Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Finding a job or hiring workers with the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
What is the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program?
Who is eligible to make application to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program?
Health
Hiring skilled immigrants
How do International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) assessments benefit employers?
What are International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) assessments for?
How are International Qualifications Assessment Services (IQAS) services accessed?
Immigration policy
Recognition of credentials
Who needs an International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) evaluation?
How do I obtain an International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) evaluation?
What type of credentials does International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) evaluate?
Schooling for children
Vehicles and driving
Finding a job or hiring workers with the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
What is the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program?
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) facilitates the immigration of skilled workers and the transfer of experience to address critical skill shortages within the Alberta economy by expediting the landed immigrant status process.
The intent of the AINP is to create direct, economic benefit to the provincial economy by assisting Alberta employers facing critical skill shortages through the recruitment and retention of highly skilled foreign workers. The AINP is employer-driven. Only Alberta employers can apply to the program to recruit or retain employees who meet critical skill shortages.
Who is eligible to make application to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program?
Alberta companies that are eligible to apply to the AINP 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 capacity, plant or place of business in Alberta.
Employers are reminded that the AINP is a strategic program, focused at high skilled occupations. These occupations typically fall within the Skill Type O, or Skill Levels A or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.
I would like to immigrate to Alberta, but I do not have an employer or a job offer. Can I still apply to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program?
No. Individuals who wish to immigrate to Alberta but do not have job offer or employment with an approved Alberta employer may contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada to apply for immigration.
Can an individual who is considered a refugee apply under humanitarian grounds to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program?
The AINP is an economic program to address skill shortages where training, education and experience have been demonstrated, with the potential employee occupational ready. It is not the mandate of the AINP to interfere with the federal Citizenship and Immigration Canada refugee claim, appeal or removal process.
Health
How do I find a health service provider in Alberta?
Contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). The CPSA is responsible for licensing physicians, administering standards of practice and conduct, and resolving physician-related complaints. An online medical directory is located on the CPSA website and allows users to search for a physician using geographical and special interest criteria.
I just moved to Alberta from another country. How do I apply for Alberta Health Care Insurance coverage? When does my coverage start?
You cannot apply for health care insurance until you move to Alberta. If you are moving to Alberta from outside Canada, you may be eligible for coverage on the date of your arrival. To ensure this, you must register within three months of your arrival. You will be required to present a copy of your Canada entry document.
If you or your dependants hold temporary immigration documents, contact Alberta Health and Wellness at 780-427-1432 in Edmonton, or to call toll-free in Alberta, dial 310-0000, then 780-427-1432.
For registration details, call 780-427-1432 in Edmonton or dial toll-free in Alberta 310-0000, then 427-1432.
Where can I get my immunization records?
Current immunization records are kept at the regional health authority (RHA) level. If it has been more than seven to 10 years since your last immunization, the RHA may not have a copy of the record. Contact the RHA where you received your last immunization to try and obtain a record.
Hiring skilled immigrants
It is projected that by 2011 immigrants will represent all net labour force growth in Canada. Employers who do not want to lose out on highly skilled individuals will access this talent pool. Creativity and ingenuity are just some of the benefits immigrants bring to the workplace as a result of their diverse backgrounds.
How do International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) assessments benefit employers?
The assessment process of international credentials is complex and time consuming. International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) evaluations help employers to understand candidates’ educational credentials by providing clear, well researched, accurate, and timely assessments. An understanding of international credentials is a valuable tool for hiring skilled and qualified staff.
What are International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) assessments for?
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) assessments may be used for the purposes of:
- seeking employment;
- applying for admission to a post-secondary institution;
- applying for professional registration.
IQAS assessments are advisory and do not limit an employer, post-secondary institution or professional licensing body from making its own determination on an individual’s suitability. An IQAS evaluation is often just one factor that is being considered in the above decisions.
How are International Qualifications Assessment Services (IQAS) services accessed?
Individuals with out-of-country credentials should apply directly to International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) for an evaluation. IQAS can be accessed by mail and telephone. Complete information about IQAS’ services can be found on its website.
Immigration policy
Who is responsible for immigration policy?
The Government of Canada has authority over admitting individuals to Canada for temporary or permanent purposes through visas or immigrant or refugee status. For information about the criteria for admittance to Canada, contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
The Minister of Alberta Employment and Immigration is responsible for the coordination of immigration policy in Alberta. The Minister is also responsible for settlement services and programs for immigrants. Alberta Employment and Immigration liaises with the federal government to ensure Alberta's priorities are represented in federal immigration policy.
Recognition of credentials
How do I go about having my trade skills recognized in Alberta when I live in another province or country?
Contact the Trades Assessment Consultants at Advanced Education (Apprenticeship and Industry Training). They are responsible for assessing and counselling individuals with regard to their experience within the designated trades recognized in Alberta. Each application is reviewed based on the criteria for the trade.
If you are not a Canadian citizen, contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada for more information about living and working in Canada.
Who needs an International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) evaluation?
An International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) evaluation is for individuals looking for recognition of their educational credentials obtained outside of Canada. International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) issues an assessment certificate that shows prospective employers, professional associations and post-secondary institutions how international educational credentials compare to Alberta’s educational standards.
How do I obtain an International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) evaluation?
To receive an evaluation of your credentials you must submit the following:
- a completed International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) application form;
- all your original educational documents;
- English translations of all non-English documents;
- the required assessment fee. The IQAS application form can be printed directly from the IQAS website. As well, further information on the assessment services and fees appears on the IQAS website.
What type of credentials does International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) evaluate?
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) evaluates credentials, awarded from recognized institutions, following the completion of formal academic educational programs. It does not evaluate trade or apprenticeship training, or experiential learning. As well, IQAS only evaluates credentials received from outside of Canada.
Schooling for children
I am a newcomer to Alberta. How do I enroll my minor child in school?
When it comes to selecting a school, parents and students can choose from a wide range of options. Check with your local school board to find out which schools in your area, if any, offer the types of programs and services you want (for example, English as a Second Language classes or instruction in languages other than English). Additional information on Alberta’s education system and enrollment is available in the ALIS website.
I am a temporary resident of Alberta. Do I have to pay international student fees for my minor children attending school in Alberta?
In Alberta, temporary resident is defined under the Guidelines to Section 8 of the School Act to determine the assessment of international student fees for minor children. Check with your local school board as to whether you meet this definition.
I entered Canada as a Visitor and have applied for permanent resident status. Do my minor children require a study permit to attend school in Alberta?
Yes, your children would require study permits to attend school until your application for permanent residency is processed if you entered Canada as a Visitor. Please visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website for information on study permit requirements and application forms.
Vehicles and driving
I am moving to Alberta from another province or country. How do I get an Alberta driver’s licence? How long do I have before I need an Alberta licence?
A valid licence from another Canadian jurisdiction can be exchanged for an equivalent class Alberta licence (classes 1 through 7). Testing is not normally required, but medical and vision requirements must be met.
A valid licence from the United States, Germany, Austria or Japan can be exchanged for a class 5, 6 or 7 licence when the applicant is presenting a valid licence of equivalent class.
Anyone coming from outside Canada, United States, Germany, Austria and Japan must undergo complete testing for all classes of licence requested, and must provide applicable medical and vision screening as required.
Once you have moved to Alberta, you have three months in which to change your driver’s licence to an Alberta licence.
Date Updated: Dec 30, 2008
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