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.
What You Need to Know About the Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is a part of the Express Entry process. This program is an immigration option for people who are selected to come to Canada because of their work experience and skills.
Skilled workers are chosen as permanent residents based on their education, work experience, knowledge of English and/or French, and other factors. These things often help them succeed in Canada.
This program has minimum requirements for skilled work experience, language ability, and education. You must meet all the minimum requirements to be eligible.
Work Experience Requirements
To immigrate to Canada under the Skilled Worker program, your work experience must be either Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or Skill Level B on the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Your work experience must be paid, full-time (30 hours per week) or the equivalent hours part-time. You must have had that work experience during the last 10 years.
These limits do not apply if you have a permanent job offer.
Proof of Funds
You must show that you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada unless you are currently able to legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada.
How much money you’ll need to support your family depends on the size of your family. To calculate the size of your family you must include
- yourself
- your spouse or partner
- your dependent children
- your spouse’s dependent children
If you believe you are interested in the Federal Skilled Worker program, contact us today!
