What’s New to the Alberta Opportunity Stream?

The Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) is a pathway to permanent residence in Canada for migrants working in Alberta and international graduates who have completed their studies at an approved Alberta post-secondary institution.

Changes in the Last Year

Effective November 1, 2018:

• The income threshold requirement was removed. This means if you applied to AOS prior to November 1, 2018, the income threshold criteria will not be applied to your application.
• Changes have been made to the planned increases to language requirements.

Effective November 30, 2018, the Alberta Opportunity Stream List of Alberta Advanced Education Approved Post-Secondary Credentials will apply to Alberta international students enrolled on or after April 1, 2019

Effective April 1, 2019

• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 4
• Minimum High School in Country of Origin
• Change in eligible Alberta post-secondary certificates/diplomas. If admitted and enrolled in Alberta program on or after April 1, 2019, must have a post-graduate-certificate or diploma on the Alberta Opportunity Stream List of Alberta Advanced Education Approved Post-Secondary Credentials. No change to other eligible credentials (degrees and graduate-level certificates/diplomas)

Eligible post-graduate certificate holders must show occupation/work experience is related to their prior post-secondary field of study outside Canada.

Anticipated Changes

There are planned increased to the selection criteria for language and education between 2018 and 2021. Here is a list of what is expected to change and when it is expected to change:

• If you are admitted and enrolled in your Alberta credential program on or after April 1, 2019, your credential must be on the Alberta Opportunity Stream List of Alberta Advanced Education Approved Post-Secondary Credentials.

As of January 1, 2020

• If you are working in a NOC 0, A or B occupation, you must meet a minimum of CLB 5 for each English or French language skill at the time of application.
• If you are working in a NOC C or D occupation, there are no planned changes to language requirements. The minimum of CLB 4 for each English or French language skill at the time of application will continue to apply.
• CLB/NCLC 5 for candidates working in NOC 0, A or B occupation. No change for NOC C or D occupations.
• Minimum High School in Country of Origin.
• Change in eligible Alberta post-secondary certificates/diplomas. If admitted and enrolled in Alberta program on or after April 1, 2019, must have a post-graduate-certificate or diploma on the Alberta Opportunity Stream List of Alberta Advanced Education Approved Post-Secondary Credentials. No change to other eligible credentials (degrees and graduate-level certificates/diplomas).
• Eligible post-graduate certificate holders must show occupation/work experience is related to their prior post-secondary field of study outside Canada.

Starting January 1, 2021, all candidates except Post-Graduation Work Permit holders must have completed a minimum of high school equivalent to Alberta standards.

To discuss if the Alberta Opportunity Stream is the right program for you, set-up an initial consultation with one of our knowledgeable RCICs by emailing info@activeprofessionals.com.