On August 26, 2024, Alberta announced a temporary measure to assist select applicants of the Alberta Opportunity Stream and Rural Renewal Stream whose work permits are expiring in 2024. Under a special agreement with the federal government, eligible applicants may receive a letter of support to apply for a maximum 2-year open work permit from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This temporary public policy aims to help candidates continue working in Alberta while awaiting a final decision on their nomination applications.
Key Details of the Temporary Measure:
1. Who Is Eligible?
The policy applies to Alberta Opportunity Stream and Rural Renewal Stream nominee applicants who meet the following criteria:
- Pending Decision: Applicants who were waiting for a final decision as of August 26, 2024, and who held a valid work permit with an expiry date between May 7 and December 31, 2024, at the time of application.
- Declined Applications: Applicants whose applications were declined solely because their work permit expired between May 7 and August 26, 2024.
2. How Does the Process Work?
- No Application Needed: Applicants do not need to apply for this initiative. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) will conduct an initial assessment to identify eligible candidates.
- Job Offer & Status Requirements: Eligible applicants must demonstrate they meet the minimum requirements for their stream and have a valid job offer in Alberta. Those whose work permits have expired must also show they maintained their status or are eligible for restoration as temporary residents.
- Direct Contact: The AAIP will contact eligible applicants directly via email based on their declared work permit expiry date.
3. Benefits of the Policy
- Up to 2-Year Open Work Permit: Eligible applicants will receive a letter of support from AAIP, enabling them to apply for an open work permit valid for up to 2 years.
- Extended Employment: This extension allows applicants to continue working in Alberta and maintain their eligibility for nomination while awaiting a final decision, which will occur in 2025 at the earliest.
Why This Policy Matters:
- The temporary measure helps address delays and ensures that eligible applicants can continue contributing to Alberta's workforce without interruption.
- It allows AAIP to focus on finalizing applications with work permits that expired between January 1, 2024, and May 6, 2024, as well as those with permits expiring in early 2025.
For more details on estimated processing times, visit the AAIP processing times and application levels page.
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