility.
The Alberta PNP does not discourage employers from helping a Provincial Nominee Candidate complete their application forms.
You should visit the Alberta PNP website directly to obtain the current version of the Application for Provincial Nomination instructions and application form. Information about the CIC forms and instructions are available through the CIC website or call centre.

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Does the Alberta PNP require police or security checks?
No. Although the Alberta PNP does not require police or security checks, you should consult the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website for further information on these clearances. They may be required when you submit your application to the CIC Visa Office outside of Canada.

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Does the Alberta PNP require photographs of a Provincial Nominee Candidate and/or their family members?
No. Although the Alberta PNP does not require photographs for the Provincial Nominee Candidate or their family members, you should consult with the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website for further information regarding Photo Specifications. They may be required when you submit your application to the CIC Visa Office outside of Canada.

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Status of Applications

How long does it take the Alberta PNP to process the Provincial Nominee Candidate's application?
Please note the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program is a two-step process.
In the first step, an employer who is unable to fill skilled or select semi-skilled positions with Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada may apply to the program to have a foreign worker candidate nominated on the employer's behalf.
The second step involves assessing the provincial nominee candidate, identified by the employer, to ensure that he or she has the required education, training and work experience relevant to the occupation. The candidate is only assessed once the employer is approved for the occupation.
Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications received. Please note that we ask applicants to allow a minimum of 30 to 90 days for our office to process each step in the application process. Applications will be assessed in the order in which they are received. Complete applications with all required supporting documents will result in expedited processing times.
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How long does it take for Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to process Provincial Nominee's application for permanent residence?
CIC's assessment of candidates includes health, criminal and security checks. They can take 6 to 18 months before reaching a decision. Please note that these are guidelines only, and processing times may vary. Permanent residence applications are processed at CIC Visa Offices outside of Canada.
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After the Alberta PNP approves me as a Provincial Nominee, how long do I have to submit my application for permanent residence to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)?
You must submit your application to CIC within 180 days from the date on which your nomination is issued. The nomination package that we send includes instructions showing the date by which you must submit your application to CIC. CIC may ask you to submit additional information in support of your application for permanent residence.
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What is the difference between a Provincial Nominee Candidate and a Provincial Nominee?
A Provincial Nominee Candidate has not yet been approved by the Alberta PNP. The term "candidate" is used on the website, in these FAQs and on the application forms to refer to a potential Provincial Nominee.
A Provincial Nominee has been approved by the Alberta PNP.
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Employment and immigration status

I have applied for refugee status in Canada. Can I also apply under the Alberta PNP?
No. You are not eligible to apply to the Alberta PNP if you have applied for refugee status in Canada. The Alberta PNP cannot interfere with the federal refugee claim, appeal or removal process.
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I would like to immigrate to Alberta, but I do not have an employer or a job offer. Can I apply to the Alberta PNP?
No. The Alberta PNP is an employer-driven program. You must have accepted an offer for permanent, full-time employment with an Alberta employer.

For the Skilled Worker and International Graduate categories, you and your employer must complete the Employer and Worker Application for a Skilled Occupation (ABPNP 005) together.
For the Semi-Skilled Worker category, your employer must first complete the Employer Application - Semi-Skilled Worker Category (ABPNP 001), and then you and your employer must complete the Employer and Worker Application for a Semi-Skilled Occupation (ABPNP 002) together.

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I would like to apply to the Alberta PNP but I do not have an employer or a job offer. Can you help me find an employer?
No. The Alberta PNP cannot give you the names of potential employers. If you wish to search for jobs in Alberta, see below for the link to the Jobs in Alberta website.
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Does my employer need to include a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) if the work permit I am working on is LMO-exempt?
If you are a Skilled Worker or International Graduate candidate who currently has an LMO-exempt work permit, your employer is not required to provide an LMO.
However, supporting documents that show the exemption under which your work permit was issued, are required. For example, if you were issued a work permit as an Intra-Company Transferee, provide the letter of support from your employer that you used to help you apply for your work permit.
If you are a Semi-Skilled Worker, an LMO is required.
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Permanent Residence Application

Does an approval for a nomination by the Alberta PNP ensure that Citizenship and Immigration Canada will issue a permanent resident visa to a Provincial Nominee?
No. Issuing a provincial nomination does not ensure that a Provincial Nominee will receive a permanent resident visa or permanent residence. A Provincial Nominee, and their dependents, must still meet Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s statutory requirements, which include, but are not limited to, health, criminality and security checks.
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Can my family members accompany me to Canada?
Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may immigrate with you when you are approved as a Provincial Nominee.
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If I have been approved as a Provincial Nominee, how do I get my permanent resident visa?
You apply to a Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Visa Office outside of Canada. Instructions are provided with the provincial nomination package we send you. If you, your spouse or common-law partner and your dependent children meet the federal statutory requirements, including health, criminality and security checks, CIC may issue the permanent resident visa for you to enter Alberta permanently.
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Fees

Is there a fee for submitting my application to the Alberta PNP?
No. The Alberta PNP is free.
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Is there a fee for the permanent resident visa?
Yes. You must pay processing fees to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) when you apply for permanent residence. You must also pay a “Right of Permanent Residence” fee to gain final permanent resident status. For more information about CIC fees, see below for the Processing Fees page of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
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Use of a Representative

Do I need to use an immigration consultant or lawyer to complete my application?
No. It is unnecessary to use an immigration consultant or lawyer to complete your application. We designed the Alberta PNP application forms for applicants to complete on their own. If you do hire a representative to complete your application, it will not receive special attention or be handled differently from other applications.
The Alberta PNP will not release information to a paid representative who is not a member in good standing with the following: